Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are different experiences, but research shows they can often overlap. Understanding how each may show up in your life can be a useful starting point in recognising what you might need.
Anxiety
Anxiety can affect people in many different ways. For some, it feels like constant worrying or overthinking. For others, it can feel physical — a racing heart, tight chest, feeling shaky or sick, difficulty sleeping, panic attacks or a sense that something bad is going to happen.
You might find yourself replaying conversations, worrying about what people think, avoiding situations, struggling to switch off, expecting the worst or feeling constantly on edge. Sometimes you may not even know why you feel anxious.
Anxiety can be connected to what is happening in your life now, but it can also be linked to past experiences, childhood, relationships, trauma, loss, stress or times when you have not felt safe or in control. Your mind and body can sometimes continue responding to danger even when the original experience has passed.
Counselling gives you space to understand what may be underneath your anxiety, rather than simply trying to make the feelings disappear. Together, we can explore your triggers, recognise patterns and find ways of managing difficult thoughts and feelings so anxiety does not have to control so much of your life.
Depression
Depression can feel different for everyone. For some people, it can feel like sadness or hopelessness, while for others it might be feeling numb, exhausted, disconnected or simply not feeling like yourself anymore.
You might find yourself withdrawing from people, losing interest in things you once enjoyed or struggling to find the motivation to do everyday things. Sometimes you may not even know why you feel the way you do.
Depression doesn’t always come from one particular event. Difficult experiences, relationships, loss, trauma or things we have carried from earlier in life can all affect how we feel about ourselves and the world around us.
How counselling can help
At Evoak Counselling, I can help you look beyond the symptoms and begin to understand what might be sitting underneath how you’re feeling.
Counselling gives you space to talk openly without judgement, explore experiences and patterns that may be affecting you, and understand yourself better.
Together will work at your pace, helping you make sense of what is happening and gradually find a way forward that feels right for you.
You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start.
I offer counselling face to face, online and by telephone, as well as group counselling.
Need urgent support?
Evoak Counselling is not an emergency or crisis service.
If you need urgent help with your mental health, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
You can also contact Samaritans free on 116 123, 24 hours a day
