Reasons people come to counselling – Depression

Hello…

…and welcome back to my blog.

Next in the series of reasons why people come to counselling is considering depression.

Depression is a very real and genuine health condition. It is a common illness which can happen to anyone at any age but that effects everyone differently. It is more than just feeling unhappy, sad, feeling down or being fed up for a few days.

Depression is about feeling persistently sad and in a low mood for an extended period, such as weeks if not months or years, which effects your functioning in daily life including work, relationships and interests.

Behavioural symptoms that may present include:

• Being unable to get out of bed
• Loss of interest
• No pleasure
• Feelings of sadness
• Tearful
• Difficulties in concentrating
• Loss of confidence
• Feelings of helplessness/hopelessness
• Avoidance of others
• Self-harm
• Suicidal thoughts

Physical symptoms may also include:

• Tired/fatigue
• Poor sleep/sleeping too much
• No appetite
• Aches and pains
• Loss of sex drive

What causes depression?

There are many reasons why people may experience depression. Possible reasons include:

• Childhood experiences
• Physical illness
• Bereavement
• Life-changing events – expected or unexpected
• Having a baby
• Relationship breakdown
• Family predisposition
• Redundancy
• Money concerns
• Doubts, fears and worries

Some people may be aware of what has triggered their depression, however others may not.

Living with depression is hard, not only for the individual but for those living around them. They may not understand and tell them to ‘snap out of it’ and ‘pull yourself together’, or perhaps, whilst with all good intentions, tell them that ‘everything will be okay’ – however, none of these statements are helpful. Counselling however allows an individual the space to talk through everyday issues honestly and without judgement, to perhaps help develop strategies to resolve their issues and help in making changes to improve their daily lives as well as consider and understand the reasons for the onset of their depression.

Please like, comment, share and follow, and until next time:

be kind | embrace growth | nurture relationships

Kassandra