Can counselling for depression change your life

Here is Catherine's story, Catherine's story is typical of many people, who suffer from depression. Sufferers say that it’s very difficult to imagine unless you have been there because it’s not just about a low mood.

"I have a fantastic life, a good looking husband who loves me and two great kids. We live in a beautiful house and my job is well paid. So why do I feel so low; so unable to take control of my life; so isolated.  I have depression and it’s a curious thing before my own experience I thought it was just people who were sad or something, I never realised that the feeling of isolation, like I’m the only one going through this and that I can’t seem to get out of it could last so long. My friend gave me a number for a local counsellor. It took 3 goes before I could ring them. When I made an appointment and went to see them, I realised I had found someone that didn’t see my illness but saw me. Through our sessions, I looked at the direction of my life and with the support of my therapist (and my family) I am now feeling much more positive about the future." Catherine

It affects all areas of your life; it can be a struggle to deal with even the simplest things. Depression is often linked with anxiety and people become isolated physically as well as emotionally.  Other common symptoms include irritability and sleep disruption.

It is as difficult to describe recovery from depression as it is to describe the illness itself.  Part of the story is usually medication; your doctor can prescribe a range of effective medication which can help to stabilise your mood. As your mood is better, there is an opportunity to look at some of the factors causing your condition.  Many people choose to go to a talking therapy and in a range of ways they look at their thoughts, emotions and actions, making changes that have a better outcome for them.

Many therapists will tell you that they have clients who found their recovery a life-changing experience. Perhaps they worried less about what others thought of them; perhaps they learned to accept difficult or dark events and feelings in their past; perhaps they learned to be more assertive about their own needs. The important part is that the therapy process allows you to make changes that have the biggest impact in your life.

Of course, it is not plain sailing, everyone has setbacks and difficulties when making changes (even positive ones), but one of the good things about therapy is that there is a safe space to look at what happened, to discuss your fears, free of judgement.  Most therapists will be happy to talk you through the process before you spend any money, and many have gone before you and found counselling for depression a very effective and powerful ally