Depression
Can you recognize any of this in you?
In many cases of depression there is a range of physical symptoms such as exhaustion, insomnia, headaches, reduced or excessive appetite and/or constipation. Depression affects both the body and the mind, creating a tired, lethargic, heavy feeling and a loss of vitality and energy or muscular pain.
There is generally a sense of hopelessness or a sense of not being worthy or good enough, guilt, shame, worry and helplessness. With some there are bouts of tears or crying that breaks out for no apparent reason, coupled with a general sense of hopelessness and no means to manage or control it! It seems to stalk up on you. There are undoubtedly hormonal or even environmental causes for depression, as well as psycho / emotional ones.
The inner cause is invariably found in stress from deeply held, unresolved issues, feelings or traumas that get depressed or pushed down, in an attempt to push them away. Causes may include pressure from overbearing parents to achieve success, shame arising from sexual abuse, a longing to express violent or aggressive tendencies that turns to guilt and/or feelings of worthlessness leading to an inability to cope.
It may be due to the loss of a loved one or a traumatic experience such as a divorce, war, fighting, abuse, sexual abuse (see our sexual abuse website) crime scene, exposure to a traumatic crime experience, etc. In fact it can be due to any event that creates a feeling of hopelessness, grieving, despair and/or loss of purpose of life. Many elderly people are depressed by the thought of what lays ahead – the loneliness of old age and then death. Without meaning there is no reason for being. Depression is a way of giving up without actually dying and it is a desperate cry for help.
What we do to resolve depression
Healing is about making friends with ourselves so we can reconnect with spirit with real purpose, in order to discover a deeper joy that is not dependent on external circumstances but rather arises from within ourselves. Physical movement such as dance, yoga or specially designed exercises are particularly good for depression. As the body moves it frees the mind.
In our approach to depression we address the psychological issues through a one on one process. During our sessions we introduce the process of discovering the psycho/emotional issues that are underlying and once identified, certain processes work is done around the relevant issues in order to resolve them.
There are various exercises, including breathing exercises that can be practiced on a regular basis, which will assist you to substantially relieve the symptoms of depression.
Our goal is to empower you to become totally self-sufficient and to function properly in the world.
Medication – sorry no medicine from us!!!
We do not prescribe any medication whatsoever. Any medication you take, is between you and the doctor concerned. When you start to feel better you can approach your doctor and jointly you make decisions on how to best adjust your medication for you then.
A little more on possible psychological reasons from a spiritual perspective
One of the other main reasons why there is such a high level of depression at this time is because the soul is weeping as a result of the disconnection that has taken place with the authentic self. Many are living their lives motivated by survival and fear. Many hold on to outdated situations they in their relationships, jobs and geographic locations and that are no longer a part of their Divine Plan. The old ways have shifted and because some are still operating within these old energy systems, they are finding it extremely difficult to make the relevant changes needed. When you find yourself in this place the weight of the illusion becomes so intense that depression sets in. This is why the journey of embracing the authentic self is such an important one. Being honest with oneself and everyone else is vitally important. Many may say: "How can I leave this job I despise so much, if I have bills to pay?" This is a reality that we understand, but what are you doing to change that situation? There is always a way out! We can assist you with this.
Many people simply accept it as their lot in life and complain incessantly about it. The example of the dead-end job would require the person acknowledging where they are for now and then being honest about all the reasons why they choose to stay where they are and then being honest about all the external influences that influence their decision to stay where they are. Once that is out in the open, one can begin to make the necessary changes required.
If an issue is low self-worth and one believes that one does not deserve a more stimulating job or perhaps the person may be in a destructive relationship and the relationship leads to them feeling so bad about themselves that they do not believe that they deserve anything better.
Do you understand where this is going? Do you see how it all links together? So, in order to alleviate the depression, begin by being honest with yourself.
The Counseling Session
There is normally very little understanding as to what is going on and why and how you got there. Once we unravel what is going on and where the pressures are, we discuss how everyone works and are put together and how it is relevant to you. This is normally very illuminating and often starts the shifting and movement.
We then proceed to address one of the underlying causes through a process that uses body awareness, movement and gesture. This gives us a direct access into what is happening and find out what needs to be done to resolve the issue. After every session the client always leaves fully contained with matters resolved on the issues originally raised. If there is more than one, then sometimes it is possible to resolve in same session, otherwise subsequent sessions are required.
