Depression

Many people can feel sad or unhappy for a few days, but when you’re depressed, these feelings do not go away and can last weeks or months. Depression is a serious mental health problem which can affect anyone, no matter how strong you feel you should be, or others want you to be.

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms, though those listed below are some of the most common symptoms:

·       Persistent sadness and low mood

·       Feeling tearful

·       Losing enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities

·       Feeling hopeless

·       Feeling anxious

·       Feeling easily irritable with others

·       Thinking about harming yourself or suicide

·       No longer taking care of your appearance/self-care

·       Poor motivation

For most people who feel depressed they are likely to also have some physical symptoms including:

·       Feeling constantly tired

·       Disturbed sleep (including sleeping too much or too little)

·       Loss of appetite

·       Low or no sex drive

Many people with depression may also experience symptoms of anxiety.

Depression can range in its severity (including being mild, moderate and severe). There are also different types of depression including bipolar affective disorder, post-natal depression and psychotic depression.

Treatment for depression

A combination of anti-depressant medication and psychological therapy has been shown to be most effective for the treatment of depression. In terms of psychological therapy, Dr Rose often uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness which are effective therapeutic approaches to treat depression, recommended by the National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence. If you are interested in exploring more of the origins of your depression Schema Therapy is particularly useful if you are generally a person who is prone to negative and pessimistic thinking.  Dr Rose will discuss with you which will be the most suitable therapeutic approach for you depending on the nature of your difficulties, their severity and the length of time you are able to commit to therapy.

If you would also like to consider taking anti-depressant medication and/or your symptoms are causing you significant impairment of daily functioning, Dr Rose will make recommendations for you to be seen by a Psychiatrist and make onward referral if necessary.