Fettle therapist helping a depressed woman that feels isolated

Therapy for Depression

Are You…
Not feeling like yourself?
Struggling to feel connected in your everyday life?
Losing sight of your sense of purpose?
Feeling isolated, sad, or low-energy for weeks on end?

Ready to book your first online therapy session for Depression?

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What is a sign of depression?

There are many depression signs, actually, and the presenting depression symptoms vary from person to person. 

Depression is more than just having a few glum days. The symptoms of depression are consistent for three or more weeks. Sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint what depression is caused by — but it’s certainly on the rise, especially during a global pandemic.

Thankfully, there is a free online depression test provided by the National Health Service (NHS) that was developed by several doctors; though, a true diagnosis must come from a medical practitioner that understands the signs of depression, types of depression, and medicines for depression.

Symptoms gone untreated could push depression to mania. If you think you may be suffering from depression, find a depression counsellor now.

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Common Symptoms of Depression

If you experience some of the following symptoms for three weeks or longer, talk to your doctor: Emptiness, hopelessness, irritability, loss of interest in life activities, sleep disturbances, low energy, fatigue, increased or decreased appetite, weight loss or gain, slow thinking, unexplained bodily pains. Keep in mind that the symptoms for anxiety and depression are very similar, and they both are successfully treated with therapy and even some of the same medications. Therefore, depression and anxiety are often diagnosed together.

 
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Possible Causes of Depression

It’s difficult to provide an exhaustive list of depression causes — the possibilities are endless because each person experiences depression in different ways. It can come and go, peak at times, or drop at times. If you think you may have depression, it’s good to keep a symptoms tracker. This can help you pin-point possible causes and tackle these challenges with your therapist. However, some common examples are early losses, trauma, sudden life changes, or grief. Depression symptoms can also stem from other serious health issues, such as hypothyroidism, which would require medical attention.

 
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Types of Depression

To fully understand your symptoms and the best way to treat them, your doctor will need as much information as possible. Depression types include: seasonal depression, situational depression, depression with anxiety, postnatal depression, postpartum depression, bipolar depression, clinical depression, psychotic depression, manic depression, alcoholism and depression, drug use and depression, and high functioning depression. Some types of depression can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy while others may need a combination of therapy and depression medicines. Some may require in-patient care.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Beck Depression Inventory (DBI) is a validated and replicable depression test of 21 items that is made up of self-reported ratings. When you see your therapist or psychiatrist, you may take this test or one of its shortened versions, also validated.

  • If you have a recent diagnosis, I am sure you are eager to learn how to get out of depression. Getting on a healthy diet and getting regular exercise helps with depression, but sometimes it takes more. Talk to an online therapist in the UK now.

  • The answer is chicken or egg or nature vs nurture; however, genetic studies have shown that, on average, 40% of those with depression have a close relative with the same disorder. Scientists believe the remaining 60% is caused by environmental factors.

  • Yes, and the national government manages any applications and payments if you are determined to be disabled by depression or another mental illness. Definitions of what constitutes a disability may vary. Please read more on this Disability page of the UK Government’s official website.

Meet Fettle’s Trusted Online Therapists!

Click through to read an experienced depression therapist’s bio or book a session.