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Reasons people come to counselling – Depression

Hello…

…and welcome back to my blog.

Next in the series of reasons why people come to counselling is considering depression.

Depression is a very real and genuine health condition. It is a common illness which can happen to anyone at any age but that effects everyone differently. It is more than just feeling unhappy, sad, feeling down or being fed up for a few days.

Depression is about feeling persistently sad and in a low mood for an extended period, such as weeks if not months or years, which effects your functioning in daily life including work, relationships and interests.

Behavioural symptoms that may present include:

  • Being unable to get out of bed
  • Loss of interest
  • No pleasure
  • Feelings of sadness
  • Tearful
  • Difficulties in concentrating
  • Loss of confidence
  • Feelings of helplessness/hopelessness
  • Avoidance of others
  • Self-harm
  • Suicidal thoughts

Physical symptoms may also include:

  • Tired/fatigue
  • Poor sleep/sleeping too much
  • No appetite
  • Aches and pains
  • Loss of sex drive

What causes depression?

There are many reasons why people may experience depression. Possible reasons include:

  • Childhood experiences
  • Physical illness
  • Bereavement
  • Life-changing events – expected or unexpected
  • Having a baby
  • Relationship breakdown
  • Family predisposition
  • Redundancy
  • Money concerns
  • Doubts, fears and worries

Some people may be aware of what has triggered their depression, however others may not.

Living with depression is hard, not only for the individual but for those living around them. They may not understand and tell them to ‘snap out of it’ and ‘pull yourself together’, or perhaps, whilst with all good intentions, tell them that ‘everything will be okay’ – however, none of these statements are helpful. Counselling however allows an individual the space to talk through everyday issues honestly and without judgement, to perhaps help develop strategies to resolve their issues and help in making changes to improve their daily lives as well as consider and understand the reasons for the onset of their depression.

Please like, comment, share and follow, and until next time:

be kind | embrace growth | nurture relationships

Kassandra

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Reasons why people come to counselling – Relationships

Hello…

…and welcome back to my blog.

In continuation of this series of reasons why people come to counselling today we’ll be looking at relationships.

The definition of a relationship is the way in which two or more people are connected.

Our need for connection is innate, we are born with it. Therefore, relationships are extremely important – in which the bond created is more than the sum of its parts.

Simply, they represent what it means to be human.

Whilst the need is innate, the ability to create successful, healthy and loving relationships is learnt – from the moment we are placed into our mothers arms.

When talking about relationships most people concentrate on romantic, but it is important to be aware that we have relationships with all the people in our lives from family and friends, to work colleagues, neighbours and acquaintances. We can experience breakdown of any of these relationships – therefore it is key to nurture them all.  Relationships cannot survive on their own, they need the care and nurturing of two people to create and sustain a connection.

What happens when relationships fail?

It can be a great source of pain, hurt, discomfort, distress, anxiety and sorrow to name but a few. This can make individuals feel:

  • Isolated and alone
  • Distrustful of others
  • Unworthy
  • Unlovable
  • Loss of self
  • Sad
  • Anxious
  • Depressed

Why do relationships fail? It could be for a number of reasons including but not limited to:

  • Insecurities and low self-esteem
  • Lack of trust
  • Communication issues
  • Compatibility concerns
  • Different expectations
  • Unmet needs
  • Fear of vulnerability
  • Health issues/concerns
  • Money issues
  • Infidelity
  • Narcissism
  • Domestic Abuse

We all have old patterns of relating, arising from our past relationships, which may even stem as far back as childhood, that can get repeated and impact our life, as well as our present or future relationships. These patterns may even result in some individuals finding it difficult to form relationships in the first instance.

As social beings we thrive in relationships. Therefore, we can experience great anguish when they fail, especially if we may not understand the deep underlying reasons why. Counselling can help to bring these reasons into awareness, explore old patterns of relating, learn how to make a new relationship, whilst being able to talk honestly about issues without fear of judgment

Please like, comment, share and follow, and until next time:

be kind | embrace growth | nurture relationships

Kassandra

 

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Reasons people come to counselling – Stress

Hello…

…and welcome back to my blog.

Next in the series of reasons why people come to counselling is looking at stress.

We can all experience stress in our daily lives and actually small amounts can help to motivate and inspire us. Think about those nervous butterflies you may have experienced before handing in a piece of coursework, preparing for a first date or riding a really big roller coaster.

Ironically I’ve felt stressed today simply writing about stress!

Those feelings are normal and whilst hard to believe, necessary to push us out of our comfort zones and help us to experience, learn and grow.

However, it is when stress is prolonged it can be damaging both to our physical and mental health.

So, what is stress?

Stress is defined as any uncomfortable emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical, physiological and behavioural changes.

It is a psychological perception of pressure on the one hand, and the body’s response to it on the other. This therefore results in a biological reaction to threatening situations which can lead to ‘fight, flight or freeze’.

This can result in people feeling:

  • Agitated
  • Overwhelmed
  • Teary
  • Anxious
  • Poor sleep
  • Digestive problems

There are many reasons why people feel stressed, and this is by no means a comprehensive list:

  • Work/unemployment
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Financial problems
  • Moving house
  • Having a baby
  • Bereavement
  • Health concerns

And looking at the above list, it is no wonder we experience stress, the pressures and values of modern day life mean it’s a complex, busy and changing world. However, it is when it is overwhelming and seems to dominate everyday life that counselling may help to consider stress management, potential triggers as well as reconnecting back to yourself and others.

Please like, comment, share and follow, and until next time:

be kind | embrace growth | nurture relationships

Kassandra

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