Depression

What is it?

Everyone feels sad, tired or unmotivated from time to time. Depression is when these feelings last for weeks, things you used to enjoy lose their meaning and daily life feels heavy. People often blame themselves, thinking it is a matter of willpower, but depression is not a sign of weakness.

Depression does not look the same in everyone. For some it is deep sadness, for others irritability, anger or feeling nothing at all. It may follow a loss or long term stress, or appear without a clear reason. You do not have to carry these feelings alone.

Common signs

Sadness, emptiness or hopelessness lasting for weeks
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Low energy, struggling with daily tasks
Clear changes in sleep and appetite
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

These signs alone do not mean a diagnosis; an assessment takes place in an in person or online session.

How can therapy help?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing the thinking patterns that keep depression going and on gradually re engaging with daily life through small, practical steps. Together we look at automatic negative thoughts about yourself, the future and the world around you.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy tries to understand the losses, unspoken feelings and repeating relationship patterns behind depressive feelings. The two approaches are not mutually exclusive, and we decide together what suits you. Every process is personal and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.

Approaches I use in this area

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A structured approach that looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and works on changing unhelpful cycles.

Psychodynamic (psychoanalytically informed) therapy

An approach that explores how past experiences, relationship patterns and feelings outside our awareness shape the present.

When is extra support needed?

The signs listed here do not on their own mean a diagnosis. If symptoms are severe, if your daily functioning is seriously affected, or if medication may help, I will refer you to a psychiatrist, and therapy and medication can go hand in hand. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, please do not wait: call 112 right away or go to the nearest emergency department.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between depression and ordinary sadness?

Sadness is usually linked to an event and eases with time. In depression, symptoms last at least a few weeks and clearly affect daily life. An individual assessment is needed to tell the difference.

Therapy or medication?

It depends on the person and how severe the symptoms are. For mild to moderate symptoms therapy alone may be enough; in more severe cases a psychiatrist may recommend medication alongside therapy.

I have no energy to talk. Can I still start?

Yes. In the first sessions you are not expected to say a lot. We go at your pace and you decide how much to share.

Every process is personal. Therapy does not guarantee a specific outcome, but it offers a safe space for change.