Depression  is a mood state of relative lowness that can effect a persons levels of activity, thinking processes, feelings and general functioning. Individuals affected by depression often experience sadness, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness,  purposeless and that life can feel grey and with ‘no light at the end of the tunnel.’

Secondary aspects of depression can be a loss of interrest in food, increased use of alcohol or drugs, suicidal thoughts, feeling like being a burden, lack of sleep and generalised over thinking and worrying. People may also experience physical symptoms, including pain, aches or digestive problems or other medical complaints.

Depression is not necessarily a mental health condition, but may also be a natural response to life events, a side effect of alcohol or drug misuse or as a result of a medical condition.

Depression is experienced by between 8-12% of the UK population every year, with mixed anxiety and depression being the most commonly reported mental health ailment.

Some of the conditions associated with depression are:

• Persistently sad, low or generally low mood

• Loss of interrest

• Lethergy or decreased energy

• Irregular sleep or change in sleep pattern

• Appetite or weight changes

• Increased tearfulness

• Restlessness

• Poor concentration and difficulty making decisions

• Hopelessness and pessimism

• Feelings of helplessness

• Feelings of worhtlessness or guilt

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression also commonly presents as an associated aspect or underlying condition associated with alcohol or substance misuse. In such situations where the substance misuse has been of long enough duration, it becomes difficult to seperate the depressive state from the withdrawl or side effects on the central nervous system of the substance/drug itself.

This is commonly known as ‘dual diagnosis’. The seperate diagnosis of two, or more concurrent issues – depression and alcohol misuse for example. Each affecting mood and functioning, but in an entwined way that one compounds and exacerbates the other.

In times of stress, or in a life with significant traumatic episodes, alcohol or drugs can offer a temporary escape from emotional pain and suffering. However, over a period of prolonged usage they present their own problems.

In such circumstances both the underlying feelings or conditions of depression / anxiety / trauma etc. require to be treated as well as the use of alcohol or drugs. This needs to be done in a structured manner to diminish reliance on alcohol or drugs to regulate mood, or to deal with stress.

Depression is by no means always associated with alcohol or drug misuse and like co morbid (dual diagnostic) conditions does respond to therapy and can be resolved.

A useful way to approach the treatment of depression is via a life inventory, to assess the areas wihtin an individuals life where their needs and sense of fulfillment in life are not being met. Where more support is required and direction achieved. Depression has a multitude of contributing factors and will be specific to each and every person in different ways. A thorough assessment and progressive use of counselling and psychotherapy can help alleviate stress, reduce feelings of isolation  and worthlessness, build self confidence and practical skills. Sometimes life does not present opportunities for people to grow confidence and life skills, which in turn contributes to them not reaching their potential. This affects low mood and feelings of low worth. However, if these issues are addressed, the human being has a powerful ability to learn and grow and inturn begin to live a more meaningful and full existence.

Good psychotherapy and counselling will work effectively with key areas of need, help to support change and work patiently and gradually with all aspects presented. Depression can be alleviated through this approach.