Are you going through a depressive episode?

Depressive episodes often happen following a traumatic accident, the death of a loved one, a painful breakup or an unexpected redundancy. Additionally, depression can also happen at different stages in life and in relation to one’s identity and sense of self.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, half of the LGBTQI+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex people), has experienced depression before and one in eight LGBTQ+ people aged between 18 and 24 has attempted to end their life. Equally, people from marginal communities who have been oppressed and stigmatised during their life are more likely to develop mental health issues.

A depressive episode will manifest in many ways. You can feel hopeless, unhappy as well as very tearful. You can also have physical symptoms including feeling tired, having various aches and pains, no appetite or sex drive.

Sometimes, you also get some comfort from the idea of ending your life. If you have made such a plan, it is important to contact you GP to get the support you need.

If you are in crisis now, please contact The Samaritans on 116123.

If you think you are depressed, I can help you understand how you got to this point. We will explore together the difficulties you have experienced in your life.

Progressively, your vital force will come back to you, and you will be able to do the things that, once, you very much enjoyed.