Depression Therapy Online
What is depression?
Depression stands as a multifaceted mental health condition characterized by persistent low mood, diminished interest in activities, and a notable decrease in self-esteem. This prolonged state can shape one’s perception of daily life, leading to challenges in coping with even routine activities.
Depression encompasses more than temporary feelings of sadness. It involves enduring emotional and cognitive changes that disrupt daily functioning. Individuals may grapple with a pervasive sense of hopelessness, experience a lack of motivation or pleasure, and face difficulties in concentrating. Physical manifestations, such as changes in appetite and sleep patterns, can also be prevalent.
Depressive disorders form a diverse spectrum, each presenting unique characteristics. From persistent depressive disorder, which entails prolonged low-grade symptoms, to major depressive disorder, marked by severe and pervasive symptoms, these disorders encompass a range of experiences. Other conditions, such as bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder, further underscore the intricate nature of depressive presentations.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing depression, various treatment avenues are available. Therapeutic interventions, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based modalities, stand as cornerstones of treatment. Medication, lifestyle adjustments, and support from mental health professionals can also form vital components of an effective treatment plan.
How to book your session
Email now: [email protected]
Our therapists are qualified and registered with reputable professional associations for psychotherapy and counselling.
When does low mood become depression – when to seek therapy?
The line between experiencing occasional low mood and facing clinical depression can be subtle yet significant. It’s important to understand when low mood evolves into a more complex mental health condition and when seeking therapy becomes a prudent choice.
Occasional low mood: a common human experience
Feeling down, disheartened, or experiencing brief periods of sadness are part of the spectrum of human emotions. Occasional low mood is often a natural response to life’s challenges, disappointments, or stressful situations. These moments of transient sadness typically resolve themselves as circumstances change, and individuals regain their emotional equilibrium.
Identifying clinical depression: when the struggle deepens
Clinical depression, on the other hand, is characterized by persistent and pervasive symptoms that extend beyond normal emotional fluctuations. When low mood intensifies and persists for extended periods, accompanied by a range of symptoms, seeking professional help may be warranted.
Some signs that therapy might be beneficial:
- Duration: If feelings of low mood, sadness, or hopelessness last for two weeks or longer, it could indicate a more serious concern.
- Interference with daily life: When low mood begins to disrupt daily functioning, such as impacting work, relationships, or self-care routines, it’s a signal to consider therapy.
- Physical symptoms: Physical manifestations like changes in sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, and concentration can be indicative of clinical depression.
- Loss of interest: A noticeable decline in interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed can be a sign that emotions are crossing into the realm of clinical concern.
- Persistent negative thoughts: If negative thoughts dominate your thinking patterns and hinder your ability to see positive aspects of life, professional support might be beneficial.
- Self-esteem impact: When low self-esteem becomes a recurring theme, influencing your sense of self-worth and confidence, seeking help can offer valuable insights.
If you find that your low mood lingers, intensifies, or evolves into a complex emotional state, reaching out to a qualified therapist can be a proactive step. Our trained professionals can help assess your situation and tailor therapeutic interventions to address your unique needs. Remember, seeking therapy is a sign of a proactive choice to prioritize your mental well-being. Take the first step by contacting us.
Therapy for Depression
In the realm of depression therapy, various modalities offer unique insights and tools to guide individuals toward recovery. Among these, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) stands as the most extensively researched and successful approach for addressing depression.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a well-established and evidence-based therapeutic method known for its effectiveness in treating depression. Aaron Beck is the widely recognized psychotherapist that developed CBT for depression. Beck’s central premise posited that depression arises from maladaptive, dysfunctional, or irrational beliefs. These beliefs find their roots in schemas, cognitive structures proposed as adverse interpretations of the self (such as being worthless, unsuccessful, unlovable, etc.), the world (as unfriendly, rejecting, perilous, etc.), and the future. These components collectively constitute what Beck termed the “negative cognitive triad”.
Within the context of depression, these schemas exert an impact on an individual’s cognitive processes. They prompt selective attention toward negative stimuli, a tendency to recall negative events more readily, and an inclination towards rumination and negative thought patterns.
The cognitive model developed by Beck highlighted the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and, as a result, CBT focuses on these three factors. Through collaborative exploration, individuals work with their therapist to identify negative thought patterns that contribute to depressive feelings. These thoughts are then challenged and reframed, allowing for the cultivation of healthier perspectives and coping strategies. CBT equips individuals with practical tools to manage symptoms, regulate emotions, and engage in behavioural changes that support improved mood and well-being.
