From time to time, everyone feels sad or low in mood. However, if you are suffering from depression you experience intense emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, numbness, despondency, low self-esteem and anxiety for long periods of time.
A counsellor or psychotherapist can help you to discuss and understand your fear of death and dying so that you can live more fully in the present. If your depression is connected with bi-polar, anxiety, or self-esteem/harm, they will also work with you on these issues.
Depression is a common condition that can affect people of any age and gender, with more than 264 million people affected worldwide according to the World Health Organisation.
Some may experience depression due to a particular situation or event, but for others, depression may develop gradually over time or an episode may seem to occur out of the blue and for no reason.
While depression is difficult to live with, help is available and with the right treatment, you can take steps towards recovering.
Depression does not affect everyone in the same way. Below are some of the common signs of depression. If you are experiencing a number of the below symptoms of depression it is important to seek help from your GP or visit a psychotherapist or psychologist for help:
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There are lots of causes for depression. While for some a specific situation or stressful event may trigger an episode of depression, such as losing a job or being diagnosed with an illness, for others depression can occur gradually or feel that it has happened suddenly, with no obvious reason. There is evidence to show that difficult experiences in childhood, can enhance the number of individuals more likely to experience depression. For example, traumatic childhood experiences can affect your self-esteem and your ability to cope with life’s challenges in later life.
There is also evidence to suggest that if you have a close family member with depression, you are more likely to suffer from depression yourself. However, this may be due to learning behaviours and coping mechanisms from the people around you as a child, rather than as a result of genetic causes. Contrary to popular belief, there is little evidence to suggest that depression is caused by an imbalance in brain chemistry. In 2017, the United Nations stated that “the dominant biomedical narrative of depression” is based on a “biased and selective use of research outcomes [that] must be abandoned”.
Alcohol and other drugs are linked to depression. Certain medications can cause depression as a side effect, so it is always important to check the information leaflets for any medication you are taking or ask your GP about the side effects of your medication. If you feel that the medication you are taking is causing you to become depressed, talk to your doctor. Physical health problems, poor sleep, poor diet and a lack of exercise can also affect your mood.
Whatever the causes of depression, identifying how you feel and developing healthy ways to manage your emotions and recognise personal triggers for depression can pave the way to recovery.
If you believe you are suffering from depression, talk to your doctor. They will ask you questions about your symptoms to understand how best to help you. If you are diagnosed with depression, your diagnosis might be for either mild depression, moderate depression or severe depression. There are also other types of depression, including:
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): SAD is associated with the winter months when there is less daylight. Sufferers experience changes in their mood, sleeping and appetite.
Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder involves extreme changes in moods, from feelings that you are very happy and have lots of energy to feeling very lethargic, despairing and overwhelmingly worthless.
Postnatal depression: Post-natal depression usually begins shortly after giving birth, which can leave new mothers feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and struggling to sleep or manage daily activities.
Treatment will depend on what your symptoms are, how much your symptoms are affecting you and your own preference of support. Treatment options can include counselling or psychotherapy sessions, medication or hospitalisation in more severe cases.
If you are suffering with depression, you might be wondering ‘will I ever get feel better?’. Seeking help for depression is a sign of self awareness and personal strength.
Research studies have shown that therapy is effective in treating depression. Therapy can help you uncover the underlying causes of your depression, learn how to improve your symptoms, look at situations in new ways and develop better coping skills.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one form of therapy which has been shown in research studies to help with depression symptoms by helping individuals to identify how their thinking patterns and behaviours are affecting their depression and developing tools and skills to change them.
Counselling and psychotherapy can help you to understand how your past experiences are affecting how you feel and act in your daily life now by exploring your feelings with a trained therapist. In this way, you can find new ways of understanding your emotions and overcoming your symptoms.
Evidence-based research has found that a number of talking therapies including cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy and mindfulness-based therapies can help individuals with depression.
A qualified, professional therapist will work with you to examine your thoughts and behaviours and improve how you feel. You will build a relationship based on trust, giving you the confidence to share your feelings and emotions with them. Your counsellor will listen to all that you have to share with empathy and openness.
An experienced therapist or counsellor like those listed on the Harley Therapy platform can help you to manage your symptoms and find your own way forward.
Filter our qualified, professional and vetted therapists by cost, location, availability and approach so you can find and book the best therapist or counsellor for you here. Or find a therapist to help with depression below.
Unfortunately, there are currently long waitlists for talking therapy in the NHS, however, you can refer yourself for talking therapy using the Improving Access to Psychological Therapy NHS initiative if you are a UK resident. See our page on psychotherapy here for other routes to receiving talking therapy free or at a low cost.
Samaritans telephone number - 116 123
NHS telephone number - 111
Childline - 0800 1111
