Feeling low in mood from time to time is a normal part of life, but when low mood begins to drive your life, so that you feel unable to engage in the things that give you vitality, meaning and purpose it becomes a problem. Emotions such as hopelessness and despair can take hold and just won’t go away. This may mean you have depression.
More than just a passing sadness in response to life’s struggles and setbacks, depression changes how you think, feel, and function in daily activities. Sometimes just trying to get through the day can be overwhelming.
While some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom, others feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic. Men in particular can feel angry and restless. You may feel hopeless and helpless. But it’s important to remember that feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are symptoms of depression—not the reality of your situation.
No matter how you feel right now, know that depression is treatable.
Psychotherapy can help you to understand how you have come to be depressed and show you the route out. With kindness and patience, you will be supported through this difficult time and given the tools that help you to get back into the driving seat of your life.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy & Depression
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Depression is an evidence-based “talk therapy,” or counseling treatment, shown to be effective for treating depression in a number of research studies. ACT helps people with depression to get “unstuck” from difficult thoughts and feelings, to be more accepting of themselves and their experiences, and to live life in a way that matters most to them. Treatment is typically shorter than other talk therapies and does not have the side effects of medication.