For information call  077 860 12137 Depression Depression is far more common than most people realise and affects an estimated 80 million people worldwide.  Depression is on the increase in Britain and the US.  In Britain, the Royal College of Psychiatrists say that one in twenty adults (five percent) suffers from depressive illness at any one time, which is broadly similar to US statistics.  Depression affects two in one hundred children under twelve and five in every hundred teenagers and is almost twice as likely to occur in women than in men.   Most depressions last a short length of time but strength, duration and progression can vary according to the lifestyle of the person, their circumstances and family situation and thinking style.  We have taken this into account when preparing the following general guide:     General symptoms of depression Feelings of lethargy Troubled sleep, early wakening, over-dreaming and waking exhausted Sense of foreboding Feelings of anxiety Feelings of despair, hopelessness, lack of self-worth Irritability and physical exhaustion Lowered sex drive Negative rumination Suicidal thoughts Black and white thinking style Change in appetite   Causes The causes of depression are likely to be different from person to person.  The gravity and duration of the depression may also vary from one day to a period of months. Sometimes a depressive episode can appear unexpectedly.   Other times, depression may be directly related to a significant event in our lives such as losing a loved one, socio-economic conditions, trauma, learned behaviour, or battling a chronic illness.   Other causes may involve one or a combination of the following Basic human needs are not met Pre-menstrual and postnatal hormone changes Hormone deficiencies Alcoholism Drug dependency Food allergies Childbirth Constant and extreme stress Seasonal Affective Disorder   Treatment of depression The proven most effective treatment of depression is: Solution-focussed cognitive-behaviour therapy to combat the negative thinking styles and feelings of worthlessness Physical activity to increase the production of endorphins, improve mood and overcome lethargy Relaxation techniques to relieve over-dreaming and exhaustion Establish good eating habits and increasing intake of fresh water The gradual introduction to outside activities involving others: group meetings and activities, clubs or classes, a family or friend support structure Visualisation techniques to refresh enthusiasm and zest and hypnosis to empower the sufferer and rebuild confidence Other interventions, depending on the circumstances, character of the person as well as the level of their depression, can include a variety of tasks assignments such as caring for others or animals.   Visit this page to see more details about the therapy what is psychotherapy?   How much does therapy cost? You can book your appointment with our psychotherapist and coach, Yvonne Drysdale.  All sessions of one hour are 128.00 pounds. Simply pay in advance with a cheque or by card over the phone.  Call direct 077 860 12137.    The psychotherapy practice hours are as follows: Mon to Friday from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 21.00 Sat and Sun from 09.00 to 14.00 and 15.00 to 17.00   Free telephone help lines are open: Mon to Sat from 09.00 to 21.00   NB: If you need to change the day or time of your session please give us notice of 24 hours to avoid being charged the full no-show fee of 128.00 pounds .   Contact us for more detailed advice for specific cases You can book an appointment with our psychotherapist and life coach, Yvonne Drysdale by emailing click here or calling direct 077 860 12137.  She is also happy to offer free advice on line or by phone so contact her today.