Help for Depression in Poole

Depression is a common condition that will affect one in three people at some time in their life. It is a complicated illness with many different symptoms and causes.

Changes in eating habits and sleeping patterns and overwhelming feelings of despair are often the first signs of depression.

You may become emotionally detached from those around you and withdraw into a world of your own. Some describe it like being in a prison with no windows or doors, which can alienate friends and relatives, increasing the isolation.

Symptoms of depression

• Changes in sleeping patterns; broken nights or over-sleeping
• Changes in eating patterns: loss of appetite or overeating
• Overwhelming feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Tiredness and loss of energy
• Headaches, stomach upsets or chronic pain
• Persistent thoughts of death or suicide

Types of depression

• Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression
• Postnatal Depression
• Seasonal Affective Disorder

Depression can result from post-viral illnesses and can have symptoms similar to thyroid conditions. It is always worth checking to see if there is a physical cause. Alcohol, recreational drugs, prescribed drugs and illnesses can trigger depression.

What causes depression ?

There is no one cause of depression - it is often an interaction of genetic factors, body chemistry and life events. It spans the spectrum of negative states from feeling low to severe or clinical depression.

Your depression may have followed some kind of loss - the death of a loved one, redundancy, divorce, illness or perhaps just a period of stress. Grief and sadness are natural responses to such loss but depression is an illness and has major differences which can be difficult to spot.

Or you may have a tendency to become depressed from time to time for no apparent reason. This can arise from changes, often hormonal, inside you.

Psychological Causes of depression

• Life events
• Loss
• Failure
• Stress at school or work

Depression particularly affects people with low self-esteem, little confidence and persistent negative thoughts who are often overwhelmed by stress.

Physical causes of depression

• Chemical imbalances in the body
• Hormonal changes such as childbirth, menopause or over-production of Cortisol
• Over use of alcohol
• Frequent use of drugs

Social causes of depression

• Loss of activity
• Losing interest in hobbies
• Change at work or school
• Redundancy
• Retirement

How do I know if I am suffering from depression?

If a low mood has lasted for more than two weeks or is starting to interfere with your life it may be time to seek help. The shame that has been attached to mental illness often increases the distress and isolation of depression. The earlier help is sought for depression the better.

How can I cope with depression ?

All you need to do is just click here to email us, or telephone us to make an appointment in complete confidentiality. You can discuss your issues with us in peaceful and relaxing surroundings at our therapy rooms.

Although we are based in Poole, we also cover the Bournemouth, Ringwood, Wimborne, Ferndown, New Milton, West Moors and the Purbeck areas.