Depression

Depression is often called the common cold of the psychiatric world, nevertheless it is a very frightening condition.  There are many different strains and symptoms and they are not always easy to identify. It is a condition that will affect around one in 5 people at some point in their lives.  Often it is the strong who suffer the most.

Depression is not ‘sadness’ or ‘unhappiness’ and those suffering from depression may experience a wide spectrum of symptoms, emotional and physical, which just won’t shift. The sufferers may isolate themselves, be detached or feeling ‘in a bubble’ and sense a blackness or heaviness of their mood. Often they have a deep sense of not feeling okay. The longer it goes on the deeper the spiral becomes. Many find it difficult to pinpoint a specific cause of their depression.  However, this does not make their symptoms any less real. 

Living with depression or living with a depressed person is very hard and at times this can make seeking help even harder. People can fear stigma or labelling will occur It is very important for people suffering with depression to believe there are many people who are willing to help.  Although it feels awful, and the sufferer may feel frightened, with the right help symptoms will be greatly reduced and, in time, overcome.

Symptoms can or may include:

• Frightening thoughts
• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Insomnia, or excessive sleeping
• Loss of interest in activities
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Most of the above symptoms can be considered normal responses.  However, if you experience some of these symptoms for extended periods of time please contact your GP and consider discussing your symptoms with a trained counsellor.

Counselling can help address feelings of depression, feeling sad, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), postnatal depression and suicidal thoughts.