Depression
Depression manifests differently in each of us and can be an umbrella term used to describe varying emotions. From feelings of shame to sadness to loneliness, the realities of depression are profoundly difficult to manage, especially alone.
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It can overpower your life, your thoughts, your feelings, and your ability to function in your daily activities.
Common Symptoms
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Feeling hopeless
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Losing interest in hobbies and activities
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Tiredness
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Decreased or increased appetite
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Having trouble sleeping or oversleeping
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Difficulty with concentration and memory
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Difficulty with making decisions
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Compromised gut health
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Feeling numb or empty
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Low self esteem
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Suicidal thoughts
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Low energy
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Feeling Irritable
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Isolation
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Feeling unworthy
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Chronic pain
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Foggy mind
If these symptoms relate to you, remember that there are ways to change the way that you feel. It can be difficult to see a way out of unbearable times, especially when pieces of yourself are buried by these symptoms.
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Depression is more than feeling sad due to challenging circumstances in your life. It is common to internalize and identify with these symptoms.
You may confuse these symptoms with who you really are, making it difficult to see any point in finding help.
Hopeless thoughts like “things will never change” can keep people stuck and lost in this depressive state.
It’s important to remember that these feelings of hopelessness are not the reality of your situation. Our thoughts and feelings are not always a reliable source to how things really are. ​
Feelings of guilt and shame often accompany depression, making it difficult to reach out to family, friends, or professionals. Stigma around asking for help stems from a culture of perfectionism. Many of us are raised to believe that silence around our painful emotions equates to strength and sacrifice.
Unfortunately, this silence further perpetuates our own pain, and a shame permeated culture.
Know that pain and suffering is human; longing for social connection is human. However, feelings of shame make us feel alone and flawed; shame is fear of being misunderstood and judged. Feeling stuck in shame often means isolating and pushing people away. Shame may be preventing you from overcoming your depression with the help of your loved ones and a supportive network.
If you are in a crisis and need immediate assistance please contact the BC Crisis Line at 604-872-3311 or these resources.
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Contact us to learn more about Depression
Research demonstrates that we can successfully suppress our emotions. We can avoid feeling sad or ashamed, though it comes at a cost. We lack the ability to pick and choose which emotions to avoid. By attempting to avoid negative feelings we lose our ability to feel joy, excitement, and true happiness, which leaves us feeling empty.
Processing suppressed emotions allows one to overcome the numbness and detachment that often accompanies depression. When we feel and name the emotions we are in, research shows that different parts of our brain light up allowing us to concentrate, make informed choices, problem solve, and engage in self-compassion.
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Avoiding negative feelings may work for you in survival mode, but your goal is to move towards a path of healing. Through knowledge, empathy, self-compassion, and mindfulness, you will be able to transition out of survival mode in order to cultivate a healthy mind and body.
Treatment of Depression
Depression is highly treatable. Yes, even in the most severe cases, no one is beyond redemption. Depending on your situation, we have strategies to cure your depression, manage associated symptoms and improve your life.
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Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy (EMDR)
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Narrative Therapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Mindfulness Based Therapy
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are utilized to combat the debilitating effects of depression. We will guide you in externalizing your depression and separating your authentic Self from its symptoms.
Discovering your true Self beyond your negative thoughts is an incredible part of healing. Through this discovery you will learn to demonstrate agency in moments of stress and live a more conscious life.
You can choose how you want to respond mentally and emotionally as opposed to feeling overpowered by external factors that dictate your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
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If you are interested in learning more about depression and what treatment may look like for you, contact us at info@lifewiseclinic.com or 604-449-8549.
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