What Is Depression?
Depression is a commonly used expression to describe low mood, sadness and a lack of joy or interest in life. It is normal to sometimes experience the ‘blues’ as life throws challenges our way, however a persistent depressed mood, experienced over a prolonged period of time, can indicate a more chronic condition — e.g. Clinical Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Bipolar. This page speaks to the everyday, circumstantial end of that spectrum — if you recognise a chronic or clinical pattern in yourself, your doctor is the right first step, not a coaching page.
What Are The Symptoms of Depression?
Symptoms associated with depression include:
- Sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, detached
- Loss of joy and interest in activities
- Irritability
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- Feeling worthless, guilty
- Tearful
- Difficulty making decisions
- Social anxiety
Common Treatments For Depression
The type of depression diagnosed will ultimately affect the treatment. Chronic conditions are often supported with a mix of antidepressant medications, mindful and balanced coping strategies along with recommended talking therapies, which start to tackle the potential underlying causes.
Where depression might be viewed as a more temporary, circumstantial or environmental state, exercise, diet, sleep and a review of work/life balance may prove helpful.
Can Depression Coaching Help Me?
Coaching isn’t a substitute for clinical treatment. If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, or a low mood has lasted for some time, please speak with your doctor first. Where depression is more circumstantial — connected to a specific season of life, ongoing pressures, or feeling stuck — coaching with the Mind-Body Bridge can help you explore what might be contributing to how you’re feeling, and where to focus first. If you’d like to learn more about how this approach can help, please book a call.
Please always consult a healthcare professional about any health concerns, before getting in touch.
