Understanding depression and how psychotherapy can help

What is depression?

When people talk about feeling depressed they usually mean they are low in spirit, feeling a bit miserable or fed up. These are perfectly normal feelings that everyone experiences and usually they pass within a few hours or days without affecting our ability to function in our everyday lives. 

However, depression in the medical sense of the word, is an illness that gives rise to profoundly difficult and persistent feelings. Whilst there is variation in the way it affects individuals there are typical features such as feelings of hopelessness, deep sadness, self-loathing, worthlessness, lack of vitality or motivation, and in severe cases suicidal tendencies. 

One of the challenges with depression is that, unlike physical illnesses, on the outside we may appear to be fine. There is no broken leg, hacking cough or strange spots to indicate that there is something wrong. It can be tempting for the uneducated observer to wonder why someone can’t just pull themselves together.

Without such visible symptoms it may even be hard to convince ourselves that there is something wrong and that we need help. Fortunately we are beginning to understand more about depression and with greater social awareness more people feel able to ask for the help that they need. 

What causes depression? 

There is still no consensus as to what exactly causes depression. Some experts believe it is due to biological factors while others believe it is a result of traumatic or difficult personal experiences. It is most likely due to an integration of biological, personal and social factors. 

Stress and depression

 Depression can be triggered by stressful events such as:

·      bereavement

·      breakdown of a relationship 

·      loss of a job

·      consequences of an illness

·      physical conditions such as an underactive thyroid

·      hormonal changes after the birth of a child

Social triggers of depression 

Depression can be part of a downward spiral after a series of testing events, and people who are lonely are more susceptible to it. There is a tendency for depression to be a common trait in families, so if one family member suffers from it there is a higher chance others will too. 

Alcohol and drugs are known contributors to depression. Whilst alcohol is often used to relax and relieve stress it also acts as a depressant. Cannabis has also been shown to bring on depression and other mental health issues. 

What does depression feel like?

Depression has been described in many ways. Winston Churchill famously referred to it as ‘The Black Dog’, while others say it feels like darkness, an abyss or a constant heaviness. 

Symptoms will vary from person to person but if you find yourself agreeing with several of these then there is a possibility that you could be suffering from depression: 

 Physical 

·      Lack of energy

·      Disturbed sleep – difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep 

·      Change in appetite  

·      Unexplained aches and pains 

·      Increased reliance on alcohol or other substances to soothe difficult feelings

Psychological

·      Low self-worth

·      Feeling hopeless or that life isn’t worth living

·      Unable to enjoy life 

·      No motivation or interest in things 

·      Persistent anxiety or worry 

·      Continuous low mood or sadness, feeling tearful 

·      Feeling numb and empty 

·      Irritability and intolerance of others 

·      Wanting to withdraw and isolate yourself 

·      Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself 

Types of depression 

There are other more specific types of depression such as bi-polar disorder, previously known as manic depression – in which the person alternates between periods of excessively high moods (mania) and depression.

There is also seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or ‘winter depression’ which has a seasonal pattern usually related to winter.

Another specific type is postnatal depression which develops after the birth of a baby.

Psychotherapy helps depression

Psychotherapy is based on the assumption that depression can occur because of unresolved—usually unconscious—conflicts, often originating from childhood. 

In a previous article I talked about the benefits of seeking therapy. As a psychotherapist I’d facilitate a space for you to talk about your feelings and become more aware of your full range of emotions, including contradictory and troubling ones, and to help you more effectively bear these feelings and put them in a more manageable perspective.

Psychotherapy can be useful for finding connections in past experiences and seeing how those events might contribute to feelings of depression. The psychotherapeutic approach can also be helpful for building your self-awareness and increasing certain emotional capacities.

Psychotherapy helps regain a sense of control and pleasure in life, you can learn coping techniques and problem-solving skills.

Take action today

Although depression can feel hopeless there is much that can help the sufferer. Some people recover fully and others find ways of managing it. Whilst it can seem devastating, depression can also be a catalyst, demanding that we face up to our selves, that we make peace with our wounds, our self-doubt and imperfections. 

With the right kind of help we can learn to be kind and accepting of ourselves and find our hopefulness again.

Sophia England, Psychotherapist, Newtown Counselling