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RISING WOMEN EXPERT
ADVICE...
How do I overcome depression?
If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, you may wonder what has occurred
to make you feel this way. The fact is that anyone can get depression and
there is no one single cause. It is very common, affecting about 340 million
people worldwide. It could be situational, which means a normal reaction to
life events, such as a recent loss. Genetics may play a role or there could
be other psychological or physical issues at play. Clinical Depression is
perhaps the most common issue encountered; it is said that one in four
adults will experience clinical depression in their life. Fortunately,
depression is much easier to treat today than in the past.
If you are having any of the following symptoms of depression, it would be
worth making an appointment to talk with a therapist:
- A lack of energy or feeling run-down;
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt and anxiety;
- Loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy;
- Change in appetite;
- Change in sleeping patterns;
- Inability to concentrate.
People who have low self-esteem or are pessimistic are at higher risk of
becoming depressed. Our thinking affects our feelings, which affect our
behaviour, so there is always something you can do to address the negative
thoughts.
Unfortunately doctors only have time to prescribe anti- depressants and that
can address the symptoms but often never deals with the underlying cause.
Treatment for depression by a doctor involves increasing levels of Serotonin
in the brain. Known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s),
these medications are felt to work by making more Serotonin available in the
brain.
Seeing a therapist who specializes in depression can help you work through
some of your thoughts and feelings. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and
Hypnotherapy are the most effective ways of changing some irrational or
negative beliefs you may have which contribute to the way you are feeling.
Have you often noticed that two people can have a completely different
perspective of the same situation? It’s often not the things in our life
that happen to us, but our reactions to them, and these things are vastly
different. Please know that if you feel this way there is help and there is
hope. There are many skilled helpers who are waiting to take your call, so
take action today and make that first step in your journey back to health.
For more help on overcoming depression, contact Claire Bramham,
Clinical Hypnotherapist at Mind & Body Therapy Inc. on 403.397.0011 or
through her website at
www.mindandbodytherapy.ca
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