Depression & Trauma
Depression and trauma often look similar. We withdraw from others, we dislike or even hate ourselves. It’s very lonely.
The Vortex of Darkness
Depression, like a vortex, feeds on itself in order to grow. Listening to our negative thoughts makes us feel like hiding and doing nothing. It paralyzes us. We begin to feel worse as we give in to the bad/sad feelings until the behaviours which could help us, seem impossible to do.
Do I have depression?
Many people may not realize they are depressed. Do you feel profoundly lonely or sad? Wanting to sleep all the time or maybe you can’t sleep. Changes to appetite, avoiding friends, family and activities you used to enjoy, are all signs of depression.
Depression. What can I do on my own?
Many studies have shown that behavioural activation is one of the most effective treatments for depression. So, although working through the causes of your depression with a counsellor is important, just changing your behaviour is really key to lifting ourselves out of depression. The trick is to make a plan to start doing things, but gradually and progressively.