Behavioural activation
While this cognitive model guides the practice of CBT therapists for mild to medium depression, the behavioural model of depression, developed by Ferster is often used for more severe cases of depression. Â This model explains depression as the result of a loss of positive reward (any positive reward or incentive that causes positive feelings, such as having fun doing a hobby or receiving a compliment). It defends that depressive behaviour urges the person affected to avoid aversive stimuli or unpleasant events that may reduce positive rewards even more.
Behavioural activation helps people with depression by encouraging them to schedule more activities and to find ways to receive positive rewards again (e.g., going out with friends more to increase the chances of having fun and feeling that you belong). Together with a qualified therapist, the person works towards reducing avoidance behaviours.
As you can see, CBT can be guided by different models and theories, that can lead to different therapeutic interventions and tools. Working with a qualified therapist, knowledgeable of all the theories and methods is essential to receive the most personalised and the best possible treatment for your specific case. Contact us for queries or to book your appointment!
Beyond CBT: Exploring additional modalities for depression therapy
While CBT is a cornerstone, various therapeutic modalities complement its effectiveness and offer nuanced avenues for healing:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT blends mindfulness techniques with strategies for accepting difficult emotions. It focuses on aligning one’s actions with core values to create a meaningful and fulfilling life.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): CFT aims to cultivate self-compassion and reduce self-criticism. This approach helps individuals develop a kinder relationship with themselves, fostering emotional regulation and well-being.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: This approach shifts the focus from problems to solutions. It encourages individuals to identify and build upon their strengths, empowering them to create positive changes in their lives.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness techniques foster present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance. This approach helps individuals detach from negative thought patterns and cultivate a sense of calm and clarity.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT addresses interpersonal relationships and their impact on mood. By improving communication and problem-solving skills, IPT helps individuals navigate conflicts and enhance social connections.
- Person-centred Therapy: This client-centred approach emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and active listening. It provides a nurturing environment for individuals to explore their emotions and find their path to healing.
Choosing the right approach: collaboration with a therapist
Selecting the most suitable therapeutic approach depends on an individual’s unique needs, preferences, and goals. Collaborating with a skilled therapist ensures that the chosen modality aligns with the individual’s personality and circumstances. By tailoring the therapeutic process to each individual, therapists guide clients toward increased self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a renewed sense of empowerment. Whether through CBT, ACT, CFT, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness therapy, interpersonal therapy, or person-centred therapy, the journey toward healing is personalized, insightful, and transformative.
Our approach to depression counselling
During times of depression, the sense of hopelessness can become so overpowering that we convince ourselves that seeking assistance is futile. Nonetheless, therapy for depression can serve as a counterforce to such convictions. This therapeutic approach aids in challenging these distorted thoughts, substituting them with more balanced cognitive patterns that are less likely to trigger detrimental mood shifts. In this process, your depression counsellor establishes a secure environment, enabling you to release distressing memories while equipping you with effective coping mechanisms.
At Psychology Therapy, our practitioners amalgamate insights from diverse therapeutic methodologies catered to address depressive disorders. These encompass cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT), and mindfulness-based therapy, to mention some. Our commitment is to devise a treatment strategy that is meticulously tailored and adaptable, harmonizing seamlessly with your distinct needs and circumstances.
Types of depression
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), recognizes several types of depressive disorders, each with its distinct features and diagnostic criteria. Here is a brief overview of some of the major types:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): This is the most commonly known form of depression. It involves experiencing a persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia) for at least two weeks. Other symptoms often include changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as Dysthymia: PDD involves a chronic, long-term form of depression lasting for at least two years (one year for children and adolescents). Symptoms are less severe than MDD but are consistent and may include low mood, lack of energy, poor concentration, changes in appetite or sleep, and feelings of hopelessness.
- Bipolar Disorder: While primarily characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania, individuals with bipolar disorder also experience periods of depression. Bipolar I disorder involves manic episodes followed by depressive episodes, while bipolar II disorder involves hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): This disorder is characterized by severe mood disturbances that occur in the week before menstruation and improve within a few days after menstruation begins. Symptoms may include mood swings, irritability, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and physical symptoms.
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): Primarily diagnosed in children and adolescents, DMDD is characterized by severe temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation and a consistently irritable or angry mood. These symptoms must be present for at least a year and must be observed in more than one setting.
- Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder: This type of depression arises as a result of substance abuse or withdrawal from certain substances. The depressive symptoms occur in close temporal relation to substance use and may subside with abstinence or treatment.
- Depressive Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition: This type of depression is linked to a medical condition, such as a chronic illness, neurological disorder, or hormonal imbalance. The depressive symptoms are a direct result of the medical condition’s physiological effects.
