It is written that depression results from seeing the shoulds in one’s life and believing that in some way you don’t measure up. The internalizing of those thoughts can result in depression. This could be thoughts or beliefs that you are not good enough, you don’t do things right, you are not lovable, you were abandoned and therefore you feel no one is ever there for you or other mistaken beliefs.
Depression symptoms are appetite changes, sleep disruption, hopelessness, sadness, fatigue, worry, intrusive thoughts, loss of pleasurable activities, and other physical or mental manifestations. Oftentimes some clients find that depression comes with anxiety, and anxious clients may have some depression too.
Sometimes depression can become so debilitating that one’s school or work is affected, as well as relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. At that critical stage it is crucial not to ignore the signs and symptoms but to reach out and seek professional assistance. This could include psychotherapy, psychotropic medication, counseling, life coaching, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, exercise and light therapy. These have been shown to positively benefit individuals suffering with depressive symptoms. Whatever course you choose in getting help for your depression, it is best to find a prescriber/therapist who involves you in the treatment planning and gives you all the facts to enable you to make an informed decision.
I understand that sometimes the hardest thing to do is make that initial phone call and admit that one has problems. I would invite you to re-frame limiting beliefs such as “I should be able to handle this by myself” or “If I just wait, it will get better by itself” to “aren’t I glad that I am healthy enough to ask for assistance” much as you would do if the problem was with any other part of your body. Once contact is made, clients often experience uplift in mood that comes from finally dealing with the issue and a return to optimal functioning.
If you can identify with having any of the issues connected with depression, let’s discuss some possibilities to facilitate movement into balance and your improved mental well-being.