A place to begin

Help with depression

Support when low feelings linger and everyday life feels difficult.

With James Miklos, Registered Psychotherapist

When low feelings linger

Symptoms of depression can come and go, or persist for months. They can disrupt everyday life and bring emotional pain, unhappiness and strain for both the person experiencing depression and those close to them.

We all experience sadness from time to time. When changes in how you think and feel linger and interfere with work, relationships or home life, it is important to seek help understanding what is happening.

Understanding your experience

Life experiences

Difficult experiences, including a severe upbringing, bullying or frequent criticism, can shape how a person sees themselves and the world. Later difficulties may reinforce painful patterns of thought and feeling. Your history is an important part of understanding your experience.

Stressful circumstances

Some of the pressures worth exploring include:

Loss, bereavement, moving, divorce, financial difficulties or losing a job
Social isolation
Conflict in a marriage, family or other relationship
A stressful workplace
Health concerns, particularly ongoing health problems

Health and well-being

Physical health and well-being are also important considerations. Understanding what you are experiencing may involve support from both counselling and a qualified healthcare professional.

How depression can affect daily life

Depression can affect much more than mood. It may bring:

Emotional pain and a loss of enjoyment
Changes in social life and a sense of well-being
Strain on family and friendships
Difficulty at work, including concentration, productivity or attendance
Financial pressures as daily responsibilities become harder to manage

Sometimes depression itself makes seeking support difficult. You may withdraw from people who offer comfort and encouragement, or stop taking part in activities that once mattered to you. These are useful experiences to talk through in counselling.

Taking a first step

Depression can affect anyone. Too often, people struggle without pursuing help. Counselling offers a place to begin understanding what you are going through and consider the support you need.

Read Before We Meet to learn about the practice and the next step.

Before We Meet

Self-reflection questions for depression

These questions are for reflection and discussion, not a diagnosis.

If you are thinking about suicide or harming yourself, seek immediate support. In Canada, call or text 9-8-8. Call 911 if there is immediate danger.

View the original questions

Have you been feeling down, depressed, irritable, or hopeless over the last two weeks?
Have you lost interest in your favourite hobbies and sports – or – are you spending increased amounts of time on them almost compulsively?
Do you feel sad often for no reason at all or very irritable?
Have you lost enjoyment in spending time with family and friends?
Have you lost your appetite or have been overeating compulsively?
Is it hard to get to sleep and/or your sleep is restless and broken or are you feeling so tired that you want to sleep all the time?
Have you lost interest in sex or have become preoccupied by it?
Do you feel worthless, guilty, or that you are a burden to your family?
Are you thinking about death or suicide or about harming yourself?
Do you have trouble concentrating and making decisions?
Do you feel extremely tired having lost most of your energy?
Do you have persistent “highs” or persistent irritable moods?
Do you feel you have boundless energy but have little need or desire to sleep?
Does your mind race?
Does your speech feel “pressured” like you can’t get the words out fast enough?
Are you making decisions too fast without realizing the dangerous or painful consequences involved?