Depression
What is Depression?
Definition: Depression is an emotional disorder that can range from mild to severe. It can be described as a sadness, numbness or feeling in low spirits. It can make life seem harder or less enjoyable and make day to day activities harder to engage with or carry out. There are different types of depression including post natal depression, pre natal depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Depression can impact not only your thoughts but your behaviours and even how you see yourself. Whilst we all may be struck by periods of low mood from time to time, if symptoms last more than a few weeks or come back frequently for short periods of time, this could be a sign that you are experiencing depression.
Some symptoms of Depression
There is no one cause of depression. It can be linked to experiences in childhood, a traumatic event, issues with physical health or a series of troubling life events.
Self Care is very important when it comes to managing depression. Making time for yourself to see friends or family, or to talk walks in nature can be useful. Keeping a mood diary to track what may help your symptoms of depression and what may be making them worse. Practicing Mindfulness techniques whereby you give your attention to the present moment rather than allow your thoughts to drift to past or future events can be helpful to ground yourself.
- Low mood
- Tearful
- Agitated
- Guilty
- No confidence or self esteem
- Lack of enjoyment in day to day activities
- You may begin to withdraw from those around you
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
How can counselling help?
Accessing Therapy can be helpful for working through depression or learning to manage your depression. The ability to explore what is causing your symptoms and how this may have impacted your thoughts and behaviour. It can help you to rationalise the thoughts you are having and allows you a safe space to get the thoughts, feelings, experiences out of your head.
Further guidance or support
Depression UK
depressionuk.orgSamaritans
116 123 (freephone)
jo@samaritans.org

Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK
PO
Box 90 90
, Stirling FK8 2SA

samaritans.org
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
0800 58 58 58thecalmzone.net
Get in touch
Please feel free to contact me via the contact form or by using the following contact details.