Counselling for Depression

Globally, an estimated 5% of adults suffer from depression.

Depression is a complex condition that can stem from various factors like losing a job, the death of a loved one, a traumatic event or a combination of issues. People may experience a “downward spiral,” such as a breakup leading to social withdrawal and increased drinking, worsening mood. Read on to learn about the symptoms, causes, how counselling can help, how to determine if you are depressed (questionnaire) and self-help ideas.

What is depression?

Most people have periods of low mood where they feel fed up or sad.

There is usually a reason for these feelings and they typically pass.

However, it may be depression if these feelings last for weeks or months, or get so bad they interfere with daily life.

A doctor can officially diagnose you although an indicative self-assessment questionnaire is at the bottom of this page.

Symptoms

Persistent feelings of sadness or low mood.

Fatigue or loss of energy.

Changes in sleep patterns, either insomnia or oversleeping.

Feelings of worthlessness or overwhelming guilt.

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

Thoughts of death or suicide.

Causes

A personal or family history of mental health issues.

Major life changes or stressful events.

Traumatic events like abuse or bereavement.

Substance abuse issues or medication.

Chronic illnesses or physical health problems.

Environmental factors like poverty or social isolation.

How can counselling help with depression?

Dealing with depression is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Alongside CBT, antidepressants and other forms of therapy, counselling can be useful in coping with depression.

As a person-centered counsellor, my aim is to provide you with a safe and supportive environment where you can freely explore your feelings and experiences with depression. I’ll listen without judgment, helping you understand what is causing your depression and how it affects your life. By working together to understand your emotions, we can help you build resilience, boost your self-esteem, and regain control over your life.

How do I know if I have depression?

The questionnaire below is a self-assessment tool based on the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) that is used by GPs and mental health professionals to monitor the severity of depression symptoms. Although not an official diagnosis, it is useful in working out where you score on the ‘Depression Severity Scale’. The results can serve as a basis for discussion with your GP or a mental health professional, such as myself.

How to use the questionnaire
The questionnaire below has nine questions based on typical depression symptoms. Answer each question by selecting the answer that best describes how often you’ve been bothered by each symptom in the last two weeks. Click the ‘calculate’ button at the bottom of the questionnaire to get your score.

DEPRESSION QUESTIONNAIRE Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things?	Not at all
	Several days
	Over half the days
	Nearly every day
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?	Not at all
	Several days
	Over half the days
	Nearly every day
3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much?	Not at all
	Several days
	Over half the days
	Nearly every day
4. Feeling tired or having little energy?	Not at all
	Several days
	Over half the days
	Nearly every day
5. Poor appetite or overeating?	Not at all
	Several days
	Over half the days
	Nearly every day
6. Feeling bad about yourself – or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down?	Not at all
	Several days
	Over half the days
	Nearly every day
7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television?	Not at all
	Several days
	Over half the days
	Nearly every day
8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite – being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual?	Not at all
	Several days
	Over half the days
	Nearly every day
9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way?	Not at all
	Several days
	Over half the days
	Nearly every day

Please click on the "Calculate" button below to get your score:
SCORE: /27

SCORE	SEVERITY
0 – 4	No depression
5 – 9	Mild depression
10 – 14	Moderate depression
15 – 19	Moderately severe depression
20 – 27	Severe depression

Your score and next steps

Remember, this is not an official diagnosis, use the results as an indicator to the possibility of depression and as guidance on your next steps. Typically, an initial chat with your GP is the first port of call to discuss an official diagnosis and then options such as counselling.

Is there anything I can do to help myself?

Yes, the World Health Organisation suggests the following to manage the symptoms of depression and promote overall well-being:

Try to keep doing activities you used to enjoy

Stay connected to friends and family

Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk

Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits as much as possible

Avoid or cut down on alcohol and don’t use illicit drugs, which can make depression worse

Talk to someone you trust about your feelings

Seek help from a healthcare provider

Counselling stories

My client work, as you can imagine, is very private and confidential. However, I have created a few fictitious examples of person-centred counselling scenarios, some of them below, so you can get a flavour of how it might help you. They’re in PDF format and don’t worry, they’re quite short!

Karl – anxiety and adjusting to civvy street

Christine – her first session and coping with depression

John – depression and following in Dad’s footsteps

Why Get In Touch?

BACP registered and qualified counsellor

Safe, non-judgemental and confidential

No pressure, go at your own pace!

Fully insured and enhanced DBS checked

Trauma-Informed and non-pathologising

Neurodiversity aware e.g Autism/ADD/ADHD/Dyslexia

UK-wide online counselling

Face to face counselling within a 5 mile radius of Albaston e.g. Gunnislake, Calstock, Harrowbarrow, St. Ann’s Chapel, Metherell, Callington, Stoke Climsland, Bere Alston

contact Me