The Counselling Living Room

Katie Hopkins does it again with her recent comments on 'depression'. She says people with 'depression' need "a pair of running shoes and fresh air". So does exercise really help?

The reality is that whilst exercise may help with the symptoms of 'depression', it won't get to the root cause of the problem. Counsellors help clients to see things as they really are rather than run away from them which can often bring other problems. This is done sensitively and at the client's pace.

Katie also suggests that 'depression' is "over-diagnosed and over-prescribed" and that GPs are too quick to administer antidepressants.

So is she right? So, whilst there is a place for medical intervention there is also growing concern that antidepressants are prescribed too easily because of the lack of suitable alternatives and whilst medication may help bring some temporary relief, it does not tackle the underlying cause and is not a long term solution.

Counselling or 'talking therapy' as it is also known is an alternative to antidepressants or a combination of both may be appropriate for some people and sometimes talking therapy will reach the parts that the drugs cannot.

If you or someone you know needs help with depression then don't be afraid to speak to your GP who should be able to help you explore the options available to you.  Your GP may even be able to offer you a limited counsellig service in your own surgery.  Or get in touch with me.