Anxiety & Depression

Do you experience…

Irritability or become easily agitated, even over minor issues?

Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness?

A lack of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed?

Fatigue or low energy, even after a full night's sleep?

Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or trouble remembering things?

Changes in your appetite or weight, either increased or decreased?

Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension without a clear medical cause?

Restlessness or feel on edge, with a constant sense of impending danger or doom?

Frequent panic attacks, characterized by sudden bouts of intense fear or discomfort?

Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt?

Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or restless sleep patterns?

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to perceived threats, characterized by feelings of apprehension, worry, or fear about future events or situations. While it's normal to experience occasional anxiety in response to challenging circumstances, anxiety disorders involve excessive, persistent anxiety that interferes with daily life. These disorders can manifest in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or specific phobias.

Unlike stress, which is typically a temporary response to specific situations, anxiety can persist even when the stressor is removed or when there's no clear reason for the anxious feelings. While stress often arises from external pressures or demands, anxiety can arise from internal worries or perceived threats. Stress tends to be more short-term and may dissipate once the stressor is addressed or removed, whereas anxiety can persist over a longer period, impacting overall well-being and functioning.

While stress is a natural response to external pressures or demands, anxiety involves excessive and persistent worry or fear that can interfere with daily life and may not necessarily be linked to a specific stressor. The good news is our counsellors offer support for both stress and anxiety. 

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, often accompanied by a loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to find enjoyable. It can affect how you think, feel, and handle daily activities.

Symptoms of depression can include fatigue, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, and physical discomfort. It may also affect cognitive function, leading to difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things. Emotional symptoms of depression may include feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, irritability, and persistent negative thoughts.

Depression can have significant impacts on daily life, affecting relationships, work or school performance, and overall functioning. It can lead to social withdrawal, decreased productivity, and difficulties in maintaining responsibilities. In severe cases, depression can even lead to thoughts of death or suicide.

It's important to recognize that depression is a common and treatable condition. Seeking support from a mental health professional, such as a counselling therapist, registered social worker, psychotherapist, or psychiatrists, can help you manage symptoms, improve coping strategies, and work towards recovery.

Need Help?

Therapy for Anxiety and Depression

If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, our counselling therapists offer a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Through therapy, you can gain insight into the root causes of your anxiety or depression and learn effective coping strategies to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Our therapists use various evidence-based techniques, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic therapy, psychedelic assisted therapy, talk therapy, interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches tailored to your individual needs and preferences. These techniques can help you challenge negative thought patterns, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and build resilience in the face of stressors.

Reaching out for help is crucial for anyone experiencing anxiety or depression. It's important to remember that these conditions are common and treatable, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Counselling provides a non-judgmental space where individuals can openly discuss their concerns and work collaboratively with a trained professional to develop personalized strategies for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. With the right support and guidance, you can learn to regain control over your mental health and experience greater fulfillment and joy in your daily life.