Is Depression Real?
This may sound like a slightly strange question, but it is something we are still asked.
Simple answer: Yes, depression is real, but it can be treated. Every year, we help hundreds of clients overcome depression / depressed mood at our clinic.
We're going to correct some myths about depression, explain what causes it, and show you how you can get professional help here in Halifax.
Let's get started.
Depression is a clinically recognized psychological disorder. We know more about depression and it has been studied more than any other mental health issue.
If you are reading this and have been struggling with depressed mood, you know that it can have a dramatic impact on your physical health, your sleep, your functioning in relationships, work, and school, your energy levels, how you feel about yourself and your future, and your overall day-to-day life.
Quick Point: Our psychologists will never minimize or trivialize your struggles.
We are inspired by those who find the strength to fight depression.
We custom match every client with a therapist who best suited for your needs and goals in counselling.
We offer both in-person and virtual therapy.
You can book an appointment here, or complete our form at the bottom of this page.
Simple answer: Yes, depression is real, but it can be treated. Every year, we help hundreds of clients overcome depression / depressed mood at our clinic.
We're going to correct some myths about depression, explain what causes it, and show you how you can get professional help here in Halifax.
Let's get started.
Depression is a clinically recognized psychological disorder. We know more about depression and it has been studied more than any other mental health issue.
If you are reading this and have been struggling with depressed mood, you know that it can have a dramatic impact on your physical health, your sleep, your functioning in relationships, work, and school, your energy levels, how you feel about yourself and your future, and your overall day-to-day life.
Quick Point: Our psychologists will never minimize or trivialize your struggles.
We are inspired by those who find the strength to fight depression.
We custom match every client with a therapist who best suited for your needs and goals in counselling.
We offer both in-person and virtual therapy.
You can book an appointment here, or complete our form at the bottom of this page.
Can You "Snap Out" Of Depression?
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Unfortunately, depression is not something that we can simply overcome by thinking positive thoughts. If you have ever had someone tell you to "cheer up", you know that it is not this simple - regardless of whether this message comes from someone else or yourself.
Depression is a mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and behave. Negative thought patterns, which are often distorted and exaggerated, can get reinforced over time and become a kind of automatic response. As such, it can become very difficult for someone in this situation to identify these thinking patterns, and even harder for them to change them without professional help. Quick Point: You are not your depression. It can take some work to address the issues that lead to it, but it is energy well spent. |
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What Are The Symptoms Of Depression?
Although depression does not affect everyone in the same way, it can be helpful to group the symptoms and effects into several main categories.
Cognitive Symptoms (how you think)
Cognitive symptoms of depression include numerous changes in thinking patterns and mental processes. These can include a pessimistic or negative outlook on life, distorted thoughts, such as self-blame or excessive guilt, negative self-talk, decreased concentration and memory, and difficulty making decisions. Additionally, there can be excessive rumination on the negative aspects of life and dwelling on past mistakes.
Social Symptoms (how you interact with others)
The social symptoms of depression may include social withdrawal, avoiding social situations or activities that were once enjoyable, isolation and loneliness, loss of interest in spending time with family and friends, and strained or tumultuous relationships due to increased irritability or difficulty expressing feelings. If you are struggling with depression, you may feel like withdrawing from others due to a loss of confidence or feeling that you don't belong anymore.
Physical / Biological Symptoms (how your body reacts)
The physical symptoms of being depressed can be just as debilitating as emotional and cognitive ones. They can include changes in eating habits, such as a loss of appetite or eating too much, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, aches and pains without an obvious physical cause, and loss of interest in sex. Additionally, when we are depressed, we can experience decreased energy levels, decreased immunity to infection, and symptoms like headaches and digestive problems.
Biological symptoms of depression can appear in a few ways. There may be changes in hormone levels, including decreased serotonin, which is a chemical responsible for mood and well-being. Those with depression may also experience disruptions to their body clock or sleep/wake cycles and overall fatigue. Additionally, it's believed that certain gene variants contribute to an increased risk of depression, suggesting that biological factors can sometimes (but not always) play a role.
Behavioural Symptoms (what you do)
Behavioural symptoms of depression can include avoiding social activities or interactions, having difficulty making decisions or concentrating, sleeping too much or too little, neglecting personal hygiene or grooming, lack of motivation, and isolating oneself from family and friends.
Quick Point:
It is very normal for each category above to be impacted in different ways when you are feeling depressed, and also, for these impacts to change over time.
