Counselling for depression

Talking therapies are widely acknowledged to be an important part of the programme of treatment for depression.

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Depression is more than just feeling down for a day, it is recognised as being persistently sad for weeks or even months. It is not a sign of weakness nor is it something that people can just 'snap out of'.

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Psychological symptoms

The psychological symptoms of depression include:

• continuous low mood or sadness

• feeling hopeless and helpless

• feeling tearful

• feeling guilt-ridden

• having no motivation or interest in things

• finding it difficult to make decisions

• not getting any enjoyment out of life

• feeling anxious or worried 

• having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself

Physical symptoms

The physical symptoms of depression include:

• changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased) 

• lack of energy

• low sex drive (loss of libido)

• disturbed sleep – for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning