What is Depression?

 

Depression is more than just feeling sad or having an off day. It’s a deep, persistent sense of emptiness, hopelessness, or exhaustion that can make even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable. It can drain your energy, cloud your thoughts, and leave you feeling disconnected from the world around you. You might find it difficult to feel motivated, lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, or be overwhelmed by guilt or self-doubt.

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Depression doesn’t always have a clear cause. It can be triggered by life events, such as loss or trauma, but it can also develop without any obvious reason. Sometimes, it’s related to brain chemistry, genetics, or ongoing stress. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to know that depression isn’t a personal failure, and it’s not something you can simply “snap out of” by thinking positively.

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When depression takes hold, it often convinces you of things that aren’t true—that you’re alone, that things will never improve, or that you don’t matter. But depression is not who you are; it’s something you’re experiencing. Like any experience, it can change. Healing begins with small steps: reaching out for support, allowing yourself to rest, and recognising that your feelings are valid but not permanent.

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You don’t have to face this alone. Speaking with a trusted friend, therapist, or support group can make a difference. Even if it feels impossible right now, remember that hope and healing are still within reach. You are worthy of care, support, and a future that feels brighter.

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How Can Counselling Help?

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Counselling can offer vital support for those struggling with depression. Here are five ways it can help:

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1. Providing a Safe Space for Expression: Counselling offers a non-judgmental, supportive environment where you can express feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and frustration. Simply talking about what you’re going through can provide relief and help you process emotions that might otherwise feel overwhelming or isolating.

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2. Identifying and Challenging Negative Thought Patterns: Depression often leads to negative or distorted thinking, such as feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. Counselling, especially through techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can help you identify these harmful thought patterns and challenge them. By reframing your thoughts, you can start to shift your perspective and lessen the intensity of depressive feelings.

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3. Developing Coping Strategies: Therapy helps you build healthier coping mechanisms for managing depression. Techniques like mindfulness, relaxation, and problem-solving skills can help reduce stress and anxiety, enabling you to handle emotional challenges more effectively and avoid unhealthy coping behaviours.

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4. Building Self-Esteem and Self-Worth: Depression often affects your sense of self-worth, leaving you feeling inadequate. Counselling helps you explore the root causes of these feelings and work on rebuilding healthier self-esteem. A therapist can help you recognise your strengths and achievements, allowing you to regain confidence in yourself.

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5. Creating Actionable Plans for Change: Depression often leaves you feeling stuck and unable to move forward. Counselling provides a structured approach to creating small, achievable goals, whether that’s improving daily routines, reconnecting with loved ones, or taking steps toward recovery. Having a plan in place can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and give you hope for the future.

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Through counselling, individuals experiencing depression can gain clarity, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and work toward a brighter, more hopeful future.

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Important notice!

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If you feel you are in crisis, especially if you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please know that you're not alone, and there is immediate support available.

In moments of intense emotional distress, it's important to prioritise your safety and reach out for help. You can contact organisations such as:

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• Samaritans – Available 24/7 to talk about anything you're going through. Call 116 123 for free.

• Mind – Offers information, support, and helplines for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Visit mind.org.uk for resources.

• Shout – A free, confidential 24/7 text support service. Text SHOUT to 85258.

• Your GP – Can offer support, guidance, and referrals to local mental health services.

• A&E or 999 – If you feel you are at immediate risk, please go to your nearest Accident & Emergency department or call emergency services for urgent care. Your safety matters, and you deserve support.

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If you're not in immediate danger but are struggling with depression, low mood, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed, counselling can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to begin working through these feelings. You're not weak for seeking help, it's a courageous and important step toward healing.

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Please don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule your free initial call using the button below.
In that call, we can talk about what you're experiencing, explore how counselling might support you, and ensure you're not facing this alone. You deserve care, support, and hope and I’m here to help you take that first step.

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