Depression: a battle against hopelessness 

Depression is one of the most common mental health difficulties that people face. The World Health Organisation estimates that around 5% of adults across the world struggle with depression. Whilst depression is extremely prevalent it is also a problem we know now a lot more about and as such have developed lots of ways of managing and overcoming it.

Knowing all of this does not necessarily make a person feel better. One of the defining features of depression is a sense of hopelessness and numbness. So, whilst you really are not alone and there are absolutely things out there that will help you, depression by its nature can prevent you from absorbing and taking on board these messages. A lack of hope and feeling will naturally strip you of your motivation and desire to build a better, more fulfilled future. It is not a fault in you but a result of depression itself.

If this blog resonates with you, one of the biggest tips we can offer is to act according to what you know and not what you feel. Our feelings can often feel like facts and so it can help to be critical and engage in what is called our “logical mind”. This is easier said than done and requires some discipline, but it is effective.

Go and learn about depression. Learn about the potential causes, what keeps it going and what can help. Try different approaches and strategies until you find what works for you; not because you feel motivated but because you know it will be good for you. Eventually your mood will catch up with your actions and hope will follow. There are a lot of resources out there but the workshops on our website are a great starting point.

We are sending lots of care and compassion to anybody who feels depressed and hopeless. You truly are not alone.

References:

World Health Organisation. (2023, March 21). Depressive disorder: Depression. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression