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.

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.