DEPRESSION - WHAT IS IT/

This has to be an age old question. - or questions. Depression..-..What is it?  Where does it come from?  Why does it happen?  What started it? Why does it keep coming back? Why can't I resolve it once and for all?  Why don't the anti-depressants work?  Why does nothing seem to work?

I am currently working with a client who frequently suffers from depression.  Despite long term anti-depressants - now being recognised by the medical profession as useless, but addictive......I hope there is some compensation available - and a healthy apparently happy lifestyle, there is always this underlying depression, and no matter how long we have worked on this, and from which angle we approach it, the depression always returns.  We have looked at every possible childhood experience which could contribute to this.  We have re-programmed his thinking to as positive as it can be, we have put together a great exercise programme, he has a happy family life............but still he suffers from time to time.  And suffers badly to the point of suicidal thoughts.

This is obviously more than distressing and frightening for him .This is not a new client/counsellor/therapist relationship, and we have worked on many issues during our time together, most of them with excellent and successful outcomes.Except the depression. 

There are millions of articles, thousands of self-help books, hundreds of techniques, and explanations galore.  Yet, millions of   people all over the world suffer from it.  And keep on suffering.  So, is there really no cure?  Is it just something people have to learn to live with?  Why are some people susceptible and some people appear to be immune?  Is it in the genes?  Is it attitude, or what really is this thing?

• Sadness, anxiety, or "empty" feelings
• Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
• Insomnia, oversleeping, or waking much earlier than usual
• Loss of weight or appetite, or overeating and weight gain
• Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
• Feelings of helplessness, guilt, and worthlessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering
• Restlessness, irritability or excessive crying
• Chronic aches and pains or physical problems that do not respond to treatment**** http://www.allaboutdepression.com/tre_01.html

• Set realistic goals and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
• Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
• Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
• Participate in activities that may make you feel better.
• Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.
• It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition--change jobs, get married or divorced--discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
• People rarely "snap out of" a depression.  But they can feel a little better day by day.
• Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
• Let your family and friends help
  

  http://www.allaboutdepression.com/tre_01.html

   

  What causes depression?

  There is no single known cause of depression. Rather, it likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors.

  Research indicates that depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain. Brain-imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have shown that the brains of people who have depression look different than those of people without depression. The parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior appear to function abnormally. In addition, important neurotransmitters–chemicals that brain cells use to communicate–appear to be out of balance. But these images do not reveal why the depression has occurred.

  Some types of depression tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. However, depression can occur in people without family histories of depression as well.⁹ Genetics research indicates that risk for depression results from the influence of multiple genes acting together with environmental or other factors.¹⁰

  In addition, trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode. Subsequent depressive episodes may occur with or without an obvious trigger.

• http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/complete-publication.shtml#pub1

  We are coming to the conclusion that when these episodes attack, he has to somehow find the strength to get through them, to hang on and know that it will eventually pass. And that he must always be in touch with his Doctor, although he has little faith of the prescription pushing brigade, or the pull yourself together approach. (lets be fair to Doctors, they are stressed, under huge pressure, and have horrific targets to meet)And that may be as  much as the Doctor can actually do.  But this isn't about Doctors, its about depression.

The great thing about my client is that he will talk about it.  Most people with depression cannot or will not talk about it.  It makes them feel powerless, inadequate and pathetic.  If only they knew that talking about it is the first and most important thing - talk to somebody, anybody,its ok if its a professional  as long as it is another human being.  Because of the breakdown in family social and community circles, some people only have professionals to talk to.  Thats more than ok, as long as
there is another human willing to listen.

If you suffer from depression or know somebody who does, please enlist help,

Phone me or e-mail me to take the first step to feeling better.