Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by melancholic symptoms such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation that persist for weeks, months or even years. Depression can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.

 

It is normal to feel down every so often however when these feelings of lowness become persistent and if it starts to affect your social, work and home life it might it might be worth considering reaching out for support. While depression can be a challenging condition to live with, one of the most effective forms of treatment for depression is counselling. In this article, I will explore the benefits of counselling for individuals struggling with depression.

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Counselling provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through working together we can aim to understand your own personal experience of depression, gradually explore and integrate unconscious material, identify negative thought patterns and behaviours, and develop coping skills to manage symptoms.

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There are many different types of depression recognised by psychiatrists in the DSM-5, ranging from Major Depression, to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), to Reactive depression, to Bipolar Disorder, Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Depression and Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Some people find it useful to receive a more formal diagnosis from a GP or psychiatrist. Individuals might seek a diagnosis because this likely provides them access to prescribed medication for managing depression such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) like citalopram or sertraline. It also provides access to information and knowledge from research about the specific type of depression they are experiencing. 

 

It is important to mention that people do not need an official diagnosis of depression to benefit from personal counselling or to begin counselling. Medication on its own is rarely enough to assist in creating long lasting personal transformation and growth. Engaging within the process of counselling can assist in creating personal growth, exploring beliefs values and attitudes, developing authenticity and creating long lasting positive change. 

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Choosing to take medication for mental health issues is a personal choice. You can talk to your medical health care provider such as your GP to receive the accurate information about the pro's and con's of such medications. Whilst there are cases where counselling on it own can help people overcome depression, a combination of medication and counselling can often be highly effective for people that are experiencing especially severe depression. 

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One of the main benefits of counselling for depression is the opportunity to talk through difficult emotions and experiences. Many people struggling with depression feel isolated and alone, and if you are one of those people, counselling can you realise that you are not the only one facing these challenges. The therapeutic relationship itself can also be a powerful element for healing and holistic integration for overcoming depression. 

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Counselling can also provide people with new perspectives and insights into their experiences. For example, working together, we might aim to help you understand the root causes of your depression, identify what exactly might be going on unconsciously in relation to your personal experience of depression, to identity effective coping strategies and new ways of looking at things to address underlying issues.  

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In conclusion, counselling is a powerful tool for individuals struggling with depression. It provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to discuss their experiences, learn new coping skills, and develop strategies to address the root causes of their depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, consider reaching out for support. With the right psychotherapeutic support, recovery is possible. Counselling can help you clear the path to make room for personal growth and a more meaningful life.