Anxiety can range from mild everyday stress to a chronic state of unease and restlessness. This constant state of being “on edge” is also known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. While a certain amount of anxiety is unavoidable in life, if the amount of stress outweighs one’s ability to cope with it, then this becomes an unmanageable condition causing undue distress in life. There are many treatments for anxiety, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), stress reduction, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness training.
Depression
Many people experience feelings of sadness and unhappiness as part of life’s normal routine. However, getting “stuck” in these emotions for months or even years can be a sign of clinical depression. Symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:
- Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- General feeling of being discontent with life
- Unable to experience joy or pleasure in activities
My approach as a psychologist aims not merely at symptom management, but also at exploring the underlying issues and conflicts that contribute to depression. This approach focuses on the root causes of depression to help ensure lasting change and improvement in your quality of life.