• Contact Now Request an Appointment

    19978 72 ave Suite 304 | Langley, BC V2Y 1R7
    office@klassentherapy.com | 778-240-5794

  • Kristen Klassen

    My WordPress Blog

    • Home
    • About Us
      • About Dr. Kevin Klassen
      • About Roshni
    • Services Provided
      • Individual Counselling
      • Couples Counselling
        • Emotion Focused Couples Therapy
      • Neurofeedback
    • Getting Started
      • Fees
      • Client Forms
      • Appointment Request
    • Contact
      • Counselling Office Location
      • Office Hours
    • Blog

    Am I Sad or Depressed?

    March 14, 2023

    Into each life a little rain must fall is a way of saying every one of us will experience sadness in our lifetime. It is completely normal and natural. But there are some people who feel something deeper and darker than sadness, and they may feel this way despite there being no triggering event such […]

    Read More

    Am I Sad or Depressed?

    March 14, 2023

    Into each life a little rain must fall is a way of saying every one of us will experience sadness in our lifetime. It is completely normal and natural. But there are some people who feel something deeper and darker than sadness, and they may feel this way despite there being no triggering event such as the loss of a loved one. 

    So how can we tell the difference between sadness and depression?

    Sadness versus Depression: The Real Difference?

    As I just mentioned, sadness is a normal reaction to a difficult event in our life. We may feel sad because of a breakup or from losing a loved one or from leaving our friends after graduation. In other words, we feel sadness about something.

    Depression, on the other hand, affects not only our emotions but also how we act and perceive the world. Depression does not require a triggering event. In fact, when we’re depressed, we tend to feel upset about any- and everything.

    Depression clouds our entire lives. When we’re depressed, nothing feels as enjoyable or worthwhile as it once did. In short, we simply feel less alive.

    Symptoms of Depression

    To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must be diagnosed with at least five of the following common symptoms for a continual duration of at least two weeks:

    • An irritable or depressed mood 
    • A decreased interest in once enjoyable activities
    • Changes in weight or appetite
    • Changes in our sleep patterns
    • Feeling sluggish most days; having a lack of energy and motivation
    • Feelings of worthlessness
    • Trouble focusing or concentrating
    • Suicidal ideation

    If you or a loved one are experiencing depressed, it is very important to reach out for help from a trained mental health therapist. Depression robs you of your life, purpose and happiness, but there are strategies to break free and find joy once again.

    I would be happy to discuss some treatment options with you. Please give my office a call.

    SOURCES:

    https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-vs-sadness

    https://screening.mhanational.org/content/am-i-depressed-or-just-sad/

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201510/the-important-difference-between-sadness-and-depression

    Filed Under: Depression, sadness

    Self-Care: Holding Onto Good Mental Health After The Seasonal Depression

    November 20, 2022

    Seasonal depression, also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), refers to a type of depression that relates to changes in the seasons. Most people with SAD feel symptoms come on in the fall and generally feel them all through the winter. Symptoms, which include lethargy, sadness, and general depression, usually dissipate once spring arrives. […]

    Read More

    Self-Care: Holding Onto Good Mental Health After The Seasonal Depression

    November 20, 2022

    Seasonal depression, also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), refers to a type of depression that relates to changes in the seasons. Most people with SAD feel symptoms come on in the fall and generally feel them all through the winter. Symptoms, which include lethargy, sadness, and general depression, usually dissipate once spring arrives.

     

    With the warmer months here, it’s a great time to get into some healthy mental habits, so you’ll be ready to fight the blues come fall. Here are some ways you can hold onto your good mental health all year long:

     

    Stay Physically Active 

     

    Inactivity can definitely worsen depression symptoms. And several recent studies suggest people who exercise regularly have better mental health than those who do not. One of the best habits to get into is to ensure you move your body every day, even if that means going for a walk around the neighborhood.

