People Building

Let’s face it, we all experience moments of sadness and despair at some point in our lives. Certain situations and events can push us into this emotional state, making us feel like we have no control over it. But here’s the catch: there are instances when feeling down is justified when it’s okay to be gloomy, grumpy, or even angry. It only becomes problematic when we dwell in that state for too long. Whether it’s because we can’t shake off the negativity and find ourselves stuck in a prolonged period of sadness, or because we easily and frequently slip into that mindset, even when things are going well in our lives.

Depression has a way of making itself known, both in words and actions. When someone is feeling incredibly down, it’s almost palpable. Their voice takes on a sombre tone, and their choice of words reflects a pessimistic outlook. Not only that, but their body language speaks volumes too. They appear unenthusiastic, worn out, and even a bit under the weather. In my therapy clinic in Hertfordshire, I’ve honed my ability to quickly recognise these signs when clients seek my help

The danger of being in this state lies in the fact that, just like anything else in life, the more you practice it, the better you become at it. So, if you frequently revisit that emotional state, you can quickly immerse yourself in it and experience the feelings with even greater intensity. What’s happening here is that the neural networks in your nervous system that are associated with depression become stronger. Think of it like a well-traveled and robust motorway, where the traffic flows smoothly. In this analogy, the neural network is the motorway, and the information that triggers feelings of depression is the cars. As you can imagine, this reinforcement and acceleration can be quite powerful.

Envision happy feelings as a quaint country lane, adorned with wildflowers and slightly overgrown. Initially, it may present difficulties for traffic to traverse. However, with each passing vehicle that chooses this route, the road gradually becomes easier to navigate. Conversely, if you rarely utilize your depression “motorways,” they become neglected and overgrown, falling out of use. So, here’s where you begin your journey:

To begin your journey towards personal growth, it is crucial to find a skilled coach who can provide therapeutic guidance for the areas of your life that pose challenges. Look for someone who can empower you and help you maintain a peak state. NLP, in particular, can be highly effective in empowering you. However, it is important to note that a competent NLP practitioner will not allow you to shift blame onto others for your emotions. The essence of empowerment lies in taking control of your emotions rather than letting them control you. Relying on external factors to dictate how you feel does not contribute to your sense of empowerment and control. This is not to say that your coach won’t listen or show empathy, but their primary role is to assist you in making positive changes and maintaining a positive state, rather than dwelling on the reasons behind negative emotions.

Here are 3 major things to consider when eliminating depression.

1) The mind
Where does your mind wander? What occupies your thoughts the most? Are you lost in daydreams or lost in memories? Whether it’s the delightful things that bring you joy or the unfortunate things that bring you down, what consumes your mind?

2) The body
Are you hydrating yourself adequately? Are you nourishing your body with healthy food? Are you getting sufficient rest? Always remember that your body is like a scientific laboratory, brimming with various chemicals. However, it cannot function on its own; it requires your diligent efforts to maintain its balance by consuming the right substances. Your emotions are influenced by hormones, which are essentially chemicals. Hence, it is logical to ensure that you supply your lab with the appropriate chemical intake to keep it well-equipped with high-quality substances.

3) The Spirit
Are you living life to the fullest? It’s disheartening to come across numerous individuals who seem to be struggling with depression. When I inquire about their job satisfaction, the majority respond with a resounding “No.” It’s crucial to find what truly ignites your passion and makes you feel alive.

To achieve happiness, it’s essential to engage in activities that bring you joy. Since we often dedicate more time to work than to our loved ones, it’s crucial to have a fulfilling job. Reflect on hobbies that uplift your spirits and assess the company you keep. Remember, we tend to mirror the attitudes of those we surround ourselves with, so choose positive influences to cultivate a happier mindset.

By Gemma Bailey
https://peoplebuilding.co.uk/practitioners/gemma-bailey/