Depression

In today’s fast-paced world, depression affects millions, making it crucial to have a supportive and understanding environment to support you. When faced with depression, life can start feeling quite heavy and challenging. You may start feeling disconnected from yourself and unsure how to move forward… we get it.

At The Balanced Practice, we believe that addressing your mental health really matters. You matter. We are here to support you in addressing your current challenges so that you can live a fulfilled and connected life. Living with depression is not easy, however, we believe you deserve support to manage and overcome your mental health challenges.

Depression is the most common mood disorder and is usually considered to be a chronic mental health disorder (although acute episodes of depression also occur). There are different types of depression, such as:

• Major depressive disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Dysthymia
• Postpartum depression
• Psychotic depression

The most common type is major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression.

Depression is a mood disorder that can impact both your mental and physical health. Some of the most common symptoms of depression are:

• feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anger,
• loss of interest or pleasure in things previously enjoyed
• lack of energy
• sleep disturbance
• chronic pain

Depression can be very debilitating and may lead to difficulties with daily functioning (such as ability to work). Although depression often requires long term treatment, it is manageable, and many folks report that their symptoms improve with psychotherapy and counseling.

Depression is not a choice. No one chooses to have depression and it is not personal failure. You deserve to have the right support.

• Depression and anxiety often overlap, and it is common to experience both concurrently.
• Depression is typically caused by a combination of genetic, psychological, social, and neurological factors. One thing is clear though, it is not your fault, and you did not choose this.
• Depression can impact folks of all genders, ages, and cultural backgrounds.
• It is very common to experience depression when suffering from an eating disorder or disordered eating.

It is very common for individuals struggling with depression to struggle with disordered eating as well. The relationship between food and depression is bidirectional, meaning that depression can impact our food intake (restriction or overeating) and our food intake can definitely impact our mental health.

This is why The Balanced Practice uses a food-body-mind approach when it comes to managing depression. Whether you have an eating disorder, struggle with disordered eating, have mood related appetite changes, or body image concerns, our team is here to help you address these issues concurrently while supporting you with your depression.

Managing your depression is possible with the right treatment and support. Your experience with depression is unique, and your treatment needs to reflect your uniqueness. There is no one-size-fits all to your mental health.

At The Balanced Practice, we believe in a client centered and comprehensive approach to your mental health. The initial stage of treatment for depression starts with building trust and alliance with your therapist. Your therapist will get to know you and support you in exploring ways to reach your personal goals.

The therapists at The Balanced Practice use an integrative approach to care which means that they combine different therapeutic modalities based on your needs. Our therapists are trained in a variety of modalities that are used to treat depression.

Note: As mentioned above, sometimes mental health challenges can impact the physical body and our relationship with food. In this case, your therapist may suggest working with a dietitian at TBP in conjunction with accessing therapy to ensure that you are receiving the best care.

At The Balanced Practice, we work from a weight inclusive, anti-carceral, evidence-based, lived experience informed and collaborative approach. You are at the center of care, always. We aim to create a space where you can feel seen, heard, understood, and empowered to achieve your treatment goals.

You don’t have to walk through your mental health journey alone- we are here to help you and be your support system along the way.