Cognitive Symptoms (how you think)
Cognitive symptoms of depression include numerous changes in thinking patterns and mental processes. These can include a pessimistic or negative outlook on life, distorted thoughts, such as self-blame or excessive guilt, negative self-talk, decreased concentration and memory, and difficulty making decisions. Additionally, there can be excessive rumination on the negative aspects of life and dwelling on past mistakes.
Social Symptoms (how you interact with others)
The social symptoms of depression may include social withdrawal, avoiding social situations or activities that were once enjoyable, isolation and loneliness, loss of interest in spending time with family and friends, and strained or tumultuous relationships due to increased irritability or difficulty expressing feelings. If you are struggling with depression, you may feel like withdrawing from others due to a loss of confidence or feeling that you don't belong anymore.
Physical / Biological Symptoms (how your body reacts)
The physical symptoms of being depressed can be just as debilitating as emotional and cognitive ones. They can include changes in eating habits, such as a loss of appetite or eating too much, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, aches and pains without an obvious physical cause, and loss of interest in sex. Additionally, when we are depressed, we can experience decreased energy levels, decreased immunity to infection, and symptoms like headaches and digestive problems.
Biological symptoms of depression can appear in a few ways. There may be changes in hormone levels, including decreased serotonin, which is a chemical responsible for mood and well-being. Those with depression may also experience disruptions to their body clock or sleep/wake cycles and overall fatigue. Additionally, it's believed that certain gene variants contribute to an increased risk of depression, suggesting that biological factors can sometimes (but not always) play a role.
Behavioural Symptoms (what you do)
Behavioural symptoms of depression can include avoiding social activities or interactions, having difficulty making decisions or concentrating, sleeping too much or too little, neglecting personal hygiene or grooming, lack of motivation, and isolating oneself from family and friends.
Quick Point:
It is very normal for each category above to be impacted in different ways when you are feeling depressed, and also, for these impacts to change over time.
What Does It Feel Like When You Are Depressed?
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People often describe being depressed as a deep sense of sadness and hopelessness, a persistent feeling of emptiness or numbness, and an inability to feel pleasure in activities that they used to enjoy.
When you are depressed, you may feel a sense of isolation or disconnection from others, and a decreased motivation to engage in social interactions. Quick Point: Depression gives you terrible advice. It will tell you to retreat when you need to step forward, to close down when you need to open up, that there is no point in trying when you need to give it your all, and to quit when you are so close to turning a corner. |
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What Causes Depression?
Depression usually isn't caused by a single issue, but rather multiple factors that add up and erode our resilience over time.
This can include a genetic predisposition, unhealthy family dynamics and histories, traumatic life experiences, certain medical conditions, financial worries, job dissatisfaction, school-related difficulties, relationship issues, negative thinking patterns, low self-worth, certain medications or substance abuse, prolonged periods of stress, or the loss of a loved one.
Quick Point:
While it can be important to understand the reasons why you are feeling depressed, be careful not to spend too much time searching, as it is easy to become "stuck" here, leaving you with little energy to take the steps needed to start feeling better. We want to help you take these steps.
This can include a genetic predisposition, unhealthy family dynamics and histories, traumatic life experiences, certain medical conditions, financial worries, job dissatisfaction, school-related difficulties, relationship issues, negative thinking patterns, low self-worth, certain medications or substance abuse, prolonged periods of stress, or the loss of a loved one.
Quick Point:
While it can be important to understand the reasons why you are feeling depressed, be careful not to spend too much time searching, as it is easy to become "stuck" here, leaving you with little energy to take the steps needed to start feeling better. We want to help you take these steps.
What Forms Of Therapy Do You Offer For Depression?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapeutic treatment for depression that emphasizes mindfulness, values, and acceptance of unwanted thoughts and feelings. It focuses on helping you accept your current situation and commit to taking action that is consistent with your values and goals.
Through ACT, clients learn how to recognize and accept negative emotions without trying to control or push them away, and focus instead on the actions they can take to improve their life and wellbeing. This approach leads to increased psychological flexibility and improved mood and functioning.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapeutic treatment for depression that emphasizes mindfulness, values, and acceptance of unwanted thoughts and feelings. It focuses on helping you accept your current situation and commit to taking action that is consistent with your values and goals.
Through ACT, clients learn how to recognize and accept negative emotions without trying to control or push them away, and focus instead on the actions they can take to improve their life and wellbeing. This approach leads to increased psychological flexibility and improved mood and functioning.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for depression focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns that contribute to depression. This type of therapy involves learning to recognize and challenge the distorted thought patterns, replacing them with more realistic and constructive ways of thinking.
