What we treat

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it.

Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.

Most people with depression who receive therapy finish feeling better and more able to manage their symptoms.

Specific types

There are also different types of depression:

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Depression that occurs at a particular time of year, or during a particular season. See our page on SAD for more information.

Dysthymia. Continuous mild depression that lasts for two years or more. Also called persistent depressive disorder or chronic depression.

Prenatal depression. Depression that occurs during pregnancy. This is sometimes also called antenatal depression.

Postnatal depression (PND). Depression that occurs in the weeks and months after becoming a parent. Postnatal depression is usually diagnosed in women, but it can also affect men.

Signs & Symptoms

Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes.

During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include:

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness

• Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters

• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports

• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much

• Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort

• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain

• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness

• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame

• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide

• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

These symptoms may cause difficulties in day-to-day activities such as work, studying, social activities or relationships with others.

Other struggles

Read more about the other difficulties we treat:

Stress

Worrying lots about different things

Illness anxiety

Flashbacks or nightmares of a trauma

Obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviours

Social anxiety

Specific phobias

Panic attacks

Perceived flaws in appearance

Loss or bereavement

Expressing anger

Problems in relationships

Talking therapy

If you could be struggling with depression, read about the talking therapies we offer to see how they could help you. You may also like to read some feedback and encouragements by those who received therapy with us.

Self-help resources

Be sure to check out our useful section of self-help resources for wellbeing.

Employment advice

Alongside therapy our Employment Team can help you find employment or training, and support you with workplace adjustments or disputes.