Depression Therapy in Port Coquitlam
A Clinical Definition of Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad—it’s a persistent mood disorder that affects how you think, feel, and function. Clinically, it’s characterized by feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, and a lack of energy that lasts for weeks or longer. It can range from mild to severe and often requires professional support to manage.
Read More: The Truth about Depression and Mental Health
Symptoms of Depression
Emotional: Persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability.
Physical: Fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and unexplained aches.
Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details.
Behavioural: Withdrawing from social activities or losing interest in hobbies.
How Depression Can Show Up in Your Life
Depression can quietly take over your life, showing up as:
Struggling to get out of bed or complete daily tasks, even at work.
Feeling disconnected from friends, family, or activities you once loved.
A constant sense of guilt or worthlessness, no matter what you achieve.
Physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues with no clear cause.
What Depression Actually Feels Like (Beyond the Stereotypes)
Clinically, depression involves persistent sadness, loss of interest, or hopelessness lasting weeks or months. But labels don’t capture the daily reality. Depression is…
Emotional Numbness
You don’t just feel “sad” – you feel empty, disconnected from the people and hobbies you once loved. Laughter feels forced. Joy seems out of reach.
Physical Heaviness
Your body aches without cause. Getting out of bed feels like moving through cement. Fatigue clings to you, even after hours of sleep.
Mental Static
Concentrating feels impossible. Decisions – even small ones, like what to eat – overwhelm you. Your inner voice whispers, “What’s the point?”
Isolation
You cancel plans, withdraw from loved ones, and hide behind “I’m fine” because explaining the pain feels too exhausting.
Are You Ready to Move Past These Symptoms?
Depression can make it hard to see a way forward, but healing is possible. At Serenity Counselling, we provide a safe space to explore your feelings, develop coping tools, and rediscover joy.
Ready to take the first step?—Book a free consultation.
Why “Snap Out of It” Hurts (And What Actually Helps)
If you’ve heard well-meaning advice like “just exercise more” or “think happy thoughts,” you know how isolating that feels. Depression isn’t laziness or a lack of willpower – it’s a complex battle that requires compassion, not judgment.
How Depression Therapy Creates Change
Uncover the Roots
We’ll explore what fuels your depression – unresolved grief, chronic stress, biological factors, or unprocessed trauma – so healing goes deeper than surface-level fixes.
Rebuild Connection
Depression thrives in isolation. Therapy offers a safe space to be heard without shame, helping you reconnect with yourself and others.
Small Steps, Big Shifts
Learn to challenge the “I’m worthless” narrative and set achievable goals, like cooking a meal or texting a friend, to rebuild confidence slowly.
Restore Your Body-Mind Balance
Address sleep issues, low energy, or appetite changes with somatic techniques and mindfulness to help your body recover alongside your mind.
Depression Doesn’t Get the Final Say
Healing isn’t about “being happy all the time.” It’s about:
Waking up with a little more energy to face the day.
Rediscovering moments of connection – a shared smile & a warm coffee
Trusting that the fog will lift, even if it takes time.