Welcome to Ontario Psychotherapy Center

Depression involves a persistently depressed mood or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time. It is different from the regular mood changes and emotional reactions that occur in everyday life. Depression is a common mental health condition. Globally, an estimated 5.7% of adults experience depression at any given time.

During a depressive episode, a person may experience:

• Depressed mood (feeling sad, irritable, or empty)
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities they usually enjoy

A depressive episode is not the same as normal mood fluctuations. Symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.

Other symptoms may include:

• Poor concentration
• Excessive guilt or low self-worth
• Hopelessness about the future
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Disrupted sleep
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Feeling very tired or low in energy

Depression can cause significant impairment in daily functioning and, in severe cases, may lead to suicide. Women are affected more often than men, reflecting a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. 

Although no single gene is known to directly cause depression, recent research has identified a pathogenic variant in the GRIN2A gene that is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of developing mental health disorders beginning in childhood or adolescence. These may include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, or combinations of these conditions.

Treatment and Support:

There are effective treatments for mild, moderate, and severe depression.

We offer psychological therapy which are the first-line intervention for depression which can help you learn new ways of thinking, coping, and relating to others. For moderate to severe depression, psychological treatments may be combined with antidepressant medications. Antidepressants are not usually needed for mild depression. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, seeking care early is important.

Research shows psychotherapy has a significant positive impact on not only reducing depressive symptoms but by improving general quality of life including physical health. Support is available at Ontario Psychotherapy Center, and treatment can significantly improve quality of life. 

You can schedule an initial session to learn more about what path of treatment would be best for you. Once we have done the assessment we can let you know whether referral to a psychiatrist for medication would be necessary.