Depression can feel like a heavy fog that rolls in, wrapping around you, creating a weight of unspoken words and trapped emotions. It is a lonely ache of feeling empty inside. It numbs the psyche and dulls the colours of life, and some days, can make even the simplest tasks feel monumental.
Often the most pronounced indicator for us is that it is a battle fought in silence. Where once you may have thrived, now connection to others feels elusive and the joys of social interaction can feel like it has slipped through your hands, being pulled under by the tides of loneliness.
Longing for Connection
The reality of depression, is that our state profoundly shifts. We slip out of the window of tolerance, the zone of social engagement and aliveness, and head towards a state of withdrawal. When dealing with depression, the frontal cortex, especially the prefrontal area, becomes inaccessible. This part of the brain is crucial for experiencing the healthy range of emotions, connection with self and others and the ability to think with clarity and insight. It’s like your brain is struggling to keep up, you become disembodied and painfully disconnected from your self.
In my many years helping individuals heal from depression, I have heard many times how as individuals we long to recovery from social isolation and come back to human connection; to live more authentically, aligning our actions with our values and beliefs, bringing a sense of fulfillment and purpose. This understanding helps us forge a path towards recovery by recognizing that shutting off from our authenticity, is both a symptom and a cause of the disconnection of depression. One then can assume, that gentle awakening, and coming back into relationship, will be a balm to our lonely spirit.
But how does this awakening happen when our bodies and hearts have been so cut off? How do we tune into our selves when things just feel so empty inside?
The Journey Home to Self
What if, at all times, we have access to an instinctual, creative spirit inside? What if, under the veil of depression, lies waiting an alive, joyful and passionate self who already knows how to engage life with ease? I believe a big aspect of depression recovery, is a journey home to our true beautiful selves. It isn’t just about healing what is broken, it’s about waking up and recognizing the true vibrance of who you are.
Support and Community - You are part of the human family
To begin the journey of self reconnection we can slowly come back into relationship with the human family. Social engagement is heartwarming and bolsters our mental heath. The truth is there is human connection everywhere, we just need to adjust our eyes so we can see it. One way is to learn about other peoples stories, folktales and myths. These human stories of emotional healing from the ages can illuminate your struggles and offer wisdom while helping you realize that you are not alone. Reading the narratives about others who share similar experiences can help up to recognize that the stuckness and pain that comes with the ebbs of life are shared by many.
Awakening to Nature - The Life Force Around Us
Nature, too, plays a crucial role in reconnection. When we immerse ourselves in the natural world, its beauty and energy can restore our balance and remind us of our connection to life’s rhythms. Nature therapy teaches us that we are connected to all things. Take a forest walk, or a country park stroll, gently put your hand on the ground or a tree, and breathe in the shared life essence. Intermingling with this stuff of all life, we can feel kindred spirits with the natural world Human beings have an innate connection to nature, known as Biophilia. This instinctual bond can evoke feelings of peace, solace and comfort.
Unleash the Spirit with Creativity
Another powerful awakening tool is creative expression. Be it through art, writing, or music, the creation act is a vital outlet, allowing us to release pent-up emotions and explore our inner landscapes. Make a playlist of songs that speak to you. As you listen, discover how each song expresses a part of yourself. Even better, sing along and feel your own vocal sound light up your insides and send out your unique vibration into the world. As you sing along, notice how the lyrics written by another person, somewhere in the world, resonate with your experience here now.
Explore Hypnotherapy - Depression Recovery
For awakening self-connection, one of my favourite therapy modalities is hypnosis. One of the most powerful effects of hypnotherapy is its ability to access your inherent balance and wisdom mind. By teaching you to turn down the mental noise, you can tap into the riches within and may even experience a spiritual awakening. Hypnosis is a natural state and can be a profound tool on your mental health path as you can learn to access the awakened state at anytime. An experienced Clinical Hypnotherapist can guide you to discover your own inner healer and potential for tapping in and shifting out of depressed patterns.
Lighting Up the Path to Emotional Healing
Depression is real and tough, and even though often marked by isolation and feelings of loneliness, is part of the human experience. Accessing awakening practices that spark up the mind, body and spirit, and bring you back into the social connection, we can light up the darkness. Most importantly, the understanding how the journey towards feeling aliveness and vitality in self-connection is available to you, right here right now.
I’m here to answer any questions you may have about hypnotherapy or any other of my healing modalities. I offer a free 20min meet and greet that you can schedule here at any time.
Feel free to comment, like or reach out. I would love to hear from you.
Creative Commons Attribution:
Do not copy, edit, remix or adapt this article. Permission is granted to share this article in full, provided that credit is given to Carly Goodfellow Counselling and a clickable link back to this page is included.
Comments