Feeling sad or experiencing low mood is something that we all experience in our lives, but often we know what is making us feel low which enables us to understand more easily what can help us feel better. Small changes to our lives and routine can often help, also addressing elements of our life that are making us unhappy and sharing our problems with friends or family. Low mood can be described as depression if it lasts a long time or is continually returning and has an impact on our everyday life. Sometimes we lose sight of what has led us to feel depressed and this can lead to feelings of hopelessness.

As with many other mental health problems, depression can affect people in different ways and isn’t limited to mood. It may be that you are feeling increasingly irritable or angry, you may have less energy, have lost your appetite or just can’t seem to find the joy in those things that once made you smile.

Depression is often not alone and can be accompanied by anxiety.

As with other mental health problems, depression can be caused by a single event or a collection of events. This is sometimes why we feel our depression isn’t valid, because we have not experienced anything significant, but sometimes it’s a series of events or experiences that can become the heaviest weight.

Common causes of depression are disputes, arguments or the breakdown of a relationship. These are life changing events along with having a baby or losing your job. Seasonal depression is also common, the lack of sunlight during the winter months affects most of us, but some more than others. Maybe you put your needs behind everyone else, which can make you more susceptible to depression.

I can help by offering a relationship free of judgement and support you to explore your feelings and acknowledge them. I will support you to find your own ways to cope with what is challenging you. We can explore different strategies and ways of relating to others and events and look at self-care techniques. Self-acceptance is important in working with depression, trying to stifle or stop it can often have the opposite effect. Compassion and acceptance towards yourself are more likely to help. I can offer time for you to focus on you with me alongside.