Depression is a debilitating illness that can ruin the lives of sufferers and their loved ones alike.
And, while medication can be very effective, popping a pill is not always the answer.
Luckily, there is an alternative treatment that can work wonders either on its own or alongside drug therapy.
Brain imaging scans show that people with depression have hyperactivity in certain areas of the brain – those involved in mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behaviour.
Yet, in one German study, after just eight weeks of psychotherapy – talking therapy – this hyperactivity was corrected.
This is good news as globally depression is the leading cause of disability. More than 350 million people suffer from depression, according to the World Health Organisation, and prescriptions for anti-depressants have more than trebled in the past 20 years.
In the UK alone, prescription rates for anti-depressants have soared from 15 million in 1998 to 40 million in 2012. In part this could be due to better diagnosis and less stigma surrounding the disease leading to more people seeking help. And, while anti-depressants clearly have a role to play many have side effects so a non-drug alternative is always worth trying.
We are firm believers in psychotherapy to help with depression and other emotional problems and traumatic life events.
Our psychotherapist, Steve, has helped many hundreds of patients over the years he has worked as a therapist.
If you need help with depression, or any other emotional problem or mental health issue, then book a free introductory appointment with Steve.
As well as depression, Steve helps with bereavement, couples counselling, eating disorders, stress, anxiety and all other emotional issues.
Call 966 860 258 to book an appointment.