Anxiety and Depression Therapy in Oakville
Anxiety and depression are both mental health conditions that can occur separately or together. They share some common symptoms, but they also have distinct characteristics.
Anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness, often—but not always—in response to specific triggers or situations. Physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling are also commonly associated with anxiety.
Depression, on the other hand, is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. It can also cause physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue.
For many clients, depression and anxiety appear alongside each other to create a dual mental health concern. In fact, studies show that people who are diagnosed with depression are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder, and vice versa. In these cases, a simple way to differentiate the two is to note that anxiety typically involves a negative view of the future, while depression often involves a negative view of the past. Both conditions can have a significant impact on a person's emotional and physical well-being, and can make it difficult for them to function in their daily lives.
Treatment for anxiety and depression often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. One common way which we use to provide anxiety and depression therapy in Oakville is through a narrative therapy lens. This approach involves therapists working with clients to help identify the dominant stories that the client is living by, which may be causing or exacerbating the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The therapist may help the client to externalize these problems, by giving them a name or "voice" and by helping the client to see that these problems are not a part of who they are but rather something that is impacting them. This can help the client to gain a sense of distance from the problem and to see that they have more agency in the situation.
