"Therapy is a safe space where anxiety meets compassion, and healing begins".
Information about Depression
What is Depression
People with depression might experience symptoms such as feeling tired all the time, having trouble sleeping, losing interest in hobbies, feeling worthless or guilty, and even having difficulty concentrating. It can also cause physical symptoms like aches and pains.
Symptoms of Depression
People with depression might experience symptoms such as feeling tired all the time, having trouble sleeping, losing interest in hobbies, feeling worthless or guilty, and even having difficulty concentrating. It can also cause physical symptoms like aches and pains.
What Causes Depression
There are many reasons why someone might experience depression. It can be triggered by significant life changes, such as losing a job, going through a breakup, or experiencing the death of a loved one. Sometimes, it runs in families, suggesting a genetic link. Other times, it might be related to ongoing stress, trauma, or certain medical conditions.
Understanding the specific reasons behind someone’s depression is crucial, which is where the concept of "formulation" comes in. Formulation is like creating a map of a person’s unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings to understand what might be contributing to their depression. This helps in choosing the right treatment approach, ensuring it’s tailored to the individual’s needs.
How is Depression Treated
Depression is treatable, and many people recover with the right support. Psychological therapies are often effective. I use approaches like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns, and Schema Therapy to explore deeper life themes and emotional needs that may be contributing to low mood. Treatment is tailored to each person’s needs and may also involve working on relationships, routines, and coping strategies. In some cases, medication prescribed by a doctor can also be helpful alongside therapy.
Support is Available
Kylie, an online Psychologist and counsellor, uses a combination of therapies to help break this cycle and support recovery. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps change negative thought patterns, while Schema Therapy addresses deep-rooted beliefs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages embracing emotions and committing to actions that align with personal values. Emotional Focused Therapy and Gottman Therapy can also be used to address relational concerns that are contributing to depression.
Consequences of Depression
Depression can often lead to a vicious cycle. When you’re feeling down, it’s hard to find the motivation to do the things you once enjoyed. This lack of activity can make you feel even worse, leading to even less motivation. Breaking this cycle is an important part of recovery.
Depression can also affect relationships. It may cause you to withdraw from loved ones, feel irritable or misunderstood, or struggle to communicate. Over time, this can lead to conflict, disconnection, or isolation, which may deepen feelings of sadness and loneliness.
Work and study can also become difficult. Concentration may suffer, energy levels can drop, and small tasks may feel overwhelming. This can impact job performance or make it hard to keep up with responsibilities, sometimes leading to job loss or academic struggles—further affecting self-esteem and hope for the future.
In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide. If this is happening, it’s important to know that you are not alone, and help is available.
Information about Anxiety
What is Anxiety
Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. It’s a common condition that can manifest in various forms, such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Each type of anxiety has its own set of symptoms and challenges. Common symptoms include persistent worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, rapid heartbeat, and a sense of impending doom. These symptoms can interfere with daily life, making it difficult to focus, relax, or enjoy activities.
What Causes Anxiety
There are many reasons why someone might experience anxiety. It can be influenced by genetic factors, brain chemistry, and life experiences. Traumatic events, chronic stress, and significant life changes can all contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. Relationship stress is another key contributor to anxiety. Conflicts, communication issues, and unmet emotional needs within relationships can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Understanding the specific causes and symptoms of anxiety is crucial for effective treatment, which is where "formulation" comes into play. Formulation involves creating a personalised understanding of an individual’s experiences and symptoms, helping to tailor the most effective treatment plan.
The Consequences
Depression can often lead to a vicious cycle. When you’re feeling down, it’s hard to find the motivation to do the things you once enjoyed. This lack of activity can make you feel even worse, leading to even less motivation. Breaking this cycle is an important part of recovery.
Support is Available
Kylie, an online Psychologist and experienced counsellor, uses a combination of therapies to help break this cycle and support recovery. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps change negative thought patterns, while Schema Therapy addresses deep-rooted beliefs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages embracing emotions and committing to actions that align with personal values. Emotional Focused Therapy and Gottman Therapy can also be used to address relational concerns that are contributing to depression.
