Depression
Finding light through darkness
When low mood becomes something more.
Depression is one of the most common and most misunderstood mental health conditions. It is not simply feeling sad or going through a difficult time — it is a clinical condition that affects how you think, feel, function and experience the world. Depression can make even the most ordinary tasks feel impossible and can quietly erode your sense of self, your relationships and your quality of life.
Depression does not always look the way people expect. It can present as persistent emptiness rather than sadness, as irritability rather than tears, as exhaustion rather than visible distress. Many people with depression continue to function — going to work, maintaining relationships, appearing fine to others — while privately struggling in ways that feel invisible and isolating.
At Karasick Psychology we provide thorough assessment and evidence-based treatment for depression across its many presentations — from a first episode to longstanding, treatment-resistant or recurrent depression.
Symptoms
Does this sound familiar?
Emotional & Cognitive
▪ Persistent low mood, emptiness or hopelessness
▪ Loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed
▪ Feelings of worthlessness, guilt or self-blame
▪ Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
▪ Negative thinking patterns that feel impossible to shift
▪ Thoughts of death or suicide
Physical & Behavioural
▪ Fatigue and loss of energy even after rest
▪ Changes in sleep — insomnia or sleeping too much
▪ Changes in appetite or weight
▪ Withdrawing from people and activities
▪ Irritability or restlessness
▪ Moving or speaking more slowly than usual
Depression Types
Depression presents differently depending on the type and individual.
Major Depressive Disorder
Characterised by one or more major depressive episodes — periods of at least two weeks where depressive symptoms are present most of the day, nearly every day. MDD significantly impairs functioning and quality of life.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Previously known as Dysthymia. A chronic, lower grade depression lasting two years or more. Often overlooked because it becomes normalised — many people assume feeling this way is simply who they are rather than recognising it as a treatable condition.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Characterised by severe mood symptoms — depression, anxiety, irritability and emotional sensitivity — in the week before menstruation that resolve shortly after the period begins. PMDD significantly affects quality of life and is distinct from typical PMS.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
A pattern of depressive episodes that follow a seasonal pattern — most commonly occurring in autumn and winter and remitting in spring. SAD is more than the winter blues and can significantly impair functioning during affected months.
Postpartum Depression
Depression occurring after the birth of a child — more severe and longer lasting than the baby blues. Postpartum depression affects the parent’s ability to function and connect with their baby and requires professional support.
Treatment-Resistant Depression
Depression that has not responded adequately to one or more courses of treatment. Treatment-resistant depression requires thorough reassessment of diagnosis, contributing factors and treatment approach — and responds well to a comprehensive, individualized plan.
Treatment
Evidence-based care that addresses the root of depression.
Depression is highly treatable — and the right treatment makes a profound difference. At Karasick Psychology we provide evidence-based therapy tailored to your specific presentation, history and goals. We draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which has the strongest evidence base for depression — addressing the thought patterns, behaviours and beliefs that maintain and deepen depressive episodes.
Biofeedback is integrated where appropriate to support nervous system regulation, improve sleep and build the physiological resilience that underpins emotional wellbeing. Treatment is collaborative and paced to you — with clear goals and regular review to ensure therapy is working.
Treatment begins with a thorough intake to understand the nature, history and impact of your depression. From there we work collaboratively to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Most clients begin to notice meaningful improvement within 8-16 sessions though this varies depending on the nature and duration of depression.
A note on suicide
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm are a serious symptom of depression that deserve immediate attention. If you are having these thoughts please know that you are not alone and that help is available. Reach out to us directly or contact a crisis service in your area.
If you are in immediate danger please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline — call or text 988 — available 24/7 across Canada in English and French
Distress Centre Calgary — call 403-266-4357 — 24/7 crisis support, counselling and referrals
Distress Line Edmonton — call 780-482-4357 — 24/7 crisis support
Alberta Mental Health Help Line — call 1-877-303-2642 — confidential crisis intervention and information
Kids Help Phone — call or text 1-800-668-6868 — 24/7 support for youth under 22
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line — call 1-855-242-3310 — culturally competent support 24/7