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Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people regardless of age, gender, or background. As a registered Social Worker at AM Counselling Services, I, Ayen Mabor, have dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate these challenging conditions and find their path to recovery.
Depression is much more than temporary sadness or a difficult phase—it is a serious mental health condition that influences your emotions, thoughts, and ability to navigate daily life. Depression manifests as sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that persist for at least two weeks and significantly interfere with your ability to function in daily life. Clinical depression (major depressive disorder) often requires professional intervention to manage effectively.
Anxiety is your natural response to stress, but when it becomes excessive and disproportionate, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. These conditions cause overwhelming worry that interferes with daily life and relationships. While occasional anxiety is normal, chronic anxiety that diminishes the quality of life requires professional support.
Depression and anxiety frequently occur together, creating what mental health professionals sometimes call a “double burden.” Approximately 35% of people with anxiety also experience symptoms of depression, and the two conditions can feed into each other, creating a cycle that feels impossible to break without help.
Understanding how depression and anxiety interact is crucial for effective treatment. At AM Counselling Services, I recognize that these conditions don’t exist in isolation, and my approach addresses both aspects of your mental health journey.
Depression and anxiety often manifest in physical ways that might surprise you. These can include:
These physical symptoms of depression and anxiety are your body’s warning signs that something is wrong and should never be overlooked as merely “just stress.”
The emotional landscape of depression and anxiety can be complex and overwhelming:
These emotional symptoms of depression and anxiety can vary in intensity and may fluctuate over time, but they represent genuine distress that deserves compassionate attention.
Depression and anxiety often change how we behave and interact with the world:
These behavioral signs of depression and anxiety can impact every aspect of your life, from personal relationships to professional achievements.
When you're struggling with these conditions, you might find yourself withdrawing from loved ones, experiencing communication difficulties, or feeling misunderstood. Partners, family members and friends may struggle to understand what you're going through, creating distance when connection is most needed.
The impact of depression and anxiety doesn't stop at home. These conditions can significantly affect your work performance, career advancement and job satisfaction. Symptoms like difficulty concentrating, decreased energy, excessive worry and avoidance behaviors can make workplace demands feel overwhelming.
The relationship between depression and anxiety and physical health is bidirectional. These mental health conditions can contribute to or worsen physical health problems, including cardiovascular disease, immune system suppression, chronic pain and digestive issues. Conversely, chronic health conditions can increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety.
No two experiences of depression and anxiety are identical, which is why cookie-cutter approaches rarely work. At AM Counselling Services, I develop personalized treatment plans based on your unique needs, experiences and goals, combining various therapeutic approaches, lifestyle modifications and support strategies tailored to your situation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effectively treats both depression and anxiety by helping you identify and challenge negative thought patterns while developing healthier behaviors and coping strategies. This approach focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors, empowering you to break negative cycles and build more adaptive responses to life's challenges.
Mindfulness practices help manage symptoms by developing present-moment awareness, reducing rumination and improving responses to difficult emotions. I integrate these strategies into therapy, teaching practical skills that you can apply in your daily life to manage depression and anxiety symptoms as they arise.
At AM Counselling Services, I’m proud to offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an innovative therapy that helps rapidly reprocess painful memories and reshape negative thought patterns. Unlike traditional talk therapy, ART works by accessing the brain’s natural ability to heal emotional wounds, allowing clients to experience relief in as little as a few sessions.
At AM Counselling Services, I strive to make seeking help as easy and welcoming as possible. Your journey begins with an initial consultation where we discuss your experiences, symptoms and personal goals. This session helps us understand your unique challenges and create a tailored plan that guides you toward meaningful progress.
In our sessions, you’ll find a safe, non-judgmental space to openly express your thoughts and feelings. We begin with weekly sessions to establish a strong support system, gradually adjusting session frequency as your symptoms improve. Throughout our work together, I continuously assess your progress, refining our approach to ensure you receive the most effective care for lasting change.
At AM Counselling Services, I provide more than just therapy—I equip you with the skills and insights to maintain long-term wellness, even when facing life’s inevitable challenges. By focusing on sustainable growth, my goal is to help you build a mental wellness toolkit that supports lasting emotional health and overall well-being.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression and anxiety, don’t wait to reach out. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and taking that first step toward healing is a sign of strength, not weakness. Contact AM Counselling Services today to begin your journey toward improved mental health and well–being.
Depression and anxiety involve persistent symptoms that significantly impact functioning. If you're experiencing ongoing low mood, excessive worry, sleep/appetite changes, or withdrawal from activities you once enjoyed, it's worth consulting a professional.
Rather than seeking a "cure," these conditions are best viewed as manageable with proper treatment. Many experiences complete symptom remission, while others develop effective tools for managing occasional symptoms during stressful periods.
Treatment duration varies based on symptom severity, personal history, support systems and goals. Some improve significantly in 8-12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Balance compassion with boundaries. Please encourage them to seek professional help, listen without judgment, avoid minimizing their feelings and recognize that recovery takes time. Remember to take care of your own well-being too.
