NU PSYCHOLOGY
DEPRESSION
DEPRESSION
NU Psychology supports individuals who are experiencing depression or symptoms related to depression. Individuals with depression suffer from fleeting feelings of hopelessness and sadness, loss of pleasure in activities, tiredness, weight gain or loss, suicidal thoughts, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Depression tends to impact people in significant ways and for a longer periods of time then periodic sadness or feeling down. Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and sometimes thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Depression is a serious condition and can often be treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. NU Psychology offers specialized psychology services for individuals with depression. Individuals often experience change with a combination of Supportive, Solution Focused , and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
NU PSYCHOLOGY AND DEPRESSION
Signs of Depression
Symptoms of depression differ among individuals in both presentation, cause, and severity. Symptoms often look like fatigue, loss of interest, changes in appetite, lack of motivation, suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, and anhedonia. Often depression will present as a persistent low mood and negative thoughts. Depression impacts our experience of how we live in our day to day life. It impacts how we think, feel, and act. Depression can silently affect daily routines, one's social life, and work or academic functioning. Mild depression can often go unnoticed as the feelings may have come on slowly and have been persistent for a long time. Moderate and Severe depression is more noticeable and individuals may experience difficulties with doing everyday activities. Depression is a serious and treatable condition. Treating depression requires an individualized approach, that involves supporting a client's unique needs and goals. NU Psychology supports individuals in the treatment of depression. Individuals with depression benefit from a individualized approach as treatment should be tailored to an individuals goals, strengths, and unique challenges.
Major Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is diagnosed when an individual experiences a loss of interest and pleasure in the things they normally enjoy and a persistent depressed mood. Individuals may feel a sense of helplessness, guilt or worthless, and difficulties doing activities or completing tasks due to lethargy, sadness, or lack of energy. Individuals with MDD may experience anxious distress, restlessness, and have difficulties with sleep cycles. Suicidal thoughts can also travel with Depression and should be examined with your Therapist or Doctor. Suicidal thoughts may be those related to ideation (wishing you could just disappear) or those related to having serious thoughts or plans. If you or a loved one is experiencing such thoughts it is important to get immediate help by calling 9-11. Additionally, if you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, a crisis line can be a helpful place to discuss such feelings.The number for Calgary's distress centre is 403-266-HELP (4357)
Dysthymia or Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Dysthymia or Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) is a chronic form of depression that has many of the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder. PDD affects one’s mood, behaviour and physical functions such as loss of appetite and sleep. People suffering from PDD often experience deep sadness and hopelessness to the extent that their daily routine is heavily disrupted and simple tasks seem impossible to get done. This chronic form of depression differs from the major depressive disorder as most symptoms last for a longer time period and occur at a lower but consistent intensity. The symptoms of PDD are less severe but last much longer, sometimes upwards of two years. NU Psychology supports the intervention and treatment of PDD in individuals. We have a dedicated Psychologist who specializes in the treatment of Adult Depression.
