Depression
Depression is more than just having a few days of sadness or irritability, it is a recognised mental health condition that can affect any of us due to circumstances and presents in different ways for different people. However people can fully recover from depression with the correct treatment and support.
What is Depression?
Adults and children alike often experience episodes of sadness from time to time, but when depressed, the sadness lasts longer than just a few days, it can last weeks or months. This all can result in a broad range of effects on daily activities and quality of life. Identifying these difficulties early is key in terms of instigating change. We recognise the pressures faced by adults and young people in all walks of life and can help make the individual, their families and friends aware of key signs and symptoms they should look out for.
Depression can include many different triggers and a wide range of potential causes. It can sometimes be brought on by traumatic or stressful life events, including the loss of a loved one, divorce, childbirth, illness, redundancy, and concerns about career or finances.
A family history of depression increases a person’s likelihood of developing the condition. But it’s also possible to develop depression for no apparent reason.
Recovery
To improve mood and help assist in the recovery from depression, a few simple steps can be followed:
Depression recovery can be greatly influenced by implementing healthy measures such as exercise and a balanced diet. According to research, exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression.
Exercise has been shown to increase mood, lower stress and anxiety, promote the release of endorphins (your body’s feel-good chemicals), and boost self-esteem.
Exercise can help with social interaction and may be a useful diversion from problematic thinking.
It is simple to move through life quickly and forget to pause and pay attention.
By focusing more on the here and now, on your inner thoughts and sensations as well as your surroundings, you can enhance your mental wellness.
Simple steps can be taken to increase this awareness in your own life. This awareness can often be described as “mindfulness”.
Being supported and gaining insight into your own depression can come through talking about a situation with a friend or a group.
According to research, talking can benefit stress management and depression recovery.
If you are uncomfortable to talk about your mental health with others, Alternative methods of boosting your mood include journaling about your feelings or expressing them through writing them down, poetry or art.
signs of depression and symptoms
- Frequently feeling very down
- Little interest in activities that used to bring enjoyment
- Sleep difficulties
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and low energy
- Relationship difficulties
- Long periods of low mood
- Quiet or withdrawn
- Irritability
Treatment for depression
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (known as CBT) is an evidence-based talking therapy designed to help patients manage their difficulties by changing the way they think and behave. Sessions focus on becoming aware of thoughts which lead to depression and unhelpful behaviour patterns that keep them feeling stuck, sad and alone. Our team of qualified clinicians specialise in helping people overcome depression, low self-esteem and Seasonal Affective Disorder as well as ways it can present such as anger, relationship difficulties and longer periods of low mood.
NICE guidelines recommend the duration of treatment should typically be in the range of 16 to 20 sessions over 3 to 4 months. Including two sessions per week for the first 2 to 3 weeks of treatment for people with moderate or severe depression.
Book an appointment
All clinicians at Oxford CBT practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or are Psychologists, providing evidence-based interventions and support for Depression and a range of other conditions for both young people and adults. If you would like more information, please visit our FAQ’s page or get in touch via our online contact form or call us on 01865 920077.
Clinicians who specialize in treating Depression
Take a self-assessment Screening
Complete screening questionnaire and we will connect you with a therapist according to your needs and requirement criteria.
