Counselling for Depression

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by long periods of low mood, lack of self-esteem, a loss of interest in activities or hobbies once enjoyed by the patient, and a sense of hopelessness. It may come about due to trauma, but this isn’t necessarily always the case. In fact, it can happen to anyone. The symptoms most observed among those with depression can range from social isolation to self-harm and beyond. If you are suffering from depression, then know that you are not alone, and that there is hope. Counselling has been scientifically shown to be effective at mitigating and treating depressive symptoms by giving those with depression the tools to recognize and challenge the cognitive attitudes underlying their depression.

Kinds of Depression

Like any other cognitive disorder, depression presents itself in many ways. Although each case is unique, below are some of the more common ways in which depression has been observed:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Those suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), or clinical depression, report feelings of worthlessness, lack of self confidence, apathy, and prolonged sadness. Counsellors employ a number of approaches to help their clients recognize and control the cognitive attitudes triggering their depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by the changing of the seasons. Typically, those with SAD will experience more depressive symptoms during the winter months, while the warmer seasons are marked by a healthier state of mind. Counsellors may employ phototherapy (light therapy) to help treat them with SAD.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Having a baby is a big adjustment. Mothers often go through emotional, physical, and spiritual changes during this experience. It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with the changes and struggle to find your own individuality when everything is suddenly about taking care of another person. Symptoms of PPD include mood swings, restlessness, cry spells, among others. 

Common Signs of Depression

Deep Sadness

Depression is characterized by feelings of perpetual, deep, unshakeable sadness that lasts longer than a few days to several weeks.

Loss of interest

Individuals with depression tend to experience an uncharacteristic loss of interest in the hobbies and activities they once enjoyed.

Eating Issues

A fluctuating diet, whether caused by over-eating, under-eating, and/or purging, may be indicative of depressive tendencies.

Sleep Issues

People with depression often experience sleep disturbances, such as sleeping too much or having trouble falling and staying asleep.

Chronic fatigue

Many individuals with depression report feeling perpetually tired, exhausted, or drained – even after extensive resting, such as sleep.

Focus Issues

Whether at school, at work, or during leisure activities, those with depression may sometimes find themselves struggling to concentrate.

Worthlessness

People with depression tend to have negative thought patterns that leave them thinking they are worthless and a burden to others.

Irritability

Those with depression can become easily irritable and impatient, making them more prone to emotional and/or physical outbursts.

Depression in Men vs. Women

While both men and women experience depression, societal expectations and differently-presenting symptoms can make the experience differ drastically. Because women tend to be more socially aware, their symptoms tend to manifest internally. This can look like feelings of sadness and self-deprecation. Additionally, they are also more likely to recognize their mental illness and seek treatment. However, in men, depression presents much more outwardly. So, some of their symptoms may include irritability, aggression, and chronic fatigue. Of course, these symptoms, behaviours, and patterns are not exclusive to each gender.

Due to a lack of societal awareness about men’s mental health, depression is often more life threatening. Even though women are more likely than their male counterparts to be diagnosed with depression, they have a significantly lower rate of suicide.

Depression in Teenagers

Becoming a teenager can be one of the most drastic and confusing stages in a person’s life. With a rush of hormones, a changing body, new relationships, and new schools comes a new sense of self, increased peer pressure, and greater academic expectations. Social media further exacerbates these issues. All of this can be overwhelming for teens to manage, and can lead to higher rates of depression, feelings of loneliness, a sense of worthlessness or ineptitude, and a distorted self-image.

Although adolescents exhibit many of the same symptoms, teenagers with depression tend to display more behavioural changes than adults with the condition. They may become highly sensitive to criticism, exhibit aggressive tendencies, engage in substance abuse, neglect their personal hygiene, miss their academic obligations, and – in some cases – engage in self-harming behaviour. However, therapy and counselling can help teenagers develop the ability to recognize, acknowledge, and challenge the intrusive cognitive attitudes underlying their condition.

