Low mood and fatigue are things many people experience at different points in their lives. They can stem from various sources: stress at work, personal relationships, or even an overwhelming sense of life’s demands. If you’re reading this, you might be grappling with feelings of fatigue, sadness, or hopelessness, wondering if there’s a way to lift the weight off your shoulders. This is where counselling comes in. Let’s explore how counselling can be a transformative tool for those feeling low and exhausted. 

Understanding the Weight of Low Mood and Fatigue 

First, it’s important to recognise that feeling low or tired is not just about physical fatigue or occasional sadness; it can be indicative of deeper emotional or psychological issues. These feelings can manifest due to numerous factors, including: 

1. Mental Health Conditions: Depression and anxiety are two prevalent conditions that often lead to persistent feelings of fatigue and sadness.
2. Life Changes: Major life shifts, such as moving to a new city, changing jobs, or experiencing a loss, can lead to feelings of instability and fatigue.
3. Chronic Stress: Continuous exposure to stressful situations can wear you down, leading to emotional exhaustion.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Poor sleep, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet can exacerbate feelings of low energy and mood.

Recognising that your feelings are valid and that you’re not alone in this struggle is the first step toward seeking help. 

The Role of Counselling 

Counselling can provide a safe, supportive environment to explore your feelings and low mood. Here’s how it can help:

1. A Safe Space to Express Emotions

One of the most valuable aspects of counselling is the opportunity to talk about your feelings openly and without judgment. Sometimes, just articulating what you’re going through can bring relief. A trained therapist can help you explore your feelings and provide insights that you may not have considered before. 

2. Understanding the underlying cause

Counselling can help in uncovering the underlying reasons for your low mood and fatigue. By discussing your experiences and feelings, a therapist can help identify patterns or triggers in your life. This deeper understanding can be crucial for effective healing, as it allows you to address the root causes rather than just the symptoms. 

3. Developing Coping Strategies

A key part of counselling is learning healthy coping mechanisms. Therapists can teach you techniques to manage stress, such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, or cognitive-behavioral strategies that help challenge negative thoughts. These skills can empower you to navigate difficult emotions and situations more effectively. 

4. Setting Realistic Goals

When you’re feeling low, it can be challenging to see a way forward. Counselling can help you set realistic, achievable goals that can foster a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Whether it’s small daily tasks or larger life changes, having clear goals can provide motivation and a sense of direction. 

5. Building Resilience

Counselling can help you build resilience, equipping you with the tools to face challenges head-on. By developing a stronger sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation, you’ll be better prepared to cope with future stressors, reducing the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed again. 

6. Improving Relationships

Feelings of low mood and fatigue can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. A counsellor can help you communicate more effectively, navigate conflicts, and enhance your interpersonal skills. Improved relationships can provide additional support, fostering a sense of connection and community that is vital for emotional well-being.  

7. Providing Accountability

Sometimes, just having someone to check in with can make a significant difference. Counselling provides that accountability. Your therapist can help you stay on track with your goals, encouraging you to implement the strategies you’ve discussed in sessions. 

Finding the Right Counsellor 

If you’re considering counselling, it’s essential to find a therapist who fits your needs. Look for someone with experience in dealing with low mood, depression or fatigue. It’s also vital that you feel comfortable with them, as the therapeutic relationship plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the treatment. 

Consider the Following When Choosing a Counsellor: 

• Qualifications and experience: make sure you select a counsellor who is qualified to at least Diploma level and has experience. Look at how many years they have been practicing – don’t be afraid to ask – a good counsellor will gladly tell you honestly what they are able to help with 

• Accountability and commitment: select a counsellor who is a member of a recognised professional body such as the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP).  The professional body quality checks counselling qualifications and ensures that counsellors practice in a professional way.   

• Look for counsellors who are committed to continuing professional development – the professional bodies demand this commitment from their members  

• Therapeutic Approach: Different therapists use various methods (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy). Research what sounds good for you and again don’t be afraid to ask questions about the approach used – a good counsellor will happily chat this through with you. 

• Availability and Logistics: Consider location and timing. Do you want sessions in person or would you prefer counselling over the phone or by video call. Do you need sessions after work or would during the day be better.  Try to dedicate the same hour each week to your counselling session – that way it becomes routine and you are less likely to miss a session 

• Costs: don’t assume that the more expensive therapists offer a better service.  Therapy is very dependent on the relationship that you build with the counsellor as well as their experience.   

To wrap up 

Feeling low and tired is a challenging experience, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Counselling offers a pathway to understanding, healing, and empowerment. It can provide you with the tools and support necessary to navigate your feelings, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and ultimately find a way back to a more energised and balanced life. 

If you’re hesitant about starting counselling, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Taking that first step could be the turning point in your journey toward emotional wellness. You deserve to feel better, and counselling can be a significant part of that process. 

Phoenix Health and Wellbeing is a charitable social enterprise based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. We offer support in the form of counselling, acupuncture and massage therapies to people who are referred to us by medical professionals, due to their chronic health issues and low incomes. By using our services you are helping us to continue with this life enhancing support.  

Find out more about our work here or view our counselling team or make a booking 

Opening times:  

Monday to Thursday: 10.00 to 20.00 

Friday: 10.00 to 16.00 

Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00