by Danny Hickling BSC Hons UKCP BACP Registered Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
Based in Norwich and Norfolk
Depression is a very common, yet widely misunderstood condition mainly due to the confusion between the short term sadness despondency and lack of motivation that can commonly be termed as ‘depressed’ and the more serious and less fleeting feelings of Clinical Depression. This confusion I believe contributes to the misguided belief from others around the depressed person that they can just ‘snap out of this state and instantly take control of their life.
COMMON SIGNS OF CLINICAL DEPRESSION (if experienced for over two weeks) Low Mood and Sadness. Feelings of Hopelessness and Despondency. Loss of interest in areas of life that would usually give pleasure. P
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS can include. Difficulty Sleeping or Excessive sleeping. Fatigue during the day. Lack of interest in normal physical needs such as food and sex, with some people however these needs are desired more so instead of weight loss from lack of apatite, excessive comfort eating can lead to weight gain. General unexplained aches and pains -a astonishing 7 out of 10 patients seen by GPs in practice, for Depression in practice experience aches and pains. (http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Depression/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
Statistically two out of three us will develop depression at some point in our adult life will suffer from Depression (patient.co.uk/health/depression) and in many cases this can be alleviated with self help measures by making life style changes such as exercise and re balancing life’s pressures. Sometimes this isn’t enough and the Depression may be mild to severe and may interfere with everyday life. here in addition to the above symptoms the following issues may be present. Withdrawal from social interaction. Severe lack of self esteem and self worth. Severe lack of motivation. Lack of self care, in addition additions become more apparent. Self Harm, where the feelings become so unbearable, some people attempt to control these feelings or ‘punish’ themselves by self harming by cutting themselves, pulling hair etc. Recurrent thoughts of Death and dying which can lead to suicidal thoughts.
If you suffer or have a close family member or friend who has the above symptoms, check at first with a doctor that there no physical cause for the depression or accompanying physical symptoms. If the depression is mild or severe you may be prescribed medication. Talking therapies are a good way of examining the deeper issues that may have lead to the feelings of depression. By starting to talk at your own pace about your life with a neutral person, will let you explore your beliefs and ways of thinking about yourself and others and help alleviate the deeper issues that may have been causing the depressive feelings.
If you would like a informal talk about how counselling may help you, please ring me on the number below this page.
If offer many ways of beginning to combat depression ranging from traditional talking therapies to therapies outdoors including those combining creative pursuits such as photography
For a short video on others experiences on depression please watch the video below
