Advanced psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist CLAIRE GASKIN sees clients in Essex and in London’s Harley Street. She is now bringing her expertise to the problems of our readers as our agony aunt. If you have a problem you’d like Claire’s advice with, email agonyaunt@nqe.com For more details on Claire’s work, visit benefittherapy.co.uk.

Dear Claire,

Can you help me? I’m suffering with a period of depression; I’ve suffered with this off and on for 20 years and have seen clinical psychologists, counsellors, therapists many times but for some reason every so often I dip back down low.

I’ve been like this now for about 18 months and although on Citalopram, things don’t seem to be improving.

I was referred to a psychiatrist with possible bipolar a year or so ago, but was discharged as quickly as I was referred.

Quite often professionals assume that I’m just fine as I “present” like any other, but most of the time it’s coping mechanisms skills that I’ve learned to hide it from people.

I need to shake this, it’s making me feel very low this time.

P.R (Colchester)

Claire says...

Lots of people benefit from courses of medication or traditional forms of therapy. However, despite your best efforts, you have tried many of these options without long-term success.

Maybe it’s time to explore some of the modern forms of therapy? With new techniques, based on developments in neuroscience, we know that you can learn how to feel and respond differently in the future.

Practicing mindfulness is a great way to develop a new way of thinking and is really easy to do. Just use each of your five senses to become fully aware of what you are doing at any moment, from the taste in your mouth, to the colours in front of you and the sounds which surround you.

Gentle exercise can be a great mood-lifter and I would encourage you to go for a walk every day, even if you don’t feel like it to begin with.

The feel-good hormones that exercise produces will soon fire up.

And it’s a perfect time to practice being mindful: fill your lungs with fresh air, notice the Spring daffodils, the birds singing, the ground beneath your feet and the smell of freshly-cut grass.

And smile at people you meet along the way. Try it! It’s impossible for people not to smile back and that feels great.

Finally, do tell your doctor how you are feeling so they can make sure you’re getting the right treatment.