Let’s talk about depression. Everybody goes through phases of feeling sad or not quite right in themselves. Depression, however, is a condition where people feel truly profound unhappiness for much of the time.
Depression is probably the most common of all psychological problems, with an estimated 12 per cent of the developed world’s population suffering from it at any one time. Despite the statistics, some people still find it difficult to talk about depression and it would seem there’s still a stigma attached to talking about mental health in general. For a more detailed article surrounding this subject, you can visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/s/stigma-and-discrimination
Although everybody feels down from time to time, depression is actually a recognised mood disorder. There are many factors which can cause depression, and there is considerable debate over which aspects are most significant. It is argued by some that it is a genetic disorder, therefore already present at birth. Others believe that early experiences or a series of life events cause psychological problems.
Depression is not just feeling sad
It can be very difficult to understand how someone suffering from depression feels. Many sufferers often find that they have low energy. They may have little or no interest in doing things, perhaps something they really enjoyed previously. Some people experience a disturbed sleep pattern. The lack of sleep can have knock-on effects, which could lead to irritability, taking time off of work, and negative impacts on relationships. There may be physical symptoms too, such as aches and pains.
The natural approach to overcome depression
At the clinic, we offer a range of natural therapies that can be considered useful in helping relieve the physical and emotional symptoms of depression, including:
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Herbal Medicine
- Homoeopathy
- Hypnotherapy
- Reflexology
- Reiki
- Swedish Massage
Depression Case Study – Vera Peiffer
“Paul (24) came to see me for treatment of his depression which he had suffered with for seven years. It had started when he first learned that his parents were going to separate.
During analytical hypnotherapy, he experienced a great sense of abandonment when remembering his parents splitting up, even though he was already 17 years old at the time. This seemed to suggest that the depressed feelings dated back to a time before his parents’ separation. As his earlier years of childhood unfolded, it became clear that his father had been absent a lot and his mother was undemonstrative and incapable of showing any warmth to her children. She was preoccupied with her own life and unable to give her three children the attention they craved. In order to get any attention at all, Paul tried to be particularly good and helpful, but somehow, he never managed to gain his mother’s approval. When he left for boarding school, he was still wetting his bed at times.
At boarding school, a rough regime and repeated bullying resulted in further withdrawal. Even though he rang home frequently to tell his mother about his unhappiness, she would not really listen. After each holiday, he would scream and cry because he did not want to go back, but no one took any notice. He was considered a difficult child who made a great fuss over nothing. No one ever bothered to ask him why he so desperately did not want to go back to school.
After working through his past trauma and releasing pent-up frustration and anger, Paul felt better than he had felt in years. He reported that his energy had started to return, and he began to feel more optimistic about the future. His depression had gone.”
Vera Peiffer has been in full-time practice as an analytical hypnotherapist since 1986, she holds a degree in psychology, she previously worked from Harley Street and Surrey before moving to Chichester. Vera is available at Chichester Natural Health Centre on Thursday afternoons.
If you are interested in booking in with Vera or any of our other therapists, there is always a warm welcome for you at Chichester Natural Health Centre – so why not call in or telephone to find out more. Our reception is covered six days a week.
Chichester Natural Health Centre,
5, City Business Centre,
Basin Road,
Chichester,
West Sussex
PO19 8DU
Where else can I get help?
Chichester Natural Health Centre’s team of practitioners feel it is important to advise you on the conventional options to get help with depression. We realise that often people suffering from depression feel quite alone and perhaps don’t know where to turn to for help. However, there is help out there, and you are certainly not alone.
Some people may not be aware that they have depression, but if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, there is a short survey that you can take via the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk this also gives further information on depression and your choices, or you could make an appointment to see your GP.
For a comprehensive list of options (especially if you are having suicidal thoughts) you can visit www.mind.org.uk On their homepage there are quick link buttons to “Talk to Us” and “I Need Urgent Help”. Their telephone lines are open 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays). 0300 123 3393 or you can text: 86463
If you have already sought a conventional approach but would like information about how we can help through complementary treatments, you can book a health assessment appointment with our Clinical Director, Gabriella Kispal. You are not under any obligation to go ahead with treatments. We hope that you have found this article helpful and informative.
