Depression Counselling
Depression can hit anyone at any time: men, women, old, young, married, single, rich, poor, anyone! It affects 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 long period of time though it may be triggered by stress, relationship problems, grief or setbacks. It can also sneak up unnoticed leading to long-term low-grade depression. Symptoms of depression may include some of the following:
Feeling physically tired, dull, heavy, or slow
Sadness and tearfulness
Loss of interest and pleasure in life
Loss of meaning and a feeling of 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
Clinical Depression — Major Depressive Disorder
Everyone feels down from time to time. If this hangs around for more than a couple of weeks it can affect brain chemistry as well as body hormones. This can become what is termed Clinical Depression or a Major Depressive Disorder. This can have a serious impact on one's thinking and physical wellbeing. It really can be very difficult to get out of this by oneself, indeed it can seem a bit like quicksand — the more one struggles, the deeper one sinks. It really is time to reach out for help!
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 a cave. Many people struggle to go on doing what they need to do, their depression largely unnoticed by those around them, while immersed in feelings of hopelessness and pointlessness — very painful and debilitating.
Depression Treatment
The good news is that depression is generally responsive to therapy — even complex or severe 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 a number
Ongoing support to help you cope at your own pace
Improving communication and relationships
Reconnect with your hopes and dreams
Rediscover hope and joy
NB: for more severe depression a combination treatment of medication and therapy is normally recommended.
Why Auckland Therapy
Depression is robbing hundreds of New Zealanders of their lives each year and thousands more of the joy of living. More New Zealanders die of suicide each year than 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 the deep understanding of its complex causes. Our team have the skill, experience, dedication and passion to work with and stand by 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 an Auckland Therapist by suburb.
Susan Goldstiver has a particular interest in working with pre and post-natal distress and mother/baby issues.