Welcome to the Langley Counselling Centre
We help adults and youth who are struggling with anxiety, stress, grief, addictions, and relationship conflict feel more in control of their lives.
How do you know if you are suffering from Depression, Anxiety, or Trauma?
Depression is more than feeling sad once in a while, it is a feeling that is present almost every day, for most of the day, for over a two week or more time period. It can have a negative effect on your relationships, friendships, work, and education. The symptoms can vary with different people, some of which are: fatigue, sleep problems, changes in appetite or weight, loss of interest in hobbies, irritability, trouble concentrating or making decisions, feeling hopeless or useless, and low self-esteem. Depression is more common in women, often due to hormonal factors, but men often report feeling more irritable or angry when depressed rather than general sadness. A depressed child may sulk, get into trouble at school, pretend to be sick, or feel misunderstood. There are several factors that may be causing one's depression, but it is important to know that with help most people return to function similarly to the way they did before they became depressed, or better.
Anxiety is a normal feeling from time to time whether you are about to make a speech, have a job interview, or take an exam, however this type of anxiety is usually mild and for a short period of time. When a person has an anxiety disorder, it can affect their work, social life, and family relationships. Anxiety disorders are treatable and the sooner you get help the more success you will have in returning to your previous functioning. There are many kinds of anxiety, but all share common symptoms: excessive irrational fear, feelings of losing control, difficulty or distress managing daily tasks, and stressed and nervous feelings. Physically people can experience a shortness of breath and a racing heart to the degree you may feel like you are having a heart attack. The person may feel so uncomfortable they may avoid certain feared situations, places, or people.
Trauma is the result of extraordinarily stressful events that changes a person's sense of security causing a feeling of vulnerability or hopelessness. You don't necessarily have to be the victim of physical harm as it can be the result of being in a situation that caused you to feel overwhelmed and powerless. Often it is something that happened without warning and there was no chance to prepare. Sometimes it is when another person was repeatedly cruel towards you. The symptoms of trauma are depression and anxiety as well as self-harm (i.e. cutting or scratching), drug and alcohol abuse, feelings of self-hate, disordered eating, and memory gaps. With assistance, people can and do recover from trauma.
Is it important to seek help?
Yes!
With the assistance of a qualified counsellor you can learn the skills in dealing with the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma and usually eliminate it from your life. You do not need to continue on with the painful feelings of low self-esteem, hopelessness, and panic. You can return to your previous self, or possibly even better with newly learned life-skills, better relationships with family and friends, and more self-worth and hope for your future.
Take advantage of our free 10 minute consultation!
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