     

    If you live in an area of the country that experiences cold, snowy winters, think about taking up a fun activity like skiing or snowshoeing. If that’s just not your thing, consider getting a treadmill, stationary bike or mini trampoline for your home.

     

    Reduce Social Media Use 

     

    Social media is fun once in a while and a way for us to stay connected to others. But too much social media use has been shown to cause mental health issues. Be sure to limit your social media use to only 30 – 60 minutes a day.

     

    Take Up a Hobby 

     

    Doing something you really enjoy is obviously great for your mental health. But so many people feel they are too busy with work and family responsibilities. Make time! Learn to paint or play an instrument. Take salsa lessons or start writing that novel you’ve always dreamed about.

     

    Relax More Often 

     

    Chronic stress is a killer. It can cause the development of diseases such as heart disease and cancer. At the very least, chronic stress will dysregulate your nervous system, which will then cause a depression.

     

    Take time every week to check out and destress. Get a massage, take a long hot bath, sit in a sauna, or just lie in the hammock in your backyard.

     

    You may also want to consider working with a mental health specialist so you always have someone to freely talk with about whatever’s bothering you. If you find your therapist now, you will have formed a relationship come fall when the blues tend to settle back in.

     

    If you’d like to learn more about treatment options, please feel free to reach out to me.

     

    SOURCES: 

     

    • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651 
    • https://www.powerofpositivity.com/improve-mental-health-habits/ 
    • https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health 

    Filed Under: Depression

    Do You Know the Signs of Someone Who is Suicidal?

    November 19, 2022

    According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, over 47,000 people died by suicide in the United States in 2017. In the same year, there were an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts. Knowing the signs of suicide is the primary step in preventing someone you know and love from successfully taking their own life. The Warning […]

    Read More

    Do You Know the Signs of Someone Who is Suicidal?

    November 19, 2022

    According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, over 47,000 people died by suicide in the United States in 2017. In the same year, there were an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts.

    Knowing the signs of suicide is the primary step in preventing someone you know and love from successfully taking their own life.

    The Warning Signs of Suicide

    Hopelessness

    Many individuals who are contemplating ending their own life experience and express feelings of hopelessness.

    Other Strong Emotions

    Suicidal people may also experience and express excessive anger and rage and talk about seeking some kind of revenge.

    Risky Behavior

    People who are thinking about ending their own life start showing signs of risky behavior. Since their lives are not valuable in their own eyes, they may engage in certain behaviors, not caring about the consequences. This can be drinking and driving, experimenting with hard drug use, and spending time in unsafe parts of town.

    Isolation

    Have you noticed your loved one withdrawing from friends and family and isolating themselves more?

    Trouble Sleeping

    Suicidal individuals often experience great anxiety that causes them to suffer from insomnia. Has your loved one been complaining of not sleeping? Are they taking medication for sleep issues?

    The above are warning signs that your loved one may be experiencing a deep depression that needs attention.

    The following are three signs that your loved one needs some help IMMEDIATELY:

    They’ve Come Right Out and Said It

    Your loved one has actually verbalized a desire to harm themselves or kill themselves.

    You’ve Discovered A Plan

    You have somehow come to know that your loved one is actively planning their suicide by stocking pills or getting their hands on a weapon.

    They Have Become Obsessed with Death

    Many suicidal people, especially teenagers, begin talking or writing more and more about death or suicide in a positive light.

    How You Can Help

    Talking to someone you love about suicide can feel uncomfortable. You may be worried that by merely talking about it, you will somehow inspire the act. This just isn’t so.

    Speaking with a loved one who is suicidal allows them to discuss openly their feelings and desire to end their life. Just opening up to someone who is supportive and non-judgmental can assist them in recognizing their need to get some help from a trained therapist.

    For immediate help, please call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.

