Depression and Counselling: How Talking Therapy Can Help You Heal

It is a sad fact that depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide. It is also often misunderstood. Depression is unlike a temporary sadness or feelings of stress; it becomes a persistent state of being which affects your moods, thoughts, and daily life. It is important to know that if you are feeling low, overwhelmed or hopeless, that you are not alone. There is support available.

Counselling is one of the most effective ways to recover from depression.

What is Depression?

Depression goes beyond occasional bad days. Once depression sets in it starts to impact every aspect of your life, from work and relationships to your physical health. The most common signs of depression include:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness

• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities

• Sleep problems - being unable to fall asleep, stay asleep or sleeping too much

• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless

• Lacking in energy and overwhelmingly fatigued

• Loss of sex drive/interest in personal relationships

• Becoming withdrawn from family and friends

• Feeling anxious, stressed and overwhelmed

• Starting to have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life.

If these signs are looking familiar, it may be time to consider getting some help.

Many people first visit their GP. This is useful, particularly for ruling out any physical cause for symptoms like fatigue or loss of libido. GPs often prescribe antidepressant medication. These can work well for some people as a stand-alone treatment, but research indicates that they do work better alongside talking therapies. In fact, in many studies, talking therapies have been shown to be as effective as medication in helping someone move past symptoms of depression.

We are all individuals - there is no one-size-fits-all. It is important to consider your unique needs to decide what is the best fit.

How Counselling Helps with Depression

Talking therapy, also known as counselling, provides a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings, identify patterns, and develop healthier coping strategies. Here’s how depression counselling can help:

• Time and space to talk - counselling offers a non-judgmental space where you can share your feelings openly. Feeling isolated and ignored is part of the isolation people experience when they have depression. Being listened to and understood is a vital part of healing.

• Understanding the cause of depression - people become depressed for many reasons. Sometimes depression is a response to immediate events, and others can be rooted in the past. Trauma, unresolved grief, chronic stress and negative thought patterns can all lead to depression in the long term. Talking things through can give you new clarity around why you feel as you do.

• Learning Practical Coping Strategies - a counsellor works with you at your own pace to learn ways of coping with the symptoms of depression. This may involve learning relaxation methods, challenging unhelpful ways of thinking, or finding ways to reintegrate self-care and enjoyment into your life. This helps you regain a sense of control.

• Building self-esteem and self-compassion - many people report a harsh, hyper-critical inner voice. Counselling will help you recognise and challenge this voice and develop a kinder, more compassionate way of talking to yourself. Learning to be your own best friend is vital for recovery and long-term well-being.

• Restoring Hope and Confidence - depression sucks the joy out of life and makes the future look bleak. We can work together to set small, achievable goals, working to build your resilience and increase a sense of hope for the future.

The Benefits of Counselling for Depression

Research shows that counselling and talking therapies can be highly effective in treating depression.

Some of the key benefits of therapy include:

Reduced feelings of sadness, guilt, and hopelessness

• Improved relationships and communication

• Better sleep, appetite, and daily routines

• Increased motivation and energy

• Renewed sense of purpose and enjoyment in lifeit is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

• Reduced feelings of sadness, guilt, and hopelessness

• Improved relationships and communication

• Better sleep, appetite, and daily routines

• Increased motivation and energy

• Renewed sense of purpose and enjoyment in life

Taking the First Step Toward Support

If you are struggling with depression, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. I offer a free, no-obligation and no-pressure online or telephone consultation. Call or email today and we can talk about how I can help.