Depression is a common mental health condition. It is not just feeling down but a persistent state of sadness that can affect your daily life. Depression counselling in Harrow offers a safe and supportive space to understand your feelings, the root causes and help develop effective coping strategies.
Understanding Depression
Nearly three in ten adults have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. About 18% are currently experiencing depression. Women are more likely to experience depression than men and younger adults. While depression can occur at any time and age, it generally first appears during the late teens to mid-20s.
Symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe. The symptoms can include:
- Feeling sad, irritable, empty, and/or hopeless
- Losing interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
- A significant change in appetite
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Decreased energy or increased tiredness or fatigue
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech that are severe enough to be observable by others
- Feeling worthless or excessively guilty
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating or making minor decisions
- Attempting suicide
Types of Depression
Depression can manifest in different forms, each with its unique characteristics:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Also known as clinical depression, MDD impacts how you feel, think, and function. It usually occurs in episodes that can last several weeks or months. You will likely have more than one episode in your lifetime.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Dysthymia is characterised by chronic low-level depression that is not as severe but may be longer-lasting than major depressive disorder. It can last for two years or more and is common and can happen to anyone at any age.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a type of depression related to changes in the seasons. It begins and ends at about the same time each year. Symptoms often start in the autumn and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression happens after having a baby. It affects up to 15% of people. People with postpartum depression experience emotional highs and lows, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt, and anxiety and may have trouble caring for their baby.
Situational Depression
Situational depression lasts several months. A specific situation or event like loss, traumatic injury, natural disasters, rejection, financial problems and others brings it on.
How Depression Affects Mental and Physical Health
Mental health
- Mood: A person with depression may feel sad, irritable, empty, or hopeless. They may also feel guilty, worthless, or helpless.
- Thoughts: A person with depression may have thoughts of death or suicide. They may also feel a loss of interest in activities.
- Sleep: A person with depression may have difficulty sleeping and wake up too early.
- Concentration: A person with depression may find it difficult to concentrate, remember, or make decisions.
Physical health
- Fatigue: A person with depression may feel tired or low in energy.
- Aches and pains: A person with depression may experience physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems.
- Appetite: A person with depression may experience changes in appetite or unplanned weight changes.
- Sex drive: A person with depression may experience low sex drive (loss of libido).
Depression can also increase the risk of developing some physical diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Signs You Might Need Depression Counselling in Harrow
- Mood: Feeling sad, anxious, or empty or having a persistent low mood
- Motivation: Having little interest in activities you used to enjoy or feeling like you have no motivation
- Sleep: Having trouble sleeping, waking up too early, or oversleeping
- Appetite: Eating more or less than usual or having no appetite
- Energy: Feeling tired, even after sleeping well, or having a lack of energy
- Concentration: Having trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Physical symptoms: Having physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
- Thoughts: Having thoughts of death or suicide or thoughts of harming yourself
Benefits of Depression Counselling in Harrow
Depression counselling in Harrow offers numerous benefits for individuals struggling with depression. You can find expert mental health support in Harrow tailored to your specific needs. Here are some key advantages:
Access to Licensed Therapists
Counselling provides access to licensed therapists and professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat depression.
Personalised Treatment Plans
The best therapists for depression in the UK create personalised treatment plans based on your individual needs, goals, and preferences.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a popular and effective therapy method for depression, helping you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Safe, Non-Judgemental Space
Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to express your emotions, explore your thoughts, and work through your challenges without fear of judgement.
Online and In-Person Therapy Options
Many therapists in Harrow offer online and in-person therapy options, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your needs and preferences.
How to Overcome Depression: Popular Therapy Methods
Several depression therapy methods in Harrow have proven effective in treating depression. Here are some of the most popular approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to depression. By changing these patterns, you can improve your mood and develop healthier coping strategies.
Psychodynamic Therapy
This approach explores past trauma and emotional blocks that may be contributing to your depression. You can begin to heal and move forward by gaining insight into these underlying issues.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-based therapy teaches you to practice mindfulness and meditation to manage stress and improve your overall well-being. You can reduce negative thoughts and emotions by focusing on the present moment.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on improving your relationships and communication skills. By addressing interpersonal issues that may be contributing to your depression, you can build stronger support networks and improve your overall mood.
Medication & Therapy Combination
In some cases, antidepressants may be recommended in combination with therapy. Medication can help alleviate symptoms of depression, while therapy can address the underlying issues and develop coping strategies.
How to Choose the Right Depression Counsellor in Harrow
Choosing the right counsellor is essential for a successful therapy experience.
- Check Credentials and Professional Experience: Look for licensed therapists with experience in depression.
- Look for BACP-Registered Therapists: The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is a professional organisation that sets standards for counselling and psychotherapy in the UK. Choosing them ensures they meet ethical and professional standards.
- Consider Therapy Formats: Decide whether you prefer online or in-person counselling. Online therapy offers convenience and flexibility, while in-person therapy provides a face-to-face experience.
Focus Therapy is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I look forward to supporting you toward greater self-awareness, personal growth, and well-being.
Self-Help Tips for Depression Along with Counselling
- Exercise: Try to be active, even if it’s just walking for 30 minutes a day. You can also try exercising outside to get more sunlight. It has a positive impact on mood.
- Sleep: Make a sleep schedule. Avoid caffeine after 4 PM and alcohol before bed.
- Eat well: Eat regular, healthy meals and stay hydrated.
- Seeking Social Support from Friends and Family: Connecting with friends and family can provide emotional well-being support and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Face your fears: Don’t avoid things that make you uncomfortable.
- Express yourself: Try creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music.
- Notice good things: Try to notice three good things in your day.
- Read: Read books about depression or other mental health problems.
- Use tools: Try using a thought diary or a suicide safety plan.
- Spend time with a pet: Pets can provide comfort and companionship.
- Limiting Social Media and Negative News Exposure: Excessive social media use and exposure to negative news can worsen your mood. Try to focus on positive things.
How to Book a Depression Counselling Session in Harrow
Taking the first step in booking a counselling session can be daunting. However, booking an appointment with Focus Therapy is easy. You can reach out via filling out the contact form provided. Ask me if you have any questions or want to know more about my counselling services in Harrow. I will usually respond within 24-48 hours.
Our Counselling Packages
- Platinum Package: 10 Sessions (50 minutes each) – £55 per therapy hour.
- Gold Package: 6 Sessions (50 minutes each) – £65 per therapy hour.
- Starter Package (New Clients Only): 3 Sessions (50 minutes each) – £75 per therapy hour.
- Single Session: 1 Session (50 minutes) – £85 per therapy hour.
Terms & Conditions
- Packages are valid for one year from the date of purchase.
- Sessions will be allocated based on availability and suitability for therapy.
- We have a 48-hour cancellation policy for all sessions.
Payment & Cancellations
To secure your appointment with me, make payment via bank before each session. If you want to cancel or reschedule, inform us at least 36 hours in advance. If you are not informed or fail to attend, the full session fee will be charged, except in emergencies.
Seeking professional help for depression is a sign of strength. Depression counselling in Harrow can help you overcome depression and improve your overall well-being.
Book a free consultation today.