London Clinic for Depression

Depression is a serious mental health condition characterised by a persistent low mood that lasts for weeks or months rather than just a few days. It is not a sign of weakness and isn’t something someone can simply ‘snap out of’.

Depression affects people differently, but common symptoms include:

• Ongoing sadness or low mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
• Tearfulness
• Guilt or self-criticism
• Irritability or intolerance of others
• Difficulty enjoying activities
• Loss of motivation and indecisiveness
• Anxiety or excessive worry
• Sleep and appetite changes
  
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm thoughts

Symptoms may appear in mild, moderate or severe forms, and depression can present in different types such as seasonal affective disorder, bipolar-related depression and postnatal depression.

Yes — depression is highly treatable and many people go on to make a full recovery. Some individuals experience depression more than once, but learning about underlying patterns and beliefs can reduce the likelihood of future episodes.

Evidence-based approaches for treating depression include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• Schema Therapy
  Many people benefit from a structured psychological treatment plan tailored to their needs.

You should seek support if depression begins to affect daily life — for example:

• Finding it hard to get out of bed
• Withdrawing from usual activities
• Persistent tearfulness
• Feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts
• Losing pleasure in things that once mattered

Early support can help you begin to feel better sooner.

The most effective approach is often a combination of therapy and antidepressant medication.
At the clinic, you may:

1. Meet with a Consultant Psychiatrist to review medication needs (unless your GP is managing this already)
2. Have an assessment with a psychologist if medication isn’t required or preferred
3. Receive a recommendation for the most appropriate therapy approach
   All psychologists involved are trained in the treatment of depression.