At Kingsway Counselling, we understand that living with depression can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re in Saint John, Quispamsis, or anywhere in the Kennebecasis Valley, you’re not alone. Our compassionate team is here to support you on your journey toward healing and well-being.

Depression is more than just feeling sad; it’s a complex mental health condition that affects your thoughts, emotions, and daily life. In New Brunswick, nearly one-quarter of women self-rate their mental health as “fair” or “poor,” and a significant number report experiencing depression and anxiety . But there is hope. With the right strategies and support, you can take control of your mental health.

1. Seek Professional Help

The first step in managing depression is recognizing that you don’t have to face it alone. At Kingsway Counselling, we offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions in Saint John and Quispamsis . Our licensed therapists specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues.(Kingsway Counselling)

Therapy provides a safe space to explore your feelings, identify negative thought patterns, and develop coping strategies. Whether through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, or mindfulness-based approaches, our team tailors treatment to your unique needs .

2. Build a Support Network

Connecting with others is crucial in overcoming depression. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with trusted friends, family members, or support groups can provide comfort and perspective.

In Saint John, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers a Depression program that includes education on symptoms, treatment options, and coping strategies . Participating in such programs can help you feel understood and less isolated.(cmhanb.ca)

3. Prioritize Physical Health

Your physical health and mental health are closely connected. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can significantly impact your mood and energy levels.

The Government of New Brunswick recommends taking care of your body by eating healthy meals, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep . Avoiding alcohol and other substances is also important, as they can exacerbate depressive symptoms.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

Mindfulness involves staying present and fully engaging with the moment, which can reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.

New Brunswick residents can benefit from the MindWell program, which offers free, evidence-based mindfulness resources . Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can help you manage depressive symptoms and enhance overall well-being.(Government of New Brunswick)

5. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Depression can make even simple tasks feel daunting. Setting small, achievable goals can help you regain a sense of control and accomplishment.

Start with manageable tasks, such as getting out of bed at a specific time, taking a short walk, or completing a household chore. Celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how small, and gradually increase the complexity of your goals as you feel more capable.

If you’re struggling with depression, know that help is available. Kingsway Counselling is here to support you with compassionate, personalized care. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate your mental health journey and achieve lasting well-being.

To take the first step toward healing, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We offer flexible scheduling, including evenings in Saint John and virtually, to accommodate your needs .

Remember, you don’t have to face depression alone. With the right support and strategies, you can overcome it and thrive.

Coping with Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a debilitating condition that affects all aspects of a person’s life. If you’re unsure if you have depression we recommend reading an earlier article about the Signs of Depression. 

Coping with depression can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help. Here are some tips on how to cope with depression:

1. Seek professional help

If you are struggling with depression, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide you with the support and guidance you need to cope with depression. There are several effective treatments for depression, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

2. Practice self-care

Practicing self-care is essential in coping with depression. Self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques can help improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Make sure you are taking care of your physical and emotional needs.

3. Stay connected with others

Isolation can worsen depression. It is important to stay connected with others, even if it is difficult. Reach out to friends and family members, and try to participate in social activities. Joining a support group can also be helpful in coping with depression, as it provides an opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

4. Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals can help you feel a sense of accomplishment and boost your mood. Start with small goals and gradually work your way up to larger goals. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.

5. Challenge negative thoughts

Depression is often accompanied by negative thoughts and self-talk. It is important to challenge these negative thoughts and replace them with more positive and realistic thoughts. For example, if you find yourself thinking “I am a failure,” challenge that thought with “I am capable of success, and I have accomplished things in the past.”

6. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded and reduce symptoms of depression. Try practicing mindfulness for a few minutes each day, and gradually increase the amount of time you spend in mindfulness practice.

7. Keep a mood journal

Keeping a mood journal can help you track your moods and identify triggers for depression. Write down how you are feeling each day, and make note of any events or situations that may have contributed to your mood. Use your mood journal to identify patterns and develop strategies to cope with triggers.

8. Stay active

Staying active is important in coping with depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Even a short walk or other physical activity can help improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

9. Limit alcohol and drug use

Alcohol and drugs can worsen symptoms of depression. If you are struggling with depression, it is important to limit your use of alcohol and drugs. If you are using alcohol or drugs to cope with depression, seek professional help to develop healthier coping strategies.

10. Seek professional help

Coping with depression is a process, and it takes time. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Remember that recovery is possible, and with the right support and strategies, you can overcome depression.

Conclusion

Coping with depression can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help. By seeking professional help, practicing self-care, staying connected with others, setting realistic goals, challenging negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness, keeping a mood journal, staying active, limiting alcohol and drug use, and being patient with yourself, you can improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Remember that you are not alone, and with the right support and strategies, you can overcome depression.

If you don’t follow our team on social, we are very active on Instagram and often provide helpful tips to those suffering with Depression or any type of struggle. 

Media Release:

The Influx of Depression & Anxiety

With widespread restrictions on social gatherings, school closures, and a general sense of uncertainty and fear caused by Covid-19, many individuals are experiencing increased levels of depression and anxiety. As Licensed Therapists, we are just starting to see the aftereffects that Covid-19 has caused an influx of depression and anxiety at home here in New Brunswick and the rest of Canada.

I will also highlight how we, at Kingsway Counselling, have pivoted according to this influx in hopes of responding to the increase in mental health demands caused by Covid-19. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound global impact on mental health. In a May 2020 Statistic Canada report, half of Canadians disclosed feeling like their mental health was worsening, and 10% said that their mental health deteriorated with the enforcement of physical distancing. Among Canadians who screened positive for a mental health disorder (i.e. anxiety, depression, etc.), 94% disclosed being negatively impacted by the pandemic.

