Everyone, at some point, finds coping with everyday life difficult. It is possible for current issues to overwhelm all of us sometimes, either because too many negative events have come together, or sometimes because the current crisis has reactivated an emotional upset from the past that has not been dealt with sufficiently. For example, a death of a close friend may trigger our unresolved mourning for a lost parent in our teenage years or maybe something a lot deeper something we would prefer to just forget.

Symptoms
Eight out ten people will at some time in their life recognise that they are depressed. The symptoms include a depressed state of mind, feeling sad or empty, being more tearful than usual, a loss of interest or pleasure, weight loss, difficulties sleeping, loss of energy, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive amounts of guilt, an inability to think/ concentrate and having morbid thoughts.

How can counselling help?
Counselling can help you in several ways. We can often feel not so alone when we have someone to talk our problems through with. The counsellor can help you to hear yourself make connections and statements, which until that moment were difficult for you to truly hear and know. The counsellor may be able to support you through this difficult period without the use of antidepressants; if that should be your wish.