Depression

Helping you to lift the weight of depression, so you can begin to truly live life again.

Depression is a serious condition marked by constant sadness and loss of interest. As a term often used casually and almost interchangeably with ‘sadness’, it’s important to realize that they’re not the same. While sadness is a feature of depression, it doesn’t begin to capture the far more serious signs and effects of having a depressive disorder.

Causes of Depression

While there’s no singular cause behind the onset of depression, several factors may contribute to its development. These include:

  • Brain structure

  • Brain chemistry

  • Hormonal changes

  • Genetics

  • Trauma

Depressed woman sits by the window sill, with one hand in her hair.

Signs of Depression 

Depression can manifest in many ways. Again, some of these symptoms may seem characteristic of someone experiencing intense grief or loss. But, the intensity and duration of these symptoms are what sets grief apart from depression. 

Here are some of the physical and psychological symptoms of depression:

Physical Symptoms

  • Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)

  • Sleeping too much or too little

  • Drastic gain or loss in weight

  • Fatigue

  • Chronic physical pain

  • Substance abuse 

Psychological Symptoms

  • Constant depressed mood 

  • Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable 

  • Mood changes like irritability and anger

  • Reduced sex drive

  • Difficulty concentrating and remembering details

  • Rumination 

  • Feelings of worthlessness 

  • Excessive guilt

  • Feelings of hopelessness 

  • Suicidal ideation 

Depression can also co-occur with other conditions like anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder.

It’s important to reach out for help when any of these symptoms interfere with your daily functioning. However, some people have high functioning depression, which means that they’re able to lead normal lives and complete their day-to-day tasks despite struggling with these symptoms. This is more commonly known as persistent depressive disorder. 

Regardless, it’s always important to ask for help. 

Close-up of a depressed woman's face through a glass window with raindrops on it. Her eyes are closed.

We Can Help

Located at 206 Ontario Street Stratford, we are local to Tavistock, New Hamburg, and the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Our clinicians also offer remote therapy across Ontario so that you can access the support you need - no matter where you are!

To get started you can fill out a contact form, call (226) 215-4244, or book an appointment online with one of our counsellors by clicking below.

We’re looking forward to supporting you!