Through CBT, our psychologists help clients learn problem-solving skills and healthy coping strategies to help manage symptoms of depression and reduce the risk of future episodes. CBT often includes techniques such as relaxation training and activity scheduling to improve mood.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for depression focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns that contribute to depression. This type of therapy involves learning to recognize and challenge the distorted thought patterns, replacing them with more realistic and constructive ways of thinking.
Through CBT, our psychologists help clients learn problem-solving skills and healthy coping strategies to help manage symptoms of depression and reduce the risk of future episodes. CBT often includes techniques such as relaxation training and activity scheduling to improve mood.
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an approach to treating depression that focuses on the future rather than on the past or on the problem itself. It is based on the belief that clients already have the resources and skills to solve their own problems and that the therapist's job is to help them to recognize and utilize these resources better.
Our therapists will help you identify and set specific, achievable goals and will help you develop a plan to reach these goals. This type of therapy can be particularly useful in treating depression as it focuses on finding solutions and moving forward rather than dwelling on negative feelings.
Person-Centered Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy, also known as Client-Centered Therapy, focuses on the your subjective experience and encourages self-understanding, self-acceptance, and self-actualization.
It believes that you have the capacity for self-healing and that your therapist's role is to provide a supportive and accepting environment that allows you to gain insight and self-awareness into your own experiences and emotions.
In treating depression, Person-Centered Therapy will help you see yourself in a positive light, encourages you to develop a strong sense of self-worth, and helps you to reduce feelings of hopelessness.
Person-Centered Therapy, also known as Client-Centered Therapy, focuses on the your subjective experience and encourages self-understanding, self-acceptance, and self-actualization.
It believes that you have the capacity for self-healing and that your therapist's role is to provide a supportive and accepting environment that allows you to gain insight and self-awareness into your own experiences and emotions.
In treating depression, Person-Centered Therapy will help you see yourself in a positive light, encourages you to develop a strong sense of self-worth, and helps you to reduce feelings of hopelessness.
- Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapy for depression focuses on the principles of Classical and Operant Conditioning to change or modify behaviours that contribute to symptoms of depression. It can help you identify thoughts, actions, and situations that trigger or reinforce your negative mood, and can teach you to modify these behaviours to reduce their likelihood of occurring.
Specific behavioural techniques used include relaxation training, thought replacement, and problem-solving skills to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce unhelpful behaviours that may worsen symptoms of depression.
Mindfulness Therapy
Mindfulness Therapy, also known as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), incorporates mindfulness techniques to treat depression. A psychologist can teach you how to observe and accept thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment, cultivating a sense of acceptance and understanding of difficult emotions.
The goal of mindfulness therapy for depression is to help you become less reactive to negative thoughts, reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. The therapeutic process involves mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring techniques, and psycho-education on the nature of depression.
Mindfulness Therapy, also known as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), incorporates mindfulness techniques to treat depression. A psychologist can teach you how to observe and accept thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment, cultivating a sense of acceptance and understanding of difficult emotions.
The goal of mindfulness therapy for depression is to help you become less reactive to negative thoughts, reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. The therapeutic process involves mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring techniques, and psycho-education on the nature of depression.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), was originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder. However, it has also been found to be effective in treating depression. It focuses on changing behaviours and patterns of thinking that contribute to depression and suicidal ideation.
DBT teaches skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to help clients better manage difficult emotions and situations.
The goal of DBT in treating depression is to increase a your ability to cope with stressors and improve overall functioning, ultimately reducing the intensity and frequency of depressive episodes.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), was originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder. However, it has also been found to be effective in treating depression. It focuses on changing behaviours and patterns of thinking that contribute to depression and suicidal ideation.
DBT teaches skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to help clients better manage difficult emotions and situations.
The goal of DBT in treating depression is to increase a your ability to cope with stressors and improve overall functioning, ultimately reducing the intensity and frequency of depressive episodes.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy for depression focuses on the stories clients may tell about themselves and their experiences. It helps you reframe negative narratives that may contribute to depression, identifying and challenging dysfunctional beliefs and unhelpful patterns of thought and behaviour.
Your therapist may encourage you to view your identity as separate from the problems and symptoms you may be experiencing, encouraging resilience and self-discovery. Through narrative therapy, you can can learn to reinterpret your personal narratives in a more positive and empowered light, ultimately reducing the impact of depression on your daily life.
Narrative Therapy for depression focuses on the stories clients may tell about themselves and their experiences. It helps you reframe negative narratives that may contribute to depression, identifying and challenging dysfunctional beliefs and unhelpful patterns of thought and behaviour.
