Private Depression Help
Continuously feeling sad, low, or empty can be a sign of depression. If you are not sure who to speak to, the right step is to consult a GP. Dr Faizal provides confidential consultations that give you time and space to talk openly, so you get proper medical and mental health care.
Confidential · Same-day appointments · No referral needed
What is depression?
Depression is more than sadness or a tough time. It affects the way you think and feel, and can make routine tasks difficult. The University of Oxford's Department of Psychology notes that the symptoms of anxiety and depression often overlap, so recognising them is important for effective treatment.
If you are going through a depressive episode that is affecting your daily life, or you are unsure about your mental health, a same-day GP consultation with Dr Faizal can help. He can help make sense of what you are experiencing and prescribe medication where clinically appropriate. You can book a home visit if you would rather not leave your space.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered
Symptoms of depression
Symptoms vary from person to person. If you have been noticing any of these for more than two weeks, speaking to a GP can help. For a fuller list, see the NHS guide to depression.
- Feeling low or sad
- A feeling of emptiness most of the time
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Hopelessness, or feelings of guilt for no reason
- Fatigue and tiredness despite rest
- A loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fear of attending social events
Help is available for different forms of depression
According to Mental Health UK, depression may show up in any of the following forms.
Depressive Episode
A period of depression that may be described as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the symptoms.
Recurrent Depressive Disorder
Depression that has happened at least twice. Each episode may be mild, moderate, or severe.
Reactive Depression
Depression linked to difficult life events, such as divorce, bereavement, or financial problems.
Clinical Depression
Persistent low mood, loss of interest, and no motivation for life, lasting more than two weeks.
Postnatal Depression
Depression that develops during pregnancy or after birth. See NHS notes for more information.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Depression symptoms that develop as the seasons change, most often during the dark autumn or winter months.
For more on depression during and after pregnancy, see the NHS guide to postnatal depression. If a women’s health or men’s health condition may be contributing, getting help early can make your recovery faster.
What causes depression?
Depression can have more than one cause, and in some cases there is no clear trigger. Common causes may include:
- Losing a loved one, or bereavement
- Difficult childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, or loss
- Family and relationship difficulties
- Negative thinking patterns or blaming yourself
- Retirement or major life changes
- Work or financial stress
- Living with a health condition for a long time
- Seasonal changes, or becoming a carer
- A family history of depression
- Alcohol or recreational drug use
Medical conditions such as perimenopause or menopause, erectile dysfunction, thyroid disorders, or low testosterone can also affect mental health and contribute to depression. Dr Faizal will discuss all related factors and guide you on the next steps.
When to see a GP for depression help
Depression can make it hard to know whether you need help. According to NHS Inform, seek help if:
- You have felt low, hopeless, and anxious for more than two weeks
- Your symptoms are affecting your study, work, and personal life
- You are unable to look after yourself
- Your symptoms feel like they are getting worse, not better
A GP will listen without judgement, look into the causes and triggers, and suggest the best treatment for you.
Do not hesitate. Step forward and seek help for depression
It helps to discuss your symptoms in a private consultation with Dr Faizal. He will listen, identify the cause, and write a prescription or refer you to a specialist if needed.
How Dr Faizal can provide depression help
Dr Faizal provides confidential mental health appointments at his private clinic so you can get the help you need. He will:
Listens & Assesses
Book a same-day consultation and see Dr Faizal without long waiting times. He takes your full medical and family history and asks about your symptoms and any episodes, with no pressure and no judgement.
Investigates Where Needed
Depression is sometimes linked to underlying medical conditions. Dr Faizal may arrange diagnostics to confirm any underlying cause so you get proper, timely treatment.
Discuss & Prescribe Treatment
Where medication is appropriate, and in line with NICE guidance, Dr Faizal can prescribe treatment such as SSRIs. You also receive self-help advice for depression.
Referral & Follow-Up
If necessary, Dr Faizal can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist, and discuss whether NHS talking therapy or other therapies may help. You can follow up by video or telephone consultation.
Self-help advice follows Mind's guidance, and where needed Dr Faizal can arrange a specialist referral or a follow-up video or telephone consultation.
"I'd been putting off a conversation about my blood pressure for months. Dr Secretary gave me 30 minutes and went through everything properly. I left with my prescription and a referral already sorted."
"My son had a high temperature on a Saturday morning. We were seen the same day. The doctor was calm, thorough, and explained everything clearly. At £49, absolutely worth it for the peace of mind alone."
"The doctor didn't make me feel stupid for leaving things. He was straightforward, ran some bloods, and when I needed referring on, the letter was ready before I left the room. No extra charge."
Your GP for depression help in Preston
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered GP based in Fulwood, Preston. He trained in the UK, holds a medical degree from the University of Manchester, and a BSc with Distinction from Imperial College London. Dr Faizal lets you speak about your depression symptoms without fear of judgement, so he can prescribe appropriate treatment or arrange a referral.
BSc (Hons) · MBChB · MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered · Seeing patients in Preston since 2017
Why choose My Private Clinic for depression help in Preston?
Named GP Every Time
Dr Secretary personally assesses and prescribes. Not a locum, not remote.
CQC-Registered
Independently regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Same Day Available
Appointments are often available the same day. Call or WhatsApp to check.
Evenings & Weekends
Mon to Thu 5 to 8pm, Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm.
FAQs about depression
What are five symptoms of depression?
Depression usually shows up as feeling sad or low continuously, a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, and feeling worthless or hopeless.
Can you have anxiety with depression?
Yes. Depression and anxiety often occur together, and many people experience both at the same time. Consulting a GP can help address both conditions.
Am I depressed or just going through a difficult patch?
A difficult patch tends to improve when the circumstances change. Depression is different: it is low mood or hopelessness without a clear reason that affects your daily life and needs a mental health consultation.
Do I need a referral to see Dr Faizal for depression help?
No referral is needed. If you need mental health help, you can consult Dr Faizal directly, without long waiting times.
How can I cope with depression?
Talk to friends or family, exercise regularly, improve your sleep schedule and quality, and cut down on alcohol. If self-help is not effective, talk to a GP so you get mental health care in good time.
Will Dr Faizal provide a confidential consultation for depression?
Yes, absolutely. Your mental health consultation with Dr Faizal is private, confidential, and unhurried. You can open up about your symptoms and seek help.
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Mon–Thu 5–8pm · Friday 9am–8pm · Saturday 9am–1pm.
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Address
Fatima Health Centre
228 Garstang Road
Fulwood, Preston
PR2 9QB
Phone & WhatsApp
Opening Hours
Mon–Thu 5–8pm
Friday 9am–8pm
Saturday 9am–1pm
Areas We Serve Across Preston & Lancashire
My Private Clinic is based in Fulwood, Preston and sees patients from across Lancashire. Choose your nearest area for travel information and local details.