What are Low Mood & Depression?
If you are experiencing low mood or depression you know how much it can impact your everyday life, wellbeing and relationships. Low mood and depression are both terms used to describe feelings of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness, but they differ in terms of intensity, duration, and impact on daily life. So how do you know which is which?
What is low mood?
Low mood is a temporary state of feeling down or unhappy, feeling ‘blue’. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, workplace issues, family issues, divorce, redundancy or bereavement, many of life’s challenges. Low mood is usually short-lived and dependant on a set of circumstances or events (external factors). In these cases, therapy can be helpful in talking things through, getting new ideas, perspectives and problem solving and acquiring new skills and tools to help in future situations.
What is depression?
Depression can have a more significant impact on daily life, work and relationships and is characterised by persistent low mood, hopelessness, helplessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and other symptoms such as loss of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, feelings of worthlessness that affect daily life. Depression can be caused by a combination historical, biological, hormonal, social and environmental factors. It is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world.
Nobody wants to be depressed. But the foundation of depression is helplessness and hopelessness. Most depressed people don't go for help not because they want to be depressed, but because they don't think help will make a difference so if you are reading this page and getting informed you are already taking an important first step. The next is to reach out and contact me.
Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., Psychologist is a worldwide expert on depression and has this to say about it:
‘Depression comes from many different places. There isn't a single cause for it; there are many contributing factors. And in a general way, the factors are grouped into three areas:
• There are biological factors that contribute: genetic contributions, biochemical contributions.
• There are psychological factors: your individual temperament, your coping style, your attributional style, your personal history, all those kinds of things and more.
• And then there's the social realm: the social factors that contribute to depression, the quality of your relationships, the culture in which you live.
Consequently, the predominant model in the field is called the bio-psycho-social model and simply acknowledges that there are many, many different factors that contribute. And it's because depression is a complex phenomenon, and the fact that there are so many different factors. When I started studying depression 30 years ago, we knew of only two risk factors—one was gender and the other was family history. Now we know there are dozens and dozens and dozens of risk factors, factors that increase your vulnerability to depression. And so we've learned a lot over the last 30 years.’
Here's an overview of some key statistics of low mood and depression in Scotland
Prevalence
- Around one in four people in Scotland are estimated to experience mental health problems in any given year (including low mood and depression)
- 11% of adults (in 2021) displayed two or more symptoms of depression, with no significant difference between men and women
- Depression is more common among young people: The highest prevalence (15%) is seen in the 25-34 age group, dropping with age
Other relevant statistics
- Young people: Almost half (46.2%) of 14-year-olds in the "Growing Up in Scotland" study reported experiencing periods of depression
- Gender: While percentages are similar for depression symptoms, women are more likely to experience anxiety and men are more likely to die by suicide
- Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, unemployment and social isolation contribute to higher risks of mental health problems
If you are experiencing low mood or depression, in sessions I will guide you through the process of how to resolve it so you can move from coping to thriving, be equipped to live a life you feel good about and create a future you are inspired by.
Sessions are available in person and online.
The You tube video with Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., Psychologist is very informative and helpful
He also has a range of helpful books such as Breaking the Patterns of Depression
Client Success Stories
‘I can't put into words just how amazing this lady is. Paula has helped me on the most incredibly difficult journey with such a compassionate and empathetic approach. She is the most genuine, caring person and her knowledge and skill in both psychotherapy and hypnotherapy is incomparable. Paula instantly makes you feel at ease, she never judges and always helps you find the answers you need. She gave me the strength and courage to get to where I am today. I am in a much better place and feel like a different person thanks to her invaluable help and support. Thank you so much Paula.' Heather (Dundee)
'It has been some years since I last saw Paula. At that time I was experiencing incredible difficulty coping with anxiety and depression triggered by experiences in my early life. Paula helped me more than I could have ever imagined as she gave me the tools and confidence to understand and help myself. It has stayed with me for over 10 years, allowing me to continue to grow as a person and to help me to help my own children. Not as a perfect mum, rather one who makes mistakes but can learn with her children. I don’t think I would be in the position I am in today without Paula. It is one of the most fortunate experiences of my life walking in to her clinic and saying yes to starting my journey. I also know that if I ever needed her again she would be there. Thank you Paula' Nickie (Fife)
'I was in a precarious emotional state and having clattered to a very abrupt halt. I was in urgent need of professional support and Paula was referred to me through a friend of a friend. From the moment we spoke on the phone I knew I was in a safe pair of hands. Straight talking, an acute ability to listen deeply, Paula helped me get to grips with some life concepts that had previously entirely eluded me. I was prepared to work hard on this stuff and loved Paula’s method of providing homework with support and guidance. Everything delivered in a clear, systematic and caring way. Paula was the first person to dig deeper into what the real issues might be. The result has enabled and empowered me to be more self assured, more confident and assertive in my daily life.
I can’t recommend Paula highly enough. For someone to give you, for all intents and purposes a ‘new’ life, it is really the most extraordinary thing anyone could do for someone else and I will be forever grateful to her.' Paula M (Fife)
‘Paula asked me the right questions, provided feedback, support and gave encouragement. She made me realised that I have the capacity within me to get rid of my fears and break the barriers of boundaries that keeps me in my comfort zone. Working with her was the best thing that happened to me, to propel me into action for changes that I really want to happen in my life.’ Riezel