Areas of Practice

DEPRESSION

About Depression

Have you been experiencing changes in mood? noticing a lack of energy or changes in appetite? experiencing thoughts of death or suicide?
Depression can cast a long shadow over your emotional and physical well-being, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
At Spear Counselling & Psychotherapy, we provide “gold standard” therapeutic approaches to treating depression, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to help you lift your mood, improve mental clarity, and restore a sense of hope.
Spear also offers specialized trauma-informed approach, such as EMDR & Psychedelic Assisted Therapy for those experiencing depression after a traumatic event
Depression can impact anyone, regardless of their age, demographics, or backgrounds, and can have long-lasting impacts on their quality of living.

Five Symptoms of Depression

Persistent Feelings of Hopelessness

One of the common symptoms of depression is a persistent feeling of hopelessness & sadness. This can often correlate with negative thinking patters that life will never improve.
Loss of Interest in Meaningful Activities

Depression can often be associated with a lack of interest in regularly joyful, pleasurable, & meaningful activities - often making life feel as though it is unfulfilling.
Changes in Sleeping Patterns

Sleeping patterns can often be disrupted when an individual is experiencing symptoms of depression & can be associated with both insomnia or oversleeping.
Fatigue & Low Energy

Individuals experiencing symptoms of depression can often display with low energy & feeling fatigued. These symptoms can create barriers to engaging in regular activities for individuals.
Difficulty Concentrating

Feeling “foggy” or a decreased ability to maintain focus can be a common symptom of depression & can create difficulties for the individual to organize their thoughts or think clearly.

Three Common Causes of Depression

Genetic and Family History

A family history & genetic link to depression can increased an individuals likelihood of developing depressive symptoms throughout their lifetime.
Traumatic or Stressful Life Events

Major life changes, as well as witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event, can contribute to symptoms of depression.
Chronic Illness or Pain

Chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, or neurological disorders linked to chronic pain can be a trigger for depressive symptoms.