Escape from that shadow you’ve fallen behind and regain your voice, your joys and your self-worth with a drug-free alternative to depression treatment
Escape from that shadow you’ve fallen behind and regain your voice, your joys and your self-worth with a drug-free alternative to depression treatment
Depression is a widespread mental health condition affecting between 5% to 10% of Canadians at some point in their lives.
This condition manifests itself as a continuous feeling of sadness and a diminished interest or pleasure in activities once found enjoyable or fulfilling. It often leads to changes in sleep patterns and appetite, alongside feelings of fatigue and difficulties with concentration. The impact of depression can persist over time or reoccur, significantly impairing an individual’s functionality and quality of life.
The origins of depression are multifaceted, stemming from a blend of social, psychological, and biological factors. Experiences such as childhood trauma, loss, and joblessness can play a significant role in triggering the onset of depression.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.
More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness and you can’t simply “snap out” of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don’t get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.
Persistent depressive disorder is a continuous, long-term form of depression. You may feel sad and empty, lose interest in daily activities and have trouble getting things done. You may also have low self-esteem, feel like a failure and feel hopeless. These feelings last for years and may interfere with your relationships, school, work and daily activities.
If you have persistent depressive disorder, you may find it hard to be upbeat even on happy occasions. You may be described as having a gloomy personality, constantly complaining or not able to have fun. Persistent depressive disorder is not as severe as major depression, but your current depressed mood may be mild, moderate or severe.
Because persistent depressive disorder is long term, coping with depression symptoms can be challenging. Deep TMS or Ketamine therapy combined with your ongoing talk therapy and medicine can be effective in treating this condition.
Arises when a woman undergoes significant depressive episodes during her pregnancy or following childbirth, known as postpartum depression.
This condition not only affects the mother’s mental health but can also impact her ability to bond with and care for her newborn.
This is a type of depression that fluctuates with the seasons, usually beginning in the late autumn and early winter, then dissipating by the spring and summer months.
This condition not only alters mood and energy levels but also affects daily routines and overall well-being during its active periods.
Psychotic depression is a subtype of major depression that occurs when a severe depressive illness includes some form of psychosis.
The psychosis could be hallucinations (such as hearing a voice telling you that you are no good or worthless), delusions (such as, intense feelings of worthlessness, failure, or having committed a sin) or some other break with reality.
Psychotic depression affects roughly one out of every four people admitted to the hospital for depression.
For individuals facing depression, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a non-invasive alternative. This treatment involves the use of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, often requiring a period to demonstrate effectiveness, akin to antidepressants.
TMS has emerged as a viable option for those with treatment-resistant depression, where traditional medications have not yielded significant improvement.
By directly targeting specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation, TMS can provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms.
Alongside TMS, continuing with oral antidepressants or incorporating additional treatments like ketamine treatments, antipsychotic or anticonvulsant medications, or even unique antidepressants such as bupropion, can further optimize the management of depression.
Ketamine therapy treats depression in a different way than most conventional antidepressants. Ketamine targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which results in increased activity of glutamate in the brain.
Researchers believe this causes creation of new connections between neurons which in turn is believed to allow for new creation of positive thought and behaviour patterns in patients treated with ketamine. Ketamine treatments can be done alone or alongside your other treatment plans such as deep TMS.
Also known as talk therapy or counselling, psychotherapy offers individuals depression strategies for altering their thoughts, behaviours, and routines that fuel their condition.
Conducted by licensed professionals either one-on-one or in groups, key approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are particularly effective.
CBT aids in addressing negative thought patterns and behaviours to mitigate depression and anxiety, incorporating modern techniques such as mindfulness and therapies for specific symptoms like insomnia.
Conversely, IPT centers on the interplay between personal relationships, life events, and mood, aiming to enhance communication skills, build social support, and set realistic expectations to navigate and alleviate depression-contributing factors.
While effective on it’s own psychotherapy can be greatly assisted alongside treatments like TMS and ketamine treatments.
Medications like antidepressants are key in treating depression, usually taking 4 to 8 weeks to show effects, with early improvements in sleep, appetite, and concentration.
For those not responding to two types of antidepressants, treatment-resistant depression options include ketamine, an FDA and Health Canada approved nasal spray showing quick symptom relief.
To maintain improvements, oral antidepressants are often continued.
Adding medications such as antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, or the distinct antidepressant bupropion can also enhance treatment efficacy for resistant depression.
Our dedicated program team is committed to offering you a comprehensive array of specialized, evidence-based interventions tailored to your unique needs.
These include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive method that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain.
Ketamine therapy, which has shown promise for rapid symptom relief in treatment-resistant depression.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a talk therapy that aims to modify negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Nutritional counselling, to support mental health through dietary adjustments; and a variety of other therapeutic approaches.
These treatments can be administered individually or in synergy, depending on what is most effective for your situation.
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