10 Signs of Depression and How Counselling Can Help

10 Signs of Depression

1. Persistent Sadness or Low Mood: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless for most of the day, nearly every day.
2. Loss of Interest or Pleasure: A significant decrease in interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities once enjoyed.
3. Changes in Appetite or Weight: Significant weight loss or gain, or a decrease or increase in appetite.
4. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or oversleeping (hypersomnia).
5. Fatigue or Loss of Energy: Feeling tired and lacking energy nearly every day.
6. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt: Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
7. Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.
8. Physical Symptoms: Unexplained physical problems, such as headaches or digestive issues.
9. Restlessness or Slowed Movements: Psychomotor agitation (restlessness) or retardation (slowed physical movements).
10. Thoughts of Death or Suicide: Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempts

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How Counselling Can Help

1. Identifying and Understanding Emotions: Counselling helps individuals understand their emotions, providing clarity and insight into their feelings of sadness, guilt, or hopelessness.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals challenge and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to depression.
3. Developing Coping Strategies: Counsellors work with individuals to develop effective coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
4. Problem-Solving Skills: Counselling provides tools and techniques to address and resolve personal problems contributing to depression.
5. Supportive Environment: A counsellor offers a safe, non-judgemental space for individuals to express their feelings and experiences openly.
6. Behavioural Activation: Encourages engagement in activities that improve mood and increase feelings of accomplishment and enjoyment.
7. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning to reduce depressive symptoms.
8. Medication Management: Counsellors can work with psychiatrists or doctors to manage and monitor the effectiveness of antidepressant medications.
9. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teaching mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
10. Building a Support System: Assisting individuals in building and maintaining a strong support network of family and friends.

Conclusion

Recognising the signs of depression is crucial for seeking appropriate help. Counselling offers a range of therapeutic interventions that can significantly alleviate the symptoms of depression and improve overall mental health. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of depression, reaching out to a mental health professional is an important step towards recovery.