Depression is not simply a matter of feeling down, or unhappy for a few days…
Although there are still people who think that depression is trivial and not a genuine condition, and that you can just “pull yourself together” or “snap out of it,” they are wrong!
It is true that we all go through periods of feeling low from time to time, but depression is persistently feeling sad for weeks or months at a time, not just a few days.
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
For major depression you may experience a low or depressed mood, or an inability to feel pleasure; plus five or more of the following symptoms, for at least a two-week period:
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex
Difficulty concentrating and poor memory
Insomnia or oversleeping
Appetite changes, which may include weight gain or loss
Fatigue, lack of energy
Thoughts of suicide or death
Slow speech and slow movements
The severity of symptoms can vary. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low and lethargic, while at its most severe depression can make you feel suicidal and that life is no longer worth living.
Sometimes there is a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or even having a baby. People with a family history of depression are also more likely to experience it themselves.
But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.
Drugs and depression.
The common pattern for the treatment of depression these days involves a visit to your GP where you will probably be prescribed anti depressants. Although the modern SSRI type anti depressants are far better than those previously prescribed, like all drugs they still have potential side effects and disadvantages. Protracted use can lead to dependency or difficulties quitting and some have even been linked to suicide.
A drug free approach.
At Hypnotherapy Balham we recommend a drug free treatment process. Hypnosis only involves natural ingredients without the danger of harmful side effects. Hypnosis is completely safe and there are no recorded ill effects of anyone being treated using hypnotherapy… ever!
Don’t delay!
Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it’s best not to delay. The sooner you see someone, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery. You may feel lost and down now and you might possibly have forgotten how meaningful and exciting life can be, but make that extra small effort and pick up the phone today. Make today the first day of a bright and meaningful future. After a quick natter with Tracey on the phone you will find yourself skipping into our bright modern consulting rooms here in sunny Balham.
