Depression is a mental health disorder indicated by constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. It often involves physical symptoms such as changes in sleep and appetite and can significantly impair one’s ability to function in daily life. Depression can have profound negative effects on the mind and body. A person generally diagnosed with depression is one who has consistently experienced deep sadness for longer than a two-week period.
Causes & Effects of Depression
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) the number of people currently experiencing a mental health issue is 21.5% of the population. Depression doesn’t discriminate. It can affect people from all cultures, economic backgrounds, men, women, young people, children, and people in the lgbtqia2s+ community of all ages. The rate of depression among the population could be attributed to several factors, but not limited to, a fast-paced lifestyle and constant work pressures, bullying in the workplace, ill health, economic pressures, challenges of modern living, poor or toxic relationships, grief, loss, trauma, falling pregnant or having a baby (perinatal or postpartum) may all cause depression.
Those struggling with the effects of depression, may find it extremely draining. Symptoms of depression can include feeling prolonged and severe emotional pain, deep sadness, feeling numb, irritated, apathetic or empty, feeling tired or disinterested in undertaking activities, wanting to isolate from activities, situations or people that would have previously brought joy. Self-harm and suicidal thoughts or attempting to take one’s life are also symptoms of depression.
Effects on the Mind:
Depression is often described as a relentless fog that clouds the mind. Individuals struggling with depression may experience a range of issues with regards to their thought processes such as difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things. Feelings of worthlessness and a sense of hopelessness can further aggravate thought processes, making it challenging for individuals to imagine a brighter future.
Effects on the Body:
The mind-body connection is undeniable, and depression can manifest physically as well. Individuals dealing with depression may encounter broken sleep patterns, changes in appetite, and a general lack of energy. The prolonged stress associated with depression can contribute to weakened immune systems, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
Effects on a Person’s Life:
Depression can affect every aspect of a person’s life. It can have an impact on work and career, relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Managing everyday tasks such as shopping, cooking, housework, and personal care may also decline if a person is in a state of depression.
Hypnotherapy helps break through Depression:
Hypnotherapy involves guided relaxation and focused attention to help individuals access their subconscious minds. Hypnotherapy aims to address the root causes of depression, facilitating positive changes in thought patterns and behaviours.
- Removing Negative Thought Patterns: We have thousands of thoughts a day, and of those thoughts, for most people, they tend to be negative. These negative thoughts occur on a subconscious level, and they are generated so fast we are often unaware of them and the impacts they have. Mental well-being can be improved once positive constructive thinking patterns are established and by using hypnotherapy to access and change those subconscious thought patterns.
- Reduce Stress and Relaxation: Learning and using relaxation techniques to calm the mind and body can assist individuals to deal with stress more easily. The degree and intensity of depression can be reduced as stress levels are managed effectively via the techniques learnt during hypnotherapy.
- Increase Self-Esteem and Confidence: Individuals experiencing depression can have reduced levels of self-esteem and confidence. Hypnotherapy is a wonderful way to restore feelings of self-worth and confidence, strengthening individuals and enabling them to cope with life’s challenges easily.
- Moving Beyond Trauma and Past Experiences: Unresolved trauma and past experiences can project a person into a state of depression. By using appropriate therapies and techniques such as EMDR and hypnosis an individual can free themselves of the negative effects even if they have been experiencing them for months, years or even decades. Life improves exponentially when associated negative emotional responses, negative physical responses, triggers, and flashbacks are nullified from the trauma or experience.
By tapping into the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can break the cycle of negative thoughts, reduce stress, and empower individuals on their journey to mental and emotional well-being.
Depression’s impact on people is undeniable, affecting both the mind and body. As we strive to understand and address this persistent condition, hypnotherapy offers hope to those suffering from depression.
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