Depression

Depression is when you are in a low mood for a long time, and it begins to impact your life. And you’re not alone, it’s something that around 1 in 5 people in the UK struggle with at some point in their life.
CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is the most common treatment for depression – and something we can help you with.

Start your journey towards better mental health today.

How to tell if you have Depression

1.

Crying a lot more than usual and feeling upset for no reason.

2.

Change in your sleep patterns. Either unable to sleep or sleeping for significantly longer than usual.

3.

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

4.

Struggling to articulate thoughts and feelings. Communication feels difficult.

5.

Change in eating habits. Losing interest in food, or eating too much as a comfort mechanism.

6.

Aches and pains with no clear cause.

7.

Self-loathing, self-harming and suicidal behaviours.

Feelings

Listless and 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.

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?

It’s both. Depression can be a symptom of grief, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD and many other conditions. But it’s also a very real condition in its own right. It can be triggered by life events, such as the end of a 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.

Getting help and treatment

Talking to someone supportive and trained in managing depression can make a big difference to your condition. CBT 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 help you break the negative cycle of depression.

There are some self-care actions you can take in between sessions to help your depression. Things such as 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 you’re in a position to cope with therapy. If you’re already on medication, it’s important not to stop this without talking to your healthcare provider as there are specific guidelines to be followed to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Feel better, with help from Mynurva