Lifting depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems today. Why is that? There are many different reasons, ranging from bereavement, redundancy and health issues. In fact, depression can happen when any life-changing event occurs that we have no control over. The feeling of powerlessness that can result often leads to despair. It's all about our perceived loss of control. But it is possible to gain back some of that control by learning to lift and manage depression.

Depression is a complex and individual thing. Whether someone becomes depressed or not is subject to many variables, including personality, inherited factors - nature or nurture, support systems available and how stable and secure a person feels at the time.  

Let's look at each reason in turn. We all have inherited certain personality traits from our parents, but we are also greatly influenced by our upbringing. Were we shown unconditional love by our parents and significant people in our childhood? Did we feel safe and secure as a child? Loneliness can play a big part in depression; we all need to feel loved and supported - to be able to voice our concerns and worries to someone who genuinely cares for us and our welfare. And sometimes when a catastrophic event occurs that is totally beyond our control, we can be left feeling helpless and vulnerable and very insecure. This can lead to depression.

Anyone can become depressed - no one is immune. But the good news is that, even if for some of the above reasons we become prone to depression, it is possible to learn how to manage this and even to lift the depression when it occurs. This requires a high level of self-awareness and an ability to use"self talk" to change negative thoughts into positive thoughts. This sounds very difficult to achieve, but with help and practice, this is achievable.  

Depression is not a failure! It can even be an opportunity to make positive life changes that will lessen the likelihood of the depression returning and greatly improve quality of life.