What is depression?
Depression is not just a temporary feeling of sadness; it’s a serious mental health condition that can deeply impact every part of your life. It affects how you feel, think, and manage daily tasks, making it hard to enjoy even the simplest pleasures. Millions of people experience depression, which can leave you feeling isolated, empty, and disconnected from the world around you.
Different Types of Depression
Depression takes many forms, each with its own challenges:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): This involves persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in activities, making it hard to function day-to-day.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): Also called dysthymia, this type of depression is long-lasting but may be less severe than MDD, though it lingers for years.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Typically triggered by the darker winter months, this type of depression is linked to a lack of natural sunlight.
- Antenatal and Postnatal Depression: Occurring during or after pregnancy, this type of depression involves intense emotional shifts that can affect both mental health and physical well-being.
Impact on Daily Life
Depression doesn’t just affect your mood; it changes how you experience life. Tasks that once felt simple can become overwhelming. You may find yourself withdrawing from activities you used to love, struggling to sleep or eat properly, and feeling exhausted no matter how much rest you get. For some, depression can bring about thoughts of self-harm or suicide. This condition can strain relationships, affect work performance, and make it hard to maintain a sense of normality.
Treatment and Recovery
The good news is that depression is treatable. Whether through therapy, medication, or a combination of both, many people find relief and are able to rebuild their lives. Early recognition and seeking help are critical steps in recovery. With the right support, you can regain control and begin to enjoy life once more.
Depression affects 1 in 6 people globally
In Britain, 7.8% meet the criteria for mixed anxiety and depression diagnosis
7.6% of children aged 12 and older have had moderate to severe depression
What causes depression?
There isn’t one single cause of depression; it’s usually brought on by a mix of different factors. Understanding these causes can help you or your loved ones find the best way forward.
Genetic and Biological Factors
If depression runs in your family, your risk of developing it is higher. Brain chemistry plays a role too—imbalances in chemicals like serotonin and dopamine are closely linked to depressive symptoms.
Environmental Stressors
Life events such as losing a loved one, going through financial difficulties, or experiencing long periods of stress can trigger depression. Social isolation and chronic health problems also increase the risk of depression.
Lifestyle Factors
Poor lifestyle habits, such as not getting enough exercise, having an unhealthy diet, or poor sleep, can contribute to the onset and worsening of depression. These habits can create a vicious cycle that makes depression more difficult to manage.
Gender and Demographic Influences
Women are twice as likely to experience depression compared to men, often due to hormonal differences and social pressures. Certain groups, such as teenagers and older adults, also face a higher risk of depression due to various life changes and challenges they encounter.
By understanding the causes of depression, it becomes easier to approach treatment in a way that’s tailored to the individual’s specific situation and needs.
The symptoms and effects of depression
Depression affects more than just how you feel emotionally; it has far-reaching effects on your physical health, mental clarity, and overall ability to function.
How Depression Feels and Acts
When you’re depressed, it’s common to feel overwhelmingly sad, hopeless, and disconnected from the world. Activities that once brought joy can seem meaningless. Concentration becomes difficult, and fatigue often sets in, no matter how much sleep you get. Depression can also cause physical symptoms like changes in appetite, sleep problems, and unexplained aches or pains. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt may also be present.
Short-Term Effects
In the short term, depression can make it hard to stay productive at work or school. You might find yourself missing days or struggling to complete tasks. Social interactions can feel draining, leading you to withdraw from family and friends, which can worsen feelings of loneliness.
Long-Term Effects
Without treatment, depression can lead to serious long-term consequences. It can increase your risk of developing chronic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes and may lead to problems with substance misuse. Depression can cause deep strain in relationships and may even lead to job loss. In severe cases, it can lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Recognising these symptoms early and seeking help can prevent the condition from getting worse and improve your overall quality of life.
How can it be managed?
Managing depression is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone. With the right mix of treatments, many people find ways to relieve their symptoms and live a fulfilling life.
Effective Management Strategies
- Medication: Antidepressants can help regulate the brain’s chemical balance, easing depressive symptoms. A healthcare professional can guide you in finding the right medication.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT teaches you how to change negative thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep are all crucial for improving your mental health. Avoiding alcohol and drugs is also essential as they can worsen symptoms.
- Support Networks: Having friends, family, or a support group to talk to can make a big difference in managing depression. Knowing you’re not alone helps to ease the burden.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve your emotional clarity.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you’ve been feeling low for more than two weeks or if you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm, it’s important to speak to a doctor. They can assess your symptoms and help you find the best treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery
How can hypnotherapy help?
Hypnotherapy, especially Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy, offers a unique approach to managing depression by encouraging you to focus on the future rather than dwelling on past problems. It combines elements of psychotherapy with hypnosis, guiding you towards positive change.
How It Works
During a session, the therapist will help you enter a relaxed, focused state of mind. In this state, you’ll work together to visualise the future you want, focusing on your goals rather than what’s holding you back. Positive suggestions and visualisation are used to build a more optimistic mindset.
What to Expect
Everyone’s experience with hypnotherapy is different. Some people notice changes after just a few sessions, while others might need more time to feel the full benefits. The number of sessions will depend on your personal needs and progress.
Benefits of Hypnotherapy
- Reduces Depressive Symptoms: Hypnotherapy encourages a shift towards more positive thinking, which can alleviate depressive symptoms.
- Improves Mood: With regular sessions, you may start to feel more hopeful, motivated, and engaged in life.
- Enhances Overall Wellbeing: Hypnotherapy can improve sleep, increase resilience, and strengthen your relationships.
If you’re looking for a different way to manage depression, hypnotherapy could be a valuable tool in your recovery. It offers a way to reclaim control over your mental health and move towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Our Depression Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Emma Bancroft
Rainham, Kent
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Peter Ely
Islington
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
