Depression is a natural reaction to something bad which has happened in our lives. It is a natural human response to seek and receive reassurance at times of difficulty. When this process doesn't happen, it can lead to a persistent sadness, life loses its meaning and there is little joy in our daily experience. For some these unhappy episodes pass, for others it can take hold, deepen and begin to darken perspective.
Depression tends to perpetuate itself. Once feeling depressed, we tend to see everything through the eyes of depression – situations become personal, inescapable and permanent. Focusing on negative outcomes of choices and pessimism about the future. Life can feel like an unwanted burden.
Depression can affect sleeping and eating patterns, creating irritability, lethargy, forgetfulness, withdrawal from social activities and personal neglect. Daily routines and activities become more difficult to cope with.
Feelings of worthlessness, rejection, self-doubt, isolation, helplessness and hopelessness are common. It can become more difficult to recognise and express our feelings, in particular anger and hurt. In a bid to reduce our pain we try to supress our emotions. In doing so we lose the valuable emotional wisdom contained in feelings, resulting is a sense of being out of control and alone.
Depression can become an opportunity for personal growth and development. Talking can help you reconnect with your emotions, acknowledge your strengths and change your perceptions. By coming to terms with emotional conflicts, resentments and fears, depression can slowly dissipate.