DEPRESSION COUNSELLING
ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH DEPRESSION?
Do you feel persistently sad, empty or anxious? Do feelings of hopelessness and pessimism often take over your thoughts? Do you feel easily fatigued, low on energy or slow? Have you struggled with thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts? If so, you may be suffering from depression. At Select Psychology, our our team of depression counselling specialists offer a range of advice and support services in a confidential environment and a safe space.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
All people can have their ups and downs, and you may feel low for many different reasons, but this does not always mean that you are suffering from depression. Clinical depression is a mood disorder that lasts longer and affects your ability to function on a day-to-day basis. It causes persistent sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you think, feel and behave and often leads to other physical and emotional problems. It can have an impact on all aspects of your life such as work, relationships and health.
Symptoms of Depression
Should you be experiencing some or all of the following symptoms most of the time for two weeks or more, you should seek help:
- Constantly feeling sad, hopeless
- Disrupted sleep and fatigue
- Poor appetite
- Reduced concentration
- Poor memory
- Reduced libido
- Reduction in day-to-day functioning, loss of motivation
- Stopping hobbies/reducing social contact
WHEN TO SEEK TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION?
You should seek treatment when:
You isolate yourself from friends and family and often avoid social gatherings
You have reduced concentration, for instance you feel the need to reread something again and again in order to understand it
You do not wake up feeling well-rested even after sleeping all night
You are relying on unhelpful coping mechanisms like excessive use of drugs/alcohol to try and manage your thoughts
You experience a loss of interest in your hobbies and in doing things in general
You frequently have thoughts that make you feel sad and hopeless, as though life is not worth living
THE BEST THERAPIES FOR TREATING DEPRESSION
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness based CBT
Interpersonal Therapy
Psychotherapy
BENEFITS OF THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION
Improvement in overall functioning and motivation
Identify the negative thought patterns that cause unhappiness and low mood
Learn methods of coping that help to maintain good mental health
Gain a more positive view of your self and the world around you
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP WITH DEPRESSION
If you are worried that you or someone you know is suffering, it is important to seek help as soon as you can. But here are some things you can do in the meantime while you wait for your first appointment:
Look after your overall health by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Keep a mood diary to track changes in mood and notice what activities make you feel better or worse.
Learn relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga or meditation
Avoid drugs or alcohol. Although these substances can offer short-term relief, in the long-term they only serve to worsen the symptoms of depression.
Focus on getting enough sleep; getting 7-9 hours of sleep will help to boost your energy levels and mood. Practice a night routine to help you settle and reduce your caffeine intake to help you sleep.
HOW CAN OUR PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES HELP WITH DEPRESSION?
We offer a wide range of therapies to help with depression and give you the tools to cope and understand your emotions. We are a private mental health service with highly trained therapists and no waiting lists.
This is how therapy would work:
Step 1
Get in touch
Step 2
Telephone Consultation
Step 3
Appointment Offer
Step 4
Initial Assessment
Step 5
Your Therapy
Step 6
Feeling Better
HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW
How common is depression?
In England, 24% women and 13% of men are diagnosed with depression in their lifetime. Depression is the leading mental health problem in the world, followed by anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Depression often occurs alongside other mental health issues.
What to do if I think I am depressed?
You should seek help if you think you are depressed. You can begin by making an appointment with your GP and they can signpost you to support within the NHS. You can also contact private mental healthcare service providers, who are likely to have a shorter waiting time.
What are some of the causes of depression?
There is no specific cause of depression, it varies massively between individuals and is usually a combination of factors. Some common factors are:
- If you have a family history of depression, it increases the risk of having depression
- Any major life event or change such as moving a house, a relationship break-up or losing a job that has increased your stress and is a change from the norm
- Experiencing bereavement; loss or grief may increase an individual’s risk of depression
- If you are suffering from long term, life-threatening illnesses or brain injuries, you are more likely to be prone to depression
- Substance abuse: Many drugs may relax an individual initially, but consistent use increases the chance of depression
- Past experience of any form of abuse such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse
- Social isolation due to being shunned from a social group or family
What is the difference between bipolar and unipolar depression?
Bipolar involves a cycle between manic and depressive states, whereas unipolar depression is being in a depressive state.
What happens if depression goes untreated?
Depression can have a massive impact on your physical health and mental wellbeing. Untreated depression can stay as unhelpful and unhealthy addictions such as alcohol/drug addiction; it can also affect the way you eat and sleep, as well as the way you feel about yourself.
How do I know what treatment is best for me?
The best and right treatment or therapist for depression can vary from person to person. Therapists typically complete an assessment and then agree on treatment with your direct involvement.