What can counselling help with?
Anxiety, depression and feeling sad
You may have noticed a change in how you feel, behave or think during your daily life. Understanding these changes in mood and how they are affecting you is the first step to overcoming them. Trying to identify or categorise a change in your mood that makes life a struggle can feel overwhelming.
You may have heard of these feelings being described as anxiety, depression or feeling sad. Below is a summary of each of these terms.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a widespread mental health issue that can cause a lot of distress. It involves feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear that can be intense enough to disrupt your daily life. It's a natural reaction to stress or perceived danger, but when these feelings become overwhelming and disproportionate to the actual situation, they can be very debilitating.
Some common symptoms include persistent worry, restlessness, rapid heart rate, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.
How counselling will help
Working with anxiety in the counselling space will involve identifying the symptoms and triggers specific to your anxiety. Through exploration and understanding, you will develop a new perspective and become empowered to manage your anxiety, grounding yourself within your reality. We will collaboratively identify your unique goals and therapeutic aspirations.
Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that can bring persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. It impacts how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. Some common symptoms include:
Persistent sadness or empty mood
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite or weight
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Fatigue and lack of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
How counselling will help
Working with depression in the counselling space will involve increased self-awareness and understanding of your feelings and needs. Developing your self-esteem and self-worth will form resilience and make room for positive personal growth. We will collaboratively identify your unique goals and therapeutic aspirations.
Feeling sad
It's completely normal to feel sad at times, but when those feelings persist and start to affect your daily life, it might be a sign of another issue like depression.
Chronic sadness can really take a toll on your thoughts, behaviours, and physical health. You might notice things like feeling down or empty all the time or losing interest in things you used to love. Changes in your appetite, sleep patterns, or energy levels and struggling to get through your daily tasks or maintain relationships are other changes you might notice in yourself.
How counselling will help
Working with feeling sad in the counselling space will involve developing a deep understanding of your feelings in relation to your unique reality. Exploring connections between your feelings, self-image, experiences and relationships will form part of your journey towards improved mood and resilience. We will collaboratively identify your unique goals and therapeutic aspirations.
Your next step
It's important to reach out to a mental health professional if you're dealing with anxiety, depression or prolonged sadness. They can help you figure out what's going on and work with you to find ways to improve your well-being. A multi-pronged approach is often used, including professionals such as your counsellor, GP, lifestyle coach, or support worker. We will discuss this as part of your initial assessment and session.
Reach out to arrange a free 15-minute introductory session via telephone or video call.
Alternatively, you can email or message your questions about what to expect in your counselling journey.
Urgent need/crisis support
If your change in mood or distressing feelings is leading to thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, you should seek immediate help.
If you or someone else’s life is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now.
If you need urgent help for your mental health, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111.