Counselling For Depression

  • Physical - feeling physically depleted, low energy, sleeping, and eating are disrupted.
  • Mental - thinking negatively about yourself and the world, being overly self-critical.
  • Social - lack the willingness to engage with(and take pleasure from) others' company.
  • Spiritual - life seems meaningless and lacks purpose.

Depression Affects Every Aspect Of Your Life

Three characteristics of depression

  • DISCONTENT

Most of us would not feel depressed if there wasn't something in our world that we wished was different - there has to be some problem.

We can identify three types of problems;

  • Pain or loss - Feelings of not being able to bear it.
  • Performance - Feelings of failure and inadequacy, eg feeling unable to provide for your family.
  • Identity - Feelings of shame about self - 'I'm no good'.

  • LOSS OF HOPE

The feeling that our problem is a lost cause. We feel that it can not be resolved. We have no vision of a way through it. It seems that it will be this way forever.

  • IRRECONCILIATION

We have an inability to come to terms with the problem. We find it difficult to live with it or walk away from it.

We do not develop depression if any of these conditions are missing we may feel distressed but we don't fall into the debilitating effects of depression described above.

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Am I Unhappy or Depressed

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference, and sometimes, you may be feeling such intense loss and grief, such as when a loved one dies, that you can mistake grief for depression. Indeed, we can go through periods of depression at these times. If you are experiencing intense sadness at a time of loss, this does not mean you need medication. During grief, it may be just as important to experience the connection of those around you to help you.

Three Types of Diagnosis

  • Major depression interferes with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode may happen only once in a lifetime, but more commonly, it occurs several times.
  • Dysthymia is the term used to describe long-term symptoms that, while not disabling, keep one from functioning well or feeling good. Most people who are experiencing depression have this kind of condition.
  • Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is characterized by severe highs (mania) and lows (depression).

    • Turning Point Therapy's Counselling for Depression

    Turning Point Therapy's counsellors are experienced in working with our clients around struggles with depression. Because depression affects all aspects of our lives, it takes a holistic approach; here are some of the ways that counselling can support you to address those areas;

    Provides Structure
    Typically, when you are depressed, it is tough to be motivated to do things. If you have regular appointments, it provides the space to help you focus on doing something and keep going.

    Gives Encouragement
    The regular support of a therapist can encourage you to take one step at a time to address your problems, find things that you can do each day, and, when you are feeling overwhelmed, bring you back to focus on what you can do.

    Breaks Isolation
    Many of you have become disconnected and isolated from close connections. The contact with a therapist gives you caring, compassionate contact with another human being where you can be yourself. Often, if you are in contact with loved ones, you may feel that you have burdened them with your depression. You don't have to worry about that with a therapist.

    Explores Underlying Causes
    Depression is often related to experiences in your life that are difficult to come to terms with or cope with. Regular contact with a therapist provides self-exploration. Some of these experiences may relate to childhood and unresolved issues in family relationships, especially where, as a child, you had to focus on others' needs rather than your own. Over time, this leads to a lack of connection to yourself and a focus on trying to be perfect. Counselling provides the space to explore who you are, develop your sense of self, and learn new ways to express yourself in relationships. Traumatic experiences and loss can sometimes lead to PTSD, where depression can be an aspect.

    Explores Meaning of Life
    Do you ask yourself, 'What's the Point?' This is a common question when we are depressed and have lost meaning and purpose in our lives. Counselling provides the space to explore this question.