The healing journey! Oh Yes - it is a journey!!!!
Please note that healing depression is a journey. This is the same for any dis-ease. The journey always has ups and downs along the way and the dips in the journey are to facilitate a learning process to take place within oneself, to gain deeper insights, to discover what it is that we have missed and how we have put ourselves down, how we have isolated ourselves and most importantly, what it is that we have cost ourselves in terms of life, joy, fun, being here, laughter, independence, growth, self-discovery, expression, etc., etc. The journey is always a rewarding and enlightening one and with us using our techniques, we get to the root of the problem very quickly and resolve issues.
In our experience the discovery of the cost to the depression sufferer has always been huge and never worth it. Once their purpose in life and their role in the dynamics discovered and a way out is found, then suddenly, it dawns on them how they can heal themselves. Once this is discovered they just want to move on and sort matters out. This is when true magic can happen, both emotionally and physically.
Not everything fits
Recognize that all of the above does not fit 100% to each and every depression sufferer. However, there are large parts of the above that fit many. It is up to you to find those and work with it and by doing that, you will find your own healing.
Other issues around depression
Insomnia
Sleep provides us with the means to regenerate and recuperate, but it is also a time when we surrender the ego and have no control. For many this can be a terrifying. There is a fear of what will happen without our awareness. For some, insomnia is the accumulation of stress and worry, the mind filled with doubts or fears. For others it is due to lack of exercise or too much television and alcohol or caffeine. Sleep is similar to death, so insomnia may be connected to the fear of dying. Surrendering is the opposite of what we have to do during the day when we are faced with competitive work situations, screaming children and/or endless traffic. Being able to come back into a sense of ourselves in a relaxed and quiet space can be very difficult.
We cannot control sleep, nor can we make it happen. It has a rhythm of its own that is activated by letting go. There are important issues of trust here. We need to trust what will happen during the night and that the world will be OK with that. When we let go, nothing will fall apart - like trusting others and ourselves. Deep relaxation is essential, especially before going to bed.
Nervous breakdown
This is a conflict within us with our darker aspects – the ones we usually repress. If we are unable to deal with you inner fears, guilt, shame, or feelings of victimisation, these aspects can then take over our rational, normal mind. Due to overwork, stress or emotional trauma, a nervous breakdown implies a breakdown in communication within ourselves. The pressures or demands of life have pushed us to the place where we snap. There is a psycho/emotional breaking apart, leading to irrational behaviour and/or deep depression, sadness and fragility. We may become irresponsible, withdrawn or hyperactive. Everyday events become impossible to deal with and our normal perception begins to crumble - we can no longer make sense of the world! There seems to be nothing to hold onto and nothing solid to relate to. The usual means of communication becomes confused.
Just like depression, a nervous breakdown is a loud cry for help. It can also be a prelude to spiritual transformation - a breaking down prior to a breaking through. A nervous breakdown destroys all our normal ways of seeing things or even thinking about things – all the old patterns are gone. In their place, as healing occurs, can come a deeper awareness, more meaningful priorities and a stronger connection to spirit. During this time it is important to stay grounded. Dance, exercise or physical activity is vitality important as part of the healing process.
Nervousness and anxiety
Being nervous to an extreme level indicates a lack of contact with the inner self. Lacking self-esteem, self-respect or even self-awareness, we are not grounded in our own being. This creates nervous fear of attack from others, wariness that the world is not a safe place to be, an apprehension that may have no real cause. The physical symptoms that we are likely to manifest may be the following: muscle tension, stiffness, eating disorders, heart palpitations, excessive sweating and headaches. Extreme nervousness is often connected to severe stress and anxiety about failure or loss. Spending time getting to know us, especially developing our confidence and self-respect and learning to relax, goes a long way and is essential in the healing process.
Panic attacks
Panic attacks occur when our ability or strength to cope, becomes undermined. Fear over rides all sense of balance or reason and we no longer see that fear is irrational - it simply dominates our psyche. Some sufferers cannot even leave their homes for fear. This is due to feelings of worthlessness, helplessness and vulnerability or to an increase in external demands and/or pressures stimulating fears and powerlessness. We slowly lose touch with our own understanding and become more dependent on what society projects as real. All perspective is lost, creating fertile ground for fear to develop. When panic attacks occur and fear takes over, deep breathing and relaxation are essential, as is being grounded in our bodies through movement, dance and/or exercise.
