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Tel: 07827 440982

Depression is a natural response that we may feel during times of stress. It is often characterised by feelings of tiredness, lethargy, lack of motivation, sadness or tearfulness, lack of interest in life in general, not wanting to see people or interact, lack of appetite, or comfort eating, and so on. Sometimes depression is also often experienced alongside anxiety, anger and panic attacks.

In our primitive past, feelings that we now refer to as ‘depression’ would have enabled us to stay safe from potential danger. If we were forced into our cave because of very bad weather, or wild animals nearby, we would have been able to wait and probably sleep until the danger had passed and it was safe to go out and engage once again in life. During this time, we would not have felt like doing much, or interacting, and rightly so. This would have kept us safe until the danger had passed.

Today we still feel those urges sometimes when life has become too stressful. We might feel like curling up under the duvet, not going to work, or seeing people, and spending lots of time sleeping. We don’t feel like engaging, or getting things done, so we may become isolated, and day to day jobs pile up around us. We may lose interest in personal hygiene, eating, and looking after ourselves.

However, in modern life we are rarely hiding from wild animals or storms. It is more likely to to be work stress, relationship issues, overdue bills, and so on, none of which may pose any physical danger, but nevertheless are treated in this way by the primitive brain if our general stress/anxiety levels have become too high.

Another interesting factor of depression is the effect is has on our serotonin levels. Serotonin is one of our positive neurotransmitters that helps us to feel happy, coping, motivated and brave. With depression, our serotonin levels drop dramatically. This is because we produce serotonin by doing positive things, including activity and interaction. We do less of these things when depressed, and so feel less happy, coping, etc. This can create a negative downward spiral of low mood, lethargy, and lack of motivation,  which can be difficult to break out of on our own.

Hypnotherapy can help greatly by refocussing on positive things, and moving towards improving and coping with things one step at a time. Sessions are relaxing, positive and enjoyable. you will also receive a free CD to get the process started from the very beginning at your free Initial Consultation.