While we will all sometimes experience feelings of sadness and hopelessness, depression is characterised by more persistent feelings of sadness that does not improve over time. Depression is a common mental health difficulty, however can have a big impact on our everyday life.

What is Depression?

Depression is more than just feeling sad or blue. Depression is a complex mental health difficulty that can affect every aspect of our life. Common symptoms of depression can include (but aren’t limited to):

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt.
• Losing interest in many/ most activities, even those once found enjoyable.
• Enduring feelings of sadness.
• Changes in appetite and sleeping (e.g. insomnia, hypersomnia).
• Fatigue.
• Difficulties with concentration.
• Thoughts of self harm and/ or ending one’s own life.
• Tearfulness.

Sometimes episodes of depression seem to be triggered by a clear event, for example the loss of a loved one or a significant change in our circumstances. However, for other people there is no particular ‘trigger’ for their depression, and these feelings may persist for a long time. While depression is a very common mental health difficulty, as can be seen above it effects everyone differently, and therefore it is not always simple to understand or indeed treat.

How can we help?

Dr Goldthorpe is trained to deliver numerous evidence-based talking therapies for depression, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), and Mindfulness. CBT, for example, has been shown to be highly effective in treating depression. CBT is a goal-oriented approach that aims to improve your mood by identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviours. By changing the way we think and behave, this approach aims to support you to break free from the cycle of depression, and regain a sense of control in your life. Irrespective of the therapy we choose to use together, therapy aims to help you better understand your mental health and teach you practical skills you can use to better manage your mood.

For many people, seeking help from a qualified therapist marks the beginning of a journey towards healing and self-discovery. If you’re struggling with depression, you don’t have to suffer alone. As a qualified clinical psychologist, I am here to help you on your journey to recovery. With compassionate guidance and evidence-based therapeutic techniques, together we can work towards overcoming your depression. Don’t let depression hold you back any longer. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step in your journey to recovery.