Everyone has good days and bad days, ups and downs. Sometimes we feel a bit low, for lots of different reasons. People sometimes say they are feeling depressed when they are feeling down or a bit low, but this does not necessarily mean that they have depression.
Depression is a long-lasting low mood disorder. It affects our ability to do everyday things, affects our sleep patterns, saps our energy and motivation and stops us feeling pleasure or taking an interest in activities we may have previously enjoyed.
There are many different types of depression that are usually diagnosed by a doctor or mental health specialist. We have listed some examples here:
There are many other types of depression and some can be complex. We can discuss your issues during the free initial assessment. If we believe that another professional would best suit your needs, we will always advise you.
Common signs and symptoms of depression can include:
What do other people say about it?
Clients often say that they don’t have the energy to get out of bed in the morning, that they feel weighed down and extremely lethargic. Some clients say that they feel emotional and cry frequently but cannot pinpoint a reason for their overwhelming sadness. Others say they cannot focus, have no concentration to even read a newspaper or watch a TV programme. Often clients say that they experience feelings of anxiety too.
Depression can sometimes start with a low mood that lasts for several weeks. We lose interest in things that we used to find enjoyable such as hobbies, interests or spending time with family or friends. Without energy to get out of bed, we can isolate ourselves from those we love, take time off work and avoid social gatherings.
Sometimes it can help to focus on one or two tasks each day and see them as achievements, such as getting out of bed and taking a shower. Have some self-compassion by focussing on the things you have done rather than the things you haven’t. Think about speaking to your GP about how you feel as sometimes some medical issues or medication can affect mood – always consult with your GP before altering doses of any prescribed medication.
See our self-help guides for some ideas.
We have specialist depression counsellors to support clients experiencing low mood or depression. We will work with you to help you manage your symptoms and to find coping mechanisms to support you in managing the depression so that you can get back to enjoying life.