Depression & Mood Disorders

Are you struggling to get through the day? Feeling like you’re just going through the motions whilst everyone else seems to be living their life? You’re not alone, and you’re not broken.

Depression and mood disorders are common, treatable conditions. The fog can lift, and there is hope.

Do any of these sound familiar?

You might be experiencing depression if:

  • Everything feels harder – Simple tasks like showering, cooking, or getting dressed feel overwhelming
  • Nothing brings joy anymore – Hobbies, friends, or activities you used to love now feel pointless or exhausting
  • You’re always tired but can’t sleep properly, or you’re sleeping too much
  • Your mind is foggy – Concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things feels impossible
  • You feel disconnected from friends, family, or even yourself
  • Negative thoughts loop – Self-criticism, guilt, or hopelessness dominate your thinking
  • You’re just surviving – Getting through each day feels like an achievement

Depression is more than just feeling down. It can change the way you think, feel, and relate to the world. For some people, it’s tied to life events, for others, it feels like it comes from nowhere. Either way, it’s valid and treatable.

Understanding different types of depression

  • Major Depression
    The most recognised form – persistent low mood, loss of interest, and other symptoms that significantly impact your daily life for at least two weeks.
  • Persistent Depression
    Lower-level depression that continues for years. You might function, but life feels grey and joyless.
  • Seasonal Depression (SAD)
    Depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically during winter months when there’s less sunlight.
  • Postnatal/Peripartum Depression
    Affects some people during pregnancy or after childbirth. It’s not your fault, and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent.

When moods swing: Other mood disorders

Bipolar Disorder: The Emotional Rollercoaster

If you experience dramatic mood swings – from feeling on top of the world to crushing lows – you might have bipolar disorder.

During “high” periods (mania/hypomania), you might:

  • Feel invincible or unusually confident
  • Talk rapidly or have racing thoughts
  • Need very little sleep but feel energised
  • Take on multiple projects at once
  • Make impulsive decisions (spending sprees, risky behaviour)

These highs are typically followed by depressive periods that can feel even more devastating by comparison.

PMDD: When PMS Becomes Overwhelming

If your mood dramatically shifts in the weeks before your period – beyond typical PMS – you might have PMDD. Symptoms include severe mood swings, anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort that seriously impact your life.

When to seek help:

  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Isolation from all friends and family
  • Substance use to cope with mood symptoms
  • Symptoms that haven’t improved after a few weeks
  • Inability to care for yourself or your responsibilities

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

How I can help

I’ve helped many people work through depression and mood disorders. You don’t have to explain or justify how you’re feeling – I understand that these conditions are real, valid, and treatable.

My approach includes:

  • EMDR therapy to process underlying trauma or negative beliefs fueling your depression
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to break cycles of negative thinking and develop practical coping strategies
  • Behavioural activation to gradually re-engage with life in manageable steps
  • Mindfulness techniques to help you observe thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them

Ready to Start Feeling Better?

Depression and mood disorders are real, valid, and treatable. If any of this resonates, getting in touch is a reasonable next step — not a big one.