Help with depression and unhappiness

Nearly one in four people will experience depression at some point in their lives.

Depression is not just feeling low. It is a persistent low mood that interferes with a person’s daily life. It is characterised by feelings of hopelessness and a loss of interest in life.

A bout of depression is often triggered by a significant life event, such as a divorce, illness or financial problems. Some people are more susceptible to depression than others. You are more likely to suffer from depression if a family member has it, if you had a traumatic childhood or if you are less socially active.

Depression comes with a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• feeling tearful, numb, guilty or hopeless
• losing interest in hobbies and feeling unable to get any joy out of life
• suicidal thoughts
• struggling to concentrate or make decisions
• low energy
• difficulty with sleeping or wanting to sleep all the time
• avoiding social situations

The spiral of depression

People with depression often talk about ‘spiralling down’. This happens in two ways.

Their thoughts can quickly spiral into dark places. For example, criticism from another person might lead them to think that they are worthless and the world might be better off without them.

There is also a behavioural spiral. Depression can make people want to do things that may help them feel better in the short-term, but long-term make their depression worse. These things include drinking alcohol, using drugs, avoiding social contact and stopping exercise.

How counselling for depression can help

Depression is treatable through psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. It is up to each individual, in consultation with their doctor and counsellor, to decide which option is best for them.

Our reduced-fee depression counsellors can help you identify and work through the underlying causes of your depression. Our therapists will support you to reverse the spiral of depression and regain focus, motivation and hope.

To make a first appointment, please get in touch.