Depression is a mental state of low mood and there are several subtypes of depression, but major depressive disorder is the one that's usually intended. It is expected to be the number one cause of disease burden worldwide by 2030. The term major depressive disorder was first used in the 1970s and the disorder was added to the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders known as the DSM in the 1980s.
Depression can quietly infiltrate every part of your life—dimming your interests, disrupting your emotions, and straining your relationships. Maybe you find yourself crying easily, feeling numb, or getting angry over small things. Perhaps you distance yourself from loved ones, even when you need their support the most. If any of this resonates with you, know that you're not alone. Struggling with depression doesn’t mean something is wrong with you—it simply means you may need support and depression help to start feeling like yourself again.
While some people experience depression after a major life event, like a divorce or the loss of a loved one, others develop symptoms without a clear cause. At Cognizant Psychotherapy, we recognize that depression can stem from a variety of sources—stress, genetics, brain chemistry, medications, or other health issues. Our team is here to guide you with compassionate, personalized therapy for depression tailored to your unique situation, helping you regain control and rediscover hope.
Depression, also called major depressive disorder, is a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily life. It’s more than just feeling sad or having a rough day—depression lasts longer and can interfere with everyday activities like sleeping, eating, or working.
Depression can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or background. It can develop for different reasons, including a mix of genetics, changes in brain chemistry, stressful life events, or personal health struggles.
Depression isn’t something you can just “snap out of.” It’s a medical condition that needs proper care and support. The good news is, with the right treatment, people with depression can feel better and enjoy life again.
Not everyone experiences depression the same way, but some common signs include:
These symptoms can look different depending on your age or gender. For example, men might seem more angry or take more risks, while women might feel more tired, sad, or withdrawn, especially around major life changes like pregnancy or menopause.
Depression is more than just feeling down for a few days — it's a real health condition that can affect your thoughts, emotions, and day-to-day life. The good news is that it can be treated, and many people start feeling better with the right help.
The first step is to consult with a doctor or mental health professional. They can help figure out if you’re dealing with depression and what kind of support you need. Sometimes, other health issues can cause similar symptoms, so getting a proper check-up is important.
Depression therapy helps people understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and teaches ways to cope and manage stress. One common approach is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps you change negative thought patterns.
Some people benefit from antidepressant medications. It can take a few weeks to feel the full effects, and your doctor will work with you to find what works best.
If depression doesn’t get better with regular treatment, there are other options. Brain stimulation therapies like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may help in more serious or treatment-resistant cases. These are done under professional care in a medical setting.
Alongside professional help, small daily habits can make a big difference. Try to:
Even small changes can support your recovery and make depression therapy more effective.
Depression can be treated through evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which help you manage negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Cognizant Psychotherapy provides accessible support to improve your emotional wellbeing and regain a sense of balance in daily life.
We support many forms of depression, including:
Each person’s experience is different, so we tailor therapy to your needs.
In each session, you’ll talk with a therapist about how you're feeling and what’s been going on. You’ll work together on goals, learn new ways to cope, and build skills to manage your mood. Sessions are private, respectful, and judgement-free.
Yes. All our therapists are certified mental health professionals with training and experience in treating different kinds of depression. Many use approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is proven to help.
Session prices vary depending on the cases and therapist. We aim to offer options that are affordable and flexible for different budgets.
Yes. All sessions are 100% confidential. We follow Canadian privacy laws and use secure, encrypted platforms to keep your information safe.
Yes. You can book therapy sessions online through video, phone, or chat — whatever works best for you. It's a convenient way to get support from home, especially if you’re in a remote area or prefer privacy.
Yes, the IFHP covers mental health services, including therapy for depression, provided by physicians and licensed allied health professionals such as clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, or counselling therapists.