Counselling for Depression in Halifax

Depression is more than just feeling sad. Everyone feels upset or unmotivated from time to time, but depression is more serious. It is a mood disorder characterised by prolonged feelings of sadness and loss of interest in daily activities. Being depressed often feels like carrying a very heavy burden.

If these symptoms persist for a period of at least two weeks, it is considered a depressive episode.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Though there are multiple types of depression, many of them have similar recognisable symptoms. This list provides a general idea of what comprises depression:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or emptiness
• Irritability, frustration, or restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that used to be enjoyable
• Difficulty sleeping, sleep disturbances or sleeping too much
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Difficulty thinking clearly, remembering, concentrating, or making decisions
• Appetite or weight changes
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach-aches, or back pain

Experiencing some combination of these symptoms for a period of at least two weeks signifies that you are likely to be in the midst of a depressive episode and it may be that you need help, sooner, rather than later.

Please phone me now for help – on 07913 979561 or 01422 321412.

Types of Depression

Just as there is no one cause for depression, there isn’t only one type of depression. It can take many forms. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders lists nine distinct types:

Major depression is the most common type of depression. Often, people with major depression experience recurrent episodes throughout their lives.

Dysthymia is a persistent low mood over a long period of time, even a year or more. It could be described as feeling like you are living on autopilot.

Situational Depression is triggered by a life-changing event. It could be anything, from losing your job to the death of an immediate family member.

Postpartum Depression occurs after giving birth. Mothers may feel disconnected from their new baby or fear that they will hurt their child.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a form of severe depression that shows up during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It affects the individual’s ability to function normally.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression brought on from a lack of natural sunlight. Some people are more sensitive to the lower amount of light in the winter-time.

Atypical Depression is often reported by sufferers as a feeling of heaviness in their limbs. They may suffer from irritability and relationship problems, as well as being prone to overeating and oversleeping.

Bipolar Disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgement, behaviour and the ability to think clearly.

Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any.

Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counselling (psychotherapy).

Causes of Depression

There is no one cause of depression, as it depends on a unique combination of an individual’s genetic makeup and environmental conditions. There are many factors to take into account:

• The brain’s physical structure or chemistry
• History of depression in the family
• History of other disorders (anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Stressful, traumatic events (abuse, financial issues, death of a loved one)
• Hormone changes (menstrual cycles, pregnancy)
• Certain medications (sleeping aids, blood pressure medication)

If you have any symptoms of depression you should see your doctor or a mental health professional.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is very effective in the treatment of depression.

Phone me now for an appointment, so that you can begin to feel better.

Remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination. This is a process – but you will benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy and the understanding of a qualified counsellor – who understands exactly how much this illness is interfering with your life and your happiness.

You can send a contact form via my Contact Page or call me on 07913 979561 or 01422 321412 to get the help that you need.