Depression can happen to anyone, and indeed one in four of us will suffer from depression over the course of our lives. It can occur due to a number of factors such as biological make up, circumstances in our upbringing such as trauma etc, or in reaction to a loss of one form or another.
Depression can come on slowly, so much so that we do not even realise we are depressed, or for others it can come on very suddenly and acutely. In cases where it comes on slowly it takes a close person in our lives to reflect back to us that we are depressed, and filling out a check list of symptoms is often needed to confirm it. In some cases one’s G.P. may identify it and advise therapy.
We at Rathgar Consultancy adopt a two pronged approach to depression. In some cases it is necessary to talk through difficulties and past traumas, while at the same time looking at the present day factors that are keeping the depression going, using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy techniques. The insidious nature of depression ensures that we inadvertently perpetuate it – the way we are prone to think and behave during a bout of depression affects the way we feel, keeping us feeling sad, guilty, angry, anxious and hopeless. This vicious cycle keeps us depressed. In other cases the treatment of depression is present based and focuses entirely on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy techniques.
Depression makes us think in a very negative fashion and very soon these thoughts become very automatic and ingrained. They tell us that we are useless, that things are hopeless, that nothing will ever change, that we are to blame for these events, we are different, not as good as, we will never be one of the bright, happy, shiny people. We can dwell and ruminate on these thoughts repeatedly, mulling over things, asking ourselves why?, thinking regretful things about the past, what we should and should not have done.
This all leads us to behave in a way that is ultimately self defeating. we say to ourselves What is the point in going out? what is the point in doing anything? So we stay at home and stop doing the things we enjoy, we do less and less until depression has us where it wants us, in bed with the curtains drawn, the phone off, tired and lonely. This is when depression has full reign, total control. Energy creates energy, and lack of energy creates lack of energy. we feel more tired no matter how long we spend in bed, we have difficulty concentrating and remembering so work is affected, and we feel worse about ourselves. We lose interest in hobbies, activities, sex and on and on we go in a vicious cycle.
Using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy we break this cycle using specific techniques. We identify and challenge the negative thoughts that are influencing our depression, and tackle the avoidant behaviour that perpetuates the depression using specific and realistic goals. In this focused and targeted way the depression soon begins to loose its grip and the individual begins to feel like he/she is returning to their former selves.
All our therapists work with depression and in this fashion, allowing you to have the maximum choice of therapists in relation to gender, age, price etc.
Depression can be a debilitating and frightening condition, isolating us from even those closest to us. It is treatable. Call us for an assessment and treatment plan designed to suit your needs.