Do you think you may be experiencing depression?Our therapists specialise in a range of therapy models proven to help manage the symptoms of depression.
Read on to learn more about depression, how we diagnose it and the treatment options available.
What is depression?
Depression is a common problem affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a mood disorder that can affect your daily life. Depression affects every person differently but is often characterised by the combination of Persistent low mood (feeling unusually low or tearful for several weeks) and reduced interest in daily activities that were previously enjoyable or rewarding. Some people who experience depression become highly withdrawn (they go into their shells). And they may avoid people and tasks. Others can continue daily activities and hold down normal responsibilities.
If you have depression but can continue daily activities, you might not enjoy them and you may feel less focused. Or you may feel more stressed or irritable. Depression may cause you to avoid places or people. And it can disrupt your eating and sleeping patterns. Some depression grows out of adverse early life experiences. It can also arise as a result of behavioural patterns that you learn from your parents. Other times depression can have a more sudden onset later in life. This may be the result of periods of stress, bereavement or trauma. Often a range of these factors combines to create an episode of depression.
Symptoms of depression
If you are experiencing depression you may have some, but not necessarily all, of the symptoms.
Examples include:
Low mood, sadness, or anhedonia (an inability to feel pleasure)
Trouble concentrating
Lack of interest in activities you would otherwise enjoy or value
Eating more or less than usual
Irritability
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Tiredness
Increased pain and feeling heavy
Sleeping more or less than usual
Negative thoughts about yourself, others and the future
Reduced motivation
Suicidal thoughts
If you are thinking about harming yourself, it is important to speak to someone.
Do you feel immediately unsafe? Please call 999 as this is an emergency. If you feel like you can stay safe, but want to talk, call the Samaritans on 116 123. Depression is a treatable condition and you will be able to manage your symptoms with the right help. Getting help is the first step toward feeling better.
Diagnosing panic disorder
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to get help. Receiving a proper diagnosis can help you start to explore which depression treatments might make you feel better.
Psychologists and therapists can diagnose depression through a semi-structured interview and a range of psychometric scales. A semi-structured interview is when your therapist asks you a series of open-ended questions. This helps you to discuss your experiences, so they can assess your symptoms. Psychometric scales are scales that are often used in questionnaires that get you to rate your symptoms. This helps your therapist to assess the scope and severity of what you are experiencing. Your therapist will also consider any other health issues and how these impact your symptoms. You may be more likely to experience depression if you have a chronic health condition. Or if you have experienced chronic stress, trauma, OCD or postnatal problems.
Once your therapist has reached a diagnosis, you can begin to explore treatment options together.
Depression treatment
Depression treatment may involve a mixture of medication and therapy. Most people respond well to therapy alone.
But if you have severe or long-term depression, you may require medication to heal most effectively. This is a wholly acceptable route that shouldn’t be avoided. Antidepressants are the most common type of medication, and we are happy to discuss how your doctor or psychiatrist might prescribe these. Learn more about antidepressants on the NHS website.
There are three main modalities of therapy that can help you manage symptoms of depression
These include using our expertise in:
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talk therapy which helps you change the way you think and behave.
It gives you practical ways to manage your feelings to reduce symptoms of depression. In this way, CBT can help you break out of unhelpful patterns of behaviour.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) can help you manage depression symptoms that are linked to traumatic memories.
You will revisit past trauma with the help of your therapist. Meanwhile, your conscious mind will be distracted by bilateral stimulation. This gives your brain the chance to reprocess traumatic memories. Bilateral stimulation is a repetitive movement across the body. For example, eye movements, tapping or auditory stimulation.
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based practice. It helps you embrace how you are feeling and commit to working through the problems you’re facing.
You acknowledge and accept negative feelings, rather than fighting them. And you commit to taking practical steps to face them. Your therapist will help you bring awareness to how you’re feeling. And support you to find practical strategies to reduce the impact stressors have on you.
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Book a Consultation
If you think you may be experiencing depression, we’d love to talk to you about how we can help. Please contact us to arrange an initial discussion. Our therapist, Jordan Vyas-Lee, will be happy to explore your symptoms and discuss depression treatments that might work for you. Don’t feel like you need to put on a brave face, take the first step towards feeling better today.
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Panic Disorder
If you’re struggling with panic disorder, our therapist Jordan Vyas-Lee is here to help. With expertise in a range of evidence-based therapy models, she can provide you with the support and tools you need to manage your symptoms and regain control. Don’t let panic hold you back any longer. Reach out to us today and start your journey towards a calmer, more confident life.
