Depression is a disorder that typically features a strong preoccupation, usually with the past, but sometimes the present. Maria has provided beneficial hypnotherapy treatment for depression, for many clients over the years. People who suffer from depression see the future from a pessimistic point of view and as a reflection of the past, e.g. \u2018Because I have never been happy, I will never be happy\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All of us have experienced some form of depression, sadness, low mood or disappointment that it usually is temporary and doesn\u2019t have a crippling effect on our lives; but for some people these depressive episodes last days, weeks, months and even years and can become more life-impairing than many major chronic diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The number of prescriptions for antidepressants has doubled over the past 10 years. We are so busy wanting quick results that we are choosing to cure ourselves with pills instead of understanding the root causes of our mood imbalances, learning how to cope with them and evolving the skills of shifting focus and learning to become realistically optimistic. Many people have no time to invest and therefore are willing to hope the drug will sort out the financial issues, the lifestyle-related medical issues, the domestic problems, the work issues, etc. However when we review the evidence from pharmaceutical companies, we can clearly see there are a very small number of benefits in improving low mood using antidepressants compared to people who are treated with a placebo pill. Why are we willing to take a leap of faith for the pharmaceutical companies but not take a leap of faith about our inner resources which would have far more beneficial and sustainable long-term effects if we put in the time and effort?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The long list of side-effects of antidepressants is enough to make anyone feel sick yet we trust and surrender to the thought that there is a pill for every ill. The side effects are very real as are the risks of dependence and withdrawal when weaning off them. In the context of depression, no drug can cure the underlying trigger. It can help alleviate some of the pain but the cure requires deeper attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In any case, the majority of people don\u2019t need a pill; they need therapy to overcome the cause of their pain and distress and to acquire the necessary and specific life skills to thrive. They also need company, mental stimulation, hobbies, compassion and help on a social level. The pills are not going to help with that; furthermore it will contribute to masking the problem and cause recurrent GP appointments, A&E attendances, more sick days off work, a loss of sense of health and wellbeing and loss of morale for them and people around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The role of psychotherapy has been firmly established as vital, not only to overcome episodes of depression but also to minimize the likelihood of later relapses. Hypnotherapy holds great potential for empowering the patients. It shows clearly that when patients are provided with new tools that will help them better accomplish what they are trying to accomplish, they will often integrate them readily and adjust to a better quality of life learning to become realistically optimistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I treat this \u201cperiod of deep reflection\u201d using integrative Rational Emotive Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy approaches. I also explain to my patients that they have a right to feel the way they do, and the sooner they can accept the depression, the faster it will go away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n