Therapy for Depression
Specialist psychotherapy for children and young people with depression. Available online in the UK, without the wait.
What is Depression?
It is normal for young people to experience periods of low mood, particularly during the challenges of adolescence. However, depression is more than feeling sad or going through a difficult patch. It is a persistent condition that affects how a young person thinks, feels and behaves, and can have a significant impact on every area of their life.
Depression in young people is more common than many parents realise, and it often looks quite different from how it presents in adults. Rather than expressing sadness openly, young people with depression may appear irritable, withdrawn or simply flat. They may lose interest in things they previously enjoyed, struggle to find motivation for school or socialising, and feel a pervasive sense of hopelessness about the future.
Depression is not a character flaw, a phase, or something a young person can simply snap out of. It is a recognised mental health condition with effective treatments, and with the right support most young people make a significant recovery.
How Depression Presents in Young People
One of the reasons depression in young people often goes unrecognised is that it rarely looks the way parents expect. The image of someone visibly sad and tearful does not always match the reality, particularly in teenagers.
Irritability and anger are among the most common presentations of depression in young people, and are frequently mistaken for typical teenage behaviour or attitude. A young person who has become short-tempered, argumentative or emotionally volatile may be experiencing depression rather than simply going through a difficult phase.
Other common signs include withdrawing from friends and family, losing interest in hobbies and activities that previously brought enjoyment, and a noticeable drop in school attendance or performance. Some young people sleep excessively while others experience significant disruption to their sleep. Appetite can change markedly in either direction.
Perhaps most telling is a pervasive sense of flatness or emptiness. Young people with depression often describe feeling nothing rather than feeling sad, and may struggle to imagine feeling any differently. This sense of hopelessness, particularly if it is persistent, is always worth taking seriously.
When to Seek Urgent Help
While depression is a serious condition at any level of severity, there are certain signs that indicate a young person needs urgent support. If your child is expressing feelings of hopelessness about the future, talking about not wanting to be here, or showing signs of self-harm, it is important to seek help without delay.
In the first instance, speak to your GP or call the Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. If you believe your child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
Depression is treatable, and most young people make a significant recovery with the right support. If you are concerned about your child, do not wait. Getting help early makes a real difference.
Hi, I'm Christina
Depression is something I treated regularly throughout my years as a CAMHS therapist, and I understand how frightening it can be for a parent to watch their child struggle with it. Early intervention makes a real difference, and I am committed to providing timely, effective support to every young person I work with.
Hi, I'm Christina
Depression is something I treated regularly throughout my years as a CAMHS therapist, and I understand how frightening it can be for a parent to watch their child struggle with it. Early intervention makes a real difference, and I am committed to providing timely, effective support to every young person I work with.
How We Treat Depression
At Sulis Therapies, we treat depression using two evidence-based therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). CBT is the NICE recommended treatment for depression, though EMDR may be recommended depending on your child's individual needs.
Following a comprehensive assessment, and in conjunction with discussion with the young person and/or parent/carer(s), we will recommend the approach that is best suited to your child's individual needs, in some cases this may be a combination of both.
CBT for depression helps young people identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that maintain low mood, and gradually re-engage with the activities and relationships that depression has caused them to withdraw from. Through structured sessions, young people develop practical skills to manage their mood, build behavioural momentum and develop a more balanced and compassionate view of themselves and their circumstances.
Where depression is linked to difficult or traumatic past experiences, EMDR can be an effective approach. By processing the memories and experiences that may be contributing to low mood and hopelessness, EMDR can help lift the emotional weight of the past and allow young people to engage more fully with the present.
Quick Answers
How do I know if my child needs therapy for depression?
If your child has been experiencing low mood, withdrawal or loss of interest in everyday life for more than a couple of weeks, it is worth seeking support. Depression rarely resolves on its own, and waiting for things to improve without intervention can allow it to become more entrenched. If you are concerned about your child, trust your instincts and get in touch.
Does my child need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No. Many families come to us without a formal diagnosis. What matters is that your child is struggling and needs support. We will carry out our own assessment at the start of treatment to ensure we can provide the right help for your child.
What ages do you treat?
We work with children and young people up to the age of 26.
How many sessions will my child need?
This depends entirely on your child and the nature of their difficulties. The initial sessions focus on understanding what your child is experiencing and putting together a clear plan for therapy. At that stage we will be able to give you a much clearer idea of how many sessions we feel would be beneficial.
How often will my child need to attend sessions?
We recommend sessions at least once a week for the best results, though we can discuss a more intensive programme if that suits your child's needs. We offer flexible appointments including evenings and weekends to fit around your family's schedule.
How much do sessions cost?
CBT sessions last 60 minutes and cost £85. EMDR sessions last 90 minutes and cost £100. A free initial consultation is available so we can discuss your child's needs before committing to a programme of therapy.
If your child is struggling with depression, we're here to help. Get in touch today to arrange a free initial consultation and find out how we can support your family.