Positive thinking on it’s own will not solve all the problems, however it is one of a series of things that we all have the power to implement which will get us on the path to leading the life we want.
New hope in conquering depression and/or any of its derivatives above
What does this involve?
A therapeutic approach combining the following:
This approach can be used alongside medical treatment for depression.
How do we help?
Our one-on-one sessions will cover an in-depth understanding and bring resolution of your emotional issues, as highlighted above. Resolution takes place by replacing these issues with skills of self-processing, anger management, boundary setting, removal of barriers, self-care and self-empowerment and development. You will also benefit with an understanding of the body’s energy systems and how it functions and healing and dietary issues.
We have found that this powerful combination usually generates excellent results. This is not to say that once this is done that all your personal issues are resolved. The sessions help to resolve most and always result in improvement, but as in all things involving major illnesses, it is a journey!
Please visit the “Nature of Illness” webpage on this website for more information.
Who can benefit from this?
Anyone experiencing depression, irrespective whether this condition has been recent or long term. Where the condition has just been diagnosed it is generally easier to work with and the results quicker. As in all major diseases, the healing process is always a journey! It took many years to develop to this stage and the undoing of it, is always a journey that provides a realisation of what is still needed for you to resolve.
Our Results!
In every case that we have dealt with, the condition has always reduced substantially or has gone away completely. With these results for you it would mean that your doctor and you could now look at reducing your medication. We do not suggest that you do this on your own and without your doctor’s approval. Always reduce your medication in conjunction with your doctor’s recommendations and assistance.
In some instances milder mood swings have come about after medication has been decreased or stopped. This is generally due to some external event that created an emotional or physical issue. Getting down to the root cause and addressing it at the time, generally sorts this it out. It often is but another layer of a similar vein that brought the symptoms on in the first place.
By stabilising yourself, it means that you have contributed to your own healing and well-being in a major way! You have gained control of you and have empowered and developed yourself substantially, by this stage. You can now rebuild healthy relationships with family, friends, partners, etc. have some fun and enjoy your life!
In many cases of depression there is a range of physical symptoms such as exhaustion, insomnia, headaches, reduced or excessive appetite and/or constipation. Depression affects both the body and the mind, creating a tired, lethargic, heavy feeling and a loss of vitality and energy or muscular pain.
There is generally a sense of hopelessness or a sense of not being worthy or good enough, guilt, shame, worry and helplessness. With some there are bouts of tears or crying that breaks out for no apparent reason, coupled with a general sense of hopelessness and no means to manage or control it! It seems to stalk up on you. There are undoubtedly hormonal or even environmental causes for depression, as well as psycho / emotional ones.
The inner cause is invariably found in stress from deeply held, unresolved issues, feelings or traumas that get depressed or pushed down, in an attempt to push them away. Causes may include pressure from overbearing parents to achieve success, shame arising from sexual abuse, a longing to express violent or aggressive tendencies that turns to guilt and/or feelings of worthlessness leading to an inability to cope.
It may be due to the loss of a loved one or a traumatic experience such as a divorce, war, fighting, abuse, sexual abuse (see our sexual abuse website) crime scene, exposure to a traumatic crime experience, etc. In fact it can be due to any event that creates a feeling of hopelessness, grieving, despair and/or loss of purpose of life. Many elderly people are depressed by the thought of what lays ahead – the loneliness of old age and then death. Without meaning there is no reason for being. Depression is a way of giving up without actually dying and it is a desperate cry for help.
What we do to resolve depression
Healing is about making friends with ourselves so we can reconnect with spirit with real purpose, in order to discover a deeper joy that is not dependent on external circumstances but rather arises from within ourselves. Physical movement such as dance, yoga or specially designed exercises are particularly good for depression. As the body moves it frees the mind.
In our approach to depression we address the psychological issues through a one on one process. During our sessions we introduce the process of discovering the psycho/emotional issues that are underlying and once identified, certain processes work is done around the relevant issues in order to resolve them.
There are various exercises, including breathing exercises that can be practiced on a regular basis, which will assist you to substantially relieve the symptoms of depression.
Our goal is to empower you to become totally self-sufficient and to function properly in the world.
Medication – sorry no medicine from us!!!
We do not prescribe any medication whatsoever. Any medication you take, is between you and the doctor concerned. When you start to feel better you can approach your doctor and jointly you make decisions on how to best adjust your medication for you then.
