Depression

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  • Depression is a common mental health condition characterised by a persistent low mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.

    While everyone experiences sadness, depression involves symptoms that persist for weeks or months and significantly impact daily functioning. Depression can affect emotions, thoughts, physical health, motivation, and behaviour. It often creates a cycle where low mood leads to withdrawal and inactivity, which in turn reinforces feelings of hopelessness and disconnection.

  • Depression can look different for different people, but common signs include:

    Emotional Symptoms

    • Persistent sadness or emptiness

    • Feelings of hopelessness

    • Increased irritability or frustration

    • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-criticism

    • Emotional numbness

    Cognitive Symptoms

    • Negative thinking patterns

    • Difficulty concentrating

    • Indecisiveness

    • Reduced confidence

    • Thoughts that the future will not improve

    Physical Symptoms

    • Fatigue or low energy

    • Changes in appetite

    • Changes in sleep patterns

    • Slowed movement or restlessness

    • Reduced interest in intimacy

    Behavioural Symptoms

    • Withdrawing from family and friends

    • Loss of interest in hobbies

    • Avoiding responsibilities

    • Reduced productivity

    • Increased reliance on alcohol or other coping behaviours

  • Depression impacts between 7.5-9.3% of the population within the past 12 months. More generally, across the lifespan, approximately 15% of people will have experienced depression at some point in their lives.

  • Depression is not a single experience. Different forms can present in different ways.

    Major Depressive Disorder

    Characterised by persistent low mood, loss of interest, and significant impairment in daily functioning.

    Persistent Depressive Disorder

    A longer-term form of depression involving ongoing symptoms that may be less severe but continue for extended periods.

    Postnatal Depression

    Depression occurring during pregnancy or after the birth of a child.

    Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

    Depressive symptoms linked to seasonal changes, often occurring during periods of reduced sunlight.

    Depression Associated with Life Events

    Depression can develop following significant losses, relationship breakdowns, trauma, health challenges, or major life transitions.

  • Many people experiencing depression become caught in a cycle:

    1. A stressful event or ongoing difficulty occurs.

    2. Mood begins to decline.

    3. Motivation decreases.

    4. Activities and social connections reduce.

    5. Positive experiences become less frequent.

    6. Feelings of hopelessness and isolation increase.

    Over time, this cycle can become self-reinforcing.

    Therapy helps identify these patterns and develop practical strategies to interrupt them.

  • Our approach is evidence-based and tailored to each person's circumstances, goals, and experiences.

    Treatment may include:

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    CBT helps identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop more balanced and realistic perspectives.

    Behavioural Activation

    One of the most effective treatments for depression, behavioural activation focuses on gradually rebuilding meaningful activities and restoring engagement with life.

    Schema Therapy

    For longstanding depression linked to early life experiences, schema therapy helps address deeper emotional patterns and beliefs.

    Mindfulness-Based Approaches

    Mindfulness can help people develop a different relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions, reducing self-judgement and rumination.

    Interpersonal Therapy

    This approach focuses on relationship difficulties, communication patterns, and social support systems that may contribute to depression.