Therapy for Depression: Understanding Symptoms and Treatments

What is depression?

Depression, or depressive disorder, is a common mental health condition involving persistent and long periods of low moods, loss of interest and pleasure in things/activities that normally interest you, and feelings of hopelessness. While feeling blue or low at certain times is a regular part of life, clinical depression is different in that the low mood and loss of interest and pleasure are persistent for two weeks or more, cause significant distress or impairment in everyday functioning, and involve a combination of other symptoms. 

What are depression symptoms?

Common depression symptoms include:

• Persistent low moods

• Loss of interest and pleasure in all things or things that usually bring interest/pleasure

• Difficulty waking up or difficulty sleeping

• Fatigue and exhaustion

• Loss of mental clarity, including brain fog and difficulty concentrating

• Losing track of time or struggling against the flow of time

• Low self-worth

• Feelings of shame and worthlessness

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Suicidal thoughts

What's it like to live with depression?

Living with depression can feel like living in a grey fog, where everything takes too much effort than it should, life feels dull and meaningless, and you can’t see a way out. It can feel like trying to move through the world carrying this enormous weight that only you can see and feel. Depression is more than just feeling sad and disengaged – it can affect your mental, emotional, physical, social, occupational and spiritual well-being. Sometimes, everyday tasks such as getting out of bed, taking a shower or replying to a message can feel like massive demands which we don’t have the energy or motivation to fulfill. You might feel disconnected from others, exhausted no matter how much you rest, experience a sense of emptiness or feel stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts.

Your experience of depression could look different to that of others due to differences in biology, environment and situational factors/influences, but know that it is valid and real and worth seeking support for.  

Depression can often colour our view of ourselves, others and the world, which often manifests as the following emotions:

• Worthlessness – A deep-seated belief that no matter what you do, you will never be good enough. It can affect your self-esteem and lead to feelings of guilt and shame of not being able to “pull yourself out” of this struggle. Thoughts such as “I don’t matter” or “I am a burden to others” can be overwhelming and hinder us from seeking support.

• Hopelessness – The belief that the future will be just as dark as the present and that things will never improve. Thoughts like “What’s the point of trying?” or “Nothing will get better” can make everyday tasks feel meaningless, and the possibility of change seem impossible.

• Helplessness – Feeling stuck and like nothing you do can make a difference. It can show up as thoughts like “I have no control over my life” or “Even if I wanted to feel better, I wouldn’t know how”. This can make it incredibly hard to seek help or take small steps towards healing. 

What type of therapy is best for depression?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating depression because each person’s experiences, challenges, and needs are unique. The most effective therapy is one that feels right for you—one that aligns with your comfort, preferences, and goals.

Some therapeutic approaches focus on managing symptoms and making practical behavioral changes, while others explore deeper emotional patterns, past experiences, or future goals. In some cases, a combination of therapy and medication may be beneficial. The right approach depends on factors such as the severity and intensity of your symptoms, their frequency, the impact they have on your daily life and whether you’re looking for present-focused strategies, deeper exploration of the past, or future-oriented growth.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help you recognize and reframe the core beliefs and associated thought patterns that are unhelpful and contribute to depression. Various behavioural exercises that encourage small, yet intentional actions (scheduling enjoyable activities) can boost your mood and rebuild motivation. Another associated therapeutic modality, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) can be useful for addressing unhelpful coping mechanisms such as self-harm, emotional dysregulation, substance dependence or thoughts about not wanting to live. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) adopts a more value-based approach to your healing instead of focusing solely on symptom eradication. It allows you to make space for and accept the difficult experiences and choose actions that are aligned to and move you closer to your personal goals. This approach can help celebrate your resilience and reclaim control over your thoughts, emotions and actions. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on strengthening relationships, creating robust social supports and rebuilding a sense of belongingness that can play a key role in recovery as depression can often leave us feeling isolated, withdrawn or lonely. Therapies like Psychodynamic Therapy and Internal Family systems (IFS) aim to delve deeper and can help explore past experiences and unconscious patterns and parts of self that influence your current thoughts, emotions and behaviours, while fostering self-understanding and self-compassion to promote well-being and emotion regulation. These approaches can help you process unresolved emotions and lessen their influence in present life.

The most important thing is to find an approach that supports your healing. If something isn’t working for you, it’s okay to revisit the conversation with your therapist or care provider and explore other options. Therapy should be a space that meets you where you are and evolves with your needs.

What does therapy for depression look like?

Your therapist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan, but generally, therapy for depression will include the following:

•  Information gathering to understand your unique experience, including identifying underlying causes, triggers, and patterns that contribute to your depression.

•  Reframing unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about yourself, others and the world

• Re-engaging in activities that are meaningful and enjoyable to break the cycle of inactivity and low mood

• Learning skills for managing difficult emotions

• A whole lot of self-compassion

• Ongoing monitoring of your symptoms and progress and celebrating all wins – big and small alike. 

If you aren’t sure which therapy is the best for you to start with, our team of therapists are here to guide you. We all practice from an integrative perspective to treat anxiety, which means that your therapist will work with you to understand your unique situation, guide you on which treatment or combination of treatments are best suited for you, and work with you on an individualized treatment plan. 

How long does depression take to treat?

Healing from depression isn’t linear, and there’s no set timeline - it’s different for everyone. Some people start to feel better within a few weeks of therapy, while others may need longer-term support. Factors like the severity of symptoms, past experiences, and personal goals all play a role in the healing process.

What’s important to remember is that progress is possible. Small steps matter, even on days when it feels like nothing is changing. With the right support, you can find relief, reconnect with yourself, and rebuild a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

Regardless of which treatment you start with, seeking therapy for depression can help you to better cope with and even experience freedom from your symptoms. Build momentum in your healing journey and take that first step by scheduling a free initial consultation with a therapist on our team, or reach out to our Intake Coordinator to be matched with a suitable therapist.