Depression and Low Mood
Understanding persistent low mood, loss of interest, and reduced motivation
We accept referrals from various health insurances including:
What is Depression and Low Mood
Depression and low mood can affect how you feel, think, and function in everyday life. While it is natural to experience periods of sadness, depression tends to be more persistent and can make even small tasks feel difficult.
People often describe a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed, reduced energy, changes in sleep or appetite, and a sense of feeling stuck or disconnected. For some, there may also be feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or self-criticism.
These experiences can develop gradually or in response to life events, and can vary in intensity.
Flexible ways to access support
In-clinic therapy
Calm, confidential setting in Jesmond, designed for comfort, privacy, and a reassuring experience
Online therapy
Flexible and accessible sessions delivered securely from your home environment
How depression develops
Depression is often maintained by a combination of thoughts, behaviours, and emotional patterns.
For example:
Negative or self-critical thoughts can lower mood
Low mood can lead to withdrawal or reduced activity
Reduced activity can limit positive experiences
This can reinforce the original thoughts and feelings
Over time, this cycle can become increasingly difficult to break without support.
Understanding these patterns is an important step towards change.
Common experiences of depression
People experiencing depression or low mood may notice:
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Low energy or fatigue
Changes in sleep or appetite
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-criticism
These experiences can affect daily functioning, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
What therapy can help with
Therapy for depression focuses on understanding what is happening and supporting meaningful change.
This may include:
Identifying patterns that maintain low mood
Increasing engagement in meaningful activities
Developing more balanced thinking
Building coping strategies and resilience
Therapy is tailored to your individual needs and progresses at a pace that feels manageable.
What to expect in therapy
Assessment and formulation
We begin by understanding your experiences, including how your mood has been affected and what may be maintaining it.
Identifying patterns
We explore how thoughts, behaviours, and emotions interact.
Developing strategies
You will learn practical tools to:
Improve mood and motivation
Re-engage with activities
Respond differently to self-critical thoughts
Building momentum
Therapy focuses on gradual, sustainable change, helping you regain a sense of direction and purpose.
Therapy always progresses at a pace that feels safe and appropriate for you.
Common misconceptions about depression
“I should just be able to snap out of it”
Depression is not simply a matter of willpower. It often involves patterns that need support to change.
“Nothing will help”
While it can feel this way, effective psychological therapies are available and can make a meaningful difference.
“It means something is wrong with me”
Depression is a common human experience and does not define who you are.
Benefits of therapy for depression
Therapy can help you to:
Improve mood and energy levels
Reconnect with activities and relationships
Reduce self-criticism and negative thinking
Develop practical strategies for managing difficulties
Build long-term resilience
Many people find that therapy helps them feel more engaged, motivated, and able to move forward.
Our approach
At northeast psychology, we offer evidence-based therapy for depression that is:
Collaborative and supportive
Tailored to your individual needs
Grounded in approaches such as CBT, ACT, and CFT
Focused on meaningful and lasting change
We understand that depression can feel overwhelming, and we work with you in a way that feels manageable and supportive.
Is therapy right for you?
You may benefit from therapy if you:
Feel persistently low or disconnected
Have lost interest in things you used to enjoy
Experience low motivation or energy
Feel stuck or unsure how to move forward
If you are unsure, we are happy to help you explore your options.
Next steps
If you are considering support for depression or low mood, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide whether therapy feels right for you.