Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, but when emotions such as hopelessness and despair take hold and just won’t go away, you may have depression.
What is Depression?
It is a mental health condition which can affect thinking, energy, feelings and behaviour. It can vary from being mild to severe and can have a profound impact, affecting how you think, feel, and function in daily activities. Just trying to get through the day can be overwhelming as it can interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and enjoy life.
It’s important to remember that feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are symptoms of depression – not the reality of your situation.
Managing Depression
However, no matter how hopeless you feel, you can get better. By understanding the cause and recognizing the different symptoms and types of depression, you can take steps towards feeling better and managing the problem.
You may be experiencing depression if you:
- Have prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety or guilt (anxiety can include social anxiety)
- Experience low energy, fatigue or constant tiredness
- Experience a change to your normal sleep pattern
- Lose interest in family/social life and hobbies
- Have low self-esteem, strong feeling of worthlessness or guilt
- Experience aches and pains but with no physical reason
- Have difficulty with concentration, focusing or remembering things
I incorporate many approaches some based in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you the client understand your symptoms and how to manage them so that you are able to live the life of your choosing.
If you would like to discuss any of the above, please contact me.