Whilst it is normal for everyone to feel sad or upset from time-to-time, when these feelings are overwhelming, persistent, or are affecting your ability to function on a daily basis, it may be that you are suffering from depression.
At Priory, we understand that it can be very difficult to cope with depression, and that the symptoms of this condition, including experiencing intense feelings of hopelessness, can prevent many people from getting the treatment for depression that they need.
Whilst seeking help for your depression may be daunting, it is the most important step that you can take.
It is important to know that:
Our medically trained team of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists provide world class depression treatment, support and counselling at our specialist hospitals and wellbeing centres.
Without expert treatment, your depression symptoms may become progressively worse. It has the potential to impact on all areas of your life, from relationships, to your performance at work or school.
Our experts are dedicated to providing individually tailored depression treatment that is personalised according to your needs and requirements.
CBT is used worldwide in the treatment of depression. It is based on the principle that depression arises and intensifies as a result of deep rooted, negative thought patterns.
The therapy works by identifying and changing these destructive thought patterns as well as any negative behaviours, so that you can think in a more balanced way and challenge negative assumptions you have.
It equips you with coping mechanisms for life, which allow you to recognise negative thought patterns and respond to them in a healthier way, reducing the likelihood that you will become depressed again in the future.
DBT is an effective therapeutic technique used in the treatment of more acute and severe forms of depression.
It is based on the principles of CBT but has been specifically designed to help individuals suffering from very intense emotions. The focus is on self-acceptance and change, so that you can reduce your distressing emotions and return to a healthier way of life. It teaches you skills for managing your emotions and resolving crises in more effective and functional ways.
1:1 therapy takes place on an individual basis between yourself and the most appropriate expert for your personal requirements.
It allows for a comprehensive, tailored exploration of your unique condition and concerns, during which your personal needs are addressed thoroughly, in a highly supportive environment.
As its name suggests, this form of therapy takes place as part of a wider group of patients, where you will be encouraged to share your experiences, offer mutual support and guidance, and explore your difficulties in a compassionate and therapeutic setting.
Whilst the concept of group therapy may, at first, seem quite daunting, research suggests that it is a highly effective therapeutic technique in the treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression.
Family therapy takes place with yourself and your immediate family unit or loved ones.
It allows you and your family to engage in an honest and open dialogue, enabling everyone to develop a mutual understanding of your depression, as well as the impact that it is having on yourself and those closest to you. This form of therapy is hugely beneficial as it allows you and your family to plan proactive steps towards supporting each other in the long-term.
I felt quite useless and a failure, and I now feel as if I'm worth something. If you are sitting in the position I was in a few year ago, I would suggest taking that leap of faith and make that phone call. It is hard but it's well worth it!
Margaret, Priory Hospital Glasgow
Antidepressant medication can be used alongside CBT and other forms of therapy to complement the therapeutic element of depression treatment.
However, for some people, antidepressant medication will be the first line of treatment for depression, especially when:
The most common antidepressant medications used to treat depression are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Our specialists also use antidepressants from other classes.
Antidepressants are not addictive and most are very easy to discontinue as required. Whilst some people may experience withdrawal reactions with some antidepressant medication, this is usually not the case.
Our Priory experts are dedicated to working with you to select the most suitable antidepressant medication. At our Harley Street Wellbeing Centre and at Priory Hospital North London, we are able to offer pharmacogenetic testing, which allows us to choose the best antidepressant for your needs and select the antidepressant with the least adverse effects.
We are pleased to be able to offer a pioneering new treatment for depression at Priory Hospital North London, known as the rapid acting programme in depression (RAPID) by triple chronotherapy.
RAPID by triple chronotherapy is a non-invasive depression treatment technique that consists of a series of distinct components: wake therapy, phased sleep advance, and bright light therapy. It has been found to lead to a rapid response in up to 50% of patients, resulting in significant improvements in their depression symptoms after only a few days. In addition, RAPID by triple chronotherapy has been found to result in fewer potential side effects than antidepressant medication.
We are also able to offer an effective and innovative new treatment for depression at our Harley Street Wellbeing Centre. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a safe and non-invasive treatment for depression which uses alternating electro-magnetic fields to stimulate the areas of your brain that are linked to mood control. rTMS is a useful treatment for depression when psychotherapy and antidepressant medication haven’t been successful, or when you are unable to take medication.
This page was clinically reviewed by Dr Leon Rozewicz (MBBS, FRCPsych, MRCGP, MRCPsych) in May 2018, and is scheduled to be reviewed again in May 2020. To view all Priory depression specialists, please click here.
Get in Touch Today
For details of how Priory can provide you with assistance regarding mental health and wellbeing, please call 0800 840 3219 or click here to submit an enquiry form. For professionals looking to make a referral, please click here
