Depression is a common condition that will affect around one in 10 people at some point in their life. It is a complicated illness that affects each person differently and has a wide variety of symptoms and causes. Generally though, depression exists in the form of unrelenting low mood or sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable things and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. These symptoms will vary in intensity, and the frequency and length of episodes will also differ. Sometimes depression can last for weeks or months. (Ultimately, the more symptoms, the stronger they are and the longer they last, the more likely someone is living with depression).

Anyone can become depressed – even successful and famous people will battle the condition. According to the Mental Health Foundation, depression is the most common form of mental disorder in the UK. Midlife is the most common time for depression to strike, but it can affect all age groups. Whilst one in five older people will experience depression, around 10% of children will show signs of mental health problems at any one time.

Counselling could help you gain resolution on some of the issues that have caused your depression and help examine what specific thoughts and feelings are affecting your day to day life.

It is always important to speak to your GP if you think that you may have depression. GP’s will often advocate counselling as part of a package of help for depression. Counselling is available through the NHS but there are often very long waiting times involved before you get to see someone and sometimes the amount of sessions are limited, your GP will be able to help with this.