-Do you struggle to find motivation to go to work, socialise or even out of bed?
-Do you feel sad, glum or “blue” a lot of the time?
-Have you withdrawn from your friends, hobbies, interests and other enjoyable parts of your life?
-Do you wonder if life is worth living?
Depression
Feelings of sadness, being “down” or feeling “blue” is a common experience for many people. Most people feel that life is a struggle at one time or another. Many of us can remember times when we felt lost, hopeless or despairing. When these feelings only last for a short period of time, or are in response to a specific life event, they are rarely a problem. However if these feelings last for longer periods of time they may become a problem. In these situations, it may feel like life will not change. It may feel like there is not any joy in life. Negative thinking may take over. People’s sleep and eating patterns change. Their mood declines. They are entering into what is commonly called “depression”.
What is depression?
There are many ways to describe what depression is. In general however depression describes the experience of the person who feels low most of the time. A person experiencing depression may also experience:
• Long periods of feeling sad, hopeless of despairing
• Fatigue and lack of motivation
• Sleep problems, such as no being able to sleep or sleeping excessively
• Concentration problems
• Excessive anxiety, worry and negative thoughts
• Low sex-drive
• Regular thoughts of suicide
Depression is a serious mental illness experienced by up to 10% of New Zealanders in their lifetime.
“Depression is a serious mental illness experienced by up to 10% of New Zealanders in their lifetime.”
What causes depression?
Depression may be “caused” by many factors. At times people experience a period of depression following a major life change such as the break up of a relationship, the loss of a job, the death of a family member or failing to achieve an important goal. Other people experience depression for no clear reason. While it is often difficult to pinpoint a cause of depression, there are certain factors that make it more likely a person will experience depression. These factors include:
• Past episodes of depression
• Significant sources of stress in a persons life, such as financial stress, the breakup of a relationship or employment issues
• Long-term/chronic health issues
• A major life change, such as moving to a different city or country.
Whatever the cause of depression it is important to realise that depression is treatable.
“Whatever the cause of depression it is important to realise that depression is treatable.”
Is depression treatable?
The good news is that depression is treatable. Most people who experience depression find that with appropriate treatment they are able to regain their normal mood and enjoyment of life. At times this can be a long and gradual process. Other people find that their depression may lift quickly. Feeling depressed is not a life sentence!
“Most people who experience depression find that with appropriate treatment they are able to regain their normal mood and enjoyment of life.”
It is far easier to recover from depression with support from mental health professionals-especially a well-trained and experienced counsellor. Good counsellors are able to assist you to overcome depression-just as literally millions of people have done before you.
How is depression treated?
There are two major treatments for depression. These are:
a) Counselling and
b) Medication
For many people, the combination of both counselling and medication is the most effective treatment for depression.
I am ready to get help for my depression. Why should I see you?
In the last 15 years I have talked to many people who have experienced depression. By working with these clients I have developed many effective approaches to assisting people who are experiencing depression. Beginning counselling with me will assist you to recover your normal levels of happiness, contentment and joy in life.
“Beginning counselling with me will assist you to recover your normal levels of happiness, contentment and joy in life.”
I am ready to take action. What should I do now?
The first step towards recovery from depression is to contact me using the “Contact Me” button below. Alternatively you can use the “Book an Appointment Now” button to book an appointment time to see me for counselling. I can see clients either face to face or via Skype. I look forward to talking with you!
