Understanding Depression

An Introduction to Understanding Depression

Depression, often described as the “common cold” of mental illness, is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, understanding depression is still proving to be a challenge, leading to misconceptions and stigma surrounding it. In this blog, we delve into the depths of depression, exploring its causes, symptoms, impact, and avenues for support and treatment.

Defining Depression: Depression is more than just feeling sad or experiencing occasional bouts of low mood. It is a serious mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Individuals with depression often lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, struggle with concentration and decision-making, and may experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns.

Jun 6, 2024 | Uncategorised

Types of Depression

Depression is not a one-size-fits-all condition which means that understanding depression can be difficult. It manifests in various forms, each with its own set of symptoms and duration. Major depressive disorder (MDD), often referred to as clinical depression, is the most common type and can significantly impair daily functioning. Other forms include persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), postpartum depression, and bipolar disorder, which features periods of depression alternating with episodes of mania or hypomania.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of depression are not fully understood, as it typically results from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Genetics may predispose individuals to depression, with certain gene variations increasing susceptibility. In the 1960’s it was proposed that imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, were implicated in its development, however, new research suggests that low serotonin levels do not cause depression as once thought.

Doctors are still utilising the use of anti-depressants as a treatment option despite this new research, see above.  Environmental stressors, trauma, chronic illness, and substance abuse can exacerbate or trigger depressive episodes.

Recognising the Signs

One of the first steps when it comes to understanding depression is Identifying depression. This itself can be challenging, as symptoms vary widely among individuals and may be masked by other conditions. Common signs include persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. It’s essential to recognize these signs early and seek help if you or someone you know is struggling.

The Impact of Depression: Depression not only affects the individual’s emotional well-being but also has far-reaching consequences for physical health, relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Chronic stress associated with depression can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and exacerbate existing medical conditions. In interpersonal relationships, depression may strain communication, lead to social withdrawal, and contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. At work or school, productivity and performance may decline, leading to absenteeism or academic underachievement.

Breaking the Stigma: Despite significant strides in mental health awareness, stigma and misconceptions surrounding depression persist, preventing many individuals from seeking help or disclosing their struggles openly. Stigma often arises from ignorance, fear, and societal attitudes that view mental illness as a sign of weakness or moral failing. Challenging these attitudes through education, open dialogue, and empathy is crucial in reducing stigma and fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking treatment without fear of judgment.

Seeking Help and Treatment Options

The journey toward recovery from depression begins with reaching out for help. Whether through therapy, medication, or a combination of both, effective treatments exist to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), Interpersonal therapy (IPT), and Hypnotherapy are commonly used to treat depression.

At Liberated Life, we see a lot of clients who have had other therapies and find us as a last-ditch attempt for help after other therapies have not worked. Many clients say they wish they had found us sooner, it is disappointing that Health professionals do not advocate Hypnotherapy and NLP enough as we find that our combination of NLP, Hypnosis and Solution Focused Therapy works extremely effectively in treating depression, as we look for root cause and do not merely talk about the problem endlessly.

Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may also be prescribed, however research also suggest that a placebo pill can have the same effect as taking anti-depressants. (Always speak to a medical doctor about taking medication).  Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, healthy diet, stress management techniques, and social support, can complement clinical interventions and promote overall well-being.

Supporting Loved Ones: If someone you care about is struggling with depression, offering support and understanding can make a significant difference in their recovery journey. Listen without judgment, validate their feelings, and encourage them to seek professional help if needed.  Encourage healthy coping mechanisms and offer practical assistance with daily tasks if necessary.

Self-Care Strategies: In addition to seeking professional help, practicing self-care is essential for managing depression and maintaining overall well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment, whether it’s spending time outdoors, pursuing hobbies, or connecting with supportive friends and family. Prioritize self-care rituals such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or relaxation techniques to manage stress and promote emotional resilience. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, maintaining a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake can also support mental health. Here are some other helpful tips:

• Vitamin B12 Boost spray, Vitamin D3 and Omega 3 supplements can help.

• 30 minutes of exercise per day at a similar time and preferably with other people, we are wired for connection and physical proximity to other people.

• Laugh for at least 20 minutes per day, this releases oxytocin which makes us feel good and is an anti-inflammatory. It also releases endorphins and serotonin which is a natural anti-depressant. So put your favourite comedy on!

• Stick post-it notes around your house to remind you to think about positive thoughts and memories – this strengthens positive neural pathways and releases more good hormones.

• Journalling – in a study researchers found that people suffering from anxious and depressive states who wrote down their thoughts and feelings for 15 minutes 3 times per week over a 12-week period had increased feelings of well-being and fewer depressive symptoms after one month.

• Keep a gratitude journal. Research shows that keeping a gratitude journal – that is writing down 3 things we are grateful for every night, can enhance mental wellbeing and promote a lasting change, as even short-term journalling has been shown to increase optimism by 5% to 15% and giving a 25% increase in sleep quality. Similar to giving, gratitude practices trigger the brain to release neurotransmitters and hormones associated with happiness including dopamine and serotonin.

Understanding Depression: In Conclusion

In conclusion: Surround yourself with a supportive network of professionals, friends, and family members who understand and validate your experiences. Celebrate small victories along the way and remember that healing is a gradual process, however with the right therapeutic help, such as the Mind Reboot, here at Liberated Life, healing doesn’t have to be a protracted effort as it can be with more traditional talking therapies. With the proper support, it is possible to emerge from the shadows of depression and rediscover a sense of hope, purpose, and joy in life.

We hope that our guide to understanding depression has been useful.

If you are suffering with depression, call us today to see how we can empower you to change so that you can lead a liberated life.

Alternatively, book a Mind Reboot session with us here https://www.liberated-life.com/mind-reboot/

You can find out more about anxiety and stress by watching this video on our YouTube channel too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GKPYnQFnpg