Therapy & Counselling Resources > Depression

Depression

Depression is one of the most common reasons people seek help from therapists, counsellors and doctors. It has been reported that depression will affect one in three people at some time of life.

The signs of depression are different for different individuals but some of the most common are

• Withdrawal and isolation
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable
• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Physical symptoms such as pain, headaches and stomach upsets
• Increased irritability
• Thoughts of wanting to die or not wanting to live.

Medical practitioners and many counsellors and therapists recognise different kinds of depression including reactive depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), post-natal depression and depression associated with bipolar diagnosis.

There may be a physical illness that is triggering the depression so it is important to consult a GP if you have any concerns about your health. Depression can also be triggered by excessive and regular use of alcohol and prescribed and recreational drugs.

It can be quite usual to experience the symptoms of depression after a major upheaval such as relocation or becoming a parent, bereavement, increased stress at work or home or when one’s life does not go to plan. Depression often goes hand in hand with prolonged anxiety. Depression can happen when we do not recover from a traumatic experience and sometimes people experience a recurring depression they attribute to childhood issues.

Online counsellors and therapists may be of assistance with depression where serious risks are not involved. However when a person is having persistent thoughts of wanting to end life and has an intention to do so, it is advisable to seem more immediate help. It is best to get help for depression as early as possible. For less serious depression, online counselling and therapy may provide the opportunity to talk through issues and put strategies in place to start feeling well again.

This information is only general and is not a substitute for a professional consultation.

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