Jack Broadley Psychotherapy
PGDip MA MSc
Help with psychotherapy for depression and low mood can have a positive impact, improving your life and the lives of those around you.
Depression
Seek Help with Psychotherapy for Depression & Low Mood
We all have periods in our lives when difficult things happen. A major life change, relationship issues, loss or ill health are all things that can impact our day-to-day life. Feeling sad, fed-up or low are all emotions which are part of the human condition. It is perfectly normal to feel down at times, particularly when related to a stressful period. However, if these feelings continue, professional help may become necessary and seeing a psychotherapist for depression can assist you when dealing with these difficult emotions.
When depression becomes prolonged it can have a serious impact on people’s lives. It can make it difficult to live normally, restricting and preventing the enjoyment of your usual daily activities. Depression can also impact other family members and friends. If your usual everyday life and relationships with others are being affected, then seeking help with psychotherapy for depression can be of benefit.
What is depression?
Depression is a complex mood presentation which can affect people at various times and stages of life. It can also take many different forms. Some days a person with depression will find it difficult to get out of bed, whilst other days they are able to go about their normal work and daily routines. Living with depression can be incredibly difficult, both for those suffering and those around them. Also, because of the way depression impacts people they often put off getting help. Without treatment, depression symptoms can affect people for years.
Recognising depression
For some, the first obstacle to seeking help is recognising that they are depressed. In some circumstances, people may not be aware, especially if the onset has been a gradual process over several weeks or months. Sometimes it takes a friend, family member, or a partner to recognise the symptoms.
Before we go into these, it’s important to point out that if someone is struggling with their emotions and feels unable to cope, particularly if they have felt this way for a couple of weeks, then it’s important to first arrange a visit to a GP. You may then wish to seek out additional support. Psychotherapy for depression related issues is one form of treatment.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Feelings of worthlessness
Lack of self-esteem
Constantly anxious, tearful and worried
Lack of enjoyment in life
Lack of motivation or interest in things normally enjoyed
Thoughts that life is not worth living
Inability to concentrate
Indecisive
Irritable and intolerant of others
Excessive and inappropriate guilt
Depression can take many forms, however some of the more common symptoms include:
Some people may also experience:
Changes in sleeping patterns (eg. broken night’s sleep or oversleeping)
Changes in eating patterns (eg. loss of appetite or overeating)
Tiredness and loss of energy
Reduced productivity at work
Persistent headaches and/or stomach upsets
Chronic pain
A slower speaking pattern than usual
Loss of libido
Changes to the menstrual cycle
Neglecting hobbies and interests
Withdrawing from social activities
Becoming isolated from friends and family
When to get help for depression
If feelings of depression start affecting several aspects of your life, this is a sign you may need professional support. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day, for more than two weeks, you should first seek help from your GP. A GP will look to diagnose the condition and recommend an appropriate treatment. This will depend on the nature of your depression and your personal circumstances. Often they prescribe medication, but they may also recommend talking therapies, such as psychotherapy, for depression.
The key areas of a person’s life where the negative impact of depression is most noticeable are relationships, work and hobbies or interests. When you lose your usual sense of happiness or enjoyment in these areas, speaking with a psychotherapist for depression could be of benefit. Living with the depression can put significant emotional and physical strain on your personal health and well-being as well as impacting those around you, so it is extremely important to seek help.
If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, these are warning signs that the condition is getting worse. If someone experiences these, they should seek the support of a medical professional immediately.
How can psychotherapy for depression be of benefit?
The causes of depression are often complex and multifaceted. As a psychodynamic/systemic psychotherapist for depression, I listen to a person’s experiences without making any judgements. I take time to work with clients, exploring the complexities of their feelings, actions and beliefs. By acknowledging these and, where appropriate, understanding them in relation to the person’s life story, family background and current circumstances, together we find a new understanding and positive ways to move forward.
Take the next step
If you are looking to work with a psychotherapist for depression issues, then do get in touch. Initially I can arrange a FREE 20 minute consultation in which we can both explore how we can work together and move forward towards a positive outcome.
Clinic Locations
Haywards Heath
Therapy sessions can be either long-term or short-term, face-to-face or online. We have two locations for in-person sessions, one in Haywards Heath, the other in Hove.
Oathall House
68-70 Oathall Road
Haywards Heath
RH16 3EN
Brighton & Hove
9 The Drive
Hove
BN3 3JE
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