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Areas of Support

Mood

Science-based psychological services for men in Guelph and across Ontario. We offer support for grief, Depression, Bipolar, and other mood disorders.

Mood

Areas of Support

It’s time. Learn ways to manage your mood and equip yourself for inner healing.
Build the life you want.

What is Depression?

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves.

It can be caused by life events, biological imbalances, or negative thought patterns. It is sometimes linked to chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, or neurological disorders.

impact

Often, depression can cause a range of emotional and physical symptoms, making it difficult to perform day-to-day activities.  Men with depression often experience persistent sadness, hopelessness, irritability, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities (anhedonia). Thoughts of death or suicide sometimes occur. We offer formal assessments for depression.

What is grief?

Grief is a natural emotional response to loss, typically the death of a loved one. It is a process of mourning and adjusting to life without the individual who has passed. 

Grief can also be experienced after the loss of a relationship, job, or other significant life changes.

Stages of Grief (Kubler-Ross Model):

  1. Denial: The initial shock and disbelief that the loss has occurred.
  2. Anger: Feelings of frustration, helplessness, or resentment may emerge, often directed at oneself, others, or the situation.
  3. Bargaining: Individuals may attempt to make deals or bargains (e.g., wishing for more time or trying to reverse the loss).
  4. Depression: Deep sadness or despair as the reality of the loss sets in. Feelings of emptiness, loneliness, or hopelessness are common.
  5. Acceptance: Eventually, individuals come to terms with the loss and begin adjusting to life without the deceased person.

Grief affects everyone differently. Generally, emotional symptoms include sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, shock, or anxiety.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder (formerly known as manic-depressive illness) is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood changes can be intense and disrupt daily functioning.

Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by manic episodes lasting at least seven days or manic symptoms that are so severe that immediate hospital care is needed. Depressive episodes typically last at least two weeks.

Bipolar II Disorder involves hypomanic episodes (less severe mania) and depressive episodes, but there is no full-blown manic episode.

Cyclothymic Disorder features periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting at least two years, but these symptoms do not meet the criteria for full manic or depressive episodes.

impact

Manic/Hypomanic episodes include elevated or irritable mood, excessive energy or restlessness, impulsive or risky behaviors, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, grandiosity or unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities.

Depressive episodes are similar to those seen in major depression, including sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and thoughts of suicide. We offer formal assessments for Bipolar Disorder.

Mood

Treatment Approaches

At Cogent, our team is trained in a variety of approaches for grief and mood disorders.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Supportive Counselling
  • Interpersonal Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Positive Psychology
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Ready to take the next Step?

We help men navigate the complexities of their mental health through clinical psychology and evidence-based psychotherapy, providing them the guidance they need to see real, tangible improvements in their lives.

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