Depression

A person's depression is an outcome of a unique interaction of biological, psychological and social processes. According to estimates, about one in five people are at risk of suffering a depressive episode at some time in their lives. It has a high chance of relapse once experienced. Around 50 per cent of depressions are co-morbid, occurring with other difficulties such as anxiety disorders and substance abuse, which makes treatment more complex. Depression is also linked to personality disorders.

Like many counsellors and coaches, we subscribe to what is called a bio-psycho-social model around many of the issues that bring people to counselling. Human behaviour is complex, and there are often biological, psychological and social factors involved. These factors are frequently inter-related and can be responsible not only for the creation of 'the problem' but also for the genesis of a solution.

Depression is a good example. At the biological level, factors such as decreased sunlight or genetics may play a role, and exercise, a healthy diet or medication may be part of the solution. At the psychological level, the way we think about the events in our life may predispose us to depression, and counselling — learning to think and respond differently — may be part of the solution. At the social level, factors related to gender, age, marital status or minority status may play a role, and increasing social support or challenging oppressive structures may help.

Because of our bio-psycho-social nature, solutions to depression may involve strategies at one or more levels. Many people need to try a number of options to find the right fit; there is no one-size-fits-all approach. People often think of antidepressant medication and counselling as the two strategies available, and their combination can be very effective. Less well known is the impressive research literature supporting diet and exercise, and mindfulness-based therapy, as interventions for depression. These do involve consistent effort, but they really are effective.

Working from a bio-psycho-social perspective, we consider all of these aspects in the lives of our clients. Using extensive clinical counselling experience and coaching skills, we accompany clients through desired change, major life transitions and challenges, supporting them to design and implement their preferred blueprint for life within a collaborative partnership.