Services
Depression or Anxiety
Let’s be clear from the start – there are levels of depression that can be alleviated
only with psychiatric help. If not specific psychiatric help, then clinical or medical. A
diagnosis of ‘clinical depression’, for example, may well be out of reach of
counselling – at least of counselling alone. Prescribed medication may be an
essential component to this and be under no illusion – that is not something that I am
qualified to give you.
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But it may still be possible to help you, in tandem with medication and regular
medical oversight.
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Still, let’s not pretend; the word ‘depression’ – along with ‘stress’ or ‘anxiety’ - is quite
often overused or incorrect. They may be the best words you have but that doesn’t
mean they apply to your particular feelings or thoughts or behaviours.
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Perhaps it is sometimes more appealing to some that they can have a label or
diagnosis to hang on to – especially if it can explain more easily your unhappiness.
Such a label can be just as dangerous and counter-productive to your needs as not
having one when it’s really needed. Sometimes, a diagnosis can get in the way of
your efforts to recover in the same way as the absence of one when it’s the only
appropriate route.
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If all that counselling can achieve is to help you explore all these options and make
your own decisions - or just hold you and offer you the space to make them – maybe
that’s enough. Who knows? Well, in the end, only you know.