Depression

Overview

It’s completely normal to feel sad or to grieve after significant life events such as losing a job or going through a divorce. However, if these feelings last almost every day for two weeks or more, they could develop into depression.

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a prolonged sense of sadness and a lack of interest in activities that once brought joy. It may also lead to challenges with cognitive functions, memory, appetite, and sleep. There are various forms of depressive disorders, with major depressive disorder (often referred to simply as "depression") being the most severe type. If left untreated, depression can intensify and become more enduring. In extreme cases, it may lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Fortunately, effective treatments are available that can significantly alleviate symptoms¹.

Signs of Depression

Depression symptoms can vary from one person to another, ranging from mild to severe²:

Prolonged sadness, frustration, and a sense of emotional numbness: These emotional states often reflect a profound sense of despair. Sadness might persist for days or weeks, accompanied by irritability or frustration that seems disproportionate to circumstances. A pervasive feeling of emptiness can make daily life feel meaningless, while hopelessness can lead to a belief that nothing will improve or that any efforts to change will fail.
No longer finding enjoyment or fulfilment in hobbies: Activities that once brought joy or satisfaction—whether they were hobbies, socializing, or even work—may no longer feel rewarding or exciting. This can lead to withdrawal from social interactions and a diminished sense of purpose or fulfilment in life.
A noticeable shift in eating habits: This could manifest as either a marked decrease in appetite, where eating becomes an effort and food loses its appeal, or an increase in eating, often as a way to cope with emotional pain. This change in eating habits may lead to significant weight loss or gain, sometimes to the point where it is noticeable to others, even though it is unrelated to intentional dieting or lifestyle changes.
Experiencing disturbances in sleep: Sleep disturbances are common in depression. Insomnia can result in difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, leaving the person feeling unrested. Conversely, some may experience hypersomnia, where they sleep excessively, often as a way to escape emotional distress or due to overwhelming fatigue. Both extremes can exacerbate feelings of exhaustion and worsen overall mental health.
A significant drop in energy levels: Depression can drain a person's energy, making even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable. Fatigue is not just physical tiredness but a deep, persistent sense of exhaustion that sleep may not relieve. This can lead to an inability to complete everyday activities, compounding feelings of helplessness and frustration.
Exhibiting restless or anxious movements: Psychomotor agitation refers to excessive, restless movements such as pacing, or fidgeting, which can be an attempt to cope with inner anxiety or distress. Conversely, psychomotor retardation involves slowed speech, reduced physical movements, and a noticeable lack of energy, which may make the person appear withdrawn or "shut down." Both behaviours can be evident to others and may reflect the severity of the depression.
Experiencing intense feelings of guilt or worthlessness: Individuals struggling with depression may experience overwhelming feelings of guilt or worthlessness, often for things outside of their control. This can involve excessive self-blame, even for events that are not their fault. These feelings may distort a person’s self-perception, leading them to believe they are undeserving of love, success, or happiness, which only deepens their emotional pain.
Struggling with focus, memory problems, and an inability to make even small decisions: Cognitive difficulties are common in depression. These may include trouble focusing, forgetfulness, and an inability to concentrate, which can make work or daily tasks much harder to complete. Simple decisions—like what to eat or what to wear—may feel overwhelming, and the person may second-guess themselves or struggle with indecisiveness, contributing to a sense of being "stuck."
Having thoughts about death or self-harm: In the most severe cases of depression, individuals may experience intrusive thoughts about death or suicide, feeling as if they cannot bear their pain any longer. Suicidal ideation can range from fleeting thoughts of not wanting to exist to detailed plans for ending one’s life. This is a critical warning sign and often indicates that immediate professional help is needed to ensure safety and provide appropriate intervention.

Depression and TCIH Approaches

Acupuncture: Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in lowering cortisol levels in the bloodstream and decreasing the overactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression. This therapeutic effect may stem from the restoration of balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, promoting emotional regulation and overall stress reduction. By re-establishing equilibrium within these nerve systems, acupuncture may help to mitigate the physiological and psychological effects of chronic stress, contributing to improved mental well-being³.
Animal-Assisted Therapy: Animal-assisted therapy can provide individuals with a sense of companionship, comfort, and emotional support, which can be especially beneficial for those struggling with feelings of loneliness, depression, or isolation⁴.
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, often referred to as "talk therapy," is one of the most widely used treatments for depression. While engaging in conversation and exploring one's thoughts and feelings can be an important part of the healing process, talking alone is often not sufficient to fully address the symptoms of depression. For this reason, psychotherapists frequently collaborate with medical professionals, including doctors or psychiatrists, to provide a more comprehensive treatment approach. This typically involves the prescription of medication, such as antidepressants, to help manage the biochemical aspects of depression. By combining therapy with medication, patients can benefit from both emotional support and the chemical regulation needed to improve mood and overall mental health.
Somatic Experiencing: Somatic therapy can be a valuable tool for individuals struggling with depression, as it helps them become more aware of their tendency to dissociate as a defence mechanism against the fear and emotional pain that often accompany the condition. Many people with depression unconsciously detach from their physical sensations or emotions as a way to avoid overwhelming distress. In somatic therapy, clients are gently guided to recognize and resist this urge to disconnect. Instead, they are encouraged to stay present in their bodies, gradually learning to tolerate and process the emotions and sensations they may have previously avoided. Over time, this practice can foster a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional resilience, allowing individuals to engage more fully with their feelings in a safe and controlled manner⁵.

Therapies that may assist this symptom:

Art Therapy Ayurveda Crystal Therapy Energy Healing Exercise Physiology Hypnotherapy Kinesiology Meditation Mindfulness Naturopathy Show all

References

1. What is depression and what can I do about it? Medical News Today; 2023.

2. What is Depression? American Psychiatric Association; [cited on 2024 Nov 26].

3. Sun B, Cao X, Xin M, Guan R.. Treatment of Depression with Acupuncture Based on Pathophysiological Mechanism. International Journal of General Medicine; 2024.

4. Animal-Assisted Therapy for Depression. Healthline; 2018.

5. How does Somatic Therapy help with depression? Downtown Somatic Therapy; 2024.