Depression
Depression is extremely common and affects about one in five people at some point during their lives. There can be a number of reasons a person may become depressed.
- Genetics. Some people inherit genes that make them more prone to developing depression. This may be particularly noticeable if other family members have suffered from it.
- Chemical imbalance in the brain. Medication such as anti-depressants can help restore this imbalance. As a person recovers from depression, the chemical changes reverse and go back to normal.
- Changes in physical symptoms. Fatigue, anxiety, lack of motivation and concentration or other physical changes can lead to negative thinking patterns which may lead to depression.
- Difficult life experiences. Negative early or current life experiences can result in depression. Experiences such as neglect, abuse, bullying, excessive criticism, unrealistic expectations or simply just being different to the people around us may have a long term affect on our mental health. Low self-esteem usually stems from an adverse childhood experience/s (or a traumatic experience as an adult).
Low self-esteem encompasses a range of factors such as your sense of identity, self-confidence, competence and a feeling of belonging. A person struggling with low self-esteem may become depressed due to them thinking negatively or having a low opinion about themselves, having a lack of confidence in their abilities and an overall poor sense of their value.
Everyone feels a bit depressed at times but knows we do not need to seek treatment as this feeling probably passes in a day or two. When depression is more severe, the depressed mood will continue and usually presents with other common symptoms. Symptoms might include:
- Anger and irritability
- Feeling anxious but not knowing why
- Lack of motivation
- Changes in appetite
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory difficulties
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Loss of interest in sex
- Thoughts of death. Frequent or serious thoughts about suicide need to be addressed as soon as possible. Our trained mental health professionals will help support you whilst you talk through your difficulties and work towards a solution or better outcome.
Postnatal depression is a specific type of depression that many parents may experience after the birth of a baby. Postnatal depression is different from the initial tearfulness or anxiety mothers can experience within the first week known as the ‘baby blues’. ‘Baby blues’ are thought to arise because of the sudden hormonal/chemical changes after childbirth.
Postnatal depression can affect more than 1 in 10 women within twelve months of giving birth and also affect fathers/partners. This may develop suddenly or gradually over time. Symptoms may include:
- Not being able to stop crying
- Feeling unable to cope/hopelessness
- Loss of enjoyment/interest
- Excessive worry about your baby
- Extreme tiredness/sleeplessness
- Loss of appetite
Treatment for depression will be discussed with you at your appointment. Recommendations may be a course of CBT, EMDR or counselling combined with or without medication depending upon your preference and which treatment options you have previously found helpful/unhelpful.