Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that can affect people of all ages, from children to older adults. The causes of depression are complex and can include genetic, biological, environmental (Seasonal Affect Disorder or SAD), and psychological factors.

It’s important to note that depression is not just about feeling “down” for a few days—it’s a serious condition that can significantly impact one’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.  It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. Clients often describe a sense of “I can’t” when it comes to daily tasks and routines.  This can be accompanied by self-criticism, and worries that depression will last forever, and there is no getting out of it. Depression can have impacts on one’s relationships with others, performance at work or school, ability to problem-solve situations and cope with life stressors (regardless of intensity, even the smallest of challenges can feel highly overwhelming).

Emotional: 1. Persistent Sadness almost every day. This can also include feeling teary-eyed, or crying without a specific trigger 2. Feeling guilt or shame for having this level of sadness, and believing one is a burden on others. 3. Loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies and activities; less interest in wanting to be with people and socializing.

Psychological: 1. Challenges with sleeping; unable to sleep or sleeping too much, 2. Weight gain or weight loss, potentially using food as a coping strategy to soothe the sadness. 3. Lack of energy and feeling fatigued even when not experiencing any physical demands on the body, 4. Aches/Pain within body such as headaches, digestion issues.

Cognitive: 1. Experiencing problems with concentration and staying focused, unable to complete tasks, 2. Overthinking and ruminating on past events, perceived mistakes or situations, 3. Suicidality – thinking about ending life, not wanting to live anymore, or feeling life for others would be easier if not around.

Using IFS allows the individual to see themselves and their depression through the perspective of it being a part of them, not their whole being.  Externalizing depression as a part, can allow the individual to better understand and get to know their depression, through awareness of symptoms, behaviours, thoughts and beliefs that it holds.  IFS allows for compassion, gentleness and care to flow towards oneself, and an opportunity to process and understand the underlying causes and factors contributing to depression.  Diving deep into underlying factors such as unresolved past issues and unconscious thoughts can support a person with alleviating the intensity of depression once depression is unburdened of factors that are contributing to the sadness.  

Using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for depression can also yield positive results, as the protocols address the negative thought patterns associated with the emotional and cognitive symptoms of depression. This is done through identifying negative thought patterns, challenging negative thought beliefs, strategies to help break cycle of inactivity and low mood, problem-solving strategies to help manage challenges more effectively and coping strategies to help cope with emotions such as stress, anxiety and sadness.   

It is recommended that individual with Clinical Depression and those experiencing suicidality or suicidal ideation, are also under the care of a medical professional.