Depression

66% of British adults have experienced depression; the vast majority more than one episode. You are in the best position to judge whether what you are experiencing is 'abnormal' for you.

There are 3 main causes of depression:

• Any kind of loss - bereavement, the end of a relationship, loss of status, friends, health, etc.

• Unmet needs

• Suppressed strong emotions

  Many people when they are depressed think negatively and focus on emotional upset. Strong emotions focus and hook our attention, and we get more of what we focus on. We can challenge negative thoughts and regain some perspective. ‘Stewing’ deepens depression. Do not suppress sadness as this deepens depression.

  Poor sleep - Insomnia and depression

Many depressed people sleep badly, wake up feeling exhausted and are low in energy and motivation. Poor and broken sleep is one of the symptoms of depression, often alongside a lot of dreaming sleep. (Rapid Eye Movement - REM). The reason for the increased dreaming when in a depressed state is the amount of emotional arousal during the day - thinking about things that we feel anxious or bad about.

Dreams are our way of processing emotionally aroused, 'charged' thoughts. We do need a certain amount of dream sleep, but too much REM sleep is exhausting and stops us from getting the regenerative and refreshing sleep we need.

Finding out about where to get help, and making an appointment can be the first big step towards taking control and getting out of depression.

Nobody needs to stay in a state of depression.  I work with clients in very practical ways to lift depression fast.

Recommended reading:

How to lift Depression. Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrell. Human Givens Publishing 2004. Available from www.humangivens.com

Lifting the Lid on Depression.  Chris Scott.  Diggory Press.

www.clinical-depression.co.uk - site with lots of useful information.

Samaritans (24 hour free calls) 116 123