Do you have questions about treatment for depression or what treatment could do for you?
Depression
Depression is more than feeling sad for a few days. It’s a mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and function in daily life. It can influence your energy, motivation, relationships, and ability to concentrate. Many people experience depressive symptoms at some point in their lives. Symptoms often develop gradually and may include persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, fatigue, and difficulty focusing. The good news is that depression is treatable. With the right support, recovery is possible.
What is depression?
Everyone feels sad sometimes. Sadness is a natural reaction to disappointment, loss, or stressful events. Usually these feelings pass and alternate with moments when you feel better.
Depression is different. Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness are present most days and last for a longer period of time. They can start to affect how you function at work, in relationships, and in everyday life.
Because depression can look different for everyone, recognizing the signs early can help you get the right support.
How to recognize depression
Depression affects both your emotions and the way you think. Thoughts can become more negative or repetitive, and emotions may feel overwhelming or sometimes completely flat.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest or enjoyment
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Trouble making decisions
- Feeling worthless or overly guilty
- Withdrawing from social contact
Physical symptoms can also occur, such as:
- Sleep problems
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Ongoing fatigue
- Headaches, muscle pain, or stomach issues
Depression can gradually affect your social life as well. You may withdraw from others or avoid social situations, which can increase feelings of loneliness and make symptoms worse.
Do you have thoughts about suicide? Contact your doctor or 113, the suicide prevention hotline.
Causes of depression
Depression rarely has a single cause. It usually develops through a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Possible contributors include:
- Genetics or biological vulnerability
- Long-term stress
- Major life events, such as loss or relationship problems
- Lack of sleep or chronic pressure to perform
- Negative thinking patterns or perfectionism
Often these factors interact with each other. Addressing one area can already help improve other symptoms.
Types of depressive disorders
There are different forms of depression. During the diagnostic phase, a psychologist looks at your symptoms and patterns together with you to understand which type best fits what you’re experiencing.
One of the main differences between these types is whether someone only has depressive episodes, or also experiences periods of very high energy, grand feelings about themselves, and/or impulsive behavior. These elevated periods are called mania or hypomania.
Some people experience clear depressive episodes, while others have longer-lasting mild symptoms that affect their quality of life. There are also specific forms, such as:
- Seasonal depression – symptoms that appear during certain seasons, often in autumn and winter
- Postpartum depression – depression after childbirth
- Depression that occurs alongside other conditions, such as anxiety, ADHD, or trauma-related difficulties
Identifying the type helps guide the best treatment approach.
Self care
Professional support can help, but there are also steps you can take yourself to support your recovery.
- Move your body and go outside: Physical activity improves mood, energy levels, and sleep.
- Talk about how you feel: Sharing your experiences with friends, family, or a partner can reduce feelings of isolation.
- Take care of your sleep and nutrition: Healthy routines help stabilize mood and energy.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises can help you manage difficult thoughts and emotions.
- Light exposure for seasonal depression: Bright light therapy can help regulate your biological rhythm.
Small steps can already help break the cycle of depression.
Treatment
Depression can be treated effectively. At iPractice, treatment is based on evidence-based guidelines and tailored to your situation.
Common therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).Helps you recognize and change negative thinking patterns and gradually increase meaningful activities.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Focuses on accepting difficult emotions and taking steps toward what matters most to you. - EMDR
Used when depression is related to traumatic or overwhelming experiences.
In some cases, antidepressant medication prescribed by a general practitioner or psychiatrist may also help.
At iPractice, we combine different therapy approaches when needed, so treatment fits your situation and symptoms. Together, we look at what works best for you.
We cannot prescribe antidepressants. These are prescribed by a general practitioner or psychiatrist and may help if therapy alone is not enough. We can start or continue psychotherapy if you are using medication.
Preventing relapse
Long-term recovery from depression means paying attention to early warning signs and strengthening habits that help you feel better. About half of people who have had a depressive episode experience another one later in life. Recognising signals early and maintaining healthy routines can help prevent relapse.
At iPractice, treatment focuses on improving your quality of life by working toward practical goals. If you experience depression again in the future, you can always return for a new treatment period.
Tips for family and friends
Family and friends can play an important role in recovery, but it can be hard to know what helps.
- Be patient and empathetic: listen without immediately offering solutions.
- Acknowledge their feelings: for example, “I can see you’re having a hard time and I care about you.”
- Avoid unhelpful comments: such as “Just get over it” or “Think positive.”
- Choose the right moment: talk when the person has sufficient energy.
Also encourage your loved one to seek professional help. You can support someone, but you cannot take responsibility for their treatment or recovery.
Help
If you recognize these symptoms, professional support can make a big difference.
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At iPractice, you work with two psychologists and combine online sessions with in-person appointments at one of our locations. Want to know more? Read about the intake process and treatment options at iPractice, or learn how to find a psychologist who suits you.
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With a referral from your GP, treatment costs are reimbursed by almost all health insurers if you have a referral from your GP and meet DSM-5 criteria for depression.
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Treatment is personalized and may include CBT, ACT, EMDR, and elements of mindfulness or schema therapy.
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If you have suicidal thoughts, contact your GP or call 113 Suicide Prevention.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it’s depression or just a difficult period?
Depression usually lasts longer and has a stronger impact on daily functioning than temporary sadness.
What if I feel ashamed to seek help?
Shame is common in depression, but seeking help is a strong step toward recovery.
When should I consider therapy?
If symptoms start interfering with work, relationships, or daily life, therapy can help.
Can therapy work together with medication?
Yes. Medication can reduce symptoms while therapy focuses on underlying patterns.
Can depression return after recovery?
Full recovery is possible. Some people may experience another episode later, which is why early recognition and support are important.
Related symptoms
My partner has a depression
Depression is hard on the person experiencing it. But for a partner or loved one of someone with depression, it is also very difficult. How can you best deal with the depressive symptoms of someone you care about? How do you help someone, while continuing to take good care of yourself? Read more about how to live with a depressed partner or loved one.
Dysthyme disorder
Dysthymic disorder is a mild but long-term form of depression characterized by a gloomy mood for extended periods and multiple symptoms of depression. Thoughts such as ‘This is just how I am’ may arise, but nothing could be further from the truth. Learn to recognize chronic depression, understand how it develops, and discover what you can do about it.
Types of depression
Depression comes in many shapes and sizes. For example, some people experience long-term mild depressive symptoms, as is the case with dysthymic disorder. Meanwhile, other people struggle with severe depression, or go through alternating periods of highs and lows, as is the case with bipolar disorder. This means, that although depression comes up frequently, there are huge differences between how severe a depressive episode is and how long it lasts.
Postpartum depression
Giving birth to a child is always a significant event. In both positive and negative ways. Pregnancy hormones are rushing through your body. Your nights get shorter. And you’ve suddenly become a mother: It’s a huge responsibility. Sometimes the changes are so significant that the arrival of your child can lead to postpartum depression. Have you recognized symptoms of postpartum depression in yourself or your partner? Read on to learn more about postpartum depression and what you can do about it.
Cope with depression
When you suffer from depression, you are stuck in your own negative patterns. Breaking free of these patterns can be difficult. Acknowledging your depressive symptoms is the first step upward. Once you have reached the point of acknowledgment, you can try the tips below to deal with depression.
Depression treatment
I have depression, what now? When you are in the midst of depression and can no longer see for yourself how to get out of this negative spiral, professional help may be a solution. Timely treatment of depression is important. Read more about how to effectively treat depression and the different therapies.