By Kathryn Smith, Clinical Psychologist
If managing depression is one of your life challenges, you may at times feel isolated and alone in your journey. The reality is, you are not alone with approximately 300 million people around the world, swimming in the same tumultuous sea. Like any illness, physical or mental, acknowledgement and acceptance is paramount to recovery.
This week is QLD Mental Health Week with the key messages being; ‘Seek Support, Make Connections and Share Your Experience’. All of these steps are key in managing mental health concerns and underlying these steps is accepting the illness and the journey ahead.
Many people find it difficult to accept depression, denying the feelings brewing inside for fear of the stigma associated with mental illness. Denial is counterproductive and will only prolong the symptoms of depression and its effects on your life. Accepting the illness, as just that, an illness, and working towards managing it, like you would a physical ailment, can bring great long-term value. This does not mean the illness should define you or form part of your identity.
Everyone’s journey with depression is different and there is no ‘one-size fits all’ approach to therapy. There are various, clinically proven treatments for depression and finding the right psychologist and therapeutic approach for you, can ultimately place you on the path to better health and wellness.
Sharing your experience with others and asking for the support of your friends and family can also, for many people play an important part in management and recovery.
So, let this week be an important reminder that it is not the illness that defines you but your strength and courage to accept it and reach out for help and support.
If you need help with depression or other mental health concerns, visit our website for tools, information and resources www.psychologyconsultants.com.au