We all feel a bit down sometimes. Usually, this feeling is normal and will pass, but for some people, this feeling persists and affects their everyday lives.
This persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest is Depression – a mood disorder. Although many people feel sad regularly throughout life, depression is different as it is an ongoing problem, not a passing one. Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms. They range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful.
However it is also among the most treatable of mental disorders with majority of people finding a relief from their symptoms. Depression can be brought on by one or a combination of things, often an upsetting, stressful, or traumatic events such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries. It can often creep unexpectedly. The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living.
| Common symptoms of depression |
- Feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.
- Low mood or sadness
- Feelings of hopeless and helpless and low self-esteem
- Irritability and intolerance of others
- Sleep problems
- Loss of motivation or interest in we liked before
- Difficulty making decision
- Changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
- Unexplained aches and pain
| How can Hypnotherapy help with depression |
Hypnotherapy can be a helpful tool in treating depression, either as a stand-alone treatment or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
During a hypnotherapy session for depression, I will guide you into a state of deep relaxation, and then use various techniques such as visualization, positive suggestion, and cognitive reframing to address the underlying thoughts and emotions contributing to your depression.
We try to identify and address negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to depression. During the hypnosis we will develop a more positive self-image and improve self-esteem and reduce overall level of anxiety. The hypnosis works on subconscious level and it is able to access very deeply rooted causes of the depression. This intervention will go hand in hand with learning relaxation and stress-reduction techniques to manage symptoms of depression. The other aim is to increase motivation and energy levels.
It’s important to note that hypnotherapy for depression is not a substitute for professional medical treatment for depression, but it is considered a complimentary therapy.