Many of us have suffered from depression at some time in our lives, maybe to differing degrees, but depression is a common thing.
Sometimes we suffer from reactive depression perhaps through divorce, bereavement or some other trauma during our lives.
As humans it seems we all have this weakness regardless of class, finance or status.
It is evident that many people in history have suffered.
Some people believe it is just part of our make up to strengthen and make us better more understanding people.
What is Depression? Sometimes it is just a feeling of being tired or run down, it can even affect our ability to cope with everyday things such as washing or getting dressed.
It can also alter not just the way we see ourselves but also the way we see other people too.
For some depression causes them to lose their concentration so that even trying to read the paper becomes a chore, it can also rob the sufferer of happy feelings and optimism.
It can feel like there is a permanent black cloud that nothing can shift.
There are often physical effects too such as headaches, eye problems, aching and lack of sleep and even ibs as well as a whole host of other unexplained symptoms.
Many people will try to hide their depression from even their friends or family mainly because they are frightened of being misunderstood.
People in a depressed state can often find no good in anything which leaves them feeling frustrated and irritable.
How can therapy help? There is a very strong link between stress anxiety and depression and in today's world stress is certainly a major issue.
Therapy can be very helpful for mild to moderate depression as it can help the client to think differently, to help them become more positive and therefore bring about changes in the brain and body.
Have you ever heard the saying 'healthy mind, healthy body' one of the first things therapy can help with is a clients confidence and self-esteem, by helping them to feel good about themself.
What everyone must remember is that depression is as old as the hills and many great and not so great people have suffered some form of depression at some point in their lives, no-one is immune.
Often people who are depressed are in that state because they feel lonely or unwanted.
Thankfully depression is no longer the stigma that it used to be though for some it feels better just to call it ' stress' which seems to have a more acceptable face in today's society.
The important thing to remember is that if you are suffering don't suffer in silence.