The number of people on antidepressants has doubled in the last decade, as more and more people each year go to their GP with symptoms of depression. This debilitating illness seems to have become the scourge of the modern age, in that despite the fact that we have more material wealth than ever before, we seem much less happy for it.

It is important, however, that we recognise that sadness is a normal human emotion and is quite natural, given certain circumstances, such as the death of a partner, redundancy or a relationship break-up. Given time, however, this sort of sadness (or grief, when concerned with a bereavement) lessens, and we should find that eventually we feel better and able to get on with our lives as before.

Clinical depression, however, is quite different, and the following symptoms can be present:

Feelings of sadness which do not lift
Suicidal thoughts
Marked weight loss or weight gain, and decreased or increased appetite
Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
Difficulty concentrating and focusing on tasks

Chronic fatigue or lack of energy

In this case it is important that you see your GP, so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated.

My treatment, which can be taken alongside conventional therapy, is very much focused on the individual. Many of the clients that I see with depression feel ‘stuck’ and so the treatment plan is geared towards enhancing self-esteem and giving them back confidence so that they can begin to move forward with their lives. By recognising past achievements and setting realistic goals for the future, it is possible to gain perspective once again and feel positive about the future.