Therapy for Depression
Everyone has times when they feel low, but depression is more than that. It can last for weeks, months or even longer and affects your ability to find enjoyment in your daily life.
It isn’t something you can just “snap out of.” However, with the right support, it is possible to navigate the emotional and mental toll of depression.
How Does Depression Impact Your Life?
Depression affects people in a variety of different ways. Some days you may struggle to get out of bed, while other days you are able to go about your normal daily tasks.
Some of the ways it may affect you:
Emotional Struggles: Persistent sadness, irritability, inappropriate guilt, tearfulness, feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, lacking motivation, having low self-esteem, feeling anxious and worried.
Physical Symptoms: Changes in sleep patterns, eating patterns, energy levels, menstrual cycle, as well as unexplained aches and pains.
Social Impact: Withdrawal from loved ones, loss of interest in hobbies or social activities, difficulties in home, work or family life.
Cognitive Issues: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
What are the Causes of Depression?
Depression can occur for a variety of reasons and can differ from person to person.
For some people a distressing life event such as a bereavement, divorce or losing a job can be the cause. For others, their physical health issues or chronic stress from work, family responsibilities or financial concerns, may be a contributory factor. Also, difficult experiences in your childhood can make you more vulnerable to experiencing depression later in life.
For women, changes in hormone levels could lead to depressive symptoms. Some women may experience postnatal depression after giving birth, and sometimes menopause can trigger depression. Concerns about body image can also influence a woman’s susceptibility to depression.
Depression may not simply be a result of one cause, it could be triggered by a combination of things. For example, following a relationship breakdown, you may experience feelings of worthlessness or emptiness, questioning your self-worth or future. You may try to cope by drinking alcohol or taking drugs. You may also feel like shutting down and isolating yourself, which may lead to a withdrawal from others, making you feel even worse. This downward spiral of events could lead to depression.
How Therapy for Depression Can Help?
Many people with depression struggle to seek support because they feel ashamed, believe they should handle things on their own, or fear being judged. Counselling can provide a safe and non-judgmental space to explore these emotions, break the cycle of isolation, and take the first steps toward healing and self-compassion.
Therapy can help you to notice and identify themes and patterns that are contributing to your low mood, as well as gain insight into the root causes of your depression.
Internal Systems Therapy (IFS) can support this process by helping you connect with the parts of you that carry deep sadness, hopelessness, or shame, and gently support them toward healing and relief.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can also be used to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and equip you with practical tools to shift unhealthy behaviours and thoughts.
Lifestyle changes, self-care and more connections with other people are other ways we can look at helping you with depression.
I also provide culturally sensitive counselling for South Asian women with depression. My approach to therapy respects your cultural background, while helping you navigate the complexities of conflicting cultural expectations.
Contact Me
Seeking help for depression can be difficult for some people. You may be worried about what the process will be like. For information on what to do next and what the first session involves, click here.
If you would like more information about how I can help, please contact me to arrange a free 15-minute phone consultation.
About Me
My name is Nabeelah Khan-Cheema and I’m a counsellor and IFS therapist. However, before I became a therapist I worked as an Orthoptist (eyes) in the NHS, for over 30 years. So, how did I get from Orthoptics to a career in counselling? Read More…