    Filed Under: Depression, General, Self-Esteem

    October is National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month

    October 13, 2022

    October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, a time when clinicians and their communities come together to spread awareness and combat mental illness. By working together, we can all promote the importance of mental health screenings while reducing the stigma associated with mental health illnesses.   Common Symptoms of Depression   The following […]

    Read More

    October is National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month

    October 13, 2022

    October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, a time when clinicians and their communities come together to spread awareness and combat mental illness. By working together, we can all promote the importance of mental health screenings while reducing the stigma associated with mental health illnesses.

     

    Common Symptoms of Depression

     

    The following are some of the most common symptoms of depression. If you or someone you love has been experiencing one or more of these nearly every day for at least two weeks, it’s a sign you or they may be suffering from depression:

     

    • Persistent sadness or anxiety
    • Feeling hopeless
    • Irritability
    • Loss of interest in hobbies
    • Decreased energy or fatigue
    • Becoming more and more isolated
    • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
    • Difficulty sleeping
    • Loss of appetite
    • Thoughts of death or suicide

     

    What Clinicians are Doing

     

    It’s common for people battling depression to feel worse during the holidays. That’s one reason why the month of October was chosen as the awareness month; because it gives people plenty of lead time to get help before the festivities hit.

     

    During this time, many clinicians, hospitals, and mental health facilities will either reduce or completely waive the fees for mental health screenings. This makes it far easier for those individuals who believe they may be suffering from depression to receive an affordable and accurate diagnosis.

     

    What Can You Do?

     

    If you or someone you love is suffering from depression, it’s important to get screened. After your screening, a qualified practitioner will discuss a treatment plan with you that may include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

     

    If you are someone who has recovered from depression, it’s a wonderful idea to share your journey with others if you feel comfortable doing so. Often when people are struggling with their own darkness, knowing someone has walked through to the other side and is living once again in the light, can offer hope and encouragement.

     

    If you or someone you love is interested in speaking with a trained therapist, please reach out to me. I would be happy to discuss how I might help.

     

    SOURCES:

     

    • https://www.naccho.org/blog/articles/national-depression-and-mental-health-screening-month-provides-opportunities-for-local-health-departments
    • https://www.rtor.org/2020/10/08/national-depression-and-mental-health-screening-month/
    • https://www.chconline.org/october-is-national-depression-and-mental-health-screening-month/

    Filed Under: Depression, mental health awareness

    The Importance of Community for Your Mental Health

    September 8, 2022

    Our mental health significantly impacts our quality of life, so it makes sense that we would want to do all we can to improve it. This may include things like eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough quality sleep each night.   But there is something else that greatly influences our mental health and that […]

    Read More

    The Importance of Community for Your Mental Health

    September 8, 2022

    Our mental health significantly impacts our quality of life, so it makes sense that we would want to do all we can to improve it. This may include things like eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough quality sleep each night.

     

    But there is something else that greatly influences our mental health and that is a community and a sense of belonging. Human beings are wired for connection. When we feel connected to others, we feel loved and supported. Friends can often help alleviate the stress in our life because our friends are there for us to lean on.

     

    If you have been feeling alone and isolated, here are some ways you can find your own community and begin to connect with others:

     

    Go with What Interests You

     

    What activities and hobbies do you have? You may want to join a book club or take a painting lesson. If you’re athletic or used to playing a sport in school, maybe you could join a local team. You’ll no doubt find it easier to connect with others who enjoy doing the same things you do.

     

    Volunteer

     

    Being of service to others is highly rewarding, and volunteering is also a great way to connect with others who share similar values. What causes do you feel passionate about? What charities do you support? Check out their website or give them a call to see what volunteering opportunities they may have available.

     

    Connect with Something Bigger Than Yourself

     

    Do you have a particular religion or spiritual practice you connect with? Maybe it’s time to get back to your church or try taking that meditation class you’ve been thinking about. Is there a political cause that speaks to your heart? Helping others reach a meaningful goal can be a great way to find purpose in your own life.

     

    Humans are not meant to be alone. We need to socialize. If you have been feeling down, now’s the time to go out and make some new connections.

     

    And if you’ve been dealing with depression and anxiety for some time and could use someone to talk to, please give me a call.

