Depression treatment and therapy in Dubai

When depression drains your energy and sleep

Depression often shows up in the body. You might feel tired all the time, or low on energy. You might sleep badly, or much more than usual. Simple tasks can take a lot more effort.

You don't have to fix your sleep or energy before you come. They are part of what we ask about at the first appointment.

If even getting in touch feels like a lot, keep it short. A message saying who it's for is enough. We'll take it from there.

How is depression treated?

Here is what NICE (the UK's guidance body) and the World Health Organization say, in short:

• Talking therapy is the first treatment for most people.
• NICE's options include talking therapies such as CBT, behavioural activation and counselling.
• For more severe depression, NICE also lists therapy together with medicine. That is why a psychiatrist may be part of the plan.
• You and your clinician choose together, based on what you need and what you prefer.

Behavioural activation means slowly getting back to the things that matter to you.

How depression therapy works at British Premier

It starts with an assessment. Your clinician asks how you've been feeling, and for how long. They ask about sleep, energy and appetite. They ask about work or school, and the people around you.

Then you agree a plan together. Often, that means regular talking therapy with a psychologist. You agree how often to meet. If it would help, a psychiatrist reviews your care too.

You check in together as you go. You and your clinician look at how things are going, and change the plan if needed. When things feel better, you talk about whether to keep going for a while. UK guidance suggests this, to help you stay well.

The ways our psychologists work. One option is CBT. It helps you notice the thoughts that keep your mood down, and try new ways to respond. All five of our psychologists use it with low mood. Read more about CBT for depression.

Low mood during pregnancy or after a baby. Our psychologists and psychiatrists see this too.

Low mood after a loss. Our psychologists also help with grief.

Curious about the first session? See what happens in a first therapy session.

Bringing family or a partner into your care

Some people find it helps to bring someone close to them. With your agreement, a partner or family member can come to an appointment with you.

Sometimes strain in a relationship is part of the picture. NICE lists a type of couples therapy as one option for depression. We offer couples therapy in the same clinic.

Family sessions are possible too: see family therapy.

Depression in children and teenagers

Children and teenagers can feel depressed too. It can look different in young people. They may seem cross, quiet or tired, rather than sad.

UK guidance from NICE sets out a separate approach for young people aged 5 to 18. Parents are part of it.

Some of our psychologists see children from 5. Our consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists see young people from 5 to 18. Read more about our child and adolescent psychiatrists and our child psychologists in Dubai.