As published in the September 2016 Meath Coaster:
Professional help for depression is not a luxury.
At certain times, we all hit roadblocks that we need to overcome. Every now and then, we may feel overwhelmed, depressed or stuck by our situation. That is where a qualified counsellor can help.
There is no need to suffer in silence or self-medicate with binge behaviours or any other coping mechanisms. Destructive behaviours simply numb symptoms, but they do not treat them. You can seek assistance from your parish priest, or call a hotline but these well-intentioned individuals, have most likely not completed any coursework in psychology.
If you broke your leg, would drinking beer help you walk again? Would calling a free phone number, set your broken bones? Only a qualified professional, such as a doctor, can help mend what is broken and it’s the same with mental health. At trying times in our lives, it is important to put ourselves first, and seek out the very best, to help heal what’s broken within and guide us to self-discovery.
There should be no shame in seeking professional help for depression. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health issue worldwide.
There are several holistic remedies available that complement individual talk therapy with a professional. A professional counsellor can help you deal with behaviours arising from a depressed state. In extreme cases, a psychiatrist’s help may be necessary, for medication. However, if you are feeling depressed for longer than a week, it may be time to seek professional help.
The following remedies may help boost your mood and potentially lift the brain fog associated with depression.
Taking the daily recommended dosage of St. John’s Wort and Kava Kava are two of the best natural vitamins to help with moving through depression. Often depression is accompanied by sleep disturbances. Valerian, holy basil, ashwaganda, Sam-E are other natural herbals that can help.
Immediate relief of some depressive symptoms can come from practicing daily meditation.
Learning how to take deep, diaphragmatic breaths can help in alleviating mild depression. There are even free apps for your smart phone that guide you in learning how to breathe deeply for relaxation and improved mental clarity. Mindfulness and guided meditations are also complementary, holistic practices to talk therapy.
When seeking assistance from a well-trained professional, be sure to check their credentials so that you receive the best care, whether it is for your broken leg, heart or head. Put yourself first in times of stress and transition so that you may heal and be there for family and friends.
When you are ready to start the journey, feel free to make a call to ACT (www.anamcaratherapy.com) at 083 859 9551 or email anamcaratherapy@aol.com. Em Ryan has over a decade of counselling experience and is accredited by the IACP.
