Depression and other mood difficulties
Our mood ebbs and flows throughout the day and in response to different situations or how we feel in our bodies. However, sometimes, these changes are so intense or prolonged that they disconnect or prevent us from doing what is important in our lives (family, friends, work, interests, self-care). On occasions, mood problems are a consequence of the situation we are in (e.g., at work, in personal relationships) and require making difficult changes.
Thankfully, both CBT and ACT offer a comprehensive way of understanding the ‘vicious cycles’ we fall into and effective principles and techniques to get out of them and regain control. Sometimes, ‘stubborn’ mood difficulties can be linked to an unhelpful sense of self due to previous experiences (e.g., toxic relationships, bullying) that need to be processed and ‘wrapped up’ as past experiences making space for new ways of relating with the world. EMDR enables us to do this.
You’ll see below some of the difficulties I have helped other people with.
DEPRESSION
An overall state of low mood which can vary in severity, usually characterised by a lack of enjoyment and motivation to do things, changes in sleep and appetite, tiredness, a sense of hopelessness, poor concentration, feeling bad about oneself. In more severe cases it can also lead to thoughts and attempts of self-harm. It can be caused by life-changing events, but can also be due to a family history of depression or for no obvious reason.
CBT and ACT have proven effective in the treatment of depression.
BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER
Severe variation of mood which leads to problems with dealing with life and relationships. When feeling high or ‘manic’, one may feel elated, overly energized and keen to engage in unsustainable levels of activity and commitments or expenses. These episodes are often followed by episodes of depression (as described above), which leaves them unable to sustain the level of activity they had when high. In some cases these shifts can be considerably lessened with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist.
CBT (often alongside medication) can be effective to identify and prevent mood swings.
LOW SELF-ESTEEM
A tendency to see oneself and one’s life in a negative and critical light, leading to feeling less able to take on everyday challenges. This can manifest in an anxious response to situations where we predict we won’t be up to the standard, leading to avoidance or ‘safe’ unhelpful coping behaviours. Alternatively, it can also lead to hopelessness and complete avoidance of meaningful goals, activities and relationships.
You may identify with one or several of them. But your mood difficulties may manifest in a different way. In any case, feel free to contact me to discuss it and see how therapy can help.
Help with other difficulties…
Anxiety / Stress
Trauma
Couple relationships
Other