At Life Works, we understand that the symptoms that are associated with depression can be debilitating and often prevent many people from seeking the help that they need. Our Life Works specialists possess unrivalled clinical experience in the treatment of depression, when this co-occurs alongside a primary addiction or eating disorder diagnosis.

Our bespoke depression treatment plans ensure that each and every one of our clients benefit from a personalised treatment journey, in order to guarantee the best possible outcomes for them as individuals.

I think I need help for co-occurring depression. How can Life Works help me?

At Life Works, we know that seeking help and support for your mental health challenges can be daunting, but it is important to recognise that this is the most crucial step that you can take to address your problems and start your journey towards long-lasting recovery.

Our dedicated team are committed to ensuring that your treatment journey is bespoke and suited to your individual needs. During your initial assessment, our experts will be able to gather comprehensive information on your unique condition, symptoms and medical history, in order to formulate a tailored treatment plan.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that is characterised by profound and overwhelming feelings of sadness. When this condition co-occurs alongside an addiction or eating disorder, it can cause multiple issues which can ultimately have a hugely detrimental effect on an individual’s physical and psychological wellbeing. It is important to recognise that it is normal for everyone to feel sad and upset on occasions, but there are some individuals who experience such crushing low moods that their ability to function is compromised.

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

The signs and symptoms of depression can vary from person to person and also according to the type and severity of the depression that you are struggling with alongside your addiction or eating disorder. Depression symptoms can be categorised into psychological, physical and social symptoms, with some of the most common symptoms of depression including:

Psychological symptoms of depression:

• Intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Feelings of guilt
• Tearfulness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Lack of interest in physical appearance or personal hygiene
• Inability to concentrate
• Indecisiveness
• Poor judgement
• Flat affect (reduced emotional reactivity)
• Paranoia
• Drugs and alcohol abuse

Physical symptoms of depression:

• Diminished or increased appetite resulting in weight fluctuations
• Low energy/excessive fatigue
• Psychomotor agitation (being restless or unable to sit still)
• Psychomotor retardation (slowing of movements)
• Sleep disturbances
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Unexplained digestive problems
• Sexual problems

Social symptoms of depression:

• Decline in work performance
• Frequent absences from work
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Lack of interest in activities that you once enjoyed
• Relationship breakdowns
• Inability to manage day-to-day tasks

Treatment for co-occurring depression at Life Works

All of the treatment that we offer at Life Works in Woking is holistic in nature. This means that we do not only seek to address the obvious manifestations and symptoms of your mental health difficulties, but also work to establish an understanding of the causes and triggers for your problems. This allows for the development of life-long coping skills, enabling long-term recovery. Treatment for co-occurring depression at Life Works takes place as part of your addiction or eating disorder treatment programme and can consist of:

• Group therapy for depression - group therapy has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of depression when this occurs alongside a diagnosed addiction or eating disorder. This form of therapy takes place in a group setting with other Life Works clients who are on a similar recovery journey to you. Discussing your problems in a group enables you to share your experiences with other people, receive feedback on your progress and offer mutual support in a highly compassionate environment
• 1:1 therapy for depression - 1:1 therapy is used in addition to group therapy in the treatment of depression and allows for in-depth exploration of the underlying causes and symptoms of your depression with one of our specialists. This allows for a highly personalised approach to tackling your unique condition
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression - CBT is a widely used treatment method for a range of mental health conditions, including depression. CBT, a form of psychotherapy, encourages you to identify and address dysfunctional thinking that may be leading to your crushing feelings of sadness, before equipping you with ways of challenging these irrational thought patterns in order to view your life in a healthier, more positive way
• Medication for depression - medication is often used alongside CBT in order to complement this psychotherapeutic element of treatment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant medication, have been found to be useful in treating depression and can serve as an additional buffer against depression when used in combination with talking therapies. Your suitability to take antidepressant medication will be thoroughly assessed and considered in conjunction with your addiction or eating disorder diagnosis