Depression Counselling in Newton Abbot
Depression is one of the most common mental health experiences in the UK. It can feel overwhelming, but it is also one of the most treatable. If you’ve noticed low mood becoming persistent, draining your energy or stopping you from doing things you normally enjoy, professional help can make a real difference.
At Candlewood Counselling in Newton Abbot, I provide warm, professional and confidential therapy for adults with depression. Depression counselling is available face to face in Devon or online, via video, so you can access counselling that fits with your needs and lifestyle.
What is depression?
How do you know if you’re depressed?
How can counselling help?
Continue reading for answers to common questions about depression, and to learn more about how counselling can support you through this.
Please note: This page contains some generalised advice for those looking for depression counselling.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts please reach out to your GP or call NHS 111 or 999 if this is an emergency. Samaritans provide 24/7 support on 116 123.
What is depression?
Depression is a clinical mental health condition characterised by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, and low energy. It is accompanied by a range of emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms which affect daily functioning.
Depression differs from feeling down or going through a ‘rough patch’ in its persistence, severity, and the degree to which it impacts everyday life. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability globally. In England alone, approximately 1 in 6 adults are experiencing depression or a common mental health problem at any given time (NHS Digital, 2023).
Depression becomes clinical when symptoms are present for at least two weeks, are causing significant distress, and affect how someone functions at work and in relationships and their day-to-day life. Depression is not your fault, a sign of weakness or laziness, or something you should struggle with on your own. Depression has well-known causes and depression counselling is an effective treatment.
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What are the symptoms of Depression?
Different people experience depression differently. Some may feel overwhelming sadness or tears; others may feel emotionally numb or empty. Depression symptoms fall into four main categories:
Emotional/Mood Symptoms
• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Lack of enjoyment or pleasure in things you used to love (“anhedonia”)
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or excessive guilt
• Feeling emotionally flat, numb, or empty
• Irritability or ‘low threshold’
Cognitive Symptoms
• Someone with depression may have difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions
• Negative thoughts about themselves, the world, and future
• Rumination (cyclic or repetitive negative thinking)
• In severe cases, suicidal thoughts or ideation
Physical/Behavioural Symptoms
• Tiredness or low energy (even after sleeping)
• Sleep disturbance (difficulty getting to sleep or insomnia, sleeping too much)
• Appetite changes or weight changes
• Social withdrawal and avoiding activity
• Neglecting responsibilities or personal hygiene
• Low sex drive
• Aches and pains with no clear physical cause
Smiling depression refers to when someone experiences significant depression symptoms but maintains an ‘outside’ appearance of normality. Someone with smiling depression may look like they’re ‘fine’ to others but internally they are struggling significantly. If any of the symptoms above sound like you or someone you know, please reach out to a professional.
What Are the First Signs of Depression?
The earliest stages of depression can be easy to write off. Maybe you lost interest in a hobby you used to love but got busy; maybe you’ve been more tired than usual but went to bed earlier. We all have low days. When someone is beginning to experience depression, however, they may withdraw from things that once brought them pleasure without necessarily realising why. Watch for these early warning signs:
• Losing interest in hobbies and activities
• Feeling more tired than usual that sleep isn’t helping
• Feeling like everything is flat, grey, or joyless
• Becoming irritable or overwhelmed by things that wouldn’t usually bother you
• Cancelling plans and withdrawing from friends
• Feeling easily distracted or like you can’t concentrate
• Increasing negative thoughts and self-criticism
If you experience several of these symptoms regularly and they have been present for over two weeks, consider reaching out. The low mood you are experiencing may deepen if left unchecked, but you don’t have to wait until you feel ‘bad enough’.
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What causes depression?
Depression usually occurs when biological, psychological, and social factors interact with each other. No one is born with depression.
Biological Causes
Depression has genetic links — meaning if someone in your family has depression, you have an increased risk of developing it too. Depression can also be triggered by changes in brain chemicals, sleep disruption, hormonal changes, or as a result of long-term physical health conditions. Stress hormones and inflammation are also increasingly linked to depression.
Psychological Causes
Depression can be caused by long-term patterns of negative thinking and low self-esteem, depression can arise from perfectionism, or early experiences of loss or trauma. Complex childhood trauma and early attachments can also play a role in depression by impacting how someone views themselves and others into adulthood.
Social & Environmental Causes
Depression is often linked to significant life events with a long-term impact. These can include trauma loss or abuse (recent or from childhood), chronic stress or feeling isolated from others.
What Are Common Depression Triggers?
Any depression is often triggered by an event or prolonged period of stress. These are some common examples of depression triggers:
• Loss of a loved one
• Relationship breakdowns – separation/divorce arguments
• Loss of job/financial hardship
• Significant life changes – retirement, having a baby, moving house
• Chronic or serious illness
• Trauma/abuse (recent or from childhood)
• Long term stress – work, care responsibilities
• Loss of connection with others
• Becoming a parent
Something doesn’t have to trigger depression for you to be valid. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression that feel overwhelming, please seek support.
When should I seek help for depression?
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression that last longer than two weeks and cause you distress, it may be time to seek help. Or maybe you’ve tried to ‘shake it off’ for a while but you’re starting to notice your mood worsening. Some people wait until depression has severely impacts their lives before seeking support. Don’t wait until things get bad.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviours, please contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice. You can also call 999 in an emergency. Samaritans are available online and on 116 123.
Depression counselling can help you begin to understand your symptoms and improve your mood. The earlier you intervene, the better.
How does counselling help with depression?
For mild to moderate depression, talking therapy can be effective. For moderate to severe depression, a combination of medication and talking therapy sometimes works bestter. Contacting your GP to discuss your symptoms is always advised, particularly to rule out any physical conditions which could link to depression.
Depression counselling helps you understand your depression and the factors that maintain it. Changing your relationship with yourself and your life, can help to recover from depression. Medication can also help. Self-care is also important. Eating regular meals, keeping active, maintaining a routine, getting enough sleep, and staying connected to others can also support your recovery from depression.
There are several ways therapy can help depression specifically, which include:
- Working With Unhelpful Thoughts
- Behavioural Activation -is a type of therapy that focuses on helping you ‘do depression’ by taking small steps to re-engage with life again.
- Working Through Past Patterns
Finding the Right Approach for You
All therapists have areas of specialty, but no two therapists will work with depression in the exact same way. I draw from several evidence-based schools of therapy including cognitive behavioural therapy, person-centred therapy, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, and behavioural activation to tailor your therapy sessions to YOU and what you need right now.
What's the next step?
At Candlewood Counselling, I offer professional counselling for depression in Newton Abbot, as well as online counselling throughout the UK. Whether you’re located in the TQ area or further away, I can help.
Getting in touch with me does not obligate you to start therapy. You can ask me as many questions as you like, until you feel ready to decide whether to book an appointment. Feel free to get in touch.