Depression is a mood disorder that may include some following symptoms:
You need not experience all of these symptoms but having a number of them most days for over a two week period could mean you have depression.
Depression does not look the way you think may would look. It is not always sadness and tears. It can look like numbness, indifference, apathy or forced smiles and suppressed emotions. When your daily mood is effecting your relationships, ability to function or ability to enjoy life, it is definitely time to reach out for support. A lot of the times we are told to “suck it up” or we try to just push through the emotional pain and suffering, but ignoring the signs and symptoms of depression do not make it go away. It is a medical condition that requires support and treatment so we don’t just “suck it up” or “get over it”. Confronting it and working towards recovery is a big brave step in the right direction. What you decide to do today can either change your life for the better or keep the struggle going indefinitely. There is hope and treatment for depression and you have come to the right place to get it.
To find out how we can work through depression together book now online or click the contact us button below to inquire about a consultation booking.
High functioning depression, while not a formal diagnosis, is a real thing. It can be diagnosed as persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or it may not be diagnosed at all. If you are struggling internally with feelings of sadness or hopelessness but are desperately trying to keep up the appearance of functioning on the outside, you may have high functioning depression. While high functioning depression could be a milder form of depression, it can impair your functioning and impact your quality of life. If you are finding it difficult to keep up the facade and you feel like you are falling apart at the seams, it is time to seek help.
Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD) is a deep depression that has lasted for more than two weeks in children, youth or adults. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or Dysthymia is a milder form of depression that lasts for at least two years. Postpartum depression is a clinical depression with a pregnancy or postnatal onset whereas PMDD or Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a type of mood disorder related to the time before a woman’s period. It includes premenstrual symptoms (PMS) in addition to extreme irritability, anxiety and depression. Seasonal affective disorder or SAD is another form of depression that arises for a period of time, particularly during darker fall and winter months, but may go away in spring and summer months.
To discover the type of depression you may have, contact us to find out about a free consultation or click the book now button to book your consultation right now online.
The type of treatment you will need can depend on the type of depression you have however psychotherapy and/or medication are the most successful forms of recovery. Other treatments may include light therapy for SAD, massage therapy for PMDD, acupuncture for PDD or brain stimulation therapies for severe or persistent depression.
At Gray Matter Health we use various types or psychotherapy to help you on your journey to recovery. Psychotherapy techniques such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy are just a few of the types of treatments we use for depression.
The journey to recovery is not a straight line. There are ups and downs but as we move forward through depression treatment you will begin to uncover your best self, reconnect with the person you want to be and gradually begin to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
