treat depression THROUGH CounseliNG

Are you feeling depressed? 

As a Mental Health Counselor Associate, I counsel people  struggling with depression.  

We all experience low mood at times…

As part of daily living, we all encounter challenges in which we feel sad or unmotivated. Relationship difficulties, moving cities, losing a job, retiring, grieving a death of a loved one or pet are examples of why you might feel sad or low. Occasionally you might feel easily irritated or angered by people or occurrences. These feelings of sadness and / or irritability are well within the range of normal and what to expect as we live our lives. In contrast, depression is more chronic and often overwhelming. 

General Symptoms of Depression 

• A loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities 
• Feelings of emptiness, sadness, and hopelessness 
• Overeating or under-eating 
• Insomnia or over sleeping
• Restlessness or lack of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt 
• Distracted and poor concentration
• Anger and irritability feel close by
• Despair that ‘things’ will never improve
• Lack of energy and will to get things done 
• Chronic worry and an over focus on what is wrong with your life 
• An inability to bounce back from stress 
• Using alcohol and / or pot to try and feel better or to avoid feelings of depression

Dealing with Depression

Depression can look different from one person to another. Symptoms of depression range from mild to severe and some people require hospitalization. Feelings of depression vary in duration lasting a couple of days, weeks, or possibly months. Although depression may come and go, you might still recall periods of feeling low, or perhaps this is the first time that you have felt depressed. 

Do you experience feelings of depression when the season changes or when you are stressed? Finding ways of coping and having a healthy lifestyle seems to help, but feelings of depression keep re-occurring. When your mood is low, do you struggle with going to work or being with friends? You might be like others and you manage to cope despite feeling depressed. You are okay being around friends and going to work, but you would rather be alone.  

Maybe the term depression doesn’t really fit for you, but you are aware that you struggle to feel excitement and pleasure and instead you feel numb and flat. You might be in a relationship, have a successful job, enjoy friends and lead an active life, but your mood feels chronically low. In reality, the term that you use to describe what you are experiencing is immaterial. Of importance, is finding a way to alleviate your suffering and possible feelings of depression.  

You are not Alone 

In the United States, depression is one of the top ten reasons that people visit a family doctor. A link between chronic pain and depression exists. Health issues such as cancer, colitis, Fibromyalgia and IBS are often accompanied by changes in mood. Experiencing a car accident or a trauma can also trigger depression and anxiety.

Getting Help

Seeing your Family Doctor can help to determine if there is a medical issue that is contributing to your depressive feelings. In addition, therapy is an effective way to manage low moods or feelings of depression. Adding depression counselling to your overall treatment is a proactive way to support your recovery in creating lasting changes. 

Benefits of Depression Counselling

• Identifying and managing stressors contributing to you feeling low
• Discovering ways to overcome your sadness
• Regaining a sense of hope and purpose
• Facing your day with energy and creating a positive outlook  
• Feeling more at ease and confident
• Becoming more resilient in your ability to go with the flow in facing life’s ups and downs 

You don’t need to be alone in your suffering. Counselling for depression identifies your core beliefs which contribute to your feelings of unhappiness as well as ways to create change. Making positive lasting changes can be difficult on your own and therapy can prove beneficial. We can work together to help you achieve your recovery. Do you have questions about how I work or if my approach is a fit for you? 

Contact me at 253.300.2710 or by email at colleen@bowersockcounseling.com  to book your complementary 30-minute phone consultation.