If you are suffering from depression then one of the hardest things to do is to reach out for help. The very nature of depression may affect our thinking, causing us to believe nothing can be done.
When we have thoughts of doubt about healing, especially if we have tried many different things to heal ourselves, we can effectively dig ourselves deeper into our depression by not taking action. We can get into a rut pretty easily.
There are many factors that may be contributing to feelings of depression, and understanding this can be a good starting point for opening the to door to successfully working through some of the issues we face.
There is not always just the one contributing factor to experiencing depression. Our family history can lead to a genetic predisposition for depression, our personality and habits of rumination, perfectionism and low self-esteem can be large contributors, facing serious medical illnesses, and any sort of life challenges that take us out of our capacity to tolerate the difficulties we encounter can have an impact on our wellbeing.
So, what can we do about our feelings of depression?
For mild depression, sometimes simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference. Looking at our diet, sleep, exercise and level of stress and making simple changes can sometimes really turn things around.
For more complex situations, when depression has really set in, getting some psychological support can be extremely useful.
In our clinic we have an integrated psychotherapeutic approach when working with all of our clients. This means that we look at each individual and work together collaboratively to assess what is causing the depression and how we can work through it together in a safe, caring and professional relationship.
Some of the evidence-based interventions we use at the clinic, which have been proven time and again to help with depression, are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapies, interpersonal therapy (IPT) and existential therapy.
Using these approaches, under the care of a professional who understands how to support you best, can be a life changing experience.
Living with depression can have a impact on all aspects of our lives and sometimes we need support to guide us in the right direction, out of the quagmire, and towards a more satisfying and hopeful future.
Jacqui Snooks is a registered counsellor and psychotherapist and the Clinical Director of Haven Counselling and Psychotherapy in Mornington. For more information please visit: havencounselling.com.au