Feeling down happens from time to time. But when emptiness and despair take hold and won’t go away, it may be depression.
More than just the temporary “blues,” the lows of depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did.
Hobbies and friends don’t interest you like they used to; you’re exhausted all the time; and just getting through the day can be overwhelming.
When you’re depressed, things may feel hopeless, but with help and support you can get better.
What is depression?
Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don’t feel sad at all—instead, they feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic.
Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.
Some symptoms can include:
- Lack of energy
- Seeing small tasks as daunting
- Feelings of guilt and failure
- Feeling anxious
- Feeling sad, helpless and discouraged
- Difficulty sleeping
You are not alone
If even the thought of tackling your depression seems overwhelming, don’t panic. Feeling helpless and hopeless is a symptom of depression—not the reality of your situation. It does not mean that you’re weak or you can’t change! The key to depression recovery is to start small and ask for help.
Effective treatment for depression often includes some form of therapy. Therapy gives you tools to cope with depression from a variety of angles. Also, what you learn in therapy gives you skills and insight to prevent depression from coming back. Therapy can help you work through the root of your depression, helping you understand why you feel a certain way, what your triggers are for depression, and what you can do to stay healthy.
As a relational psychotherapist working in downtown Toronto, my style is empathic, safe and caring. I believe that therapy should be accessible and affordable. Please contact me to schedule a complimentary first session to give you and I the opportunity to determine if I am the right therapist for you.
I can be reached by completing the Contact Form, by telephone at 416-931-7110 and by email at mio[at]therapyto.ca. I look forward to hearing from you.
