Depression and Loss

Most people feel a sense of loss during brief periods of their lives. For most it passes with time with no lingering effects. Loss is a normal response that people often describe as feeling sad, blue or gloomy. It can be in response to a loss of a job, loss in financial status, children growing up and leaving the nest, not achieving a goal, separation from a partner, divorce, or death of a loved one.

Long periods of feelings of loss can have a negative effect on the quality of life and cause relationship stress. Therapy is beneficial by helping an individual process the feelings of loss, understand the meaning of the loss and how to move forward in a positive way finding new meaning and purpose in life.

For some individuals feelings of loss can develop into depression. Others develop depression without any clear sense of what is bothering them. They just don’t feel like their old self. They may find themselves withdrawing from family and friends. They may feel like the demands of their life are overwhelming. Depression is characterized by a depressed mood for two weeks or more that is also accompanied by emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. Some common symptoms are feeling sad, irritable, sense of hopelessness, sleeping too much or insomnia, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, and crying.

Depression that lasts for over 2 weeks should be treated. Depression can have a strong impact on an individual’s relationships, work and quality of life. It is common to blame oneself for one’s symptoms and therefore not seek treatment. Depression isn’t anyone fault. It is a highly treatable condition. Therapy involves addressing the thoughts / feelings / behaviors that fuel depression. Therapy is beneficial because it addresses the emotional, behavioral, and physical aspects of depression. In therapy, an individual gains greater self-awareness and self-acceptance. Individuals learn how to recognize negative self-talk (blaming oneself, hopelessness) and learn how to alter it into more supportive self-talk as it occurs. Therapy helps an individual make behavior changes which can help to alleviate depressed feelings and thoughts. In addition, therapy helps individuals gain insight into their relationships and helps to identify where changes can be made to create a more meaningful and supportive relationships.

04.02.2007. 15:05