Counselling for depression
A person is diagnosed with depression if they continuously feel worried or down and have lost pleasure in daily activities. Counselling for depression is available for you at Halcyon.
Symptoms include low self-esteem, feeling hopeless and helpless, tearful, guilty, and intolerable of others.
However, there are various types of depression, and they need to be diagnosed correctly to receive an effective treatment plan. A person with depression is unmotivated and not interested in life; as a result, they will socially isolate themselves and avoid all interactions. Because of this, the depressed individual will get stuck in a vicious cycle and spiral further downwards. Seeking counselling for depression is the first step in feeling better.
Moreover, depression affects memory, and people may forget important details of their lives. In some extreme cases, the intensity of hopelessness can cause thoughts and intentions of self-harm and suicide. Many internal and external factors determine the cause of depression, and It can range from mild, moderate to severe. Depression is common. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 350 million people suffer from it globally. Is it time for you to get counselling for depression?
What does depression look like?
Depression affects each individual person in a different way. Most people experience a combination of the following:
- Prolonged and intense feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
- Withdrawal from social situations
- Feeling helpless, hopeless, guilty or worthless
- Restlessness, irritability and anger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Weight fluctuations
- Physical pain, such as headaches
- Suicidal thoughts
How is depression diagnosed?
A GP can ask specific questions and conclude. The main three aspects to focus on is the duration, intensity, and frequency of said symptoms. Blood tests are conducted to rule out other illnesses. Considering the severity of the symptoms, a treatment plan is devised. If an individual is physically fit and still experiencing extremely low mood for two consecutive weeks, it can be diagnosed as depression.
Internal causes of Depression:
- Personality traits, such as neuroticism and pessimism.
- Childhood experiences, especially if growing up, felt helpless and had little to no control over their lives.
- Family history if a family member is diagnosed with depression.
- Health problems such as heart, kidney disease or asthma.
External causes of Depression:
- Money stress caused by financial concerns such as debt can trigger depressive symptoms.
- Stress when a person cannot cope with all the demands.
- Unemployment and other work-related stressors affect self-esteem and status. Perception of self can be distorted, and an individual may not attend social gatherings.
- Bereavement followed by the death of a close family member, friend or pet.
- Alcohol/drugs are due to physiological, social and financial aspects of addiction.
- Bullying among children and adults, may it be physical or verbal, can trigger depressive symptoms.
- Loneliness because of health, among other reasons. It’s most common among the elderly.
- Pregnancy & birth involves an overwhelming prospect of parenthood.
- Relationship problems
About Halcyon Counselling
If you are feeling depressed, you know what it feels like to not be motivated and uninterested in life’s pleasures. Living with it can be draining and has a huge impact on your quality of life. A depressed individual’s life seems to crumble and everything around you feels hard which kicks you into overdrive harming your personal and professional life so it’s important that you seek counselling for depression.
Fortunately, with the right support, depression is a highly treatable condition.
The cause of depression is multifactorial, meaning there may be genetic, biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors contributing. Major life trauma, stress and change can be a trigger for depression. People with chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and other debilitating illnesses are at an increased risk of depression, as are those with a family history of depression.
Halcyon works with everyone who yearns to be as successful in their personal lives as they are in their careers. Get in touch with your best self, and discover more peaceful, tender, and enjoyable ways to connect. Create that space for yourself today with Halcyon’s registered counsellors.
Counselling for Depression
There are many treatments that are effective for depression, and a range of health professionals and organisations can assist. Many people find enough support from one health professional, while others benefit from a small team of health professionals for different aspects of their treatment. Everyone is different. The most common therapies are lifestyle and dietary changes, social support networks, psychological therapies, and medical treatment.
- Lifestyle changes For mild to moderate depression, exercise is helpful. Talk to friends and family; rest; eat healthily and regularly.
- Self-Help Includes affirmations, attend social events, and record yourself disproving negative assumptions.
- Medications Antidepressants, along with psychotherapy, will be prescribed by professionals.
- Counselling for depression (psychotherapy)
1. Psychodynamic psychotherapy explores the root of the problem.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) identifies triggers, negative thoughts, habitual avoidance, and safety behaviours.
3. Behavioural Therapy (BT) identifies new behavioural goals and develops achievable and realistic steps to achieve set goals.
4. Psychoeducation to provide information and support to the person having trouble and to the carers may reduce the chances of the disorder persisting.
5. Specialised residential treatment is used in addition to therapy and medication in severe PPD and postpartum psychosis cases.
6. Group Therapy includes assertiveness training and building self-esteem, which helps counteract unhelpful thoughts and unfounded fears.
Read more on depression here. You do not have to fight this condition alone. Contact counsellors at Halcyon and book a free initial consultation.