Depression

I have noticed that the words ‘I feel depressed’ are sometimes used socially and not always accurately. Clients who have had depression have told me that this is not something that you can just ‘snap out of.’

‘Depression also should be distinguished from what many of us experience as a bad mood or from the normal grief reaction to the loss of a loved one or loved object. .. Bad moods often diminish during the course of a day or two….’ More serious depression, however, sometimes referred to as clinical depression, interferes with and disrupts a person’s job and relational life.’ M.D. Lastoria (in Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology & Counseling, 1999, p.335).

In my clinical work I take a personal and health history at the initial appointment. This gives me vital information about clients’ significant life events and health and whether they have seen a GP recently.

Sometimes I have found that people are reluctant to go to the GP because they are anxious about a possible diagnosis of depression on their records. It seems that there is still a stigma about mental health. Yet we all have mental health – sometimes we have good mental health and sometimes we don’t. If we had a broken leg I imagine that we would not have a problem going and getting that set.

Are you finding that you are experiencing a lot of difficulties at the moment and are feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope? Sometimes people have told me that they feel that they need to ‘be strong’ and support everyone else. Everyone has a breaking point. It is so important to take care of yourself and that includes your mental health. Sometimes people feel a sense of shame about having depression – it’s not your fault – and help is available.

If you feel that you might be depressed or are unsure – you just know that you are lacking in energy and have lost interest in the things which you would usually find enjoyable it is worth investigating why this might be and getting some help.

Do contact me so that I can see how best to help you or signpost you to the most appropriate help.