Resolve Depression Once And For All
Depression is a complex mental health condition that can arise from various sources and affects millions of people around the world. It can be linked to adverse life experiences including abuse, neglect, loss, substance abuse, and physical illness. However, sometimes depression appears without an easily identifiable cause.
It might develop gradually, experiencing persistent low mood, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, and irritability. It might be facing social withdrawal, reduced energy and motivation, difficulty making decisions and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. In severe cases, it might lead to self-harm or suicide.
Debunking the Inherited Curse
There's a common misconception that depression is a genetic issue, a hereditary burden passed down through generations like an inescapable curse. Having a family history of depression could heighten the risk of experiencing the condition, in the sense that it is more likely for a child whose parents suffer depression to adopt their beliefs, thought-patterns and behaviours than a child with no such upbringing. It's important to clarify that depression is not a life sentence governed by your DNA but a response to life events and environmental influences.
Happiness is Deeper than Drugs
Moreover, the notion of a chemical imbalance in the brain as the root cause of depression is not as straightforward as it may seem. Anti-depressant medications, while effective for some, only yield improvements in about one-third of those who take them. On average, these drugs result in a mere 30% increase in mood improvement. This means that some individuals continue to grapple with feelings of detachment, despair, and depression even after years of medication.
Future-Oriented Therapy
Understanding the exact origins of depression is not always necessary to overcome it. While revisiting the past in a sophisticated manner can be beneficial at times, we do not need to untangle traumatic memories to understand ourselves and find relief from depression. Instead, focusing on the present and future enables us to understand ourselves and our relationship to the world. Self-reflection, education and changes in thought patterns and behaviour are more effective in creating long-term healing and transformation than constantly thinking about the past.
Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is a potent tool, harnessed through practices like meditation, mindfulness, and hypnosis. Self-reflection involves looking inside oneself at our true nature. Through this introspection, we uncover the intricacies of our character, gaining insight to our proclivities, preferences, strengths and weaknesses. This process enables us to forge a deeper connection with ourselves, fostering personal growth, inner peace, and a greater understanding of the intricate dance between our thoughts, emotions, and actions. On the journey of self-discovery, regular practice of meditation, mindfulness, and hypnosis serve as invaluable guides to health, happiness and fulfilment.
Education
Education is necessary if we are to find a way out of depression. If you have experience of depression, what it is and what maintains it can be extremely liberating. The more we understand what is going on inside us, the better equipped we are to take control and change it. Knowledge is power and we have a wealth of scientific research at our fingertips. By spending some time researching, comprehending and demystifying depression, we can get to know it and begin to reconcile the neglected areas of our lives. I recommend watching the video on depression to learn more about it - click here.
Thought and Behaviour Patterns
Alleviating depression often begins with a shift in perspective and changing the behaviours we perform every day. Through introspection, we can recognize the recurrent, distressing thoughts that have woven themselves into repeated patterns in our mind. Thoughts like "I hate everyone," "I’ll never find love," or "There's no point to anything" are common thoughts among those with depression. By becoming aware of such thoughts, we become more astute at identifying thinking patterns, such as generalizations or global thinking, which have painted our world negatively, but not necessarily accurately.
It is also essential to look at our behaviour. Nourishing our bodies with plenty of water and wholesome foods, getting adequate sunlight and sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, should not be underestimated in depression recovery. These changes in behaviour often yield quicker and more effective relief than any antidepressant. These simple changes can have huge knock-on effects. After all, they are the requirements for life.
Reaching Out: The Importance of Seeking Help
It is important to seek help and make changes when the first signs of depression arise. That said, if you’ve suffered with depression for years, it’s never too late to get help. The signs of depression, such as loneliness, sadness, stress, or reluctance to get out of bed, are the cues to take action. In these moments, reaching out to friends, family or professionals is essential. In the same way we would offer our care and support to a friend in need, we deserve to give ourselves the same respect.
Life is a sacred gift, a priceless experience and if we are not able to see its beauty then changes need to be made. While we need not expect ecstatic joy and euphoria every minute of every day, we do undoubtedly deserve relief from the clutches of emotional turmoil. We are all worthy of a life lived not merely in survival but in flourishing and in asking for help, we honour our intrinsic value and can find our rightful place in the world.
David Stewart
Evergreen Hypnotherapy
Helping lift you out of darkness, once and for all.
