People who are depressed often feel hopeless or defeated. They may have come to think that there is no way out of the way they are feeling. It can be beneficial to seek out help if you are feeling this way in order to avoid things getting worse.
Who offers depression counselling in Vancouver?
Depression counselling in Vancouver is offered by professionals with designations such as “Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), “Registered Social Worker” (RSW), and “Registered Psychologist” (RPsych). These professionals may work in private practice settings, hospitals, clinics, and employee assistance programs.
Who should consider seeing a Vancouver depression counsellor?
Depression includes various distressing symptoms and changes in behaviour. Sadness, guilt, lack of interest, and lack of motivation are common. So are problems concentrating, sleep problems, and problems with appetite. Experiencing these symptoms of depression makes it hard to live life fully. The following is a list of common depression symptoms:
- Little interest or pleasure in doing things
- Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
- Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
- Feeling tired or having little energy
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Feeling bad about yourself – or that you are a failure or have let
yourself or your family down - Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or
watching television - Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed?
Or the opposite – being so fidgety or restless that you have been
moving around a lot more than usual - Thoughts that it would be better if you weren’t alive
What are some common approaches to depression treatment offered in Vancouver?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, commonly known as CBT, is a structured, time-limited therapy focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. By working with a therapist, individuals learn to reframe their thinking, which in turn helps to alter mood and behavior. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring allow patients to recognize cognitive distortions and replace them with more realistic, positive thoughts. CBT also often includes homework assignments to reinforce skills learned in sessions, promoting long-lasting change.
Medication Management
Medication management involves the use of antidepressant medications to help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) are among the commonly prescribed drugs. These medications work by adjusting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can improve mood and emotional stability. A key aspect of this feature is ongoing monitoring and adjustments by a physician to manage dosages and minimize side effects. Medication management is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy for a comprehensive treatment approach.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy delves into the unconscious mind to explore underlying emotional conflicts and past experiences that may be contributing to current depressive symptoms. This form of therapy aims to bring unconscious thoughts and feelings to the surface, providing insight into emotional and psychological processes. By understanding and resolving these deep-seated issues, individuals can experience relief from depressive symptoms. The therapeutic relationship itself serves as a crucial component, offering a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions and inner world.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a short-term treatment that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning to help reduce depressive symptoms. IPT identifies and targets four key areas: unresolved grief, role transitions, role disputes, and interpersonal deficits. By addressing issues within these areas, individuals can gain better communication skills, improve their social support network, and navigate relational challenges more effectively.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines traditional cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness strategies. This approach teaches individuals to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment. By cultivating mindfulness, individuals can develop a more profound sense of acceptance and resilience towards their depressive symptoms. Techniques such as mindful breathing, body scans, and mindfulness meditation are central to MBCT.
How to find depression counselling in Vancouver
If you’re looking for help with depression in greater Vancouver, your options include exploring the local therapist directories, conducting internet searches, and speaking with your family doctor to see if they have counsellors they often refer to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression
What is the difference between depression, and common sadness or unhappiness?
Simply feeling sad or unhappy about things is not the same as being depressed. Feeling sad or unhappy at times is an expected aspect of human experience. In depression, a person will tend to feel very hopeless about things. The high level of distress they feel will seem excessive, likely even to the depressed person. They will know that something is wrong. In most cases there will be a desire to get better.
Is there a link between difficulties early in life and depression?
Not everyone who becomes depressed will have experienced early difficulties. But these difficulties do seem to increase the risk of becoming depressed.
For example, one review of studies found that neglect and emotional abuse early in life increase the risk of depression. A second review of studies arrived at a similar conclusion. Another review found a link between past bullying victimization and depression. A fourth review found links between past physical and sexual abuse and depression.
What are the most common medications for depression? How do these compare to depression therapy?
As per, CANMAT’s clinical guidelines for the treatment of major depression, first line medications will include SSRI’s and SNRI’s. The decision to begin medication involves a physician’s clinical judgment and must take account of the patient’s unique situation. We know that there is evidence that therapy can in some cases be as or more effective than anti-depressants. Sometimes medications will be combined with therapy.