Depression

Depression is a major health problem in the UK, effecting at least one in six people at some time in their life. It affects both individuals and employers, through personal unhappiness and reduced productivity.

The issue is probably under reported, with women twice as likely as men to seek medical help for the ‘blues’.

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There is still a stigma attached to depression in some quarters - a sense that it is a personal weakness. Thankfully, many famous and talented people have now freely admitted they can get depressed – despite trappings of fame and fortune!

Sometimes the disorder is short-lived and lifts as quickly as it came. At the other extreme, hospitalisation is needed.

Within the range of severity, there are varying levels to which sad feelings can affect daily life. Depression is often linked to anxiety and persistent worrying thoughts. Stress can be contributory a factor, either external (e.g. job, relationships, financial) or internal (how one reacts to stressful events).

Depression may also have a clearly defined cause e.g. relationship breakdown or bereavement. But equally, the cause may be less obvious and linked to an earlier and consciously forgotten emotional experience.

An event in adult life can serve as a ‘trigger’ which acts as a subconscious reminder of a long forgotten and emotionally charged memory. It is the energy in the stored emotion which creates the anxiety, which then produces the depression symptoms.

Severe physical illness can also make people depressed. The advice of a registered medical practitioner should always be sought in diagnosing specific conditions.

There are a number of mental disorders which may lead to depression. These include phobias, anorexia nervosa, alcoholism and drug dependency.

However, many depressions arise from ‘free floating’ anxiety which has a more deeply rooted source. Once established, such a condition can become habitual - part of conditioned thinking – by automatically influences feelings and behaviour.

Symptoms

There is frequently a general sense of sadness which tends to peak in the early morning.

Other reactions include:

• Lower energy & lack of motivation
• Slower thoughts & physical movements
• Loss of interest in work &/or leisure pursuits
• Poor concentration & irrational thoughts
• Guilty feelings
• Tearfulness
• Procrastination &/or indecisiveness
• Early wakening & poor sleep patterns
• Pessimism
• Thoughts of death
• Poor personal hygiene
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Decreased sexual drive
• A withdrawal from social life
• Being self-absorbed

Personality plays a part in creating symptoms, particularly how the depressed person feels about themselves in reacting to the onset of depression.

Treatments

The usual medical intervention is a course of antidepressant medication, as prescribed by a medical doctor. Unfortunately, some patients can experience unpleasant side-effects from certain antidepressants.

Hypnoanalysis

This is a natural hypnotherapy process, used to address the root cause of a depression. Once the cause is identified the factor creating the depression – usually subconscious anxiety – is dissipated.

Hypnoanalysis takes 6 – 12 weekly sessions.

Suggestion hypnosis

Suggestions made under hypnosis can also help to reduce stress and raise self-confidence. It can develop calmness and relaxation, as old negative habits are progressively replaced by more positive thoughts.

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