It is important to remember that depression is an illness, not a sign of weakness. Depression can affect anybody, and people can experience it at any point in their lives.

The serious mental health condition is characterised by individuals experiencing such intense and crushing low moods that their ability to function effectively on a daily basis is impaired. These ongoing and debilitating feelings of sadness can lead to a reduction in motivation, which can have a negative impact on your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as your behaviour.

It is estimated that around 10% of men and 25% of women will develop depression at some point in their lives. However, instead of women being more prone to developing depression, this difference may be because women are more likely to seek depression help and treatment than men.

There are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood that an individual will develop depression at some point in their lives. Common causes of depression include:

• Being the victim of abuse and/or neglect, particularly during childhood
• Experiencing distressing life events e.g. job loss, divorce, bereavement
• Having a family history of depression or other mental health conditions
• Having a personal history of other mental health conditions
• Suffering from chronic and enduring medical conditions such as cancer
• Having certain personality traits such as low self-esteem or being overly self-critical

There are several different types of depression depending on the impact that they have on individuals and the symptoms associated with each. These include:

• Mild depression
• Moderately severe depression
• Severe depression
• Severe depression with psychotic symptoms
• Bipolar affective disorder type 1 and type 2
• Dysthymia
• Recurrent depressive disorder

Depression can cause a wide range of symptoms which can vary from person to person and also depend on the type of depression that you are suffering from.

Our depression symptoms page provides more detailed information. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed
• Anger, irritability and frustration

Find out more about symptoms of depression

The treatments and therapies available at Priory can be provided on an outpatient, day care or inpatient basis. The programme recommended for you will depend on the severity of your depression, as well as your unique needs.

Outpatient treatment for depression

Outpatient depression treatment consists of patients attending one of our hospitals or wellbeing centres for a set number of hourly sessions with a consultant or therapist.

This is beneficial for individuals who do not require more intensive forms of treatment, as they can attend flexible appointments at a time and a place convenient for them. This can also be used as a step-down in intensity from more rigorous day care and inpatient treatment approaches, if required.

At our Priory Wellbeing Centres, we are able to offer tailored outpatient therapy packages specifically designed to treat depression. These offer a set amount of 1:1 therapy sessions, certainty of price for initial treatment, discounted rates and a personalised treatment plan.

Inpatient treatment for depression

Inpatient (residential) treatment consists of patients staying at one of our hospitals to undergo intensive depression treatment.

This is beneficial if you require a more structured and rigorous depression treatment programme. It provides you with the opportunity to spend time away from your usual living situation in order to remove any negative influences that might be contributing to your depression.

Residential treatment can, at first, seem to be a daunting prospect. However, this form of treatment can have a hugely positive impact on your quality of life. It provides you with the time, care and attention that you need to fully address your depression and any associated emotional and physical issues.

Day care for depression

Depression treatment can also be provided on a day care basis, which consists of patients attending one of our Priory sites for a certain number of days each week and participating in depression therapy and treatment.

However, these patients do not stay at the hospital, but return home following a day of therapy. This is beneficial to those that do not require intensive 24-hour care, as it allows patients to receive a full programme of depression treatment, whilst still having the flexibility to live at home. Day care can also be used as a step-down in intensity from inpatient treatment, if required.

At Priory, our experts are not only able to treat adults with depression, but are also able to provide tailored, world class depression treatment for patients who are under the age of 18 years. More information on the mental health support that we offer for young people can be found on our young people’s services page.

Will I need to be admitted to hospital to get help for depression?

Most people can be treated for depression on an outpatient basis, which consists of them attending a number of therapy sessions at one of our specialist facilities, at a time that is convenient for them. However, some people may require more intensive depression help and support, within either a day care programme or as an inpatient, at least until they feel signs of improvement in their mood and condition. 

What impact will CBT have?

CBT will equip you with the skills to challenge and change the negative thought patterns that may be prolonging your depression, or making your symptoms worse, and teach you new and healthier ways of evaluating situations. CBT aims to give you skills for life, enabling lifelong recovery and reducing the likelihood of you becoming depressed again.

Will CBT work in all cases of depression?

Although CBT is likely to form the basis of a depression psychotherapy programme, other forms of therapy may also be helpful alongside CBT. For example, if you are experiencing underlying issues in addition to your depression, such as unresolved trauma following childhood abuse, or are finding it difficult to come to terms with bereavement, these issues would need to be dealt with separately, via the most appropriate therapeutic treatment.

Which antidepressant medication will I be given?

There are many different forms of antidepressant medication which can be useful in treating depression. The most common form of antidepressant medications that are used in the treatment of depression are SSRIs. However, the choice of medication is based on a number of factors, and this will be discussed with you and your family if required, during your initial assessment.

How long do antidepressants take to work?

Antidepressants take time to have a noticeable effect, often a number of weeks. This is because they are helping nerve cells to recover and resume their usual role in regulating mood.

Are antidepressants dangerous?

You will be prescribed with the most appropriate form of antidepressant medication for your unique condition and circumstances, and these medications are not dangerous, as long as you take them as they have been prescribed. Antidepressants are not addictive, and have been found to be highly effective in relieving the symptoms of depression.