Your therapist may encourage you to view your identity as separate from the problems and symptoms you may be experiencing, encouraging resilience and self-discovery. Through narrative therapy, you can can learn to reinterpret your personal narratives in a more positive and empowered light, ultimately reducing the impact of depression on your daily life.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy (IT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and how they may contribute to symptoms of depression. It is based on the idea that depression is influenced by current relationships and unresolved issues within these relationships.
IT works to identify and address interpersonal problems that may be contributing to depression, such as social isolation, interpersonal conflicts, or difficulties with intimacy. IT employs various techniques, such as exploration, problem-solving, and role-playing, to help clients better understand and manage their interpersonal relationships, which in turn can alleviate symptoms of depression.
Quick Point:
The most effective treatment for depression varies from person to person and depends on individual factors such as severity of symptoms, presence of co-morbid conditions, and other personal preferences. One of the benefits of having a large selection of psychologists at our clinic is that we can offer a wide variety of treatment approaches tailored to fits your needs.
Interpersonal Therapy (IT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and how they may contribute to symptoms of depression. It is based on the idea that depression is influenced by current relationships and unresolved issues within these relationships.
IT works to identify and address interpersonal problems that may be contributing to depression, such as social isolation, interpersonal conflicts, or difficulties with intimacy. IT employs various techniques, such as exploration, problem-solving, and role-playing, to help clients better understand and manage their interpersonal relationships, which in turn can alleviate symptoms of depression.
Quick Point:
The most effective treatment for depression varies from person to person and depends on individual factors such as severity of symptoms, presence of co-morbid conditions, and other personal preferences. One of the benefits of having a large selection of psychologists at our clinic is that we can offer a wide variety of treatment approaches tailored to fits your needs.
Depression Severity Questionnaire
Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following concerns?
1) Little interest or pleasure in doing things
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
2) Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
3) Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
4) Feeling tired or having little energy
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
5) Poor appetite or overeating
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
6) Feeling bad about yourself...or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
7) Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching TV
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
8) 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
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
9) Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
TOTAL SCORES
0 - 4 ------ Minimal Depression
5 - 9 ------ Mild Depression
10 - 14 ---- Moderate Depression
15 - 19 ---- Moderately Severe Depression
20 - 27 ---- Severe Depression
1) Little interest or pleasure in doing things
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
2) Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
3) Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
4) Feeling tired or having little energy
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
5) Poor appetite or overeating
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
6) Feeling bad about yourself...or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
7) Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching TV
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
8) 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
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
9) Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself
0 (not at all) 1 (several days) 2 (more than half the days) 3 (nearly every day)
TOTAL SCORES
0 - 4 ------ Minimal Depression
5 - 9 ------ Mild Depression
10 - 14 ---- Moderate Depression
15 - 19 ---- Moderately Severe Depression
20 - 27 ---- Severe Depression
Why Should I Try Therapy For Depression?
Depression can be a debilitating and life-altering condition, and without treatment it can impact your quality of life and ability to function in many important areas, such as work, relationships, and daily life.
Professional counselling can help you learn effective coping skills to help manage and reduce symptoms of depression, as well as gain a better understanding of the underlying causes your depression.
Our psychologists at Green Leaf offer a supportive environment in which you can work through and process difficult emotions, leading to long-term improvement in your mental health.
Professional counselling can help you learn effective coping skills to help manage and reduce symptoms of depression, as well as gain a better understanding of the underlying causes your depression.
Our psychologists at Green Leaf offer a supportive environment in which you can work through and process difficult emotions, leading to long-term improvement in your mental health.
Let's Get Started.
We are conveniently located in Halifax, Nova Scotia and have many clients from the areas of Bedford, Clayton Park, and Dartmouth. We provide in-person and online therapy to all of Nova Scotia and also offer virtual services to clients in New Brunswick.
Asking for help can be tough, but we're happy that you found us :)
Please complete our short request form below and we will be in touch asap with appointment options.
Confidential Contact - Counselling / Therapy
Green Leaf Psychological - Halifax, Nova Scotia
IMPORTANT
After you submit the form, we will definitely get back to you. However, email is often filtered into junk mail folders by mistake.
To prevent this from happening, please add [email protected] to your list of safe contacts...or make sure to check your spam folder if you don't see a reply in your inbox within 24 hours.
Thanks!
After you submit the form, we will definitely get back to you. However, email is often filtered into junk mail folders by mistake.
To prevent this from happening, please add [email protected] to your list of safe contacts...or make sure to check your spam folder if you don't see a reply in your inbox within 24 hours.
Thanks!
Green Leaf Psychological Services, Inc.