Coping and Dealing With Low Moods and Depression
Depression is a word with very powerful and quite negative associations and yet it is a perfectly natural and common experience for many people at certain points in their lives – particularly when we have to deal with major life events or significant losses – emotional, physical, financial. Low mood, loss of appetite, loss of sex drive, disturbed sleep and a loss of interest in pleasurable activities would be a perfectly natural reaction to these kinds of triggers. However, when the symptoms are prolonged they can lead to additional complications, having a negative impact on our relationships and our ability to work effectively.
Whilst antidepressants can be helpful for some people, the Nice Guidelines recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for depression since it helps get to the cause underlying the impaired mood and will give you strategies to help overcome the difficulties you are experiencing.
Some people will have lived with depression and low mood for many years, often arising out of childhood trauma and abuse. Therapy can help you come to terms with the legacy of the past and give you the chance to let go of the negative patterns of thinking you were left with. In this case a highly skilled, patient and very empathic therapist is needed since the work will depend more on the quality of therapeutic relationship rather than basic tools and interventions.
You can find out more about the symptoms of depression by visiting the
NHS Depression Web Page
You can take the NHS self assessment test by clicking this link
If you are ready to take positive action towards overcoming your symptoms of low mood and depression by seeking therapy:
If you are in South Wales
For other parts of the UK counselling directory.org will help you find a therapist near your postcode – but remember to ask the therapist how much experience they have of dealing with this issue and how confident they are of being able to help you.