 One of the most significant ways in which Covid-19 has impacted mental health is through social isolation. With many individuals working from home and avoiding public spaces, there has been a significant decrease in social interaction. For many people, social connection is crucial for maintaining mental health, and the lack of social support can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is particularly true for older adults, who may already be at risk for social isolation due to factors such as mobility limitations or the loss of a spouse or close friends.

In addition to social isolation, the pandemic has also caused financial stress for many individuals and families. With businesses closing and job losses, financial insecurity has become a significant concern. Financial stress can cause significant anxiety and depression, and the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic has only exacerbated these feelings.

The Affect on Students

For students, the pandemic has caused significant disruptions to their academic and social lives. With schools closing and a switch to online learning, many students have struggled to adjust. The loss of in-person interactions with peers and teachers can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection, and the challenges of online learning can lead to increased levels of anxiety and stress.

Healthcare Workers – Stress and Burnout

For healthcare workers, the pandemic has caused unprecedented levels of stress and burnout. Healthcare workers have been on the front lines of the pandemic, working tirelessly to care for patients and prevent the spread of the virus. The fear of contracting the virus and spreading it to family members, along with the constant exposure to illness and death, can cause significant mental health challenges for healthcare workers.

Overall, the pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health in New Brunswick, affecting people of all ages. The stress and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic have led to increased levels of depression and anxiety, and the lack of social interaction has only exacerbated these feelings. Financial stress, academic disruptions, and healthcare worker burnout have also contributed to mental health challenges in the province.

On the positive side,  we can help individuals and communities cope with the challenges of the pandemic and emerge stronger and more resilient. As highlighted by Canada’s former Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Carolyn Bennett, “With COVID, people have gotten better about admitting when they’re struggling,”. Bennett explains, “If even one of every two people can speak up when their mental health is deteriorating, it will reduce the stigma and we’ll be in a much better position to address the issues long term.”

Steps to Improve Mental Health

It is crucial that we take steps to address the mental health impacts of the pandemic. This includes providing access to mental health services and resources, promoting social connection, and addressing financial insecurity. For older adults, this may mean providing safe ways to connect with others – whether in-person or virtually, such as online social groups or outdoor activities. For students, this may mean providing additional academic support and opportunities for social interaction, such as school lunch clubs or virtual events. For healthcare workers, this may mean providing additional support and resources to address burnout and stress.

It is essential that we recognize the mental health impacts of the pandemic and take action to address them. As mentioned earlier, we can emerge stronger and more resilient than ever. Imagine a world with no stigma on mental health, where talking to a therapist is strength.

The more our community openly talks about therapy and is open to come seeing a therapist, the quicker the stigma will dissolve. This can turn someone’s life around and start a path to healing and growth. It can even save someone’s life. 

What we are doing at Kingsway Counselling

Kingsway Counselling is here to respond to the increase in mental health demands in New Brunswick. We have recently added a new office in Saint John with 3 new team members, all of which specialize in depression and anxiety therapy. 

Our hope is that by pivoting our mental health clinic in these ways, we increase access to and bring a higher quality of mental health care for all New Brunswickers.

Introducing Kingsway Counselling

Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or struggling with relationships? Do you need someone to talk to and help you navigate through life’s challenges? If so, Kingsway Counselling may be the right place for you.

At Kingsway Counselling, we offer professional counselling services to individuals, couples, and families. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Our team of highly trained and experienced therapists can help you work through a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, and relationship problems.

Our Approach

At Kingsway Counselling, we believe that everyone has the capacity for growth, change, and healing. We take a holistic approach to counselling, which means we look at the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We believe that by addressing all aspects of a person’s life, we can help them achieve lasting change and healing.

We also believe that every person is unique and has their own set of strengths and challenges. That’s why we tailor our counselling approach to meet the individual needs of each client. We use a variety of evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and emotion-focused therapy, among others. Our goal is to help clients develop new skills and tools to cope with life’s challenges, improve their relationships, and achieve their goals.

Our Services:

At Kingsway Counselling, we offer a wide range of counselling services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our services include:

• Individual Counselling: We provide one-on-one counselling services to help individuals work through a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, and life transitions.
• Couples Counselling: We offer couples counselling services to help couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationships.
• Family Counselling: We provide family counselling services to help families work through conflicts, improve communication, and build stronger relationships.
• Child and Youth Counselling: We offer counselling services for children and youth, focusing on issues such as anxiety, depression, behavior problems, and family conflict.

Our Therapists:

At Kingsway Counselling, we have a team of highly trained and experienced therapists who are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals. Our therapists have diverse backgrounds and specializations, and we carefully match each client with a therapist who has the skills and experience to meet their unique needs.

All of our therapists are registered with their respective professional colleges and adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for our clients, and we work collaboratively with each client to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their needs.

Why Choose Kingsway Counselling?

Choosing a therapist can be a difficult decision, and it’s important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who has the skills and experience to help you achieve your goals. At Kingsway Counselling, we are committed to providing the highest quality counselling services to our clients. Here are some reasons why you should choose Kingsway Counselling:

• Professional and experienced therapists
• Evidence-based therapies
• Tailored counselling approach to meet the unique needs of each client
• Safe and supportive environment
• Diverse range of counselling services
• Convenient locations in Quispamsis and Saint John

If you are ready to take the first step towards healing and growth, we invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation.