When you’re living with depression, even ordinary everyday things can feel difficult. You may feel low, exhausted, disconnected or unable to see how things could improve. You might understand why you feel this way, or your depression may seem to have appeared without an obvious reason.
I offer depression counselling in Plymouth for adults who need a calm, confidential place to talk. Together, we can explore what you are experiencing, understand what may be contributing to your low mood and begin finding a way forward at a pace that feels manageable.
Understanding Depression and Low Mood
Depression is more than having a difficult day or occasionally feeling sad. It can affect how you think, feel and relate to other people, as well as your motivation, sleep, appetite, concentration and energy.
Depression can feel different for everyone. You may experience:
Persistent sadness, emptiness or low mood
Loss of interest in people or activities you previously enjoyed
Tiredness and a lack of motivation
Difficulty sleeping or wanting to sleep more than usual
Feeling hopeless, helpless or unable to see a way forward
Low self-esteem or a strong sense of failure
Irritability, frustration or becoming easily overwhelmed
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Withdrawing from friends, family or everyday life
Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from yourself
Some people continue working, caring for others and appearing to cope while privately struggling with depression. You do not have to wait until things become unbearable before seeking support.
What Can Contribute to Depression?
There is not always one identifiable cause. Depression can develop gradually or follow a difficult experience or period of prolonged emotional pressure.
Your feelings may be connected to:
Bereavement, separation or another significant loss
Relationship problems, betrayal or loneliness
Stress at work or feeling overwhelmed by responsibility
Difficult childhood experiences or unresolved trauma
Illness, pain or changes to your physical health
Menopause or another major life transition
Low self-confidence or a persistent feeling of not being good enough
Feeling trapped, unfulfilled or uncertain about your future
Suppressing your needs and emotions for a long time
Sometimes several experiences build upon one another. Counselling gives you an opportunity to look beneath the surface of your depression and understand the feelings, experiences and patterns that may be maintaining it.
How Depression Counselling Can Help
When you are depressed, it can be difficult to put your experience into words or to believe that talking will make a difference. You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what is wrong or what you want to change.
I offer a supportive, non-judgemental relationship in which you can speak honestly about how life feels for you. As an integrative counsellor, I draw on different therapeutic approaches according to your individual circumstances and needs.
Counselling for depression may help you to:
Understand what is contributing to your low mood
Recognise unhelpful beliefs and patterns of thinking
Express emotions you have been carrying alone
Explore experiences from the past that still affect you
Develop greater self-understanding and self-compassion
Find more manageable ways of responding to difficult feelings
Reconnect with your needs, relationships and interests
Build confidence in your ability to cope
Begin to feel more hopeful about the future
The aim is not to pressure you into “thinking positively”. Instead, we can make space for what you are genuinely experiencing and work towards changes that feel realistic and meaningful to you.
What to Expect from Counselling
I provide one-to-one counselling for individual adults, either face to face in Plymouth or online.
The sessions are confidential and led by what you need to talk about. I will listen carefully, help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings and gently draw attention to patterns or connections that may be difficult to recognise on your own.
You will not be judged or expected to have all the answers. We can work at your pace, particularly if you feel tired, overwhelmed or find it difficult to know where to begin.
You can learn more about my approach and the other issues I support on my main counselling page.
Book Depression Counselling in Plymouth
If depression or persistent low mood is making everyday life difficult, you are welcome to contact me to discuss arranging an appointment.
Face-to-face and online counselling appointments are available.
Call, text or WhatsApp: 07551 793464
You can also view my current counselling appointment availability.