Therapy for Depression
We offer compassionate and personalised therapy for those experiencing depression, helping individuals navigate the overwhelming feelings that can accompany this condition. Our evidence-based treatments are tailored to each person’s needs, providing support and strategies to reclaim a sense of balance and well-being.
What is Depression?
Sadness is part of all our lives, many of us will have experienced times when we feel low and fed up. We can often attribute this to something happening in our lives, a relationship breakdown, financial difficulties, loss. However, when the feelings continue for weeks and months without passing and start to impact our daily life, it may be that we are experiencing depression.
Depression can range in its severity. A low or mild presentation of depression could mean you feel low and lack enthusiasm but are still able to get on with day-to-day life. A more severe level of Depression could see you finding those daily life tasks just too much to cope with, if not impossible. For some, this could even lead to suicidal thoughts and feelings as feeling this way can seem unbearable.
People who love and care for someone with depression might find themselves desperately worried about the person they love. They may even find that the depression feels heavy on their shoulders too. They may not know what to do or where to turn for help for their loved one, or even themselves.
What are the symptoms of Depression?
There are many symptoms of depression and many people describe it in different ways. A great resource to read that seems to make sense to a lot of people is the easily accessible illustrated book, ‘I Had a Black Dog’ by Matthew Johnstone. This illustration shows how it can feel to be weighed down by such an intense and difficult shadow reality.
Some of the most common symptoms people report are:
- Feeling down or upset
- Feeling restless, agitated or irritable
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Feeling empty or numb
- Feeling isolated and unable to relate to other people
- Finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy
- Feeling angry or frustrated over minor things
- A sense of unreality
- Feeling hopeless
- Changing in your sleep pattern, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Self-harming or suicidal behaviour
- Losing interest in sex
- Difficulty remembering or concentrating on things
- Using more tobacco, alcohol or other drugs than usual
- No appetite and losing weight, or eating more than usual and gaining weight
- Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause
- Moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated
What is the treatment for Depression?
There are many treatment options for people with depression, ranging from self-help to medical interventions. This can include talking therapies, medication, or a combination of both.
It’s important to remember that not everyone will respond in the same way to treatment, so it is important to explore the options and find what works for you.
Alongside medication, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) as effective treatments for depression. We also know that there are many other therapies with strong evidence bases including compassion-focused therapy (CFT), or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
If you’re considering therapy or looking to refer someone, please complete the referral form below. This will help us understand your needs and ensure that we can match you with the most suitable therapist or service. Once submitted, our team will review the information and get in touch to discuss the next steps.
Experience effective therapeutic support conveniently via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or telephone counselling in Northampton, Kettering, Milton Keynes, Leicester and the surrounding areas.