Resources

Depression

    DEPRESSION
    Feeling low in mood from time to time is a normal and common reaction to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For a person with depression, these negative feelings and moods can last for a
    long period of time, affecting the person’s sleep, job, appetite, and relationships.Depression can range from mild to severe and appropriate action should be taken. For mild depression, there are self-help techniques including exercise and self-help books that can help you get through the issues. However, for moderate and severe depression, seeking professional help would be ideal as therapy and or medication may be needed. Whatever the case, do not suffer in silence.

    Causes

    There are environmental and mental causes of depression. Your body produces chemicals that regulate your mood, but when these chemicals get out of balance due to adverse mental or environmental circumstances, depression ensues. The following are some examples or contributing factors to depression;

    • Financial hardships
    • Relationship issues
    • Traumatic childhood events
    • Physical illness (stroke, heart attack)
    • Certain medications
    • Life challenges
    • Social isolation

    Symptoms

    Even though symptoms of depression differ from person to person depending on personality, there are some common signs and symptoms. It is also important to know that these symptoms can be experienced by anybody from time to time and it does not mean that you are depressed. These symptoms can range from minor to severe, and it is important for you to identify these symptoms in order to seek help. The following are some of the signs to look for;

    • Persistent low mood or fatigue
    • Negative thoughts of failure, self -blame, worthlessness or death
    • Strong, persistent feelings of; guilt, disappointment, irritability, indecisiveness, or misery
    • Loss of interest in usual activities
    • Not focusing or not getting things done at work
    • Withdrawal from family and friends
    • Sleepless nights
    • Loss of appetite

    RELATIONSHIP ISSUES

    Just like most ventures in life, a relationship requires nurturing and maintenance. Over time, some couples may go through a rough patch or lose the magic that they once had. The common mistake among couples is seeking counselling when it is too late, and both parties have given up.

    Just like most ventures in life, a relationship requires nurturing and maintenance. Over time, some couples may go through a rough patch or lose the magic that they once had. The common mistake among couples is seeking counselling when it is too late, and both parties have given up.
    On the other hand, if both parties are willing to save the relationship and put in the effort required, then counselling may be the right thing for you. Unbiased and non-judgmental counselling can help you re-discover the magic you once had and help you to be able to communicate again effectively.
    Counselling can also be ideal for couples before they get into a rough patch so that they are as ready as could be when the rough patch happens.

    Signs

    Below are some of the common signs you need counselling;

    • Loss of trust – Trust is a fundamental building block to a healthy relationship and helps couples feel emotionally and physically secure. If trust is lost, it is a problem that needs to be gradually worked on for the relationship to be healthy.
    • Financial disagreements – Fights about finances is another common issue in relationships as partners may have different priorities. Counselling can help you understand your partner’s perspective and how to communicate effectively to find common ground.
    • Living separate lives – If in your relationship there is lack of communication or intimacy, then you need help. Counselling can assist you to sort out your issues and help you reconnect on an intimate level again.
    • Having the same arguments – Having arguments in a relationship is a normal thing, but if you keep having the same arguments over and over again without a resolution, then you may need counselling to help you and your partner communicate effectively.
    • Finding faults in the other – If you or your partner constantly judge the other, in person or publicly, then you are on your way to damaging your relationship. This results in bitterness, but counselling can help you overcome this and guide you in building a healthy relationship.
    • You are contemplating or having an affair – If you find yourself flirting with somebody from work, a stranger, or a friend through social media or in person, then you are getting close to being unfaithful. Unfaithfulness in a relationship is a very challenging issue, and counselling can provide extra help to resolve the situation.

    GRIEF AND LOSS

    Grief is a natural response to the loss of somebody or something to which we had an emotional connection. This could be the loss of, or separation from a loved one, a pet, job, or a relationship. During this period, you can be affected emotionally, physically or behaviorally, therefore affecting your relationship with others.
    How people react to loss varies depending on personality. Some people can grieve for a short period of time while others can grieve for years. It takes time to heal, and people find their own ways to go about it and counselling can provide the help and support required.

    STRESS AND TRAUMA

    Trauma that is not resolved can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder developed after a person experiences or witnesses a significantly traumatic or shocking event, such as a road accident, sexual or physical abuse, war, or any other life-threatening event.
    Even though PTSD is common among military veterans and refugees, it can affect people of any gender, age, or background. PTSD can lead to clinical depression, panic attacks, or suicidal thoughts if not recognized and treated. Counselling can help you manage, recover, and move on with your life.

    LIFE TRANSITIONS AND MIGRATION

    Whether positive or negative, adjusting to life transitions tend to be stressful. Change is likely to happen during the course of our lives, such as a new job, retirement, marriage and family, or migration. Even though these changes may be positive, they can bring about stress as some people may find it hard to adjust. If you are struggling to cope with the changes of life, counselling can help you adjust.
    Migrating to another country is a very big transforming experience in the pursuit of a better life or opportunities. Though exciting, the process of migration can also be a time of uncertainty, loneliness, and can bring about change in your way of life. A counselor can help you ease into the new challenges and help you come to terms with the way things work in your new environment.

    POST INCARCERATION ANXIETY

    Getting released from prison can be stressful for individuals trying to start a new life after being incarcerated for a long time. This may be due to the loss of knowledge, family support, life skills, or stigma. This can cause you to be isolated and feel like you cannot live a normal life anymore. A counselor can guide and help you ease back into society to be a productive member.