DEPRESSION

Milton Keynes

Do you need help dealing with depression?

We are here to help!

Cognitive Hypnotherapy for Depression in Milton Keynes

What is depression

Depression is a common psychological disorder and almost anyone can be affected at some point during their life; research suggests that approximately 1 in 4 people will suffer from depression to some extent during their lifetime. It is important to recognise that there is a vast difference between feeling down one day (e.g. being in a low mood) and having a depressive disorder. If these depressive feelings don’t go away quickly, or they start affecting your everyday life, it may be time to seek professional help.

How depression may affect you

Living with depression can affect the way you eat, sleep, work and the way you feel about yourself and your life. This may lead you to lose confidence in yourself or to suffer from low-self-esteem (e.g. you do not feel worthy or you lose your belief in yourself). Sometimes people may tell you to ‘pull yourself together’ or ‘snap out of it’, but no matter how much you may want to, you usually can’t “just get over it” and simply feel better. This is not a sign of weakness as some people may believe, but part of the psychological disorder. You may not understand why you are feeling despair or hopelessness and therefore can be too embarrassed to seek help, believing the feelings will disappear sooner or later. However, this usually means you suffer longer than necessary, as help is available for those suffering from depression. It affects people in different ways and can cause a variety of physical and psychological symptoms.

Treatment for depression

Counselling and Cognitive Hypnotherapy may be extremely effective ways of treating depression if cases are mild to moderate. Drug therapy is also available for more severe situations, and there are a variety of antidepressant medications that are available. Many sufferers find that a combination of treatments is most effective; the medication gives the sufferer fast relief from the symptoms of depression and the Cognitive Hypnotherapy teaches you how to deal with the problems you have.

Symptoms of depression may include:

Feeling constantly pessimistic
Crying a lot
Feeling constantly sad, anxious or empty
Tiredness
Lack of energy
Restlessness and irritability
Feeling worthless, helpless or guilty
Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Changes in sleep patterns
Changes in appetite
Feeling empty, more dead than alive
Thoughts of death or suicide (please call the Samaritans on Freephone 08457 90 90 90)
Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches and digestive disorders

How I can help you

Cognitive Hypnotherapy may help to lift your spirits and help you to feel in control of your life once again. Just call on 01908 265410 for a friendly chat

What people say?

Leigh has given me a variety of techniques that I have been able to practice myself, and that have enabled me to start living the kind of life I thought had been lost forever. I wake up every morning with an optimism for the future and confidence that I am getting better every day. These are not small things, they are life-changing. I am calm, settled, relaxed and feel able to face new challenges. These gifts are precious – thank you, Leigh

Angela

After losing my Husband suddenly 3 years ago I wanted my life to end as well, I sank into a depression that wouldn’t go away, I didn’t want to go out, do anything socially avoided contact as much as I could. Was convinced that I wasn’t wanted or needed by anyone, I had lost my self-esteem. My family worried for me and I agreed to see Leigh. From being suicidal this Lovely Lady has given me the tools to cope with my life without him and rebuild my confidence I cannot thank her enough. She has turned my life around, Again Thank you so much Leigh.

Diane

After realising that I had fallen into depression again and promising my wife I would get some help, I turned to Leigh for help. After an initial consultation I found her understanding, kind and knowledgeable about my illness. I decided to invest in a six- session course. What I can tell you now is that it has changed my life and, who I am today is nothing like who I was when I first started. I am out and about, I am enjoying life, I am feeling free. The course was a mixture of CBT and Hypnotherapy which really worked for me. I loved that the Hypnotherapy was recorded on to CD’s so I could listen to them again in my own time to reinforce the message. I have seen a CBT practitioner before and Leigh’s skill and prices are just great. So, if you are suffering from Depression or any other issue, try her out, you won’t regret it.

Antony

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers about depression

How is depression identified?

Depression or low mood is not just feeling a bit sad, it’s a medical condition just like asthma. Depression has an effect on your day-to-day life. You may avoid people/places; or escape into sleep, alcohol or drugs. It is more than being a little sad and can be identified as depression if you have felt this way for 2 or more weeks.

Who is at threat of getting depressed?

The risks of getting depression are shown below:
• Having family member with depression
• Going through trauma
• Having members of your family who have taken their own lives
• Going through stressful events
• Being isolated and without friends
• Having recently had a baby (postpartum depression)
• Being seriously ill
• Misusing alcohol or drugs
• Taking over the counter medication excessively (consult a doctor)

What shall I discuss with my doctor/therapist?

• Any physical/mental symptoms you’ve had
• Your history, including the reason you have feel depressed (if you know)
• Remind them of any medication you are taking and inform them of any over the counter medicines or drugs, alcohol or nicotine you may be consuming.
• Jot down a reminder so you don’t forget to ask a question you want answered
• You may want to take a friend or family member along for support.

What are the treatment options for depression?

GP’S often prescribe antidepressant medication and/or psychotherapy (CBT). Antidepressant medication works on the mood chemicals in your brain. CBT helps you to recognise and balance any unhelpful thinking styles you are having.
Mindfulness meditation and yoga may also help to improve your mood.

How wide-spread is depression?

It is estimated that 1 in 4 people will suffer from depression at some time in their life.

What are the triggers for depression?

No-one is entirely sure what triggers depression; however, some clues may be:
• It’s in the family genes and there is some proof that it may be inherited.
• Loss of a family member or a partner; loss of a job or home. Financial issues, sickness and high stress levels.
• Biological influences distinctive to the person, as well as hormonal changes.
• Early childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.

What are the symptoms of depression?

• Feeling low and sad
• Thinking about past mistakes
• A decrease in self-esteem
• Feeling hopeless and useless
• Lack of concentration, hard to make decisions
• No interest in anything (places/people/events/hobbies).
• Tired and lacking in energy
• Unsettled and stressed
• Gaining or losing weight — eating too little or too much
• Sleeping too much (escapism) or trouble getting to sleep (anxiety/stress)
• No interest in sex
• Black dark thoughts such as taking own life.

What are the things I need to do to get well?

• Keep coming regularly for your Psychotherapy sessions. When you are feeling well again please don’t stop taking your anti-depressants until you agree this with your GP.
• Read and understand all about depression.
• Look out for warning signs, e.g. the triggers. Make a plan so you and your friends/family know the warning signs and recognize when it’s time to see your psychotherapist and/or GP.
• Get outside in the fresh air and countryside as much as possible. Swim, go to yoga and meditate.
• Eat well, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, protein, and pro-biotics in Greek yoghurt.
• Cut out or cut right back on alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant all on its own. It may appear to reduce your low mood, but long term it tends to make the depression more severe
• Relax as much as you can. Take long leisurely baths, get plenty of sleep. If this is difficult your GP/Psychotherapist may be able to help.

Set Your Mind Free Hypnotherapy

Milton Keynes

We can help you with:

Addiction, Anger, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Bad Habits, Depression, Exam Stress, Fears and Phobias, Headaches, Hypertension, Hypno Gastric Band, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Kids and Teens, Low Self Esteem, Migraine, Mindfulness, Nervous Exhaustion, Obesity, Panic Attacks, Procrastination, Sleep Disorder, Smoking, Stress, Tension Headaches, Weight Loss and Work Life Balance.

*There is no guarantee of specific results and the results can vary from person to person. Call us on 01908 265410 or email [email protected]

Depression