Unfortunately, there
is still a something of a stigma attached to depressive illness in some societies - a sense
that it is a personal weakness. Thankfully, many famous and talented
people have now freely admitted that they can get depressed – perhaps surprisingly despite the
trappings of fame and fortune!
Sometimes
the disorder is short-lived and lifts as quickly as it came. At
the other extreme, depressions can last many years.
There are varying levels to which sad feelings
can affect daily life. Depression is often linked to anxiety and
persistent worrying thoughts. Stress can be contributory a factor,
either external (e.g. job, relationships, financial) or internal
(how one reacts to stressful events).
Depression
may have a clearly defined cause e.g. relationship breakdown
or bereavement. Otherwise, the cause may be less obvious and perhaps linked
to an earlier, often forgotten emotional experience. Clearly, depression is a difference experience to anxiety.
A recent
event in life can serve as a ‘trigger’ which acts
as a subconscious reminder of a forgotten and emotionally charged
memory. It is the energy in the stored emotion which creates the
anxiety, which then can produce depressive feelings.
Severe
physical illness can also make an individual depressed and the advice of your doctor should be sought in diagnosing
specific conditions.
Depression is a mental frame of mind which differes from more serious psychotic conditions. Psychotic mental disorders are beyond the scope of hypnotherapy.
There
are also a number of mental disorders which can lead to depression. These
include phobias, anorexia nervosa, alcoholism and drug dependency.
However,
many depressions arise from ‘free floating’ anxiety
which often have deep rooted sources. Once established, such a
condition can become habitual - conditioned thinking – automatically influencing feelings and behaviour.
Symptoms
There
is frequently a general sense of sadness which may peak in
the early morning.
Other indicators of depression include:
- Lower
energy & lack of motivation
- Slower
thoughts & physical movements
- Loss
of interest in work &/or leisure pursuits
- Poor
concentration & irrational thoughts
- Guilty
feelings
- Tearfulness
- Procrastination
&/or indecisiveness
- Early
wakening & poor sleep patterns
- Pessimism
- Thoughts
of death
- Poor
personal hygiene
- Weight
loss or weight gain
- Decreased
sexual drive
- A
withdrawal from social life
- Being
self-absorbed
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Personality
can play a part in creating specific symptoms, particularly how the depressed
person feels about themselves and their level of self-esteem and confidence.
Treatments
The
usual medical intervention is a course of antidepressant medication,
as prescribed by a medical practitioner, usually your GP. Some patients
can experience unpleasant side-effects from certain antidepressants, and there is a move towards other forms of treatment, hypnotherapy included.
Hypnoanalysis
This
is a natural hypnotherapy process to address the root cause
of a depression. Once the cause is identified the factor creating
the depression is dissapated.
| The
client then has a greater sense of insight into the condition.
Once this self-awareness is enhanced, the depression will be
replaced by a more optimistic outlook. |
Hypnoanalysis
takes 5 – 8 weekly sessions.
Suggestion
hypnosis
Powerful positive suggestions can also be made under hypnosis which help reduce stress and build self-esteem and confidence.
These develop calmness and relaxation, as old negative habits are
replaced by positive thoughts. |
