Therapy for Depression

What is Depression?​

Depression is more than sadness. It can affect how you think, feel, and function day to day — sometimes showing up as emptiness, fatigue, or even irritability rather than tears. You might feel stuck, numb, or like life has lost its colour.

​

In Canada, depression is one of the most common mental health concerns. Statistics Canada reports that about 1 in 10 Canadians experience symptoms of depression in any given year, with rates highest among young adults aged 15 to 24. Many people describe it as a “quiet” illness that affects motivation, relationships, and self-worth — even when things look okay on the outside.

​

Therapy offers a compassionate space to explore what’s happening beneath the surface and begin creating meaningful change

​

What are the Symptoms of Depression?​

Depression can look different for everyone, but some common experiences include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

• Fatigue, low energy, or changes in sleep or appetite

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities

• Thoughts of giving up or feeling like things will never improve

 

If you’ve been experiencing several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, therapy can be an important first step toward recovery.

​

Why Causes Depression?​

Depression can develop for many reasons — sometimes a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors. You might have a genetic predisposition, experience ongoing stress or loss, or feel weighed down by perfectionism, self-criticism, or burnout.

​

Sometimes depression appears after a major life change (like the end of a relationship, moving, or starting a new job). Other times, it builds slowly over time as emotional exhaustion sets in.

​

Whatever the cause, depression isn’t a personal weakness — it’s a signal that your mind and body need care, rest, and support.

​

When Should I Seek Therapy For Depression?​​

It can be hard to know when to reach out for help — especially when low mood makes everything feel harder. You may benefit from therapy if you:

• Feel sad, flat, or numb most days

• Have lost interest or motivation in things you once enjoyed

• Struggle to get out of bed, eat regularly, or keep up with daily responsibilities

• Feel disconnected from others or find yourself withdrawing socially

• Notice strong self-criticism or hopeless thoughts

• Feel like life has lost its sense of purpose or direction

 

Reaching out for help doesn’t mean you’re broken — it means you’re ready to take care of yourself in a new way.

​

How Can Reclaim Psychotherapy Help?​

At Reclaim Psychotherapy, we use evidence-based, compassionate approaches to help you understand and work through depression — not just by managing symptoms, but by addressing the underlying causes and rebuilding connection to your values.

​

Our therapists draw from modalities such as:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps identify negative thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced, supportive thoughts.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on helping you take small, meaningful actions toward the life you want — even when motivation feels low.

• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT): Supports emotional awareness and expression, helping you connect with your needs and inner experience.

• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): Encourages self-kindness and reduces the self-criticism that often fuels depression.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT): Builds presence and calm, helping you break the cycle of rumination and overthinking.

 

Therapy is tailored to your pace and needs — whether you want practical tools to manage symptoms or a space to explore deeper emotional healing.

​

​