top of page

Depression is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign that you have been strong for too long.

~ Sigmund Freud

Counselling for Depression

Depression can present itself in a wide variety of ways and can range from mild to severe. We all have feelings of sadness or low mood at times, but if they last for more than 2 weeks, or keep returning it is worth investigating further. 

​

What are the symptoms of depression?

​

Ongoing depression can have physical, emotional and psychological consequences including:​

  • Feeling down, upset or tearful

  • Feeling restless, agitated or irritable

  • Feeling guilty, worthless and down on yourself

  • Feeling empty and numb

  • Feeling isolated and unable to relate to other people

  • Finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy

  • Having a sense of unreality

  • Lack of self-confidence or self-esteem

  • Feelings of hopelessness and despair

  • Having thoughts of suicide.

  • Utter fatigue

  • Physical aches and pains

  • Loss or gain in appetite and/or weight

  • A lack of drive and motivation

Depression often leads to avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy, losing interest in sex, using more tobacco, alcohol or other drugs than usual, and issues within relationships.

​​

How can counselling help with depression?

​

Counselling can help explore and make sense of why you are feeling the way you are. It’s often not a single event that causes depression, but an accumulation of life events that may not have been processed. If you were bought up in an environment where it was unacceptable to express emotions such as sadness ("big boys don’t cry") or hurt or anger those feelings are swallowed instead and turned inwards. Over time they start expressing themselves through symptoms of depression. 

 

Having a safe, non-judgement, caring space to talk about unprocessed life events and become familiar and comfortable with expressing your feelings is both relieving and healing. It takes courage and time to face your feelings rather than avoid them, and to talk about past events which may bring up difficult feelings. But you will be rewarded by feeling happier, more energised, and in looking forward to enjoying your life again.

bottom of page