Ways to Overcome Depression and Restore Hope: Advice from a Calgary, Alberta-Based Therapist

This article was written by our team at Shelly Qualtieri Counselling & Associates

As professional counsellors, we understand that depression can significantly impact one's quality of life, and seeking help is an essential step toward healing. That's why at Shelly Qualtieri Counselling & Associates, we offer comprehensive and personalised depression counselling services to help individuals struggling with depression find the hope they deserve.

Understanding Depression

Perhaps you've come across this post because you're wondering if you're experiencing depression. It's important to note that this blog post cannot diagnose depression or replace the guidance of a registered counsellor, but we hope to provide some information on what depression might entail to further assist you on your mental health journey.

According to the World Health Organization depression is a mental health disorder that affects an estimated 280 million people globally. Depression is a persistent and intense feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in once-enjoyable things. 

The thing that is so troubling about depression is that it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or economic background. Additionally, traumatic life events, ongoing stress, and substance abuse are just a few of the social, environmental, and genetic factors that can contribute to it. Here are some signs to look out for if you suspect you may have depression and want to understand it better.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

The signs and symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but common indicators include:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression Counselling Services

So we feel we may be experiencing depression; what should we do next? We strongly advocate seeking the assistance of a mental health professional, regardless of the degree of depression you might be experiencing. Seeking support for depression early on can help you gain control over it before it starts affecting your life.

Here at Shelly Qualtieri Counselling & Associates, we're here to help! Our team of counsellors uses evidence-based therapies to help clients overcome depression, develop healthy coping strategies, and achieve a better quality of life. One that we want to highlight in today's post is Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). But you might be asking, “What exactly is Cognitive-behavioural therapy, and how can it help?” Here is a quick guide:

What are the benefits of CBT for Depression

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for depression, and there are several benefits associated with its use. But don't just take our word for it—here are some researched-based benefits below!

Click the sources to dive deeper into some research behind CBT

1. CBT can help with managing depression symptoms such as negative thoughts and feelings, low mood, and fatigue. [Source: National Library of Medicine]
2. If medication is not a suitable choice or if someone doesn't want to take medication, they can consider using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a treatment for depression. CBT can assist individuals in developing coping techniques to deal with their symptoms without relying on medication. [Source: American Academy of Family Physicians].
3. CBT helps individuals manage stress and other situations that can contribute to their depression by teaching coping skills. This can lead to increased emotional control and a reduction in the severity of depression symptoms. [Source: Mayo Clinic].
4. CBT helps individuals recognize negative thinking patterns that can worsen their depression. By identifying these patterns, individuals can learn to challenge and alter them, thereby enhancing their mood and overall well-being. [Source: Trauma and Beyond Center].  

What is the counselling process like?

At our counselling centre in Calgary, we offer comprehensive depression counselling services to help individuals find relief and lead the fulfilling lives they deserve.  

We provide customised counselling support for depression that caters to the unique needs of each client. We understand that everyone has their own journey to healing, and our team of counsellors creates a supportive and caring environment for clients to explore their emotions and experiences in a way that feels safe. 

With that being said, if you or a loved one is struggling with depression, we want to let you know that, no matter how hard it might seem, seeking help is the first step toward healing. 

Conclusion

Depression can become a serious mental health disorder that can have a profound impact on an individual's life. Our team at Shelly Qualtieri Counselling & Associates is dedicated to providing counselling services to help those who are dealing with it find relief and restore hope. Don't hesitate to schedule a consultation to learn more, and remember, regardless of what you're going through, we're rooting for you!