Staff Counselling

Depression

Everyone’s mood naturally varies over time and from day to day. We may say that we are 'down', 'fed up', or 'feeling under the weather'; we may get disheartened about something that happens or when things don't go the way we would have liked. Although people often say 'I'm depressed' to mean these things, this would not usually be what is called clinical depression and is simply part of the usual ups and downs of life.

Depression can be described as a persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in life. Depression can also include

·  a change in eating, weight and/or sleep patterns

·  reduced energy levels and reduced physical activity

·  poor concentration

·  negative thoughts and beliefs about self, others and the world

·  avoiding other people and withdrawing into your room

·  feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

·  loss of interest, enthusiasm and enjoyment

·  reduced or no sex drive

·  feeling irritable and short-tempered, or tearful

·  being unable to continue as usual with work and interests, maybe because you feel listless, or 'can't be bothered', or things feel pointless

·  the future seeming bleak or hopeless

·  thoughts about suicide

We may feel some of the above for reasons other than depression, or even several together for a brief while, without this being of major concern.

Nonetheless, depression is very common - it affects people of all ages and backgrounds and is one of the most common reasons for people seeking help from counsellors or doctors.

Often depression is a response to events or circumstances that we feel to be deeply troublesome or distressing, or which seem to threaten our personal identity. These circumstances can seem too hard or even impossible to change. We might experience a sense of powerlessness, hopelessness and an all-pervasive gloom. However, sometimes people seem to get depressed for no obvious reason

It is understandable to feel down for a while after something upsetting has happened, like the end of a relationship or feeling disappointed that you have not done as well as you would have liked. Usually this disappointment passes with time, and people find that they can come to terms with what has happened and start to look forward to the future in a more positive way. However, if the low mood is frequent or persists, or seems so severe that it affects your ability to function normally, it might be time to seek some help.

If you are troubled by depression, then you could talk it over with one of our counsellors.

01245 434225 (ednet 40225) email:

Samaritans: 0845 7909090