How Can I Overcome Depression?

If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, you may wonder what has occurred to make you feel this way. The fact is that anyone can get depression and there is no one single cause. It is very common, affecting about 340 million people worldwide. It could be Situational, which means a normal reaction to life events, such as a recent loss. Genetics may play a role or there could be other psychological or physical issues at play. Clinical Depression is perhaps the most common issue encountered, it is said that one in four adults will experience clinical depression in their life. Fortunately, depression is much easier to treat today than in the past.

If you are having any of the following symptoms of depression, it would be worth making an appointment to talk with a therapist:

• A lack of energy or feeling run-down
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt and anxiety
• Loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy
• Change in appetite
• Change in sleeping patterns
• Inability to concentrate

People who have low self-esteem or are pessimistic are at higher risk of becoming depressed. We know that our thinking affects our feelings, which affect our behaviour, so there is always something you can do to address the negative thoughts.

Unfortunately doctors only have time to prescribe anti depressants and that can address the symptoms but often never deals with the underlying cause. Treatment for depression by a doctor involves increasing levels of Serotonin in the brain. Known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s), these medications are felt to work by making more Serotonin available in the brain.

Seeing a therapist who specializes in depression can help you work through some of your thoughts and feelings. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Hypnotherapy are the most effective ways of changing some irrational or negative beliefs you may have which contribute to the way you are feeling.

Have you often noticed that 2 people can have a completely different perspective of the same situation? It’s often not the things in our life that happen to us, but our reactions to them and these things are vastly different. Please know that if you feel this way there is help and there is hope. There are many skilled helpers who are waiting to take your call, so take action today and make that first step in your journey back to health.