Low Mood, Depression and Burnout

Have you lost your sense of energy, motivation or enjoyment in life?

Perhaps you feel exhausted no matter how much you rest, struggle to find pleasure in things you once enjoyed, or find yourself moving through life on autopilot. You may feel overwhelmed by even the smallest tasks, disconnected from yourself or others, or stuck in a cycle of self-criticism and hopelessness.

Sometimes these feelings develop gradually over time. What begins as stress, pressure or emotional exhaustion can slowly become a persistent sense of low mood, emptiness or burnout.

You may be functioning on the outside whilst privately feeling depleted, lost or emotionally numb.

Understanding low mood, depression and burnout

Low mood, depression and burnout can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or circumstances.

For some people, these experiences arise in response to difficult life events, grief, loss or relationship difficulties. For others, they may be linked to prolonged stress, unrealistic expectations, perfectionism or years of putting other people's needs before their own.

Sometimes depression and burnout can be understood as the mind and body's response to carrying too much for too long.

What may appear on the surface as a lack of motivation or resilience is often a sign that something deeper needs attention, understanding and care.

How low mood and burnout can affect us

You may experience:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness

• Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected

• Exhaustion and lack of energy

• Loss of motivation or interest in life

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

• Increased self-criticism or feelings of failure

• Irritability or emotional overwhelm

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Feeling stuck, lost or uncertain about the future

These experiences can impact relationships, work, confidence and overall wellbeing, often creating a sense of being trapped in patterns that are difficult to change alone.

How therapy can help

Therapy offers a space to slow down and explore what may be contributing to your difficulties without judgement or pressure.

Together, we can begin to understand the emotional, relational and life experiences that may be influencing how you feel. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I am interested in understanding the wider context of your life and helping you make sense of what your mind and body may be communicating.

My approach is integrative and relational, drawing on person-centred, psychodynamic, attachment-informed and trauma-informed approaches. I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to get to know parts of you driving you to burn-out and understand the burdens they carry which cause you to neglect your self-care and wider needs. Where appropriate, EMDR may also help to process experiences that continue to contribute to feelings of overwhelm, hopelessness or emotional distress.

Therapy can help you reconnect with yourself, understand recurring patterns and develop healthier ways of responding to stress, pressure and difficult emotions.

Reconnecting with yourself and moving forward

Recovery is not about forcing yourself to think positively or pushing through when you are already exhausted.

Often, it begins with understanding what has led you to this point, recognising your needs and creating space for rest, self-compassion and change.

Over time, many people find they regain a greater sense of energy, purpose and connection to themselves and others. They begin to feel more able to cope with life's challenges and more hopeful about the future.

If you are experiencing low mood, depression or burnout, therapy can provide a supportive space to explore what is happening and help you find a way forward that feels meaningful and sustainable. Reach out via my contact page if you feel you could benefit from support.