Let’s be honest… It’s more than just being blue.
It is a New Year, but I don’t feel any different. You might be thinking, “I don’t want to set goals – I can’t even stick to something for a few hours.” I am sick of all the New Year, New You quotes flooding social media. If you resonate, keep reading.
After the year that we had, it might be that you feel depressed, (like many women I have worked with last year). You are not alone. Everyone at some point has felt down. It’s only natural to feel this way after a difficult or stressful life experience (or year for that matter).
But depression is more than just being sad. It’s like a thick fog that disrupts your thinking, emotions and behaviours and distorts your perception of yourself and the world around you. Depression is experienced differently by different people. Sometimes, it can emerge from a mix of issues or experiences, but sometimes there’s no obvious reason. Depression can have tragic outcomes to your health and fitness – without proper help.
But there is good news! Together, there is plenty we can do to manage your depression. Remember the fog can clear. And I am here to show you how.
What you might not know about depression:
- Roughly 1 in 10 people will experience depression over the course of their life.
- Women are twice as likely to develop depression
- Over half of people diagnosed with depression also suffer from anxiety
- Physical exercise has been found to have a great antidepressant effect
What Does Depression Look Like?
To take on and beat depression, you have to know what it looks like. Not one case of depression is the same as someone else’s. However, depression will usually include a some of the following symptoms, over an extended period of time.
- Feelings of emptiness, worthlessness & hopelessness or feeling numb inside.
- Loss of energy, constantly feeling tired.
- Oversleeping or not sleeping enough.
- Overeating or loss of appetite.
- Loss of enjoyment
- Difficulty concentrating/focusing
Reflection Time:
Detached from other people
When did you last feel truly connected to other people?
Detached from meaningful work
Do you enjoy your job? Does it give you some sense of control and purpose?
Detached from meaningful values
Do you know what gives your life meaning beyond the materialistic and superficial? Do you live in alignment with this?
Detached from nature
When did you last feel truly connected to nature & your natural environment?
Detached from past hurt
Have you confronted and unpacked your past trauma/difficult/stressful moments?
Detached from a hopeful future
Do you feel like you have the ability to impact your future in a positive way?
Detached from status & respect
Do you exist in a space where you feel respected and have the power to influence outcomes?
How to Manage Depression?
Get out of your head and into your body.
Exercising, listening to music, connecting with nature and being outdoors in sunlight can help to improve mood – yes even in the winter! Experiences that help us connect with our body in a positive and relaxing way such as yoga, massage and dance have also been shown to be effective in changing mood states. (It doesn’t have to be all about “weight training.”)
Connect and talk.
Spend time with people who support and understand you and make you reconnect with feelings of hope. This could be friends, family or myself as your mentor and coach.
Looking For a Depression Solution That is Personal + Private?
I am here to help you combat depression using a range of evidence-based approaches, including mood enhancing nutrition and exercise programming, and positive – strength based coaching using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). If you are ready, please send me a message and we can start your Private Coaching – let this be the year that YOU choose YOURSELF!
