Notting Hill Counselling and Psychotherapy - Symptoms of depression and how can it be treated

Many times, people feel sad, hopeless or despair due to ups and downs of life. Prolonged feelings of blues can be attributed to depression.
Depression is more than feeling sad. It’s a mental illness that causes a feeling of sadness and loss of interest. This is not a sign of weakness and you can’t snap out of it. It changes the way of thinking, feeling and functioning daily. Thus, depression impacts sleep and workability.
A person can suffer from depression at any point of time in life. Treatment is usually medication, psychotherapy Shepherds Bush or a combination of both.
Symptoms of depression-
There are noticeable changes in the mood which is signified by sadness and psychological changes such as loss of interest in activities. The change in usual behaviour or functional varies from person to person. This could be-

• Loses hope

The major reason for depression is a mood disorder that affects the style of thinking and feeling. The most common symptom of depression is becoming hopeless and helpless. This includes other feelings i.e. worthlessness, self-hate or inappropriate guilt. Such people always feel ‘it’s all my fault’ or ‘what is the point in life’?

• Loses the interest

Depression reduces the liking and enjoyment of the things you love. The main sign of the depression is losing interest or not doing activities such as playing sports, hobbies or going out with friends.
While in depression, couples lose interest in sex, sex drive decreases and impotence.

• Fatigue and sleeping problems

People stop doing things they enjoy due to tiredness. Lack of energy and feeling of fatigue is the symptom of depression. This all could make you sleep more. Depression leads to insomnia and anxiety due to lack of quality and restful sleep.

• Anxiety

Depression does not cause anxiety but could lead to-

1. Nervousness, restlessness or feeling tense
2. Feelings of danger, panic or dread
3. Rapid heart rate
4. Sweating increases
5. Not able to focus or think clearly

If you have such symptoms for more than 2 weeks, then you are suffering from depression. It is essential to recognise the depression and needs to be treated in time.
There are multiple treatment options. Based on the severity of the illness and other physiological, cognitive and social factors, the treatment is given. Generally, the treatment is a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
There are a few therapies for depression Shepherds Bush that are effective in treating depression.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy

This is the commonly used treatment for depression. A structured and conversation-based therapy that helps in identifying dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviours. It helps in bringing the change in a person’s behaviour and improves thoughts and mood.

• Interpersonal therapy

This is a structured therapy process that helps in improving interpersonal relationships. It helps in evaluating your interactions with others and becoming aware of the patterns of self-isolation and difficulties faced.

• Dialectical behaviour therapy

This is a conversation-based therapy that helps in developing skills in areas such as distress tolerance, mindfulness or emotional regulation. The focus is on the symptoms of depression and demonstrates the skills of managing them.
Millions of people get affected by the depression. There are varying therapies for depression or psychotherapy Shepherds Bush available that involves a change in lifestyle and medications. Always consult a professional before choosing any path of treatment.