Depression
Depression isn’t just about feeling sad for a few days. It can have a big impact on everyday life leaving you to feel unable to cope for several weeks and months. Depression can lead to difficult emotions such as shame, guilt and numbness. These emotions can be challenging to change alone. It’s ok to need support when it all feels too much. Here are some signs to look out for with depression.
- Feeling numb or emotionally ‘flat’
- Constant negative thoughts
- Fatigue, low energy and/or difficulty sleeping
- Thinking the world would be better off without you
Similar to anxiety there is a cycle that comes with depression. It starts with a low mood that leads people to withdraw slowly from the world around them. In withdrawing that low mood increases, leading to more withdrawal. This cycle can repeat until support is given to break it.
How can Therapy help?
Through accessing therapy, you will find support in understanding the triggers and patterns that affect you and your depression. Therapy can offer tools, support and guidance to help you feel more positive about the future. Different techniques such as CBT, Mindfulness and Coping techniques can help you to manage.
At Sam Lewis Therapy I offer safety and compassion in working through whatever it is that impacts your depression. There may be set backs and things that come up that need more work, but that’s ok. We can work through that together.
For those who have questions or are anxious about starting therapy I offer a free 20 minute telephone consultation to discuss your needs, how I can help and answer any questions you may have. If you would like to start your healing journey, contact me to book an introductory call.
Frequently asked Questions
How can a therapist help work through my depression?
I will help you to explore the root causes of how you are feeling, identify and challenge thought processes such as “I am worthless” and help you set small achievable goals for reconnecting with life.
Will we talk mostly about my past, or focus on my day-to-day?
That depends! During the initial sessions we will look at what brings you to therapy and explore together the possible causes of your depression. If that seems to be rooted in the past then we will start there, if you need to focus on getting through each day then we will start there instead. My job is to guide you through the process in a way that best suits your needs.
Do I need medication, or can I try therapy first?
Where medication is concerned it is best to speak to your GP. You do not need to be taking medication for therapy to be effective but if you feel like it could be beneficial then a visit to your GP is recommended.
If you would like more information about the differences between anxiety and depression please see my blog.