Depression

depressed mannequin

How we can help…

Depression affects more than 264 million people of all ages across the world. The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe. In its milder form you may feel persistently low in spirit whilst at the severe end you may feel suicidal and that life is no longer worth living.  If you are concerned that you are experiencing symptoms contact us to find out more about our counselling for depression service.

Depression – Adults

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions and it affects many people. It is normal to occasionally feel down or low in mood, however, for someone who is depressed, this low mood can last for months at a time. Depression is not something that you can just ‘snap out’ of. It is a genuine health condition which can have a huge impact on a person if left unacknowledged. Different people will experience depression in different ways. There are many ways to overcome and manage depression. These include lifestyle changes such as exercise and healthy eating, mindfulness meditation and counselling for depression.

Physical Indicators
  • Sustained feelings of hopelessness and unhappiness.
  • A loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy.
  • Feeling tearful.
  • Constantly feeling tired.
  • Poor or disrupted sleep.
  • A loss of appetite.
  • A loss of sex drive.
  • Aches and pains throughout your body.
  • Thoughts of committing suicide (suicidal ideation).
  • Suicide attempts or self-harm.
  • Many people experience stress or anxiety alongside the depression.
  • Having low self-esteem.
  • Feelings of guilt.
  • Feeling irritable in mood or unable to tolerate others.
  • Finding it difficult to motivate yourself to do day to day activities.
  • Difficulty making decisions.
  • Experiencing a lack of enjoyment in life.
  • Changes to your menstrual cycle.
  • Constipation.

Depression – Young People

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions to impact young people. It is often believed that children are not affected by depression in the same way as adults, however, this is wrong. Young people can be profoundly impacted by depression.  There are many ways to support young people who are experiencing depression. If you are worried that your child is depressed it is important to talk to them and try to understand how they are feeling and what is upsetting them. Whatever the problem may be, it is important to take it seriously. Young people may not always want to talk about their problems and, if this is the case, it’s just as valuable to let them know that you are there for them and available if they change their mind.
If you are worried that your child may be struggling with depression or you would like advice and guidance on how you can support your child get in touch with us to find out more about our counselling for depression service. We provide a wide range of interventions for children and families which are delivered by specialist clinicians who are experienced in working with young people.
Physical Indicators
  • A sadness or low mood that does not go away.
  • Frequent grumpiness & irritability.
  • A lack of interest in hobbies/activities that they used to enjoy.
  • Constantly tired and lack of energy.
  • Difficulties sleeping at night.
  • Struggles with concentration at school or tasks.
  • Less interaction with friends or family members.
  • Struggles to make decisions.
  • Lacks confidence in themselves.
  • May eat less than usual or overeat leading to weight changes.
  • Difficulty relaxing at home.
  • May talk about feeling guilty or worthless.
  • May feel numb.
  • May have thoughts about self harm or suicide.
  • May have attempted self harm or suicide.
  • Some children experience anxiety with depression and complain of stomach aches or headaches.
  • Problems at school may be an indicator of depression along with problem behaviour.
  • Older children and teenagers who are depressed may misuse drugs and alcohol.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Affecting approximately 3 in every 100 people in the UK,  SAD is recognised as a seasonal disorder generally occurring in the Winter although a few people may have symptoms during the Summer and feel better during the Winter.

The severity of the disorder can vary from person to person.  We would recommend a treatment plan based on your initial assessment which could be via CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) approach or via 1:1 therapy.

Bipolar disorder

Affecting approximately 1 in every 100 people at some point in their lives Bipolar disorder is fairly common.  It can occur at any age but often develops between the ages of 15 and 19 but rarely after 40.

Extreme episodes of bipolar disorder can last for several weeks and result in episodes of depression and mania.  A combination of different treatment methods can be used to support this disorder and we are able to provide talking therapy to work alongside them following an assessment.

 

Post Natal Depression

Affecting more than 1 in every 10 new mothers, this is a common problem that occurs within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners.

It is important to seek the help of your GP or health visitor if you think you may be affected to ensure you and your family are adequately supported whilst you are going through this difficult period.  We would recommend a treatment plan based on your initial assessment which could be via CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) approach or via 1:1 therapy.

 

Useful Links:

The Samaritans – 24/365 Support