     

    SOURCES:

     

    • https://nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2019/The-Importance-of-Community-and-Mental-Health
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-mild-cognitive-impairment/201606/the-health-benefits-socializing
    • https://dailylife.com/article/7-ways-your-friendships-improve-your-mental-health

    Filed Under: Depression

    Benefits of a Mental Health Day from Work or School

    July 9, 2021

    We’ve all had those days when the alarm goes off and we lie in bed, feeling depleted of our energy, and maybe even our good mood. We think to ourselves, “I’m not really sick, but I just need a break from real life today.” While taking a sick day is common when you are feeling […]

    Read More

    Benefits of a Mental Health Day from Work or School

    July 9, 2021

    We’ve all had those days when the alarm goes off and we lie in bed, feeling depleted of our energy, and maybe even our good mood. We think to ourselves, “I’m not really sick, but I just need a break from real life today.” While taking a sick day is common when you are feeling physically unwell, what’s not as common – but perhaps should be – is taking a mental health day when you are feeling mentally and emotionally unwell.

    Now many, if not most, companies do offer their employees personal days with no questions asked. But many people save these days for what seems like real-life emergencies. They feel guilty if they use one of these days to simply rest and relax their mind.

    The truth is, taking a mental health day from work or school can be extremely important for your overall well-being. It can help you avoid burnout, improve your mood, help you get some much-needed rest, and rejuvenate you so you can tackle “real life” once again.

    Signs It’s Time for a Mental Health Day

    So how do you know when you are really in need of a mental health day and when you’re just feeling a bit lazy and unmotivated?

    Stress

    You’ve been feeling overwhelmed and irritable.

    You Just Feel… Off

    Sometimes we don’t feel like ourselves, but we can’t quite put our finger on what’s wrong. We know we feel anxious and like the world is a bit too much. This is a sure sign you need a break.

    Getting Sick More Often

    Are you dealing with a cold that “just won’t go away?” When we are stressed, our immune systems become compromised, and it’s harder for us to fight off the common cold.

    The bottom line is you should never feel guilty for taking some time for your mental health. I encourage you to take a mental health day every once in a while. Sometimes it’s the absolute best thing we can do for ourselves.

    And if you find a mental health day didn’t quite do the trick, you may have more going on in your life that requires more hands-on treatment. If you like the idea of speaking with someone about whatever is bothering you, please get in touch with me so we can discuss treatment options.

    SOURCES:

    • https://aaptiv.com/magazine/take-mental-health-day
    • https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-taking-a-mental-health-day-actually-good-for-you/
    • https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-to-take-a-mental-health-day

    Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression, General

    The Truth About Perfectionism

    May 7, 2021

    We live in a society that values things that appear perfect. And I suppose there are things that can be perfect. Architects can draw the perfect straight line, mathematicians can solve an equation with a perfect calculation, and a chocolate cake can be perfectly moist. But as human beings, we can never reach a state […]

    Read More

    The Truth About Perfectionism

    May 7, 2021

    We live in a society that values things that appear perfect. And I suppose there are things that can be perfect. Architects can draw the perfect straight line, mathematicians can solve an equation with a perfect calculation, and a chocolate cake can be perfectly moist.

    But as human beings, we can never reach a state of perfection because we will always be a work in progress. Perfection indicates a finality – a finished product – but we as humans are always growing and changing.

    What is Perfectionism?

    Many people view perfectionism as a positive attribute. They believe the more “perfect” they are, the more success they will have in life.

    Perfectionism is NOT the same thing as always doing your best. It is important that we always do our best. By doing so, we can experience healthy achievements and growth. But perfectionism takes this concept to the extreme.

    People with perfectionist tendencies often have self-defeating thoughts and/or behaviors that actually make it HARDER to achieve their goals. Perfectionism also can make the individual feel stress, anxiety, and depression.

