DEPRESSION

A brief look at depression

Depression is not simply a chemical imbalance or a flaw in mood regulation, it’s a state of disconnection from self, others, and life’s vitality. Depression is the body’s “intelligent retreat”;  a shutting down when authentic needs, emotions, and self-expression have been chronically suppressed to stay safe or accepted. It’s less a malfunction than a form of protection: the psyche turning inward when outward engagement feels too painful or futile. We can also imagine depression as the brain’s loss of positive activation, shaped by a long history of unmet needs, loss, and self-criticism. The nervous system becomes tilted toward threat and helplessness, making it hard to feel reward, motivation, or hope. Depression is different for everyone.

  • Persistent low mood, sadness, or emptiness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in things once enjoyed
  • Fatigue, low energy, or slowed movement
  • Changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping) and appetite
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
  • Withdrawal from others or loss of motivation
  • Irritability, tearfulness, or emotional numbness
  • Physical symptoms such as heaviness, aches, or gut disturbances
  • Thoughts that life isn’t worth living, or a wish to escape pain

How I might work with depression:
I see depression as the nervous system’s way of protecting you when life has felt too overwhelming or unsafe for too long. In therapy, we work gently to understand what your low mood is trying to tell us: the unmet needs, emotions, and life experiences beneath it.

Using a blend of schema therapy, somatic and polyvagal approaches, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), I help you reconnect with your body, emotions, and sense of self. Together, we’ll soften self-criticism, rebuild safety and energy, and find new ways to engage with life that feel authentic and sustainable.

If You’re in Crisis or Having Thoughts of Suicide

If you are feeling unable to keep yourself safe, or having thoughts of ending your life, please reach out for immediate support , you do not have to face this alone.

  • Call 999 if you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help.

  • Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit www.samaritans.org for confidential emotional support.

  • Shout – Text 85258 to speak to a trained volunteer via text, free and available 24/7.

  • NHS 111 – For urgent mental health help, you can call 111 (option 2) for advice and local crisis services.

  • Mind – Visit www.mind.org.uk for resources and helplines.

  • Papyrus (for under 35s) – Call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967, or visit www.papyrus-uk.org.

  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Call 0800 58 58 58 or visit www.thecalmzone.net (for men or anyone in crisis).

If you’re already in contact with your GP or mental health team, you can also reach out to them for urgent support.

You are not alone — help is available right now.

FROM A PSYCHOANALYTIC LENS, DEPRESSION CAN BE UNDERSTOOD AS THE PSYCHE’S ATTEMPT TO GRIEVE WHAT WAS LOST BUT NEVER MOURNED PROPERLY FOR; LOVE, SAFETY, OR RECOGNITION THAT WERE UNAVAILABLE WHEN NEEDED. IT’S THE MIND TURNING INWARD TO PROCESS ABSENCE, INVITING THE SLOW WORK OF FEELING WHAT WAS BURIED IN ORDER TO SURVIVE.

Get in touch to start the ball rolling

In a sea of different therapists it can be overwhelming to know who to trust. That’s why you can call me for free and chat for 15 minutes. Tell me more about what’s ailing you and ask me how I might work with you.