Depression

Anyone that has experienced depression knows that it can cause debilitating anxiety, personal dissatisfaction and an empty sense of despair. It will strip you of your happiness and leave you feeling hopeless and fatigued. Women are more likely to suffer from depression partially due to hormonal factors. Along side of depression is blame and shame that is fueled by the thoughts that you are not doing enough to fix it, therefore you can see yourself as a failure. This feeds the cycle of depression. Instead of pointing the finger of blame, practice acceptance, which will leave room for exploring other reasons why you are feeling depressed. The most important thing to know is that you are not alone!

There are many contributing factors that would make a person vulnerable to depression. Here is a list of some examples:

• Isolation
• Loneliness
• Separation or divorce
• Financial strain
• Health concerns
• Death of a loved one/ fetal death
• Addictions
• Loss or discontentment with employment
• Unresolved past traumas

Through counselling I work with my clients to uncover the reason the depression has appeared. Exploring the contributing factors and how they are playing a significant part in the depression. Understanding the cause of your depression can help determine the treatment. In many cases, depression can be remedied by changing the situation.

It is also important for you to shift your perception, as the thoughts that are connected to the depression often feed its core. Through this shift you can find a way to break yourself free from the downward spiral of negative thinking and physical symptoms. Along side with mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance therapy, patience, compassion and gentle persistence you will begin to see a difference.