Depression

Getting help with depression

Depression is when you are in a low mood for a long period of time, and this begins to impact your life. It’s something that approximately 1 in 5 people in the UK struggle with at some point in their life.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is the most common treatment for depression – and something that we can help you with.

How to tell if you have Low Self-Esteem

Characteristics of people with low self-esteem include:

Crying

Crying a lot more then usual.

Feeling upset for no reason

Change in
sleep patterns

Either not able to sleep,
or sleeping for significantly
longer than usual

Lack of interest in relationships and friendships

Withdrawing from contact
and not responding
to people reaching out

Difficult to say
how you feel

Struggling to articulate thoughts and feelings. Communication feels difficult.

Change in eating habits.

Either losing interest,
or eating too much
as a comfort mechanism

Pains and aches

Physical discomfort
without a clear cause

Self Loathing

Self harming and
suicidal behaviours

Feelings

Listless / empty
Upset
Worthless leading to low self esteem and self confidence
Alone
Short tempered
Always feeling tired
Loss of interest in the world
Lack of awareness of time passing
Hopeless – ‘there’s no way out of this’

Mynurva can help!
Speak confidentially with a therapist today.

Different types of depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Chronic depression (also called dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder), usually lasting for over 2 years
Prenatal depression
Postnatal depression (PND) occurring in the 1st year after giving birth

Is depression a condition, or a symptom?

Both. Depression can be a symptom of grief, anxiety, eating disorders or PTSD, to name just a few. But it is also a very real condition in its own right. It can be triggered by life events, such as the end of relationship or losing your job, or a traumatic event. It can also be a side effect of long term physical health problems, or even a side effect of the medication you are using to treat these problems.

Depression often makes you want to isolate yourself from people around you, and although this can be a really strong urge, it can also make your depression worse.

Treatment

Talking to someone supportive and trained in managing depression can make a large impact on your condition. Cognitive behavioural therapy is the most common form of therapy suggested for depression. Therapists and counsellors can give you techniques to manage your low mood, to understand your triggers and to

There are some self-care actions you can take in between sessions to help your depression. Things such as fitting in physical activity – even just a short walk – can improve your mood, as can spending time in nature. Keeping a mood diary will also help you understand yourself better.

Antidepressants and medication can also be prescribed, but are usually only used if therapy hasn’t helped, or you don’t feel like you are in position to cope with therapy. If you are already on medication, it is important not to stop this without talking to your healthcare provider as there are specific guidelines to prevent withdrawal symptoms.