Depression is a state of being in a low mood and having little interest in activities. Depression can vary in degrees from brief situational depression that passes; to severe depression that can lead individuals to feel hopeless.
Different types of Depression:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Occurs in a particular season such as in winter
Dysthymia
A mild but long-lasting depression
Prenatal Depression
Depression that comes on during pregnancy
Postnatal Depression
Depression that comes on after pregnancy in the first year
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Clinical depression which affects daily life
Symptoms of Depression
- Feeling sad or emotional
- Unable to enjoy pleasurable activities like you used to
- Low energy
- Low appetite
- Feeling numb
- Low confidence
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling suicidal
What causes Depression?
Depression can be caused by a number of factors such as genetics, life events or traumatic childhood experiences.
Therapy and Depression
Therapy can significantly help to reduce a person’s symptoms of depression and improve their quality of life. Under the Rainbow are here to help with assisting clients on this journey.
When a client begins treatment, they will:
Meet their professional psychotherapist, who will provide a safe, empathic environment which will allow the client to trust the therapist and build a therapeutic relationship.
The therapist will assess the client’s presenting issue and how the depression affects different areas of their life. The therapist will work with the client in creating achievable goals and then formulating a treatment plan to suit the client’s issue.
The therapist will guide the client is understanding where the root of the depression came from as well as challenging the client’s thoughts that contribute to the depressed state.
The client will learn healthy coping strategies.
Treatment will end when the client has achieved their goals and their depression has greatly reduced.
References:
Mental Health Foundation. (2022). Depression. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-
health/a-z-topics/anxiety
Mind (2019). Depression. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/about-depression/