- Other Specified Depressive Disorder: This category includes cases where depressive symptoms do not fit the criteria for the above-mentioned disorders but still cause distress or impairment. Examples include short-duration depressive episodes or atypical presentations.
- Unspecified Depressive Disorder: This category is used when depressive symptoms are present, but the specific type of depression is unclear or does not match the criteria for any of the established depressive disorders.
Causes
The origins of depression are multifaceted, arising from a complex interplay of various factors that can differ from person to person. While the precise cause of depression is not fully understood, research suggests that a combination of biological, psychological, environmental, and genetic elements contribute to its development. Here are some key factors often associated with the onset of depression:
Biological factors
- Neurochemical imbalance: Changes in neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are linked to mood regulation. Disruptions in these chemical messengers can impact mood and contribute to depression.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially in women during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, can influence mood and increase susceptibility to depression.
Genetics
- Family history: Individuals with a family history of depression are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. Genetic predispositions can play a role in how the brain responds to stressors and regulates mood.
Psychological factors
- Negative thought patterns: Chronic negative thinking, distorted perceptions, and an inability to cope with stress can contribute to the development and persistence of depression.
- Low self-esteem: A poor self-image and low self-esteem can create vulnerability to depressive symptoms.
- Rumination: Repetitive and intrusive rumination on negative events or emotions can exacerbate and prolong depressive episodes.
Environmental factors
- Stressful life events: Traumatic experiences, significant life changes, loss, or chronic stressors can trigger or exacerbate depression.
- Childhood adversity: Early-life experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or dysfunctional family dynamics, can increase the risk of developing depression in adulthood.
- Social isolation: Lack of social support and feelings of loneliness can contribute to the onset and persistence of depression.
Medical conditions
- Chronic illness: Some chronic medical conditions, like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, are associated with an increased risk of depression.
- Neurological disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease can affect brain function and lead to depressive symptoms.
It’s important to note that depression often results from a combination of these factors rather than any single cause. Additionally, each individual’s experience is unique, and what triggers or exacerbates depression can vary. Understanding these potential causes can help individuals and their healthcare providers develop more effective strategies for prevention, early intervention, and treatment.
Symptoms
Depression is characterized by a range of emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioural symptoms that collectively impact an individual’s overall well-being. These symptoms can vary in severity and duration. It’s important to note that not everyone with depression will experience all of these symptoms, and the presentation can differ from person to person. Common symptoms of depression include:
Emotional symptoms
- Persistent sadness: A pervasive feeling of sadness or emptiness that lasts for an extended period.
- Loss of interest: Diminished interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including hobbies, social interactions, and previously engaging pursuits.
- Hopelessness: An overwhelming sense of hopelessness about the future and a bleak outlook on life.
- Irritability: Increased irritability, agitation, or short temper, even in response to minor triggers.
- Guilt and worthlessness: Feelings of guilt, self-blame, or an intense sense of worthlessness.
- Anhedonia: A reduced ability to experience pleasure, leading to a lack of motivation and engagement.
Cognitive symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggles with focus, attention, and making decisions, often leading to reduced productivity.
- Negative thoughts: Recurring negative thoughts, self-criticism, and feelings of being a burden to others.
- Memory problems: Impaired memory and difficulties recalling information or past events.
Physical symptoms
- Fatigue: Persistent lack of energy and feelings of extreme tiredness, even after adequate rest.
- Changes in appetite: Significant changes in appetite, leading to weight gain or weight loss.
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness or prolonged sleep).
Behavioural symptoms
- Social withdrawal: Pulling away from social interactions, leading to isolation and reduced participation in activities.
- Decreased activity: Reduced engagement in activities and decreased interest in previously enjoyed hobbies.
- Slowed movement: Physical and mental slowing, often noticeable in speech and movement.
Physical symptoms
- Aches and pains: Unexplained physical complaints such as headaches, muscle aches, and stomachaches.
- Digestive problems: Changes in digestion, including constipation or gastrointestinal issues.
- Physical tension: Muscle tension, restlessness, or a sense of being physically “on edge.”
It’s important to recognize that experiencing some of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate clinical depression. However, if these symptoms persist for two weeks or longer and significantly interfere with daily functioning, it’s recommended to seek professional help for appropriate treatment.
Do you offer depression therapy near me?
We offer online depression therapy because this way we can reach you out whenever you are in the world. We are trained in the United Kingdom and provide cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).
We can help with depression!
We understand the profound impact that depression can have on your life, and we're here to offer our support. Taking that first step towards healing can be challenging, but you don't have to face it alone. Reach out to us today and let's start working together.