Depression is a complex mental health condition that can arise from various sources and affects millions of people around the world. It can be linked to adverse life experiences including abuse, neglect, loss, substance abuse, and physical illness. However, sometimes depression appears without an easily identifiable cause.

It may develop gradually, with an individual experiencing persistent low mood, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, and irritability. Other common symptoms include social withdrawal, reduced energy and motivation, difficulty making decisions and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. In severe cases, individuals may even have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Debunking the Inherited Curse:

There's a common misconception that depression is a genetic issue, a hereditary burden passed down through generations like an inescapable curse. Having a family history of depression could heighten the risk of experiencing the condition, in the sense that it is more likely for a child whose parents suffer depression to adopt their beliefs, thought-patterns and behaviours than a child with no such upbringing. It's important to clarify that depression is not a life sentence governed by your DNA but a response to life events and environmental influences.

Happiness is Deeper than Drugs:

Moreover, the notion of a chemical imbalance in the brain as the root cause of depression is not as straightforward as it may seem. Anti-depressant medications, while effective for some, only yield improvements in about one-third of those who take them. On average, these drugs result in a mere 30% increase in mood improvement. This means that some individuals continue to grapple with feelings of detachment, despair, and depression even after years of medication use.

Healing from Depression:

Understanding the exact origins of depression is not always necessary to overcome it. While revisiting the past in a sophisticated manner can be beneficial at times, we do not need to untangle traumatic memories to understand ourselves and find relief from depression. Instead, focusing on the present and future enables an individual to understand themselves and their relationship to the world. Self-reflection, education and changes in thought patterns and behaviour are more effective in creating long-term healing and transformation.

Self-Reflection:

Self-reflection is a potent tool, harnessed through practices like meditation, mindfulness, and hypnosis. Self-reflection involves looking inside oneself at our true nature. Through this introspection, we uncover the intricacies of our character, gaining insight to our proclivities, preferences, strengths and weaknesses. This process enables us to forge a deeper connection with ourselves, fostering personal growth, inner peace, and a greater understanding of the intricate dance between our thoughts, emotions, and actions. On the journey of self-discovery, regular practice of meditation, mindfulness, and hypnosis serve as invaluable guides to health, happiness and fulfilment.

Education:

Education is a necessary if we are to find a way out of depression. If you have experience of depression, acquiring knowledge about it can be extremely empowering. The more we understand what is going on inside us, the better equipped we are to take control and change it. Knowledge truly is power and we have a wealth of scientific research at our fingertips. By spending some time researching, comprehending and demystifying depression, we can get to know it and begin to reconcile the neglected areas of our lives.

Thought and Behaviour Patterns:

The journey to alleviating depression often begins with a shift in thought patterns and the behaviours we perform every day. Through introspection, we can recognize the recurrent, distressing thoughts that have woven themselves into repeated patterns in our mind. Thoughts like "I hate everything," "No one loves me," or "There's no point to anything" are common thoughts among depressed individuals. By becoming aware of such thoughts, we become more astute at identifying thinking patterns, such as generalizations or global thinking, which have painted our world with shades of darkness. Simultaneously, it is essential to address behavioural components. Nourishing our bodies with essential elements like water and wholesome foods, while engaging in regular physical activity, can be transformative in our recovery. These changes in behaviour often yield quicker and more effective relief than any antidepressant. The power to rewrite the narrative of our lives lies within us.

Reaching Out: The Importance of Seeking Help:

It is profoundly important to seek take action, seek help and make changes when the first signs of depression arise. The signs of depression, such as loneliness, sadness, stress, or reluctance to get out of bed, are the cues to take action. In these moments, reaching out to friends, family or professionals is essential. In the same way we would offer our care and support to a friend in need, we deserve to give ourselves the same respect.

Life is a sacred gift, a priceless experience and if we are not able to see its beauty then changes need to be made. While we need not expect ecstatic joy and euphoria every minute of every day, we do undoubtedly deserve relief from the clutches of emotional turmoil. We are all worthy of a life lived not merely in survival but in flourishing and in asking for help, we honour our intrinsic value and can find our rightful place in the world.