Understanding Anxiety and Depression

Understanding Anxiety and Depression

Depression and anxiety can be debilitating conditions that can have a major impact on a person’s life. Although they can coexist and share some symptoms, there are also distinct differences between the two.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness and/or an inability to experience enjoyment. Symptoms may be so severe that they interfere with a person’s ability to care for themselves. Depression often lasts for months and can affect both adults and children. Treatment options include antidepressant medications or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy, emotion focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy or interpersonal therapy, or a combination of these approaches.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion that affects us all at one point or another, and it can manifest in many ways. Anxiety is a natural response to situations that are perceived as being dangerous or uncertain. It can cause physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and sweating, as well as emotional responses such as fear, worry and apprehension. Understanding the causes of anxiety and developing strategies to cope with it can help people manage their feelings of worry, fear, and tension more effectively.

Tips on Living Well with Depression & Anxiety

Living with mental illness can be an extremely difficult and isolating experience. Thankfully, there is a range of resources and strategies available to help those struggling with depression and anxiety. From talking to a mental health professional to engaging in self-care activities, it is possible to find ways of managing symptoms and living a more fulfilling life. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in this journey and that seeking help is the first step towards recovery.

Do you think you may be struggling with depression and/or anxiety?

At The Therapy Centre we have skilled Psychologists, Social Workers and Psychotherapists who can help you identify the root causes of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our team can help you effectively treat a variety of issues that may be affecting your life, from everyday challenges to traumatic events with more lasting impact. We help individuals cope with difficult life circumstances like low self-esteem, the death of a loved one, a life-altering accident, or a serious illness as well as anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. We also have a dietitian who can help with setting nutritional goals.

At The Therapy Centre we are now offering both in-person and  Virtual Telehealth services including secure phone sessions and videoconferencing.

Our offices are located across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, at 2525 Old Bronte Road in Oakville, 849 Upper Wentworth Street in Hamilton, and a NEW location in Toronto at 1849 Yonge St (Yonge and Davisville).

 

You may also be interested in: Depression vs Sadness – There’s a Difference

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