Depression and Low Mood

Many people come to therapy struggling with their mood. Although it is normal to feel down from time to time, if your mood is consistently low (for weeks or months) it is important to seek professional help. Depression may be reactive to a recent or current situation, or it may be a chronic condition. Either way it can significantly impact your quality of life. Common symptoms of depression are persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and withdrawal from friends and family. Other symptoms include self-critical and negative thoughts, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, anger and irritability, changes in sleep, low energy, changes in appetite, digestive issues, headaches, chronic pain and problems with concentration and memory.

Therapy can be a good place to work through the thoughts and feelings associated with your depressed mood, helping you to identify life events and relationships that may have contributed to your depression, and to recognise the unhelpful thought processes and behaviours that maintain your feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Therapy can help you to improve your mood, develop effective coping skills, recognise triggers, and prevent future relapse.

Need help with depression?