Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in Canada, affecting nearly 1 in 10 adults each year. While occasional worry is part of life, clinical anxiety goes far beyond everyday stress. It can interfere with sleep, concentration, physical health, work, and relationships. Anxiety often shows up as excessive worry, racing thoughts, and persistent tension that feels difficult to control. If you recognize yourself in feelings of restlessness, fear, or being constantly “on edge,” you are not alone. Effective, evidence-based psychotherapy provides tools to reduce anxiety, retrain unhelpful thought patterns, and restore a greater sense of calm and control.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

  • A deep sense of sadness, emptiness, or despair that lingers most of the day and doesn’t improve with time.

  • Activities, hobbies, or social interactions that once felt enjoyable now seem unimportant or exhausting.

  • A constant feeling of being drained, even after sleeping, where even small tasks can feel overwhelming.

  • Trouble falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, restless nights, or sleeping far more than usual.

  • Clear changes in eating patterns that are not intentional, such as eating too little or too much, leading to weight loss or gain.

  • Struggling to focus, remember details, or make decisions in ways that interfere with work or personal life.

  • Feeling physically agitated or unusually slowed down in movement, speech, or thought.

  • Ongoing self-criticism, shame, or guilt that feels out of proportion to the situation.

  • Avoiding family, friends, or social gatherings and preferring to stay isolated.

  • Greater frustration, impatience, or anger than usual, even in response to small issues.

  • Frequent headaches, stomach pain, or body aches that do not have a clear medical explanation.

  • Recurring thoughts about death or self-harm that signal an urgent need for support.

    If you are in crisis:

    • Call 911 immediately if you are in danger or think you might act on suicidal thoughts.

    • Go to your nearest hospital emergency department for immediate help.

    • In Ontario, you can call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7).

    • You can also text 45645 from 4 p.m. to midnight ET to reach a trained responder.

    • For children and youth, contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.

Therapy for Depression

What’s the difference between normal stress and an anxiety disorder?

Stress is usually tied to a specific situation and eases once the situation passes. Anxiety disorders persist, often without a clear trigger, and can interfere with work, relationships, sleep, and daily functioning.

How long does it take to feel better with therapy?

The timeline varies. Some people notice changes after a few sessions, while others may require several months of steady work. What matters is consistency and the fit between you and your therapist.

Is therapy effective if I’ve been anxious for years?

Yes. Even long-standing anxiety can improve with therapy by addressing thought patterns and behaviours that keep it going. Many clients notice lasting change with consistent treatment.

Do I need medication or is therapy enough?

Yes. Even when depression has lasted for a long time, psychotherapy can help break entrenched patterns of thought and behaviour. Many clients with chronic depression report noticeable improvement when therapy is consistent and tailored to their needs.

What if my depression feels too overwhelming to start therapy?

It is common for depression to make beginning therapy feel impossible. Part of therapy is addressing that very obstacle, taking one small step at a time. Even booking an initial consultation can be the start of change.

What if I don’t connect with my therapist?

A strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important predictors of success. If you don’t feel a good fit, it’s appropriate to discuss it or seek a different therapist. The right match can make therapy much more effective.

Do I need medication or is therapy enough?

For some, psychotherapy alone is effective. Others may benefit from a combination of therapy and medication prescribed by a physician. Therapists collaborate with medical professionals when needed to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Sessions are private and protected by law, with very limited exceptions for safety. Confidentiality allows you to speak openly and honestly about your struggles.

Can psychotherapy help with seasonal depression?

Yes. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that appears during certain times of the year, most often in the fall and winter when daylight is reduced. Symptoms include low mood, fatigue, oversleeping, and changes in appetite. Psychotherapy can help by addressing negative thought patterns, building coping strategies, and supporting lifestyle adjustments. It can also be combined with treatments like light therapy and medical care for a more complete approach.

How We Approach Depression Treatment

Depression can feel overwhelming, affecting energy, motivation, and relationships, but effective care is available. Psychotherapy helps uncover the thought patterns that keep depression in place, such as hopelessness, self-blame, and avoidance, while teaching practical skills to challenge and reframe them. Many approaches also include mindfulness and acceptance strategies that make difficult emotions more manageable.

Alongside therapy, everyday habits can play a powerful role in recovery. Engaging in purposeful activities, maintaining steady sleep and nutrition, staying physically active, and building supportive connections all contribute to lifting mood and restoring balance. At our Toronto clinic, we provide evidence-based therapy for depression to help you regain stability and improve quality of life.

Seeking for Depression Treatment in Toronto?

Addy Psychotherapy is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care for adults experiencing depression. We provide depression therapy in Toronto for individuals aged 18–65 who are navigating the challenges and impact of depressive symptoms. Our therapeutic approach draws on proven methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based practices to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our experienced therapists offer depression therapy in Toronto both in-person and online, making support accessible to clients across Ontario.