DEPRESSION noun “feelings of severe despondency and dejection.”

That is the dictionary definition of depression, but the dictionary can’t define you. Depression refers first and foremost to mood. This may vary from feelings of slight sadness to those of utter misery and dejection. However, there are different types of depression and all have a variety of symptoms, though not everyone experiences all the symptoms and the gravity of each symptom differs from one person to another. That is why I acknowledge that every chair is different and what we will explore together through counselling.

What causes depression? According to the NHS ‘There is no single cause of depression. A person can develop it for different reasons and it has many different triggers. For some, an upsetting or stressful life event – such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries – can be the cause. Often, different causes combine to trigger depression’ (NHS., 2014).

I feel it is important to recognise that the word depression isn’t a ‘one size, fits all’ term and while you are experiencing depression you are still able to do the things you need to do to survive; go to work, pay bills, cook your food, however, other areas of your life can be debilitating for you.

Depression is one of the most common experiences known to mankind and affects over an average lifetime between 8 and 15 percent of the population, so you are not alone.

By offering Your Space Today at my private consulting room in Storrington, near Pulborough West Sussex, we can look at your experiences of depression, what it feels like for you, both physically and emotionally. Through counselling we will look at the impact that this is having on your life, work and relationships.