The winter months can be hard on our mental health. Fewer daylight hours and colder weather can negatively impact our mood but for some people, that feeling can persist and become depression.

The Mental Health Foundation recognises depression as the world’s most predominant mental health problem. Fortunately, there are many treatments available, and one of the most efficient is hypnotherapy.

This article will take a look at the different types of depression, their potential causes, and how my hypnotherapy sessions can help alleviate what can be a debilitating condition.

Different forms of depression

There are several conditions linked to depression – it’s not a one-size-fits-all mental state.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

This condition is closely connected to changes in the seasons and usually begins and ends at about the same times every year. 

Dysthymia

Also known as chronic depression or persistent depressive disorder, sufferers can experience mild depression continuously for more than two years.

Bipolar disorder

Sufferers experience extreme lows and extreme highs, also known as manic episodes.

Pre-natal/post-natal depression

This form of depression occurs during and after pregnancy. The majority of sufferers are women but it can impact new fathers too.

Potential causes of depression

Every person is different, so the reasons behind feelings of depression can vary. There are several common factors that can lead to a low mood. Here are some of the most common:

Physical or mental health problems

Anxiety, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or eating disorders are some of the most commonly linked conditions to depression.

Genetics

Studies have shown that people are more likely to become depressed if a family member also suffers with the condition. Research suggests it could be linked to genetic and biological factors, or even learnt behaviours.

Childhood experiences

Trauma, abuse, bereavement or an unstable family environment can affect your mental health and make you more vulnerable to depression as an adult.

Life events

Major changes – both negative or positive – from losing your job to getting married, can prompt some people to experience depression.

Substance abuse

Addictions to alcohol or drugs often negatively impact people’s mental health, even if they offer short-term highs.

Lifestyle

People’s susceptibility to depression can be enhanced if they eat a poor diet and don’t get enough good-quality sleep.

Other causes

Depression can be a side-effect of medical treatments, and has been linked to physical health issues such as hormones. It’s worth visiting your GP for a chat in these instances.

Symptoms of depression

Just as there are several causes and types of depression, it can also make its presence felt in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the most common symptoms linked to the condition:

●      low mood, feeling sad and/or angry

●      no energy

●      no interest or enjoyment in hobbies/pastimes

●      difficulty concentrating

●      easily tired

●      low self-confidence

●      difficulty sleeping/sleeping more than usual

●      eating more/less than usual

●      feeling guilty or worthless

Hypnotherapy as a depression treatment

In contrast to CBT, when using hypnotherapy to treat depression, it works on a subconscious level to identify the root causes of the condition.

Hypnotherapy allows a patient to deal with ‘unfinished business’, freeing them from the trauma, event or feeling that is triggering the depression.

When the source of the problem has been pinpointed and worked through, I provide suggestion techniques to help the patient develop a more positive outlook and mindset that will endure for the long term.

There are many benefits to using hypnotherapy to manage and treat depression. It does not rely on drugs, it is non-invasive, and allows people to take their mental health and well-being into their own hands.

I recently treated a young woman who was diagnosed with depression. Over a series of sessions with me, she became more relaxed, optimistic and happier – the improvement was visible.

Facts about hypnosis and hypnotherapy

There are many myths about hypnotherapy and if you’ve never considered it before, allow me to present a few facts (and bust a few myths) about hypnosis.

It is not a form of mind control. Hypnosis eases people into the same relaxed, trance-like state they experience while watching TV or daydreaming. You can come out of it simply by opening your eyes.

You may or may not remember your session. Everyone experiences hypnosis and hypnotherapy differently: for some they enter a state of focused attention, for others, they let their mind wander. It’s all down to the individual.

Everyone has the ability to be hypnotised because it’s actually a normal, natural state. That said, you can’t get ‘stuck’.

Let me help you on your way to happiness

If you’re ready to tackle your depression and overcome its underlying causes, drop me a line.

I offer a free remote consultation to gather information about you, your goals and what you want to achieve with our hypnotherapy sessions.

You’ll also receive a free guided hypnosis MP3 audio file for use at home.

Contact me

To book an initial consultation, email me at sevarin@lifeflowhypnotherapy.co.uk or fill in this contact form.

Alternatively, you can drop into Cambridge’s Salus Wellness Clinics on Thursdays or Coach House Health Care on Fridays.