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Counselling and hypnotherapy for depression

Counselling and hypnotherapy are used to help people recover from depression and help prevent further recurrences.  Sessions will help you:

  • think more rationally
  • gain a new perspective on your problems
  • find effective solutions
  • learn and use helpful coping strategies
  • develop positive relationship skills

Please contact me to book an appointment or find out more.

Who gets depression?

Depression affects around 5% of the adult population every year. It is more common in women than it is in men. According to the World Health Organization, depression is now the leading cause of disability worldwide and it is on the rise.

What causes depression?

The exact causes and symptoms are not clear and whilst depression sometimes runs in families this is not always the case. Some people who have a more pessimistic or obsessive attitude towards life may be more predisposed to a depressive illness.  There is some evidence that people who have lost a mother in early childhood are at greater risk of developing symptoms of depression later on. Often, an episode is triggered by a stressful or painful life event such as a bereavement, losing a job, a relationship breaking down, a serious physical illness or as a result of trauma.

Symptoms of depression

People are considered to be suffering with depression if they experience 5 or more of the following symptoms for at least two consecutive weeks. At least one of these symptoms must be from the first two of those listed below:

  • feeling down, depressed or hopeless
  • markedly diminished interest and enjoyment
  • significant weight loss or gain
  • disturbed sleep
  • feelings of restlessness or being ‘slowed’ down
  • feelings of guilt or low self-worth
  • fatigue and loss of energy
  • poor concentration and indecisiveness
  • feelings of anxiety or panic
  • thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • medically unexplained symptoms, such as aches and pains

A depressive episode can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number and severity of symptoms. Someone experiencing a severe depressive episode is likely to find it difficult to continue with work, take care of things at home or get along with other people.

Self-help for depression

Whilst the symptoms of mild depression sometimes get better by themselves without treatment, there are a number of things you can do to help relieve these symptoms and speed up recovery:

  • Eating well enough to keep you nourished and give you energy, even when you may not feel like it, will help. Wholemeal bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, yoghurt and fruit juices are nutritious foods that can be easily prepared.
  • Exercise taken 3 to 4 times a week for 45 to 50 minutes each time has been shown to help alleviate symptoms. This can be any physical activity such as going for a brisk walk, swimming, digging the garden, cycling, going to the gym or doing an exercise video.
  • Acting as if things are okay and continuing with activities that feel worthwhile can help lift spirits and give a sense of achievement.
  • Talking to someone about your feelings can help a problem feel more bearable, even if there still appears to be no solution.
  • Avoid alchohol. Whilst it may seem to temporarily help, it is a known depressant and things are only likely to look bleaker in the morning.
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