A little more on possible psychological reasons from a spiritual perspective
One of the other main reasons why there is such a high level of depression at this time is because the soul is weeping as a result of the disconnection that has taken place with the authentic self. Many are living their lives motivated by survival and fear. Many hold on to outdated situations they in their relationships, jobs and geographic locations and that are no longer a part of their Divine Plan. The old ways have shifted and because some are still operating within these old energy systems, they are finding it extremely difficult to make the relevant changes needed. When you find yourself in this place the weight of the illusion becomes so intense that depression sets in. This is why the journey of embracing the authentic self is such an important one. Being honest with oneself and everyone else is vitally important. Many may say: "How can I leave this job I despise so much, if I have bills to pay?" This is a reality that we understand, but what are you doing to change that situation? There is always a way out! We can assist you with this.
Many people simply accept it as their lot in life and complain incessantly about it. The example of the dead-end job would require the person acknowledging where they are for now and then being honest about all the reasons why they choose to stay where they are and then being honest about all the external influences that influence their decision to stay where they are. Once that is out in the open, one can begin to make the necessary changes required.
If an issue is low self-worth and one believes that one does not deserve a more stimulating job or perhaps the person may be in a destructive relationship and the relationship leads to them feeling so bad about themselves that they do not believe that they deserve anything better.
Do you understand where this is going? Do you see how it all links together? So, in order to alleviate the depression, begin by being honest with yourself.
The Counseling Session
There is normally very little understanding as to what is going on and why and how you got there. Once we unravel what is going on and where the pressures are, we discuss how everyone works and are put together and how it is relevant to you. This is normally very illuminating and often starts the shifting and movement.
We then proceed to address one of the underlying causes through a process that uses body awareness, movement and gesture. This gives us a direct access into what is happening and find out what needs to be done to resolve the issue. After every session the client always leaves fully contained with matters resolved on the issues originally raised. If there is more than one, then sometimes it is possible to resolve in same session, otherwise subsequent sessions are required.
The healing journey! Oh Yes - it is a journey!!!!
Please note that healing depression is a journey. This is the same for any dis-ease. The journey always has ups and downs along the way and the dips in the journey are to facilitate a learning process to take place within oneself, to gain deeper insights, to discover what it is that we have missed and how we have put ourselves down, how we have isolated ourselves and most importantly, what it is that we have cost ourselves in terms of life, joy, fun, being here, laughter, independence, growth, self-discovery, expression, etc., etc. The journey is always a rewarding and enlightening one and with us using our techniques, we get to the root of the problem very quickly and resolve issues.
In our experience the discovery of the cost to the depression sufferer has always been huge and never worth it. Once their purpose in life and their role in the dynamics discovered and a way out is found, then suddenly, it dawns on them how they can heal themselves. Once this is discovered they just want to move on and sort matters out. This is when true magic can happen, both emotionally and physically.
Not everything fits
Recognize that all of the above does not fit 100% to each and every depression sufferer. However, there are large parts of the above that fit many. It is up to you to find those and work with it and by doing that, you will find your own healing.
Other issues around depression
Insomnia
Sleep provides us with the means to regenerate and recuperate, but it is also a time when we surrender the ego and have no control. For many this can be a terrifying. There is a fear of what will happen without our awareness. For some, insomnia is the accumulation of stress and worry, the mind filled with doubts or fears. For others it is due to lack of exercise or too much television and alcohol or caffeine. Sleep is similar to death, so insomnia may be connected to the fear of dying. Surrendering is the opposite of what we have to do during the day when we are faced with competitive work situations, screaming children and/or endless traffic. Being able to come back into a sense of ourselves in a relaxed and quiet space can be very difficult.
We cannot control sleep, nor can we make it happen. It has a rhythm of its own that is activated by letting go. There are important issues of trust here. We need to trust what will happen during the night and that the world will be OK with that. When we let go, nothing will fall apart - like trusting others and ourselves. Deep relaxation is essential, especially before going to bed.
Nervous breakdown
This is a conflict within us with our darker aspects – the ones we usually repress. If we are unable to deal with you inner fears, guilt, shame, or feelings of victimisation, these aspects can then take over our rational, normal mind. Due to overwork, stress or emotional trauma, a nervous breakdown implies a breakdown in communication within ourselves. The pressures or demands of life have pushed us to the place where we snap. There is a psycho/emotional breaking apart, leading to irrational behaviour and/or deep depression, sadness and fragility. We may become irresponsible, withdrawn or hyperactive. Everyday events become impossible to deal with and our normal perception begins to crumble - we can no longer make sense of the world! There seems to be nothing to hold onto and nothing solid to relate to. The usual means of communication becomes confused.
