Depression
Depression can affect how you feel, think and respond to the world around you. If you have been feeling low, or have lost interest or pleasure in things you would usually enjoy, and these feelings have persisted for a couple of weeks or more, you may be experiencing depression.
You may find yourself caught in patterns of negative thinking, feeling sad, empty or hopeless about your circumstances or the future. You might feel exhausted, struggle to concentrate or feel restless, making it difficult to work, socialise or manage everyday tasks. Depression can also affect sleep, appetite, weight and sexual desire. You may find yourself dwelling on past events, feeling guilty, self-critical or worthless.
Depression can vary considerably in severity and impact. At particularly difficult times, feelings of hopelessness may be accompanied by thoughts of death, wishing you were no longer alive or thinking about ending your life. These experiences can be frightening or difficult to talk about, but you do not have to manage them alone.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek support. You can speak to your GP or contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. If you feel at immediate risk of acting on these thoughts, seek urgent help through A&E or call 999.
Whatever the severity of your depression, support is available. Your GP can discuss treatment options, including medication and psychological therapy through the NHS. You may also choose to seek therapy privately.
What can I expect from a CBT approach?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, practical approach that can help you understand how your thoughts, emotions and behaviours interact, and how certain patterns can contribute to maintaining depression.
In therapy, we work together to recognise unhelpful thinking patterns, including ways of interpreting situations that may be overly negative, self-critical or shaped by past experiences. We explore how these patterns affect your mood and develop more balanced and helpful ways of responding.
CBT may also involve behavioural activation, particularly if depression has led you to withdraw from activities or lose confidence in your ability to manage everyday life. Together, we identify meaningful or enjoyable activities that you can gradually reintroduce, break overwhelming tasks into manageable steps and develop routines that support your wellbeing.
Between sessions, you will be encouraged to practise the skills you are learning and try out new ways of responding in everyday situations. This helps you develop confidence in using these approaches beyond the therapy room.
CBT is an evidence-based treatment for depression and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as one of several treatment options. It can be used on its own or, where appropriate, alongside antidepressant medication.
The most suitable approach will depend on the nature and severity of your difficulties, your preferences and your previous experience of treatment.
Could a compassion-focused approach help me?
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) may be particularly helpful when depression is accompanied by persistent self-criticism, shame, guilt or feelings of worthlessness.
You may find that, even when you can recognise your strengths or understand that you are being overly hard on yourself, this understanding does not change how you feel. You might continue to blame yourself for past events, feel that you are not good enough or struggle to respond to yourself with the same understanding you would readily offer someone else.
CFT helps you develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself: one that combines warmth and understanding with courage, responsibility and a willingness to face difficulties. Rather than simply asking you to think more positively, it explores how you respond to yourself when you feel distressed, inadequate or under threat, and helps you develop ways of relating to these experiences with greater care and balance.
Research suggests that CFT may help reduce depressive symptoms, particularly where high levels of self-criticism and shame are present. It can be used alongside CBT or other evidence-based approaches, depending on your needs.
If you recognise yourself in these descriptions, we can explore together which therapeutic approach may be most helpful for you.
Take the next step
Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting. Speaking to a few therapists can help you find someone you feel comfortable working with.
You are welcome to get in touch to arrange a brief telephone consultation, giving us an opportunity to explore whether I might be the right therapist for you.