Strategies to Beat the Blues: Improving Mood and Mental Well-Being

No one thing triggers depression and very often people can’t put their finger on when it happened or why its happened.

Depression is more than feeling a bit low. It’s feeling sad, and hopeless, having low self-esteem, unable to find pleasure in doing the things you used to enjoy or other people seem to enjoy. If these feelings last longer than a few weeks, you may be suffering from them.

Approximately 264 million people worldwide will suffer from a mental health problem at some time during the year with depression being one of the most common types.

Depression is a prevalent psychological disorder that affects millions of individuals across the globe, and it is important to recognize that anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, can experience this debilitating condition. For many people, experiencing feelings of sadness, low mood, or a temporary sense of being down is a common part of life. These feelings often arise in response to specific events or circumstances and typically do not linger for extended periods; they tend to fade away as the triggering issue, worry, or memory diminishes in significance or intensity.

However, it is crucial to understand that depression extends far beyond the ordinary experience of feeling a little low or discontented. It is a complex mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. The emotional pain associated with depression can be profound and all-consuming, often making it difficult for individuals to carry out daily activities or maintain relationships. The causes of depression can be varied and multifaceted, ranging from external factors such as the loss of a loved one, financial stress, divorce, or job loss, to internal factors like biological predispositions or medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or chronic illnesses.

When depressive feelings begin to interfere significantly with one’s everyday life—impacting work performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life—it is crucial to recognize the need for professional help. Seeking assistance from mental health professionals, such as hypnotherapists, psychotherapists, psychologists or psychiatrists, can provide individuals with the tools and support necessary to navigate their depression. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these approaches, all tailored to the individual’s unique circumstances and needs. Understanding the depth of depression and its potential consequences is the first step towards recovery, and acknowledging the need for help is a brave and important move towards healing.

SSRIs are protocol and usually the first port of call at the doctor’s office, but there are drug-free options out there also, and many things you can do to help yourself.

Clinical Hypnotherapy has become widely recognised as an effective treatment for people suffering from or experiencing depression. Hypnotherapy is more effective than cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), which in the past, was the most common therapeutic approach in treating clinical depression.