Work with A Professional with Lived Experience
As someone who has struggled with depression in the past, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate the world while experiencing the symptoms of this mental health condition. When I was diagnosed with Clinical Depression over 15 years ago I remember feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and hopeless. However, there is hope and help available for those who are struggling with depression.
Part of my motivation to formalise my knowledge, skills and wisdom & become a Mental Health Counsellor, was to provide a Psycho-Dynamic practice that is based in the lived experience of Depression. From this place, I believe that the people I work with feel more connected, heard and seen. Just in hearing that I am a survivor of this Mental Health label, I have brought a sense of hope. And a sense that together we can form a collaborative team to build a Depression recovery plan.
I understand from my own experience that Depression affects many individuals. Since being very open to my own struggles as well as my recovery. I have found so many people sharing with me, their own experiences or the experiences of those they know. How depression interferes with daily life, making it difficult to work, study, and enjoy leisure activities. How Depression affects their relationships, leading to social isolation and feelings of loneliness.
Agitate:
Just so you know, when I was experiencing depression, the negative thoughts and feelings often contributed to the compounding impact and persistence of my condition. And I get it. It's common to feel trapped in a cycle of negative thinking that feels impossible to break. The longer depression goes untreated, the more severe the symptoms can become and it can also increase the risk of developing other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or substance abuse disorders. Addiction.
One of the most effective treatments for my depression was and at times still is therapy. My style, also known as psycho-dynamic therapy or Mental Health Counselling, involves conversations and processes in a safe and supportive environment. My goal, when working with, people impacted by depression is to help them understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a way that is healthy and adaptive.
There are several different Client Centred approaches that I use in my practice, grounded in Strengths based psychology and somatic therapies. The aim is to support my clients, as I was once supported, to reach a point where we can identify the underlying "stories" and "myths" that we may have created in order to keep ourselves safe at one time or another.
While Counselling can be incredibly effective for treating depression, it's important to remember that it's not a quick fix. Therapy & Recovery is a process that takes time, effort, and commitment. It may also involve exploring difficult emotions and experiences, which can be uncomfortable or even painful at times. However, the rewards of partnering with a Mental Health Professional can be significant and long-lasting.
When seeking Counselling and support for depression, it's important to find a Professional who is a good fit for you. This may involve trying out different therapists or types of therapy until you find the right fit. A good practitioner should be someone who you feel comfortable talking to, who listens without judgment, and who has experience and training in treating the type of depression that you are experiencing. This person may be me, I understand if I'm not. My role is to be available for you to explore and make the right choices for you. If for any reason I believe, or you believe, that my approach is not the best fit. I provide names and contacts of those that may best support you.
In addition to Counselling, there are other things that you can do to manage the symptoms of depression.
Practicing self-care, such as getting enough sleep and finding a moment for mindfulness
Eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise, can all be helpful.
It's also important to reach out to loved ones for support and to explore other forms of complementary treatments, such as acupuncture or massage.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Depression is a common and treatable condition, and there is hope and help available. Don't hesitate to reach out for support.
Take advantage of a free Discovery Call with me
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