Private Depression Treatment & Counselling
*Referrals to psychiatrist by a Gogodoc GP
What is Depression?
What is depression? Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days.
Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you’re depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.
Some people think depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They’re wrong – it is a real illness with real symptoms.
So depression isn’t a sign of weakness or something you can “snap out of” by “pulling yourself together“.
Depression is fairly common, affecting about one in ten people at some point during their life. It affects men and women, young and old.
KEY TIP:
It may feel like the end of the world, but the good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people with depression can cope very well.
Causes of Depression
Sometimes there’s a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or even having a baby, can bring it on. People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.
Some common causes include:
- – Stressful events
- – Giving birth – women are particularly vulnerable to depression after pregnancy
- – Loneliness – being detached from family and friends can increase your chance of being depressed
- – Alcohol and drug abuse
- – Having a long-term chronic condition can make you more anxious and more prone to depression
Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of depression can be complex and vary widely between people. But as a general rule, if you’re depressed, you feel sad, hopeless and lose interest in things you used to enjoy.
Other psychological symptoms of depression include:
- – Feeling irritable and intolerant of others
- – No motivation or interest in things
- – Finding it difficult to make decisions
- – Not getting any enjoyment out of life
- – Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
- – Speaking more slowly than usual
- – Changes in appetite or weight, constipation
- – Lack of energy
- – Low sex drive (loss of libido) or changes to your menstrual cycle
- – Disturbed sleep
Treatment for Depression
Treatment for depression will depend on whether you have mild, moderate or severe depression.
If you have mild depression, your doctor may suggest waiting to see whether it improves on its own, while monitoring your progress. They may also suggest lifestyle measures such as exercise and self-help groups. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is often used for mild depression that isn’t improving or moderate depression. Antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed.
Furthermore, for moderate to severe depression, a combination of talking therapy and antidepressants is often recommended in order to improve your mental health.
Book a private consultation
Our doctors may not be able to speak to you immediately. If you are feeling suicidal or need more urgent support please speak to Samaritans on 116 123 or call 111. You can also call 999 or take your self to your local accident and emergency department if needed.
What our patients say
GP was really understanding and quite helpful. All in all the team and doctors provided an excellent Service. Highly recommended!!
I called this morning and they gave me an appointment in the next 2 hours. Fast, efficient and caring! Thanks for your help and time today
I was let down by my own GP and NHS 111. Gogodoc were fantastic at listening to my problem and prescribed me antibiotics which have eased my symptoms so much. The prescription was sent to me within 10 minutes of getting off the phone. Excellent service would highly recommend and will use again in... future.read more
I need some medical advice and services. Dr. Patel was patient, informative and accommodating. Exactly what I want in a medical service. It was painless. I’m not going anywhere else.
Needed a sick note for university — managed to book an appointment and get a sick note within hours. Super fast service and very helpful doctors and staff. Very happy with my experience 🙂
I was able to arrange an appointment very quickly. The administration team were superb and efficient. The doctor was supportive and helpful and I was in the pharmacy within half an hour to collect my prescription. Excellent service - thank you.One small improvement might be to offer booking... slots to select which are not between 3 - 4 hours but 1 - 2 hours.read more
The whole process was excellent. I wasn't hurried along in any way, so kudos to your admin and medical staff for taking time. By far the best private online GP service I have used, and I will be recommending you to others. This prompt response and treatment also meant I didn't have to worry. Thank... you very muchread more
GP was really understanding and quite helpful. All in all the team and doctors provided an excellent Service. Highly recommended!!
I called this morning and they gave me an appointment in the next 2 hours. Fast, efficient and caring! Thanks for your help and time today
I was let down by my own GP and NHS 111. Gogodoc were fantastic at listening to my problem and prescribed me antibiotics which have eased my symptoms so much. The prescription was sent to me within 10 minutes of getting off the phone. Excellent service would highly recommend and will use again in... future.read more
I need some medical advice and services. Dr. Patel was patient, informative and accommodating. Exactly what I want in a medical service. It was painless. I’m not going anywhere else.
Needed a sick note for university — managed to book an appointment and get a sick note within hours. Super fast service and very helpful doctors and staff. Very happy with my experience 🙂
I was able to arrange an appointment very quickly. The administration team were superb and efficient. The doctor was supportive and helpful and I was in the pharmacy within half an hour to collect my prescription. Excellent service - thank you.One small improvement might be to offer booking... slots to select which are not between 3 - 4 hours but 1 - 2 hours.read more
The whole process was excellent. I wasn't hurried along in any way, so kudos to your admin and medical staff for taking time. By far the best private online GP service I have used, and I will be recommending you to others. This prompt response and treatment also meant I didn't have to worry. Thank... you very muchread more