Depression Therapists

Alyssa Gonzalez

Alyssa Gonzalez

Registered Psychologist
$220 per hour
Alyssa works with children, adolescents, & adults who experience a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting, trauma, family issues, stress and more.
Amanda Herbert

Amanda Herbert

Occupational Therapist
$170 per hour
Amanda provides assessments and counselling for depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, sensory and emotional dysregulation, and cognitive impairments.
Cara Hason

Cara Hason

Provisional Psychologist
$180-200 per hour
Cara has over 10 years of experience in helping individuals living with anxiety, depression, trauma, panic attacks, stress, OCD, intrusive thoughts, PTSD, relationship issues, and perinatal issues.
Cassia Tayler

Cassia Tayler

Provisional Psychologist
$180-200 per hour
Cassia works with teens, adults, and couples living with anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, relationship issues, self-identity and cultural identity issues, life transitions, and more.
Diana Izard

Diana Izard

RSW (Adults Only)
$190-200 per hour
Diana supports children, youths, families and individuals with anxiety, stress, burn out, developmental disabilities, ASD, eating disorders, relationship problems, ADHD, self-esteem and more.
Jacob Fox

Jacob Fox

Provisional Psychologist
$200 per hour
Jacob works with teenagers and adults living with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, relationship issues, men's issues, and more.
Gavin Leslie

Gavin Leslie

Provisional Psychologist
$180-200 per hour
*Direct billing to Alberta Blue Cross and ASEBP* Gavin works with individuals (13+) living with anxiety, depression, trauma (PTSD), low self esteem, disordered eating, grief, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), work concerns and chronic health issues.
Joshua Woelfle

Joshua Woelfle

Registered Psychologist
$200 per hour
Joshua works with adults and teenagers living with PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, stress, suicidal ideation, grief and loss, phobias, OCD, addictions, and relationship issues.
Jaimee Grossklaus

Jaimee Grossklaus

Provisional Psychologist
$200 per hour
Jaimee works with adults who live with anxiety, trauma (PTSD), depression, stress, poor self-esteem and confidence, work concerns, chronic health concerns, and brain injuries.
Natalya Austin

Natalya Austin

Reg. Clinical Social Worker
$200 per hour
Natalya has 16 years of experience helping individuals with a variety of issues anxiety, depression, relationship issues, loss, parenting, stress, OCD, self-esteem, insomnia, life transitions and more.
Katie Tompkins

Katie Tompkins

MSW, RSW
$170 per hour
Katie works with children, youths, and adults to overcome a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, workplace issues, self-esteem, and relationship challenges.
Stephen Walker

Stephen Walker

Reg. Clinical Social Worker
$200 per hour
Stephen works with individuals (12+) who are living with anxiety, depression, anger, trauma (PTSD) and more; and couples who are looking to improve their connection, trust, intimacy, and communication skills.
Shaheena Kassam

Shaheena Kassam

Registered Psychologist
$200 per hour
Shaheena offers assessments and counselling for children, youths, and their families to help them with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other behavioural or social challenges.
Tracy Firth

Tracy Firth

Provisional Psychologist
$180 per hour
Tracy works with individuals living with anxiety, depression, grief, work issues, stress, burn out, low self-confidence, body image issues, life transitions, career changes and more.
Steve Slopek

Steve Slopek

Registered Psychologist
$220 per hour
Steve provides counselling for individuals living with trauma, anxiety, substance issues, relationships issues & more; as well as, assessments to diagnose ADHD and autism.

Get Matched To The Right Therapist

Not sure who can help you? You can either fill out the form to be matched to a therapist that specializes in your unique situation or give us a call at (403) 588-7639.

Get Started

AIRDRIE, AB

Unit #17 - 620 - 1 Ave NW
Airdrie, AB T4B 2R3

SOUTH CALGARY

290 Midpark Way SE #330,
Calgary, AB T2X 1P1

NORTH CALGARY

2000 Pegasus Rd NE
Calgary, AB T2E 8K7

RED DEER, AB

4915 54 Street - 3rd Floor
Red Deer, AB T4N 2G7
envelopephone-handsetmap-marker linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram