Anxiety, Stress, Panic Attacks, Depression, and Anger problems respond better to psychological counselling than to medication treatment. With very severe depression, it is sometimes advisable to use both, however your counsellor and GP will advise and guide you to make the best decisions for you and your individual circumstances.

Anxiety

Counselling is one of the most effective treatments (better than medications) as it works with the cause which is thinking patterns that have got a bit stuck; like an alarm system that won’t turn off. 

Anxiety is a normal emotion that is experienced when we need to overcome or avoid a perceived threat. However, about 10% of people experience excessive anxiety that really interferes significantly with your quality of life. Mostly in these cases it cannot serve its warning function because the ‘alarm system’ is already turned on.

There are numerous symptoms of anxiety [e.g., tiredness, unable to sleep or stay asleep, headaches, muscle tension, rapid breathing, sweating and trembling and sometimes swallowing difficulties].

Existing problems [e.g., skin irritations, asthma, stomach and bowel function] may be aggravated. You may have a number of these and other symptoms but unfortunately use of cigarettes, alcohol and prescribed or un-prescribed drugs to try to control your anxiety don’t have lasting effects. Worse still – have you found it creates extra problems, like starting to drink alcohol earlier in the day, more often and in increasing amounts, then your weight starts to increase, not to mention your performance at work, study and in relationships. Phone or email me now to arrange an appointment.

Depression

Apart from usual levels of sadness, frustration, disappointment and some lethargy, there are serious levels of feelings, behaviours and physical reactions that are called ‘clinical depression’, and they severely interfere with the effectiveness of day-to-day functioning.

Clinical or Major Depression usually lasts more than 2 weeks and low mood persists or fluctuates throughout the day, not lifting with happy events and you have a dismal outlook and sense of gloom. Thinking patterns are typically seeing yourself negatively, dwelling on how bad you feel and the world’s difficulties, the hopelessness of the future and how things won’t improve. You may experience guilt, self-blame for everything including your negative thoughts, and your self-esteem and confidence becomes very low.

Physical symptoms include changed sleep patterns, appetite, and weight. Sexual and general energy levels fall and you lose your motivation to do anything, even favourite things!

Depressed people become unhappy and dissatisfied with family and friends, withdraw due to feeling shy or anxious especially in groups. You feel lonely and isolated but just cannot interact with others. Often the drastic changes in your life  make the depression worse and it becomes a vicious cycle.

How Psychotherapy Helps Anxiety, Stress, Panic Attacks, Depression, Anger problems

Psychotherapy can really help you with ways to break out of the cycle and the deep depression. We work together with doctors if you also need some medication. The worse that the situation has become, the higher the possibility that you may need everything to help you get out of the deep rut that you have fallen into. Medication is a choice that you make with your doctor, who will also manage it with you.

Psychotherapy helps you with thinking and behaviours which extensive research has found to be major causes of deep depression. Psychotherapy helps you learn to prevent another episode or cycle occurring. Phone or email me now to arrange an appointment to help with any Anxiety, Stress, Panic Attacks, Depression, Anger problems.