Depressed? – when to go to your doctor

Sometimes medication for depression and anxiety is the right choice, particularly if things are very heavy. If you in any way fit the signs of clinical depression below, them go to your doctor at once. A well-chosen anti-depressant can reasonably be expected to make a significant improvement in a few weeks. Then you will be much better placed to tackle any underlying issues.

The only way to diagnose if you are clinically depressed is to visit your doctor and I encourage you to do that. This informal educational self-help information may not apply to everyone. It is not a diagnosis one way or the other and it not a substitute for going to the doctor. In particular, it is not to be read as:
“If I don’t fit these criteria, I needn’t go to the doctor.”
Medical help can be valuable. Even if you don’t fit these symptoms, but feels things are on top of you, I encourage you to go and see the doctor anyway.

If you’re not sure whether you are depressed, see the depression tests in the box below. If you think you may have a clinical depression, read on.

Symptoms of clinical depression

You should go to your doctor immediately if for even just two weeks, or more:

you have felt unremittingly down, sad, empty, despairing or hopeless with no breaks even when distracted by friends or enjoyable situations, or
you feel terrible when you wake up (possibly waking early after disturbed sleep) but then slowly feel better as the day goes on. In this case, be sure to see your doctor early in the morning. Or,
you think of suicide either actively (“Maybe I should kill myself”) or passively (“If only I had some luck for once, I wouldn’t wake up tomorrow morning,” or “What would it be like to drive my car into that tree?”). If you have started to plan how you might kill yourself, seek your doctor’s help today.

Advice given on these pages is not a substitute for your doctor’s advice. It intended to encourage you to go and see your doctor, not to rule that out.

“A human being is part of a whole, called by us the Universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest, kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Albert Einstein”
– Albert Einstein

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Ali Lees, Google review

“I have made some incredible progress and I am now in an intimate and happy relationship thanks to your help.”
Client who requests anonymity.

“We started seeing Andrew during a very difficult time, and without his help we would have split up. We both found Andrew’s sessions really helpful and it gave us the insight and tools to iron out the issues that were causing the most problems. Things between us are now really good and we are once again planning a future together.”
Couple who wish anonymity

“Andrew is one of the best therapists I have ever worked with. If you want to make a breakthrough with an issue in your life or relationship, I highly recommend him.”
Jenny, Massage therapist, Bristol

“I’ve had many therapists over the years, and Andrew has been the most significant to date. He helped me see my life more clearly, he lifted a vale of confusion. I will forever be grateful to Andrew, and have recommended him to multiple people since working together. ”
Holly Smith, Google review

“Andrew is one of the best therapists I have ever worked with. He really listens. I feel deeply heard and understood in his sessions and have the space to discover ‘the answers’ for myself. The questions he asks and the comments he does offer are well thought-out and illuminating. I feel he is really there for me and I always experience a big shift in my understanding afterwards. If you want to make a breakthrough with an issue in your life or simply want to be heard, I highly recommend him. Jenny, massage therapist, Bristol. ”
Jenny, massage therapist, Bristol.

“Andrew is a highly experienced therapist who works with a number of different techniques, some unusual and unexpected (but in a good way!) that get to the heart of your issues quickly. He works gently and safely and I felt held in a safe space throughout the session. I would recommend Andrew to anyone looking for help in dealing with life’s questions. ”
Client who requests anonymity.

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Mal Szwarc, Google review

“ Andrew is an amazing human being! We had a few very useful sessions. He is totally and genuinely committed to helping people. … Thank you Andrew! ”
Pedro Da Silva, Google review

“Had a massive effect on my relationship. Learned loads of really good stuff – surpassed my expectations. [Andrew was] brilliant – a complete star! Emma C ♥♥♥ A very good course. It has changed how I relate. Helen D ♥♥♥ [Andrew had some] … profound insights into relationships … explained clearly. Natasha M ♥♥♥ Met needs I didn’t know I had! I loved the fast-track approach to raising self-esteem … [I had] “eureka” and “lights being switched on” moments. Fiona M. ♥♥♥ Very profound, enriching unravelling of the complexities of relationships. Really enlightening exercises. [Name withheld] ”
Feedback from the last relationship workshop I ran in Bristol.

“[Couples clients] Cannot recommend Andrew enough. The most attentive, insightful, astute & compassionate therapist. The difference in our relationship – how we communicate, how we understand & relate to one another, how we’re able to support one another – is absolutely massive, & yet it feels like we’ve only had to make tiny tweaks to get there. Andrew is incredible at facilitating a safe, supportive place, making it surprisingly easy to be truly open & honest & to therefore get the most out of the sessions. Thank you for everything, this therapy has been life changing. ”
Naomi Kent, Google review

“… I had experienced a lot of trauma in my childhood that I had not been able to fully deal with my whole adult life. I had 10 sessions with Andrew and now I am no longer triggered as I had always been by certain situations and interactions. I can love myself finally and this has completely changed my romantic relationships and my career! So many of my friends want to see Andrew now after seeing this dramatic, positive change within me! ”
Kay Dent, Google review