Anxiety and Depression

A truly holistic approach to treating anxiety and depression

Anxiety and Depression affects millions of people across the world. According to the Mental Health Foundation, mixed anxiety and depression is Britain’s most common mental health disorder.

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Anxiety can create feelings of worry, nervousness and dread. Depression can feel draining, as you struggle with causing feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a lack of energy. Although they can be separate diagnoses, it is possible to have them both at the same time. They may feel as though they are innate defects, but it is important to remember that anxiety, as well as depression, is a treatable condition.

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One of our mental health specialists can help answer your questions and offer you direction on your treatment journey. Harley Row Clinic is a mental health provider that specialises in a holistic approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety and depression.

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The ethos of Harley Row Clinic’s adult anxiety and depression clinic is to provide outstanding quality treatment, based upon the best clinical evidence.

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Each individual presents with different problems which are unique and need individualised treatment options. Our doctors and clinicians are able to put people at ease when talking about the most sensitive issues, in a relaxed and unrushed atmosphere.

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Every patient’s journey begins with diagnosis. For adults, these assessments can take place virtually or face-to-face.

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At Harley Row Clinic, we follow the guidance of The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) which recommends that diagnoses of anxiety and depressive disorders are carried out in line with the DSM-5 and ICD 10.

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In addition, the diagnosis process will include a detailed evaluation of the individual’s behavioural, developmental, and medical history, genealogy, social functioning, and lifestyle.

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An initial assessment can answer many questions. You may have a mental health condition, such as severe depression, or an anxiety disorder. There are also different types of anxiety and depression, for example, seasonal affective disorder is related to depression and social anxiety is a type of anxiety. Anxiety and depression can be symptomatic of more complex mental health conditions, and a thorough evaluation can rule these out.

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From the results of your diagnosis, mental health treatment takes a series of simultaneous paths that vary depending on your needs. Treatment takes a three-fold approach: medication to treat symptoms when and if needed, and a longer-term combination of psychological intervention and functional medicine.

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Medication can play a key role in providing relief from the symptoms of mental health problems. However, speaking to a counsellor or psychotherapist who will listen to you and support you to find your own answers to the problems you are facing, without any judgement, can be highly beneficial.

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At Harley Row Clinic, psychological intervention plays a crucial role in promoting positive mental health. Talking about your experiences in a safe and supportive environment can make a world of difference. Treatment is carried out within an unrushed, stigma-free atmosphere and is part of a tailored treatment plan.

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When treating anxiety and depression, therapy can be a good idea for its long-term benefits. Harley Row Clinic offers a range of treatment options, including counselling or psychotherapy, coaching and mindfulness training to improve mental health and enhance well-being. Therapy generally take place on a weekly basis, but this can be adapted to your treatment plan.

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Psychotherapy or “talking therapy” sessions can help people with anxiety disorders and depression. To be effective, psychotherapy must be directed at your specific anxieties and tailored to your needs. It can be effective in reducing anxiety, finding coping strategies to promote self-care and improving feelings of self-worth.

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When it comes to treating depression, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MCBT) can be particularly helpful. MCBT is a therapy which combats habits that make your depression worse. It combines traditional cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with mindfulness. It is a treatment which supports the identification of negative thought patterns, and limiting patterns of behaviour and supports progression towards healthier habits. Mindfulness is the practice of training attention and awareness, in an attitude of self-acceptance. This therapy can help promote relaxation and combat depression.

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Compassionate Inquiry therapy helps individuals gain insight into their current behaviours and beliefs, thinking about what lies beneath the appearance we present to the world. And finally, having the support of others going through similar experiences in a Group therapy setting can increase feelings of hope and morale.

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Finally, functional medicine seeks to identify the underlying cause of mental health issues. Anxiety and depression can be associated with physical illnesses and Harley Row Clinic investigates these dysfunctions and looks into other treatments. For example, there are physical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, and dysfunctions of the adrenal glands. Addressing a disbalance of the microbiota (the bacteria that we all have in our guts) through a balanced diet specific to your gut can calm anxiety.

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Treatment plans are carefully devised and highly individualised and usually include a combination of dietary modifications, nutritional supplements, alternative therapies, lifestyle changes and stress management techniques.

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We encourage you to speak confidentially about your current symptoms and discuss how comprehensive treatment could be the positive change you need to overcome your disorder.

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Anxiety and depression don't need to be a continual stress in your life. A holistic and comprehensive anxiety and depression treatment can help you feel yourself again.