Depression

Depression can be a highly distressing and debilitating illness.  Everyone, at some time, experiences periods of low mood.  However, depression (which can only be diagnosed by a medically trained practitioner) is characterised by a persistent low mood of more than 2 weeks  and the symptoms can range from mild to severe.  These symptoms can be very wide ranging and vary between individuals, but in general terms they display as a low mood and self-esteem, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feeling tearful or irritable and anxious.  In addition, sleep patterns can be disturbed which only exacerbates other symptoms.

Counselling can help by providing a structured environment to explore feelings. Suffering with depression can feel like a very turbulent experience and safe, steady support at this time is crucial.  There are many things that we can do to help ourselves and exploring these within a trusting and respectful relationship can be extremely comforting and provide some hope that things can improve.