Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health issues. It affects millions of people the world over. Fortunately, the use of hypnotherapy for depression relief is a widely accepted treatment that can offer hope in what can otherwise feel like a hopeless condition.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 280 million people worldwide experience depression, and it is one of the leading causes of disability.

Depression cost the UK economy at least £118 billion annually according to the Mental Health Foundation and the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Despite the presence of several treatment options, including medication and traditional psychotherapy, many individuals still struggle to overcome this debilitating condition.

The reasons people can suffer from depression are many: some believe it is produced by a chemical imbalance, and other times the causes can be environmental or circumstantial. The fact is, many of us will experience depression at some stage in our lives.

As with many mental health problems, its effects can often be overlooked. This is because there are not always clear signs that one may be suffering. We put all of our efforts into hiding the symptoms from others. This may be because of the shame or guilt sufferers may feel.

This will exacerbate the problem and leave us feeling even more alone.

Depression can feel like an amalgam of many mixed feelings: sadness, anger, guilt, and hopelessness. On one level, it makes us socially withdrawn. We may also feel lacking in energy. This makes us tired and our ability to think will be poorer.

Sleep problems and changes in appetite often occur, too. Depression is accompanied by low self-esteem. Our thoughts often focus on negative experiences.

It can be difficult to enjoy the things we once used to, as old hobbies and pastimes are neglected. It can be extremely difficult to believe that there is any hope for a better future.

Hypnotherapy has been used to help those with depression for centuries. In one form or another, trancework has been utilised to access the unconscious in order to alleviate depression.

One limit of common treatments (such as CBT or medication) is the focus on addressing symptoms. Tackling the underlying issues causing negative feelings may be neglected. As a result, people may end up stuck in an endless cycle. They experience brief periods of relief but soon depressive episodes can return.

Hypnosis helps those struggling with depression to explore deep-seated feelings. This can be achieved without being hindered by shame or guilt. Under hypnosis, one can reexamine past events without reliving the trauma. This can give one the ability to reframe negative events. These memories can then be seen in a much healthier way.

No two people will experience depression in the same way. Because of this, a hypnotherapist will work with you to better understand your unique experiences and help guide you towards healing. Hypnotherapy is tailored to each patient’s needs. This allows you to progress at your own pace towards recovery, helping you gain control over thoughts and emotions in a holistic way.

This leads to overall improved mental health and a belief that there is a life beyond the crushing symptom that depression can weigh upon us.

Another advantage of hypnosis is that therapy can work “content-free”. In other words, if you struggle to speak about the past, your hypnotherapist can still work with you. You do not need to speak in detail about your memories.

Painful memories can be improved without you having to go into detail about them. This may be an option you would like to speak to a hypnotherapist about, especially if you find it hard to speak about your ordeal.

Hypnotherapy allows you to explore your underlying thoughts and emotions. These can contribute to depression, and understanding and accept[ting what is going on beneath the surface can be a major step forward in coming to terms with how you are feeling.

By accessing the subconscious, you can reframe negative thought patterns and alter their meaning. This means limiting beliefs can be overcome and new, positive beliefs can be gently seeded to make feel slightly more hopeful and manageable.

As well as working content-free, hypnotherapy can also help you look back at past events in a dissociated way. This means that you aren’t reliving past traumas unnecessarily. Instead, you have the ability to reframe past events safely and in a relaxed state. In this way, you are always in control.

In addition, you will be taught self-hypnosis and mindfulness techniques. These techniques empower you to take control of your mental health in between sessions.

One significant benefit of hypnosis is its ability to reduce symptoms quickly. This helps you continue changes after therapy has concluded. You do not need to rely on medication or other treatments which might have harmful side effects.

Usually, clients experience relief within a couple of sessions. Symptoms like low mood, poor sleep and lack of motivation will improve shortly after starting therapy.

Hypnotherapy also helps reduce anxiety levels. This is great because anxiety is often co-morbid with depression.

Hypnotherapy helps you develop healthy coping habits and important life skills. This in turn will promote positive thinking and self-esteem and improved emotional regulation. Emotional regulation is key to a healthy mind.

There will never be one miracle cure for depression, but hypnotherapy may be an option worth exploring, especially if other talking therapies have left you feeling wanting. Regular sessions with a certified hypnotherapist can be a step toward a happier life which is always waiting for us on the other side.

If you’re ready to speak to a therapist, you can contact me personally. I am always happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. You can contact me HERE. Or you can call me on 0208 789 0992