Depression and an answer...
Written by listed counsellor/psychotherapist: Paul Lipman - MBACP. Accred reg. - Individuals, Couples & Family.
27th April, 20170 Comments
"For some it is like, wading through treacle, others living in a thick black fog or dark deep well with no light and no way out or even looking in a cracked mirror.”
Depression is not feeling 'blue', or down or even depressed. Suffering from depression means you are stuck in a 'deep' constant feeling. Flat lining into a single feeling where symptoms can include: a complete lack of energy, anxiety, being detached from your life, even to the point you may not connect with who you or others are.
Life can seem pointless and often the desire to hide or sleep can become overwhelming. You cannot think or exercise your way out of feeling depressed. Yes, they both can help but are not the answer alone.
In fact, many who are depressed are often seen as not doing enough to help themselves when being depressed is more horrible than you can imagine. The person is often scared and would do anything not to feel as they do.
So what is happening?
Without denying the medical evidence which suggests feeling depressed has a connection to the level of particular hormones in your body; in my world, the body of belief is that what is happening, is exactly what it is called. Certain feelings are being 'depressed' or suppressed by a single feeling of continued extreme 'sadness'. Therefore once the underlying feelings are identified and are expressed, the symptom of feeling depressed lifts.
Therefore once the underlying feelings are identified and expressed the symptom of feeling depressed lifts.
Why can’t I do this for myself?
Sometimes feeling depressed does pass on its own. For others, it is far more difficult. People often have no idea why they feel as they do or that they are even depressed as symptoms can creep up over time.Some common reasons:
Some common reasons:
- You have formed a habit from early life of not feeling certain feelings and therefore can’t recognise what is happening.
- You learnt unconsciously in early life how to use variations of 'sadness' to keep you safe and get your needs met.
- You have suffered a loss or change of situation in your life and have been unable to work through your feelings.
- Some of those possible feelings underneath can include anger or sadness and due to early life experiences, you may feel weak or less than when you express how you feel so you don't.
What is the best approach?
There is no one 'fits all' approach. Everyone is unique. What is important, is to work at your pace and in ways that suit you. Patience and self- care are top of the list for me.
How long does it take?
Often people don’t snap out of feeling depressed. For many it is a gradual change. In fact, someone explained it very well when they said, “I know I’m no longer depressed, I just don’t know when and where it happened”.
How does Counselling help?
Counselling can help you identify, feel and express your depressed feelings allowing depression to lift.
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