Private Depression Treatment & Counselling
*Referrals to psychiatrist by a Gogodoc GP
For more information visit www.askdoc.com
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
A really prompt and reassuring service. I called after a health concern while I was away from home and it wasn't quite urgent enough for A&E (or would at least have been an incredibly long wait). The doctor called back within half an hour on a weekend, thoroughly discussed my concerns and provided... detailed information. I'll definitely use them again if a similar situation arises.read more
Very happy with my experience. The Dr listened and helped our situation thoroughly & efficiently. I would recommend this service and certainly use them again.
I got an appointment very quickly. The doctor was very professional, pleasant and efficient. The admin was super efficient and responsive to requests for sick notes, insurance claim receipts etc. I would definitely recommend Gogodoc for a quick process.
Within 10 minutes of requesting a telephone appointment I was contacted by a doctor. The consultation was efficient & thorough & I received my prescription within 10 minutes of the call. This prescription was filled by my local pharmacy without any trouble at all. Excellent service.
They were easy to contact. They rang back within the allotted time. The doctor was very pleasant and even hoped that I felt better soon. The prescription was available immediately. I would definitely use this service again......not least because I could not get through to local medical centre... at all. This is common place now. I thought the price for the prescription was reasonable tooread more
Excellent, same day telephone appointment with a very friendly and knowledgeable lady Doctor, prescription provided. Reassuring to know a service like this exists after spending 40 mins on the phone to 111 and at the point I hung up had not spoken to anyone.
I was able to get an appointment straight away. I was seen by Dr Lavan who was very nice and professional. He provided me with a diagnosis and promptly provided me with the note I needed for university. Amazing service by the front desk. I will be definitely come back in the future for sure if... needed. Price is very reasonable too.read more
Dr Lavan was absolutely brilliant, he listened and took great care to really listen and understand me. I for once, didn't feel quite so judged by a doctor, I felt comfortable and in control of my own medical care, which you don't get enough of something nowadays.Absolute and extremely confidence.
We got a call within 90 minutes. A great diagnosis and so resultant treatment.Also today the doctor rang back to check on progress. Imagine this happening by an NHS GP!!Very impressed. Will definitely use them again
Amazing service! I booked an appointment whilst on our way to Gatwick Airport from Cheshire. I suspected my daughter had Croup and was worried to fly without consultation with a GP. Our NHS Practice was not at all helpful!The Dr at Gogodoc phoned me within an hour and sorted a prescription for us.... The Dr was knowledgeable and friendly and I would certainly use this service in future! Thankyou so much!read more
Quick and convenient. Understood my needs and was very accommodating. Completely satisfied with my experience experience.
Dr was caring and very informative He answered all my questions. He diagnosed me called in my prescription and I am feeling better already
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
A really prompt and reassuring service. I called after a health concern while I was away from home and it wasn't quite urgent enough for A&E (or would at least have been an incredibly long wait). The doctor called back within half an hour on a weekend, thoroughly discussed my concerns and provided... detailed information. I'll definitely use them again if a similar situation arises.read more
