Archive for February, 2009

Depression is a condition that can affect up to 20% of the population at some time in their life. Often friends, family or a colleague’s advice of ’snapping out of it’ just does not help. An upsetting part of suffering from depression is that the personal support network of friends and family often do not understand the condition.

What is Depression?
The Oxford Reference Dictionary says that depression is “as state of extreme dejection often with physical symptoms”. There are, as with anything, different types of this condition which range in duration and severity.

The human condition is one that brings with it what is often called “moods”. You can be in a good, bad, high, low or indifferent mood. It is normal to experience all these moods at different times. Some of these moods can be started by conscious events in our lives whilst at other times we may be unaware of why we feel a particular way. Sometimes there may be a physical reason for feeling one of these moods.

The word ‘depression’ or ‘feeling depressed’ is often used to refer to feeling ‘blue’ or ‘down’ even though this may state may last for only a short period of time. Referring to this short time of feeling down as depression is not accurate and it is important to distinguish between occasional low moods and depression.

Depression is when someone experiences a sustained period of dejection or feeling low that seems to have little respite or it can be a low mood that seems to continue to return on a regular basis. To this end there are categories of depression ranging from what is considered mild depression to the heavier and longer lasting low moods of chronic, clinical or manic depression.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?
Typically a person with depression may experience any or all of the following:

1) Loss of appetite
2) Broken sleep or insomnia
3) A constant feeling of dread
4) A lack of motivation
5) Feelings of guilt
6) Low self esteem and self confidence
7) A sense of being trapped with no means of escape
A sense of shame and failing
9) A pessimistic outlook on life (always expecting the worst to happen)
10) A lack of energy
11) A hunched stance, unhappy expression and negative attitude to any or everything
12) A sense of being a victim or always having bad luck
13) A high level of stress or anxiety

In the mildly depressed person only some of the above may apply for only a short period of time. In the person with manic depression many more of these symptoms may be true and can be coupled with psychotic episodes of delusions, hallucinations and a loss of a sense of reality. Anyone with manic depression should be under the supervision of a psychiatrist and will probably be prescribed drugs to help the condition.

It is the mild forms of depression that other forms of help such as counseling, hypnotherapy and EFT may be useful. Certainly if you do feel that you are depressed, even if it is only a mild form of depression and has been with you for a only few days or keeps returning sporadically you should go and see your doctor first. It is not the intention of this article to address anything other than mild depression.

What events can trigeer depression?
There are numerous events that can lead to the start of mild depression. These can be:

1) A divorce
2) Shock or upsetting news
3) Loss of a job
4) Loss of the home
5) Being assaulted (mugged)
6) A burglary
7) Rape or constant abuse
Physical, verbal or psychological abuse at home or at work

These ‘life event’s’ happen to all of us. It is how we perceive them and ultimately deal with them that make the difference between someone who handles the crisis and someone who feels unable to cope. Even children can suffer with depression, which may be due to factors in the home or at school.

For those people with mild depression which they know has been caused by a particular event or events, an Up from Depression self hypnosis cd may help. Sometimes all it takes it a different way of viewing or perceiving matters for the person feeling low to gain a new sense of perspective and proportion. Certainly the relaxation qualities of any self hypnosis cd will help the stress that often is felt with depression.

About the Author

Steven. A. Harold
Clinical Hypnotherapist
Depression Hypnosis Cd

Technorati Tags: Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy, Hypnotism, 5 PATH Hypnotherapy, Hypnotherapist, Hypnotist

Hypnosis In The Real World

When you think of hypnosis, do you get the image of a Freud-like doctor swinging a pocket watch to and fro in front of someone in deep emotional trouble? If so, you are not alone. However, this Hollywood image of hypnosis is far from true!

You don t have to be a nut to use hypnosis. Ordinary people, those you see every day, use hypnosis for typical problems. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have a problem with weight loss?
• Do you find it difficult to quit smoking?
• Do you have other addictions you just can t break?

Then hypnosis is for you!

• Are you lacking in confidence?
• Are you stressed out?
• Are you fearful?

Then hypnosis is for you.

Hypnosis can help you with an unlimited number of personal issues, big or small. If you have a phobia, then hypnosis can help you eliminate it. If you have an addiction, then hypnosis can help you kick the habit. If you have a goal, then hypnosis can help you achieve it.

Mental and Physical Benefits of Hypnosis

But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Even if you don t have a pressing issue, hypnosis has extraordinary benefits both mental and physical. Simply going into a hypnotic state on a regular basis is good for you and the hypnotist doesn t even have to suggest anything at all.

Let s take a look at some of the benefits that hypnosis offers:

1. Hypnosis Induces Deep Breathing: Stop reading for a moment and check your breathing pattern. If you are like most people, you will be breathing in short quick breaths. When you breath in this manner, you feel stressed out and tense. Not only that, fast breathing can make you feel dizzy, irritable, and foggy. After being hypnotized, you will find that you breathe deeper and thus feel more relaxed and calm.
2. Hypnosis Reduces Illness: There is no doubt that stress causes physical illness. Stress causes sleep disorders, increases our pain sensitivity, and can even increase our cholesterol. Since hypnosis is a state of deep mental and physical relaxation, being in this state on a regular basis is a way to reduce stress and thus illness.
3. Hypnosis Increases Feel Good Chemicals: Whenever you are deeply relaxed, your brain naturally releases chemicals that cause you to feel good. These chemicals are often in short supply as we rush about our day. Hypnosis causes deep relaxation, allowing these feel good chemicals to flow and create a sense of control and well-being.
4. Hypnosis Promotes Good Sleep: As you get your body used to deep relaxation during hypnosis, you will find that you can get more restful sleep. It is as if your body learns how to sleep more peacefully due to the hypnotic state.
5. Hypnosis Strengthens the Immune System: Stress causes the body to produce chemicals of the fight or flight variety. This aroused state actually affects the immune system by using up the chemicals needed to keep it functioning! Regular relaxation, the kind you get in hypnosis, can help prevent this from happening.

Whether you have an issue or just need to relax, hypnosis can help you achieve your goal. You will feel stronger, more in control, more relaxed, and better able to handle your life. Hypnosis is, quite frankly, good for your body.

The Hypnosis Network is THE place to learn how hypnosis can help you in your life. Not only will you find exceptional audio programs by only the most qualified and educated psychologists, but you will also find research, information, resources, and sample sessions. The Hypnosis Network is dedicated to bringing you the best that hypnosis has to offer. Whether you have a pressing concern or simply want to feel better on a daily basis, you will find what you need at The Hypnosis Network.

Technorati Tags: Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy, Hypnotism, 5 PATH Hypnotherapy, Hypnotherapist, Hypnotist