Depression

Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease our ability to live meaningful lives at work, or at home.

Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

Feeling sad or having a depressed mood

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting

Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

Loss of energy or increased fatigue

Feeling worthless or guilty

Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions

Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression does not discriminate. Men and women of every age, educational level and social and economic background can suffer the effects of depression. There is no area of life that does not suffer when depression is present. Marriage, parenting, friendships, careers, finances – every aspect of daily living can become compromised. Once an episode of depression occurs, it is possible for it to reoccur. The impact of depression can be even more severe when it occurs in combination illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, or cardiovascular disease, or with anxiety or substance abuse.

I have many years experience of working with male and female clients experiencing the effects of depression. For some clients, this has meant reclaiming aspects of themselves that have been forgotten and become dormant. For others, it has meant undertaking a radically different path in their lives. Whatever the outcome, the work for many people has begun with learning to listen and give a space to what is being asked to be witnessed.

For more information on depression:

https://www.rethink.org/diagnosis-treatment/conditions/depression/about?gclid=CI6L_O78tdMCFTgo0wodCtQD3Q

http://mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/#.WPo0w1IzWUk