Depression - Are you stuck? Are you tired of being in a rut?
​ 
Reviewed By: Jennifer Peacock-Vauthrin R.P.C. M.P.C.C.
 
To define depression is one thing, to live with it can be debilitating.
 
It is estimated that 15%-20% of the adult population will experience one form or another of depression at some point in their lifetime. Depression maybe caused by one factor alone or a combination of factors. These factors include biological, psychological, and even environmental factors.
 
When one feels a form of stress, the person fully acknowledges the mind and body connection, so to with depression. The mental illness does not discriminate whether the person is a child, adolescent, young adult, adult or senior. It is how we work through theses stages that determine the outcome.
 
Mental health can be triggered by very stressful like situations or other factors as:

• Death of a friend or family member
• Financial difficulties or job loss
• Social isolation
• Relationship conflicts
• Stressful workplace, workload, or prolonged working hours
• Health issues, typically related to chronic health struggles

 
The good news is that depression can be controlled with working with professionals who a) teach psychological tools and b) depending on the severity, prescribing medication.
 
The persons sensitivity of depression includes feelings of being unable to enjoy life, feelings of despair and hopelessness, perpetual crying, unable to think of anything but feelings being very raw and deep, and either overeats or stops eating. One of the many coping mechanisms is to “sleep off” the feelings.
 
When we are so focused on ourselves, it can be easy to forget that there are people that are there to listen, help and provide information of the varying support systems; counsellors, doctors, social workers, facilitated free groups, and keep in mind that there are people who relate to how you are feeling and, in turn, may need you as much as you need them.
 
Although reaching out may feel like the hardest step and scary, I know you can do it. The rest you can get through with connecting with people and specialist that you resonate and have a good rapport with.
 
When you are ready, I am here to listen and speak with. Contact me by phone, email, text. I will guide you and walk the mile with you. Be ready because this experience will increase your confidence, provide you with greater peace of mind and happiness, feeling safer in the world and increase the quality of your life. You may even be able to guide others that are going through similar experiences. I will not only teach you to live outside of the box that you have fallen into but will teach you tools that will free you from the negativity. The rest is up to you.
 
If you’re ready to kick butt then let’s chat! Let’s make this happen. Let’s get you onto the next chapter in your life!!

​
Anxiety - can you relate?

Have you felt your heart rate increasing? Are you feeling panicky? What about sweaty palms, having issues concentrating or constantly feeling anxious? You may have your own tools of trying to calm your mind and body, but it has its hold on you. The only safe place you think is home, where it is safe, and you can avoid the outside world; then bam! The cycle anxiety begins again.

Although anxiety is a normal part of one’s life, when feelings of anxiety and panic overwhelming interfere with the persons daily activities, the person needs help. The thoughts and feelings are difficult to control, fears are amplified, the concern lasts for several hours, and the body experiences uncomfortable physical symptoms.

We all have experienced different levels of anxiety throughout our lives and handle stresses differently. For instance, a family member passes away and a person with anxiety prioritizes the things that must be done – they seem to be completely in control. They are capable and able to take care of others but not necessarily themselves. In many cases, people who experience a traumatic event, either think they can manage on their own or do not seek help from their immediate support system...until the mental state triggers become present. By taking care of ourselves, both mentally and physically, we can work through the causes or triggers. In some cases, with medication.

When anxiety knocks, the person begins to spiral into a deep depression, and their life becomes overwhelming and debilitating. Many of us don’t stop and acknowledge the pain and feelings, we suppress them instead; the person just exists, not living their life.

By avoiding or replacing their anxiety, the anxiety manifests the person into becoming a workaholic, an alcoholic, a gambler, an over achiever, a perfectionist, or in numerous other unhealthy ways. For example, a father will burry himself in his work and lash out at the staff. Why? Because this person feels the traumatic life event feels out of their control. Although that person is making the choice not their own, they will avoid not facing and looking at or within themselves. When we are not looking at the overwhelming stress and the path that brought that us to where they are today, we are not taking advantage of learning tools to assist us to not only feel safe but to also take care of yourself.

Let’s work together to move past this chapter in your life, and on to the next.  Book your FREE consult today.
​
Call, text, or email me: 604-315-2440 or jennifer@soulutionscounselling.com