Depression
Depression is not just the typical inability to leave your room, feeling sad all the time or wanting to self-harm. It is a commonly used word and most people think they know what it looks like. However, it can actually be surprisingly disguised and easily normalised in our day to day lives.
Symptoms of Depression:
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- You may be feeling a persistent sadness or low mood, empty of hopeless for most of the day.
- You may lack interest and pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.
- Feel tired after sleeping and have difficulty sleeping.
- Feeling tired most of the time and lacking in energy.
- Changes in appetite - weight loss or gain.
- Finding it difficult to concentrate and have trouble focussing. Experience memory loss.
- Feeling like your a burden to others and self-critical
- Feeling anxious and on edge, or irritable.
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My past personal experience of Depression was not a nice one. Everyone experiences depression in their own particular way. It's when you are stuck in that place that you need professional help and support, but I know that during these episodes you don't want to take part in the work that will help you get out of it. It's really hard to find the interest and motivation needed to get out of your depression. It is even harder to imagine that it is possible for things to improve. This is why it's best to get help. Taking that leap of faith is hard. I can assure you that engaging with a therapist that you can make a connection with and trusting the process, can bring you back to normality. I'm not saying it will be easy, it's hard work, and can be a slow process. The alternative is really not an option. In time of need, ask for help. It's not the time to stick your head in the sand and hope it will go away.
If you feel like life is a drag and you're unable to take part in it, suffering with the symptoms listed above, then you may need to see a doctor, therapist or both. Medication and/or CBT can be very helpful. The best thing about getting help is that it works, whether you believe it will, or not.
I can help you learn the skills to bring you back to normality and with CBT we can work together to help you identify the triggers early on, and to offset the severity of future episodes. Dont be hard on yourself. Being self critical is not helpful, in fact it will keep you in your depression. Self compassion is needed. I know I have been there and worn that t-shirt. With my professional skills and personal experience I feel I am uniquely positioned to help you. Let me help you.
