Depression – distressing, disabling and treatable

In 26 countries, depression is the leading cause of disability. Worldwide it is the second leading cause of disability behind low back pain.

In the UK, 20% of  adults show symptoms of depression and the number of people diagnosed with depression is rising. Depression is characterised by loss of pleasure in most activities.

Men and women tend to experience depression differently

Women tend to experience sadness and guilt, men are likelier to feel restlessness and anger and turn to drugs and alcohol to cope.

More than 3% of young people between the ages of 13 and 18 have also experienced a severe debilitating episode of depression.

Symptoms of depression:

1. Sleep disorder (too much or too little)

2. Shifts in appetite or weight (too much or to little)

3. Irritability, restlessness or anxiety

4. Chronic physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, including pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches and low back pain

5. Loss of energy and fatigue

6. Persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness, or loss of self-worth

7. Thinking difficulties, such as memory loss, challenges making decisions and difficulty concentrating

8. With severe depression, thoughts of death or suicide

What are the causes?

Many conditions and events in people’s lives can contribute to depression, including psychological, emotional, physical, environmental, social and spiritual factors. Sometimes, genetic tendencies or brain disease can lead to depression.

What treatments are most effective?

For persistent mild to moderate symptoms NICE guidelines recommends:

• Sleep hygiene
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Psychotherapy and counselling
• Exercise classes

And where symptoms persist

• Medication
• High intensity psychological interventions

At our clinic we believe you need to understand, know and trust you will receive the best care we can offer. Both of our mental health specialists, who are psychotherapists and counsellors, and who have undergone the best training in London, as well as ongoing supervision as recommend by NICE, offer a free meeting to establish whether you would benefit from psychological intervention such as CBT, counselling or psychotherapy.

 

If you’re not sure whether we can help, please give us a call on 020 7735 6813 or email info@kenningtonosteopaths.co.uk