    Signs to Look For

    Most human beings, from time to time, will strive for perfectionism in some aspect of their life. As an example, that “perfectly moist chocolate cake” I mentioned earlier got that way because the person who baked it was trying to get everything JUST RIGHT as a gift for someone’s birthday.

    But there are those people who are “full-time” perfectionists. They strive for perfection in all aspects of their life.

    Here are some signs you may be a perfectionist:

    • You don’t like to attempt tasks or activities unless you feel you can complete them perfectly.
    • You are end-oriented, meaning you focus little on the process of creating or learning something and put all of the emphasis on the outcome.
    • You cannot see a task as having been completed unless it meets your perfectionist standards.
    • You tend to procrastinate because you don’t like starting a task until you know you can perfectly complete it.
    • You tend to take far longer completing tasks than others. This can be problematic at work.

    Getting Help

    Again, perfectionism is not the same thing as doing your best. It is a condition whereby the individual is almost incapable of feeling joy or pride at what they accomplish because in their own minds, they are never quite good enough.

    If you believe you may have traits of perfectionism and it is causing you stress, there are things you can do to change your behavior so you can live a healthier and happier life.
    If you’d like to explore treatment options, please reach out to me.

    SOURCES:

    • https://cogbtherapy.com/cbt-blog/2014/7/9/stop-perfectionism-be-happy-with-good-enough
    • https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/perfectionism/overcome
    • https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/perfectionism

    Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression

    Why Did I Feel Fine Yesterday? The Causes of Depression

    March 23, 2021

    With 322 million people suffering with depression worldwide, it’s not surprising to learn that in America, depression is among the most common mental disorders. The cause of depression is often simplified as a chemical imbalance in the brain, but the reality is that the disease is far more complicated. Scientific research has yet to completely […]

    Read More

    Why Did I Feel Fine Yesterday? The Causes of Depression

    March 23, 2021

    With 322 million people suffering with depression worldwide, it’s not surprising to learn that in America, depression is among the most common mental disorders. The cause of depression is often simplified as a chemical imbalance in the brain, but the reality is that the disease is far more complicated. Scientific research has yet to completely understand the biology of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors.

    What Causes Depression?

    The disease of depression is the complicated combination previously described; this disease gives you the predisposition to fall into a depression after having experienced a negative external event. For example, getting fired from a job might send one person into a deep depression, while another simply bounces back after experiencing the initial sadness and disappointment.

    Many experts in the cognitive behavioral field believe that depression is caused by, and worsens, with distorted negative thinking. The emotions you experience during an episode of depression are created by negative thoughts and perceptions. Your feelings will result from the meaning you attach to those thoughts. If you eliminate distorted, negative thoughts, you will find it easier to cope with the negative event that triggered your depression.

    Why Did I Feel Fine Yesterday?

    If you felt fine yesterday, but today feel depressed and hopeless, distorted thinking may be to blame. As an example, let’s say you woke up late and had to rush to work. This put you in a bad mood, and you started thinking distorted negative thoughts. “I’m always late. I’m a loser. My boss is going to be angry at me all day. He probably hates me anyway. I’m going to get fired.” As the day goes on, every event will be processed through this negative filter, causing you to feel worse.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps you challenge negative patterns of thought. By challenging these thoughts, you can improve your mood. For example, “I’m always late.” This is an overgeneralization. More than likely, you have not been late that often. If this is something you want to change, you can alter your schedule and habits to become more punctual.

    Depression is a complicated illness, and as such is best managed by comprehensive treatment. If you’re suffering from depression, a licensed therapist can help you understand your mood disorder and develop strategies to cope with and improve your symptoms. Together, we can develop a plan for you to create the life you want to live. Give my office a call today, and let’s schedule a time to talk.

    Filed Under: Depression



    19978 72 ave Suite 304 Langley, BC V2Y 1R7

    778-240-5794 office@klassentherapy.com

    Contact Today

    By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

    Klassen Counselling & Neurofeedback
    office@klassentherapy.com | 778-240-5794

    A Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter