Ringwood Counselling - Definition of depression

Depression is a common condition that will affect one in three people at some time in their life. It can be a complicated illness, often with different symptoms and causes.

The first signs of depression can often be changes in eating habits, sleeping patterns and overwhelming feelings of despair.

Feeling emotionally detached from those around you and the need to withdraw into a world of your own can be the next stage. Some describe it like being in a prison with no windows or doors, which can alienate friends and relatives, increasing the isolation.

Ringwood Counselling - Symptoms of depression

• General unexplained illness: e.g. headaches, stomach upsets or unwellness
• Changes in sleeping patterns, such as waking in the night
• Overwhelming feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Constant tiredness
• Feelings of lethargy and loss of energy
• Changes in eating patterns: loss of appetite or increased need to eat

Ringwood Counselling - Types of depression

• Serious issues such as Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression
• S.A.D. - Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Postnatal Depression
• Stress related depression

Ringwood Counselling - Causes of depression

There is no one cause of depression - it is often an interaction of genetic factors, body chemistry and life events. It spans the spectrum of negative states from feeling low to severe or clinical depression.

Post-viral illnesses can often result in lethargy and, in conjunction with other life-related complications, lead to depression. Alcohol, recreational drugs, prescribed medication and illnesses can also trigger depression.

Depression often follows some kind of loss: Death of a loved one, redundancy, divorce, illness or stress. Although grief is a natural responses to such loss, depression is an illness and has major differences, some which can be difficult to identify.

There could also be a tendency to become depressed for no apparent reason sometimes this can arise from hormonal changes.

Causes of depression - Psychological

• Life events
• Emotional or physical loss
• Feeling of Failure
• Stress at school or work

Depression particularly affects people with low self esteem, little confidence and persistent negative thoughts who are often overwhelmed by Stress.

Physical causes of depression

• Hormonal changes - e.g. Childbirth or Menopause
• Excessive use of Alcohol
• Frequent use of drugs

Social causes of depression - Examples

• Loss of an activity
• Changes within the workplace
• Redundancy
• Retirement

Ringwood Counselling - Recognising depression

If an unhappy or low mood has lasted for more than a fortnight, with no apparent cause, or is starting to affect one's life, it may be time to seek help. The shame that a person can feel when suffering from depression often increases feelings of distress and isolation.

Ringwood Counselling - Overcoming depression

All you need to do is just click here to email us, or telephone the number at the top of the screen. You can discuss your issues with us in peaceful and relaxing surroundings at our therapy rooms in Ringwood.

Although we are based in Ringwood, we also cover the New Forest, Christchurch, Bransgore, Lymington, Brockenhurst, and Lyndhurst areas.