Although we might feel deeply alone and isolated, we aren’t. Many others experience depression and many receive treatment helping them return to feeling more their usual self or reducing the impact of depression on their daily lives.
Depression is a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest, which stops you doing your normal activities. Different types of depression exist, with symptoms ranging from relatively minor to severe.
The exact cause of depression isn’t known. Generally speaking depression does not result from a single event, but from a combination of biological, psychological, social and lifestyle factors.
· Family history and family issues
· Personality
· Medical conditions
· Drug and Alcohol abuse
· Life events
· Changes in the brain
· Genetic Vulnerability
· Severe life stress
· Taking certain medications
Seek support. Given the wide range of possible causes and also variation in the severity of depression it is important to find the right support for you. You can start by seeing your GP.
Broadly speaking anti-depressants help stabilise your mood by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain. This is only part of the journey however as getting the right type of therapy is key.
Talking therapies which connect you to another human being in a positive and reparative relationship guided by clear goals can be hugely beneficial. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on how thoughts, feelings and behaviour are connected. Transactional Analysis works very well as a therapy for treatment as it doesn’t just focus on a single area of presentation, but rather looks to support the person as a whole, while exploring their other presenting issues.
BA, Dip. Couns. MNCPS (Accred)
Member UKATA, EATA, ITAA and STAA
Transactional Analysis Practitioner
