Depression is more than feeling sad or down, which everyone does from time to time. If you are suffering from psychological depression you will regularly, or even constantly be feeling sad, even hopeless and will lose interest in the things you most enjoy. These feelings will persist for weeks, months or longer and may come in overwhelming waves.
Sufferers of psychological depression will experience a low mood and sadness on a continuous basis. They will feel helpless to change things, that their situation is hopeless and their self-esteem will be low. They may also experience regular or constant feelings of guilt, irritation and intolerance, and have difficulty being motivated, interest or find even the most fun activities enjoyable. They may also feel anxious (link to anxiety page) and even have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
There can be physical symptoms too, such as regularly and inexplicably being on the verge of tears, feeling unexplainable aches and pains or have difficulty moving that cannot be medically explained, moving and speaking slowly, losing energy, appetite and or libido, and suffering insomnia, particularly easily disturbed sleep or early wakefulness. Conversely oversleeping and constant inability to get up, and feeling tired despite sufficient sleep may be a symptom. Menstrual cycle changes can also be triggered by depression.
Many of these symptoms can occur for other reasons but if physical medical conditions have been ruled out and many of these symptoms co-exist then depression is a likely cause. Psychologists have developed some straightforward diagnostic tests that will easily enable identification of depression. If you are experiencing these symptoms, Paula will undertake such an assessment with you, and through discussion of your circumstances, thoughts and feelings she will determine the severity and nature of the depression (for example is it reactive, clinical, post-natal or related to another condition such as seasonally affective disorder and so on) and work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for you.
Treatment for Depression Paula has twenty years experience successfully treating clients suffering form Depression, in all its forms. In most cases Paula will work in partnership with the client to develop a combination therapeutic approach. In cases of severe depression or certain kinds of depression this will also involve your doctor who may prescribe anti-depressant medication. The sessions you have with Paula will focus on talking therapeutic approaches including Acceptance and Commitment therapy, which is focused on emotions, Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which focuses on the client’s cognitions and behaviour. Having a regular routine and physical exercise are also clinically proven to assist in the treatment of depression. Paula will work with you to ensure that you establish and maintain a regular weekly schedule which includes increased exercise.
For more information about depression, and to book an appointment, please call Paula today on 07305 780371 or by e-mail @ pbeasty@gmail.com, alternatively please fill out the online form