“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage. - Seneca
Depression is a very common issue. Statistic shows that worldwide, it affects approximately one in five women and one in ten men at some point in their life. The statistics for New Zealand are roughly similar. It is also a very serious and real illness, and goes far beyond feeling “down”. Depression can reach into and wreak havoc in all aspects of life: family life, work, social life, health and financial situation.
Some of the symptoms you may experience when you are depressed are: sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest in favorite activities, trouble concentrating and making decisions, withdrawing from people, lack of energy, changes in sleep patterns and appetite. At its worst, depression can generate thoughts of self-harm (in particular suicidal thoughts) and self-harming behaviours (suicide attempts, cutting, food deprivation, etc…). Yet, no two persons experience or manifest depression in exactly the same way.
Having a dedicated space to talk to freely about what you are feeling and going through can, of itself, bring relief. Counselling is also a place where you can develop tools and skills to manage the impact of depression in your day-to-day life and progressively regain a sense of control and direction. If you are aware that your depression has its roots in difficult, traumatic circumstances that you have not been able to integrate into your life, counselling can also help you work through persisting and harmful emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Solace and new meaning can emerge from loss and grief, enabling you to move beyond the grip of pain.
My primary training in Psychosynthesis and my further study of Mindfulness-based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (MBCBT) allow me to offer comprehensive support to people experiencing depression. I can help you articulate and understand what is happening within you, provide fast and effective strategies to monitor and improve harmful thought patterns and behaviours. I also offer support in the longer, deep and emotional journey of identifying and healing the root causes of depression, and of making meaning of the presence of depression in your life.
