Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the UK, affecting around one in six people at some point in their lives. It goes beyond feeling sad or low — depression can affect energy, sleep, concentration, relationships and the ability to function day-to-day. The good news is that depression responds well to a range of therapies, and many people recover fully with the right support.
See therapies that may helpDepression is a persistent low mood that lasts for weeks or months and significantly affects daily life. It is not simply feeling unhappy or going through a rough patch — depression changes how you think, feel and behave, and can make even small tasks feel overwhelming.
Depression can range from mild to severe. Mild depression may cause persistent low mood but allow you to continue functioning. Severe depression can make it impossible to carry out normal activities and, in some cases, can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact your GP or call Samaritans on 116 123.
According to NHS data, depression is the second most common mental health problem in the UK after anxiety. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances, and is not a sign of weakness or something you can simply "snap out of".
Depression affects people differently, but common signs include:
If several of these have been present for more than two weeks, speaking to a GP or therapist is an important first step.
Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for depression, particularly for mild to moderate cases. It works by helping you understand the patterns of thinking and behaviour that maintain depression, and by giving you practical tools to break those cycles.
NICE guidelines recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a first-line treatment for depression. CBT helps you identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic ways of thinking. It is one of the most extensively researched psychological treatments available.
Other approaches that many people find helpful for depression include:
For moderate to severe depression, therapy is often most effective when combined with medication. Always discuss this with your GP.
If low mood has persisted for more than two weeks and is affecting your daily life, it is worth seeking support. Depression rarely improves on its own without some form of help, and earlier intervention generally leads to better outcomes.
Your first step can be either your GP or a therapist directly. GPs can refer you to NHS talking therapies (IAPT) or discuss medication if appropriate. You can also self-refer to IAPT services in England without a GP referral.
When looking for a private therapist for depression, check for:
If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact your GP urgently, call 111, or contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).
Showing 4 therapies linked to Depression.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
strong
|
Behavioural activation and cognitive strategies. |
| Psychotherapist |
strong
|
Common; risk assessment and support planning important. |
| Arts Therapist |
moderate
|
Supportive therapy option; monitor risk and functioning. |
| Counsellor |
strong
|
Counselling may help; severity may require integrated care. |
CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is the most widely researched and NICE-recommended therapy for depression. However, counselling, EMDR, mindfulness-based therapy and interpersonal therapy are also effective, depending on the nature and cause of the depression. A good therapist will tailor their approach to your individual situation.
A typical course of CBT for depression runs 12–20 sessions. Some people see meaningful improvement within 6–8 sessions; others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist should give you a sense of the likely duration after an initial assessment.
Yes, though severe depression often benefits most from a combination of therapy and medication. Therapy alone may be less effective when depression is very severe, so it is important to involve your GP if you are struggling significantly.
Research consistently shows that online CBT and other therapies are as effective as face-to-face therapy for depression, particularly for mild to moderate cases. Many people find the accessibility of online therapy makes it easier to attend sessions consistently, which matters for outcomes.
Sadness is a normal emotional response to difficult events — it usually passes and does not significantly disrupt daily functioning. Depression is persistent (lasting weeks or months), affects multiple areas of life, and does not necessarily have an obvious trigger. If low mood is interfering with your life, it is worth speaking to a professional.