Depression Counselling
Depression can hit anyone and anytime: men, women, old, young, married, single, rich, poor, anyone! It effects different people in different ways but one common factor is a loss of enjoyment in life coupled with a loss of hope or 'spark'. This is often (but not always) accompanied by some level of anxiety or anger.
Depression Symptoms
Depression usually builds up over a period of time though it may be triggered by stress, relationship problems, grief or knockbacks. It can also sneak up on unnoticed leading to long-term low grade depression. Symptoms of depression may include some of the following symptoms:
- Feeling tired, dull, heavy, or slow
- Sadness and tearfulness
- Loss of interest and pleasure in life
- Loss of meaning and hopelessness
- Anxiety or anger
- Loneliness or loss of connection
- Decreased sexual drive
- Weight gain or loss
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Foggy thinking or poor concentration
More Severe Depression
Depression can also be really frightening. It can feel like you are cut off from the world, sometimes described like being in fog, trapped in greyness, darkness, a black hole or cave. Many people struggle to go on doing what they need to do, their depression largely unnoticed by those around them, while struggling with feelings of hopelessness and pointlessness - very painful and debilitating. (NB For more severe depression a combination treatment of medication and therapy is normally recommended).
Depression Treatment
The good news is that depression is generally responsive to therapy - even complex or sever depression accompanied by such things as anxiety, anger, relationship issues or past trauma. Therapy can help in many ways including:
- Working with a professional who has a deep understanding of depression
- Understand the underlying biological, relational, emotional and thinking causes and patterns of depression
- Making sense of whatever is currently going on in your life
- Addressing issues from the past
- Coming to terms with what you have been through
- Practical help in making constructive change
- A therapist who will treat you like a human being not like a number
- Ongoing support to help you get through at your own pace in your own time
- Improving communication and relationships
- Reconnect with your hopes and dreams
- Rediscover hope and joy
Why Auckland Therapy
Depression is robbing hundreds of New Zealanders of their life each year and thousands more of the joy of living. More New Zealanders die of suicide each year as die on the roads. As individuals and a nation we have some serious work to do.
As psychotherapists we recognise the agony of depression and a the deep understanding of its complex causes. Our team have the skill, experience, dedication and passion to work and standby you on the road to recovery and beyond. Our training in unconscious process, human development, relationship dynamics, as well as the interplay of feelings, thoughts and behaviours make the difference.
Find a Therapist
All of our team are experienced in working with depression. See a map of Therapist Locations or find Auckland Therapist by suburb.
Emma Harris has a particular interest in working with pre and post-natal distress and mother/baby issues.