Depression can occur for a whole range of reasons. It can start when we experience a sense of failure or loss (perceived or real), and their implications for the future. Depression can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety, and although it can be triggered by a real-life event, sometimes there is no specific cause.

Whatever its origin, when we are depressed, we feel there is no hope, we can no longer find our own way out of those dark feelings and cannot see how they will ever improve. Symptoms and behaviours include a loss of interest or pleasure in life, poor sleep, loss of appetite, feeling tearful, and a need to numb our feelings of hopelessness and helplessness with alcohol, drugs, or food.

Depression is extremely common, affecting people of all ages, but young people in particular. CBT can improve mild/moderate depression and, in more severe cases, can also be effective, when used in conjunction with medication.

Anxiety and depression are the two most common reasons why people seek help and for which CBT is particularly effective, as recognised by NICE (the National Institute of Clinical Excellence).

Other problems can also be helped by CBT, either when used on its own or in conjunction with other therapies.

Issues involving anger, hurt, low self-confidence, guilt, shame, envy or jealousy can all be helped by a tailored, holistic approach involving CBT and therapies such as Compassion-Focused therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, relaxation and mindfulness exercises.

A preliminary assessment with a new client is therefore always preferable.