We often use the term ‘depression’ to portray a certain amount of sadness experienced in our lives. When we lose someone close or go through a relationship breakdown, a significant frustration or disappointment, the emotional reactions that tag along are appropriate, natural and will last for a limited amount of time.
But what if we are faced instead with an excessive, long-term sad mood that makes us lose interest in things we used to enjoy? It is important to make the distinction between unhappiness at a given time and the symptoms associated with depressive disorders. Let’s find out more.
What is depression?
Depressive disorders are a group of illnesses affecting almost one in five people worldwide. These are distressing illnesses which may pose serious risks to a person’s life and welfare. So, professional assessment and treatment are imperative.
Types of depression
People can experience different levels of depression of the course of their lifetime:
There are several disorders that fall under the umbrella of mood disorders:
Major depressive disorder
Major depressive disorder
Young people with this disorder may feel very low-spirited and find they don’t enjoy things they may previously have loved doing. They will often notice a lack of energy and focus, difficulty sleeping and low motivation to do anything. Their feelings of guilt, hopelessness and despair can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts.
Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
a reaction to a powerful and stressful circumstance. These feelings are very intense, mixed with anxiety, poor sleep and appetite loss. The time the symptoms last for may vary from weeks to years.
Bipolar mood disorder
Bipolar mood disorder
depressive episodes which alternate with periods of elation, over-activity, irritability, rapid speech and recklessness. In more serious cases, the person can also have delusions.
Treatment and support
Those who are experiencing depression can often feel hopeless like there is no way out of the dark place that they have become familiar with. Our job is to help find the light by helping young people to reengage with things that make them feel good, reconnect with those they care about and rewrite the negative image they have of themselves and the world.
Our promise
At Umbrella Lane we provide clients with a safe, comfortable space to work through their difficult emotions and experiences, and in doing so, to rediscover the things that help them feel happy, calm and fulfilled.
Call us today and find out more about our approach to treating depression.
Services
Self-Harm
Self-Harm
Anyone who engages in self-harm, or deliberate self-injury, is intentionally harming their bodies. When it comes to self-harm, we are talking about a set of behaviours rather than an illness or mental disorder.
Low self-esteem
Low self-esteem
Self-esteem plays a vital role in a person’s emotional life: how we feel about ourselves, our bodies, our worth, and our relationships.
Emotion Dysregulation
Difficult Life Transitions
Parenting Support
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder