Circle Counselling Birmingham

Jackie Parkes MBACP

0121 454 2209

07796 836739

Or email

Jackie Parkes Counsellor  B.A., Dip Counselling , Registered and Accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Face to Face Counselling Birmingham available in Harborne and Quinton.


"There are as many nights as days , and the one is just as long as the other in the years course. Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word 'happy ' would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness" Carl Jung

Depression and Low Mood

Are you experiencing low mood?  Do you feel stuck in a dark tunnel?  Is it affecting your daily life? Are you finding it difficult to enjoy day-day activities? Are you feeling worthless?

Symptoms of Depression can include:

  • Feelings of worthlessness;
  • Feelings of guilt;
  • Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness;
  • Being excessively self critical;
  • Lack of enjoyment;
  • Lack of motivation;
  • Feeling uncared for, unsupported and rejected;
  • Feelings related to ‘what’s the point?’
  • Finding it difficult to make decisions;
  • Difficulty concentrating;
  • Feeling overwhelmed and that you can’t cope.
  • Feeling tired and having little energy;
  • Disturbed sleep patterns;
  • Feeling that you have to push yourself really hard to get things done;
  • Comfort eating or, conversely, loss of appetite;
  • Withdrawing from others; 
  • You may feel life isn’t worth living. 

Some of the triggers for depression can include bereavement, divorce, and separation, family problems, losing a job, financial problems, a life transition (for example mid life crisis, retirement, a health problem. Sometimes - triggers for depression come from childhood, for example -childhood loss, the development of a sense of unworthiness, the belief that you are wrong or bad or unlovable.

Depression in mid life is very common; depression can symbolise that aspects of the self have been suppressed and want expression; the reality of life may not be conforming to what has been expected or fantasised about and a period of mourning is called for.

It can be normal to feel depressed when things go wrong or you are struggling with an unexpected set back or problem. However in some cases the depression can feel prolonged and severely impact on day to day functioning.  Some people with signs of depression also have signs of anxiety.

How can counselling help?

Counselling can help you to explore and understand underlying psychological and emotional factors contributing to your depression. It can help you to process your feelings, explore any negative and self critical thought patterns. It can work with the relationship that you have with yourself as well as others.

Contact me in confidence to discuss how counselling may benefit you if you are experiencing low moods, lethargy or depression thoughts , Jackie Parkes on tel: 0121 454 2209 or mob: 07796 836739 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.