Depression isn’t the same as “feeling a bit low”, although some people seem to think that depression is an insignificant affliction, and even that it doesn’t really exist! Ironically it’s this type of dismissive attitude which makes matters worse for the sufferer.   The truth about depression is that managing it is both tiring and debilitating, but you don’t have to accept any emotional condition which limits your ability to enjoy life, depression included.

The symptoms of depression can vary widely from person to person, but tiredness, a general loss of interest in life, anxiety, lack of sex drive and even physical pain might all be indications of depression.   I sometimes have people tell me that “depression is in the family” or “I have suffered with depression for years” and in so doing they really express a reluctant acceptance of their condition and are unable to see that depression can be overcome, not just temporarily, but forever. The beliefs that we carry about ourselves can be hugely damaging and they can challenge unfairly the idea that life can once again be rewarding and fulfilling sometimes seems like an unreachable dream for someone suffering from depression, but it isn’t.

I challenge any assertion that depression is a condition that needs to be endured and lived with. I believe with greater understanding of ourselves and the beliefs we hold it is possible to rise above any life limiting condition or emotion at least far enough to give us a renewed enthusiasm for our own lives. The reason for this is simple. Every emotion we experience is inside us and created by us. This means that if we choose to take responsibility for the emotions we experience, and we find inside ourselves feelings which aren’t helpful, we are able to begin the work of unpicking them and changing them. All of the answers are inside you.   I can’t do the work for you, but I can help you get to where you want to be. So if you are living with depression and you want to move to a better and more satisfying place in your life please get in touch.

 

Doing Something Enjoyable

A wise therapist once said to me. How do you expect to enjoy your life if you never do anything enjoyable. My experience of depression suggests that when we feel depressed we can’t identify enjoyable things, and when we do we find them we have forgotten how to enjoy them. Maybe I can help you reconnect, because you might just be expecting too much of yourself. Something enjoyable doesn’t have to be spending a whole day with a smile on your face, engaged in activities that keep you active, busy and happy. It can be something short and simple, like;

• Having a cup of tea and sitting in the garden
• A walk down the road in the sunshine
• Listening to a favourite song
• Making yourself something nice to eat
• Thinking about a happy time in your life

Why are these things important? They are important because they are acts of love and care for yourself. If you want to know more, contact me.