Just like depression, a nervous breakdown is a loud cry for help. It can also be a prelude to spiritual transformation - a breaking down prior to a breaking through. A nervous breakdown destroys all our normal ways of seeing things or even thinking about things – all the old patterns are gone. In their place, as healing occurs, can come a deeper awareness, more meaningful priorities and a stronger connection to spirit. During this time it is important to stay grounded. Dance, exercise or physical activity is vitality important as part of the healing process.
Nervousness and anxiety
Being nervous to an extreme level indicates a lack of contact with the inner self. Lacking self-esteem, self-respect or even self-awareness, we are not grounded in our own being. This creates nervous fear of attack from others, wariness that the world is not a safe place to be, an apprehension that may have no real cause. The physical symptoms that we are likely to manifest may be the following: muscle tension, stiffness, eating disorders, heart palpitations, excessive sweating and headaches. Extreme nervousness is often connected to severe stress and anxiety about failure or loss. Spending time getting to know us, especially developing our confidence and self-respect and learning to relax, goes a long way and is essential in the healing process.
Panic attacks
Panic attacks occur when our ability or strength to cope, becomes undermined. Fear over rides all sense of balance or reason and we no longer see that fear is irrational - it simply dominates our psyche. Some sufferers cannot even leave their homes for fear. This is due to feelings of worthlessness, helplessness and vulnerability or to an increase in external demands and/or pressures stimulating fears and powerlessness. We slowly lose touch with our own understanding and become more dependent on what society projects as real. All perspective is lost, creating fertile ground for fear to develop. When panic attacks occur and fear takes over, deep breathing and relaxation are essential, as is being grounded in our bodies through movement, dance and/or exercise.
Positive thinking on it’s own will not solve all the problems, however it is one of a series of things that we all have the power to implement which will get us on the path to leading the life we want.
New hope in conquering depression and/or any of its derivatives above
What does this involve?
A therapeutic approach combining the following:
- Counselling based on Soul Psychology to facilitate self-understanding of your physical and emotional make-up and how to resolve blockages.
- Physical movement and breath work designed to get stagnant energy moving in the body again, recreating a sense of physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Healing techniques to re-balance and get the human energy system working properly again. We teach this to you for self-maintenance purposes.
- A proper balanced diet for depressed, enriched with B vitamins helps a lot. We suggest that you use your local Dietician for this purpose.
This approach can be used alongside medical treatment for depression.
How do we help?
Our one-on-one sessions will cover an in-depth understanding and bring resolution of your emotional issues, as highlighted above. Resolution takes place by replacing these issues with skills of self-processing, anger management, boundary setting, removal of barriers, self-care and self-empowerment and development. You will also benefit with an understanding of the body’s energy systems and how it functions and healing and dietary issues.
We have found that this powerful combination usually generates excellent results. This is not to say that once this is done that all your personal issues are resolved. The sessions help to resolve most and always result in improvement, but as in all things involving major illnesses, it is a journey!
Please visit the “Nature of Illness” webpage on this website for more information.
Who can benefit from this?
Anyone experiencing depression, irrespective whether this condition has been recent or long term. Where the condition has just been diagnosed it is generally easier to work with and the results quicker. As in all major diseases, the healing process is always a journey! It took many years to develop to this stage and the undoing of it, is always a journey that provides a realisation of what is still needed for you to resolve.
Our Results!
In every case that we have dealt with, the condition has always reduced substantially or has gone away completely. With these results for you it would mean that your doctor and you could now look at reducing your medication. We do not suggest that you do this on your own and without your doctor’s approval. Always reduce your medication in conjunction with your doctor’s recommendations and assistance.
In some instances milder mood swings have come about after medication has been decreased or stopped. This is generally due to some external event that created an emotional or physical issue. Getting down to the root cause and addressing it at the time, generally sorts this it out. It often is but another layer of a similar vein that brought the symptoms on in the first place.
By stabilising yourself, it means that you have contributed to your own healing and well-being in a major way! You have gained control of you and have empowered and developed yourself substantially, by this stage. You can now rebuild healthy relationships with family, friends, partners, etc. have some fun and enjoy your life!