Understanding the source of depression is the first step to recovery.
Treating Depression Context
Treating depression involves many factors. Hence it is usual to address a range of areas.
Certain things influence whether or not we succumb to depression. For instance resilience, coping resources and self esteem are important. In particular social supports have a significant impact. All of these factors effect how you manage thoughts and feelings.
A common denominator in depression is an imbalance in neurotransmitters.(Such as dopamine and serotonin amongst others.)
Consequently medication is the primary treatment for some people. In contrast, the majority of cases respond well to other recovery options. Some people find medication helpful as an interim measure. This allows space to address underlying causes of depression. Many people recover well without medication.
A vast array of change options are available for treating depression. These include various therapies and techniques.
Skillful counselling and therapy are very effective in treating depression.
Understand The History
Depression has a history. Accordingly the first step in treating depression is understanding this history.
Common sources of depression include difficult illnesses or constant pain. Also loss is a key element. Another common factor is feeling deeply rejected and excluded. Depression is often associated with burn out. Essentially this reflects way too much stress for too long.
Sometimes depression sets in following a long downward spiral. It gets harder to bounce back. Particularly if you have a series of very upsetting events. For example deep disappointments and perceived ‘failures.’ These erode confidence. Accordingly you may feel you have ‘lost yourself.’ Similarly you may feel at the mercy of external forces.
Quite often, people do not understand what has caused their depression. However, a first step in counselling is to identify these causal factors.
Treating Depression Process
Types of Therapies
Therapies range widely from CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) to emotion release therapies. Also, technologies for treating depression are available now. For example magnetic pulse therapy(TMS) and vagus nerve stimulation.
In addition, body techniques and breathe work have positive effects. Noteworthy are Mindfulness techniques. These are very effective.
Skillful Counselling is very effective in treating depression in many cases. (As noted above.)
Counselling and Treating Depression
In essence, counselling helps you to break out of negative feedback loops. These loops include thinking, feelings and habits. It can be thought of as rewiring. Similarly the old ‘programme’ can be changed. (Much like rewriting a computer programme.)
You are shown how to adjust thoughts and thinking styles. Beliefs can be changed. Likewise, underlying feelings are brought to peace.
In particular it is important to learn how to elevate mood and emotions. For example pleasurable time with loved ones can work wonders.
Putting Things Right
Frequently, treating depression involves helping you put things right. Both in your self and in your life. Accordingly you are helped to make the changes you yearn for. Sometimes major changes are required. For instance to leave a job you dread. Similarly a focus may be how to make changes in an abusive relationship. This could be with a parent or partner or boss. Accordingly initial steps might be dealing with anxiety. Second steps might be building confidence. Thirdly, skills are developed. For example interpersonal and communication skills often feature.
Furthermore, inner conflicts are resolved. Self esteem is strengthened. In a nutshell, your relationship with yourself is put right!
Strategies in Treating Depression
The counselling process helps you choose goals. The next step is selecting strategies. Finally, you are helped to implement these successfully. Consequently these changes put you onto a positive upward spiral.
Useful self help strategies abound! These can all make a huge difference. For instance simple changes to relieve stress are important. Huge benefit comes from long walks and time in nature.
Quality sleep is very important. Likewise, good self care practices are vital.
Making small changes can bring big payoffs. For example setting routines or playing certain music can give immediate benefit.
Being True To Yourself
In my practice I highly value being true to yourself. Hence we work on what you need in order to do this comfortably. As a result, you are freed up around choices. You can make choices and decisions that feel right for you. They are in alignment with your values and needs. Furthermore, these choices satisfy your heart.
We work together to resource you. In particular the aim is to bring more enjoyment to your life. For this reason, an important theme is empowerment. Hence you have more choice and mastery. In turn, this benefits how you manage your life and your self.
Often people feel embarrassed about needing help for depression. However such feelings are quickly dispelled!
A complex mix of science, skill and process is brought to treating depression. So it makes good sense to use a guide who understands the territory.
While you are in the grip of depression it is very hard to imagine feeling differently. However, with the right help and support you can make the changes to free yourself.
You can read more here about understanding depression.
Please feel welcome to contact me if you would like to discuss how I may help.
Comments are closed.