What is Depression?
While feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, depression is when an individual experiences prolonged feelings of sadness, worthlessness, lack of energy, withdrawal from social interactions, and a lack of enjoyment from previously pleasurable activities.
Some people with depression will struggle with feelings of low self-esteem, whereas others may feel very fatigued. Generally, the most common experience of depression is a feeling of sadness which can be accompanied by a wide range of other symptoms.
Whatever the symptoms may be, depression is different from normal sadness in the sense that it takes over one’s day-to-day life, negatively effecting their ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy one’s self. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that come with depression are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.
Depression also does not need to necessarily be caused by an event; sometimes, feelings of depression may feel like they have no identifiable cause or reason.
For those suffering, help with depression can be achieved through treatment in the form of depression counselling or psychotherapy. Through counselling, one can begin the journey to recovery by working with a depression therapist to discuss their feelings, explore possible causes or contributers, develop coping strategies, and relieve the symptoms of depression that are effecting their daily life.
What are the different types of depression?
Depression is an umbrella term for the variety of forms that depression can take. Understanding and identifying the type of depression that an individual is experiencing is imperative when establishing the best form of treatment for it.
The most common types of depression are:
1. Major Depression
Major Depression is a clinical mood disorder in which a person experiences extended periods of sadness, anger, frustration, emptiness, and despair that negatively effects their ability to live life. An episode of major depression can occur once or several times in a person’s life, and can happen spontaneously or as a result of a traumatic experience such as the death of a loved one. Help with major depression through counselling and working with a specialised depression therapist can be a very effective form of treatment.
2. Bipolar Disorder
An individual with Bipolar Disorder experiences alternating periods of depression and periods of mania, with periods of normal mood in between. This disorder is characterised by cycling mood changes which are sometimes rapid and dramatic, and are sometimes gradual. During the depressed cycle, an individual with bipolar disorder can have some or all of the symptoms of depression, while, in the manic cycle, the individual may become overactive, over-talkative, and have a great deal of energy. The disorder can be managed through counselling and working with specialised bipolar and depression therapists.
3. Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) is a type of depression that usually lasts for at least two years, during which the person experiences the symptoms of major depression, which include low mood, anger, low energy, poor appetite or overeating, and sleep issues, among others, in conjunction with periods of less severe symptoms. Treatment for Persistent Depressive Disorder can be achieved through depression counselling, in which an effective therapeutic approach to treating the disorder can be facilitated by a specialised depression therapist.
4. Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs according to the seasons, most commonly during winter. Like other types of depression, it can involve symptoms of low mood, low energy, and feeling antisocial. While this type of depression is often alleviated as the seasons change and we come into spring, people can suffer from this form of depression for a prolonged period of time, and on a repeated yearly basis, and could therefore benefit from depression counselling in which they can get depression help and learn to manage and relieve the symptoms.
5. Postnatal Depression
Postnatal Depression is a type of depression that some women experience in the weeks or months after having a baby. Symptoms of postnatal depression include mood changes, tearfulness, irritability, and sleep problems, among others. While depression counselling can be very beneficial for treating postnatal depression, mothers who are suffering are often hesitant to ask for help with depression, as they commonly feel guilt or shame. Postnatal depression is very common, and nothing to be ashamed of, so don’t be afraid to reach out and get in touch if you think you may be struggling with it.
6. Situational Depression
Situational Depression usually develops as a result of a dramatic or traumatic change in a person’s life, such as a break-up or a death. The duration and severity of situational depression can vary from person to person, but the effects usually alleviate over time. However, in some cases, the depression can continue for a prolonged period, and can develop into other, more severe, depressive disorders. In cases like this, working with a depression specialised therapist and getting treatment through depression counselling can help people to overcome this depression.
Common Depression Symptoms
While symptom of depression can vary across people and depression types, the most common depression symptoms include:
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Feeling hopeless and helpless
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Loss of interest in daily activities
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Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)
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Sleep Changes (sleeping too much or too little)
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Anger or irritability
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Loss of energy
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Feelings of self-loathing
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Difficulty concentrating
Help with depression and alleviating these symptoms can be achieved through depression counselling.
Get Help With Depression
Depression is a very common mental health difficulty, and you don’t have to suffer alone. Although it may be a difficult journey, depression can be overcome, you just have to take the first step by asking for help.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and discuss your options, and, from here, a therapeutic treatment plan can be established. From working with one of our expert depression therapists, you can begin to overcome your depression and work towards recovery.
Our Depression Therapists
Get depression help through our depression counselling services. Our team of expert depression therapists can provide counselling to those who are suffering.
Our specialised depression therapists include:
- Amina Samee, MIAHIP
- Barbara Devaney, MIACP & MIAHIP
- Declan Gernon, MIACP
- Deirdre McGill, MIACP
- Melissa Kearney, MICP & FTAI
- Kasia Przybylowicz, MIACP
- Una Le Meur , MBACP
We have a nationwide network of clinic locations that provide counselling for depression, with 10+ clinics across North and South Dublin, as well as clinics in Cork, Kildare, Wicklow, Kilkenny, and Westmeath.
If any of the above symptoms sound familiar, please don’t hesitate to avail of our depression services. Get in touch by contacting [email protected] or 01 611 1719, or filling out the contact form on this page, to set up an appointment with us and get help for your depression.