Talking About Depression

‘It is during our darkest hours we must focus to see the light’ Aristotle Onassis

The word depression describes so many different states of mind – from feeling a bit fed up through to full-blown clinical depression – that it’s almost meaningless.  It covers depression that arises from an obvious cause including bereavement. It covers depression that seems not to have any particular cause. It covers misery and unhappiness with current circumstances or unexpressed fear and anger. It can manifest in countless behavioural or physiological difficulties.

What different forms of depression have in common are feelings of isolation or loneliness

A common factor in all of the above is varying degrees of loneliness and isolation. I see loneliness as the lack of something. You can feel lonely when alone or in a crowd of people. A relationship that is not going well can be a horribly lonely place. Loss may leave a profoundly lonely space. A feeling of difference may lead to feelings of separateness and isolation.  You may be feeling lonely for a particular person or people or for love or place or security.

Talking about what you in particular mean by depression, unhappiness or loss and your feelings and thoughts being received, recognised and accepted without being judged and in confidence is the essential starting place. Even with supportive and loving friends, there are often things that are difficult to share or commonly, a feeling that you may be ‘boring’ them. Finding a therapist you feel ‘gets’ you and who you feel you can trust is vital.  Rapport is essential so that you feel completely safe and comfortable.

Hypnotherapy and counselling for depression, unhappiness and bereavement

After establishing the ground then, it may be about looking to the past to be able to understand or re-view things in a new way with a view to leaving the pain behind. It may be about making changes in the present to thinking, feeling or behavioral  patterns. It could involve planning for the future.

When a real change happens it happens on thinking, feeling and behavioral or physical levels.

epression is about living in the past (whereas anxiety is about living in the future.)  It’s about guilt, regret or shame much of the time.  Since the present is the only place where you can make changes and live effectively, bring yourself back to the present. Consider this and also use the following tips and suggestions to help you to do this.

A good way to ground yourself in the present is through your senses.  See what you see right now.  Hear what you hear right now.  Touch what you touch and feel how that feels right now.  Taste and smell what you taste and smell right now.  You can try giving your senses “treats.” Look or listen or touch or taste or smell something wonderful and notice what you are experiencing at this moment. As you can only do this in the present, it will bring you here!

Do something physical but make it something that you enjoy. It could be yoga, running, a sport, going to the gym or dancing.

Listen to one of my relaxations daily by clicking on the Soundcloud link on the home page of this website or do some self hypnosis or meditation with the aim of giving yourself a mini holiday .

Talk to someone. Talk to a friend but, if it has been going on for a while or seems particularly distressing or is impacting on your life, consider seeking professional help.   See your doctor. Or come to see me.   Contact me to talk further.  If you know someone who you can see may be struggling do put them in touch with me.

I love ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go’ by Dr Seuss.   Read it if you’re down (or up!) or give it to someone.  ‘You have brains in your head and shoes on your feet.  Best self help book ever!

It’s back to school time.  This beautiful summer is gently turning.  See; hear; touch; taste and smell.  Get in touch with me if you’d like to.

With all best wishes,

Suzanne