What is Depression?

The APA defines depression as a "common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home" (American Psychiatric Association, 2021).

I follow a more holistic approach when I deal with people that struggle with depression – Beyond its diagnostic criteria, depression is a deeply personal experience that varies in intensity and duration from individual to individual. It can stem from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, as well as life experiences, trauma, and stressors.

Holistically, depression is not just the presence of symptoms, but also the impact it has on one's sense of self, relationships, work, and daily functioning. It may manifest as changes in sleep and appetite patterns, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and even physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive problems. Depression can erode your sense of vitality and purpose, leading to social withdrawal, decreased productivity, and impaired decision-making.

I address underlying issues (trauma), promote self-awareness, resilience, and self-care practices, and foster a sense of connection and meaning in life.

What Role Does Self-Awareness Play in Depression?

• Self-awareness involves being attuned to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In the context of depression, self-awareness enables individuals to recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition within themselves. This may include acknowledging feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities, as well as recognizing changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels.
• Self-awareness allows you to identify triggers or underlying factors contributing to their depression. This might involve recognizing stressful life events, unresolved trauma, maladaptive thought patterns, or unhealthy coping mechanisms that exacerbate depressive symptoms.
• Depression often involves distorted thinking patterns characterized by self-criticism, pessimism, and rumination. Self-awareness empowers individuals to challenge these negative thoughts and beliefs by recognizing their influence on mood and behavior.
• Self-awareness enables you to monitor their emotional state and recognize fluctuations in mood. This awareness allows for early intervention, as individuals can implement coping strategies or seek support when they notice signs of worsening depression.
• By recognizing your own needs and preferences, individuals can develop personalized self-care routines that nurture their emotional resilience and enhance their ability to cope with depressive symptoms.

How Can Life Coaching Help People with Depression?

Setting Realistic Goals

By breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps, life coaching helps you regain a sense of control and progress, which can be empowering and motivating.

Identifying Strengths and Resources

Depression often leads individuals to overlook their strengths, talents, and resources. Life coaches help clients identify and leverage their existing strengths, skills, and support networks to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. By focusing on personal assets and positive qualities, life coaching promotes resilience and self-confidence, counteracting feelings of helplessness and worthlessness associated with depression.

Developing Coping Strategies

Life coaches collaborate with clients to develop personalized coping strategies and self-care practices to manage depressive symptoms effectively. This may involve exploring relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, stress management strategies, and healthy lifestyle habits tailored to the individual's needs and preferences.

Improving Self-Efficacy and Confidence

Depression often erodes self-esteem and confidence, making it challenging for individuals to take action and pursue their goals. Life coaching fosters a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their fears, doubts, and limiting beliefs. Through encouragement, validation, and positive reinforcement, life coaches help clients cultivate self-efficacy and confidence, enabling them to overcome self-imposed barriers and pursue meaningful changes in their lives.

Providing Accountability and Support

Life coaching offers client's accountability and support as you work towards their goals and aspirations. Coaches provide regular check-ins, feedback, and encouragement to help clients stay motivated and on track, even during periods of setback or difficulty. By fostering a collaborative partnership based on trust and mutual respect, life coaches create a safe space for clients to explore their challenges, celebrate their progress, and receive guidance and support as needed.

Last Thoughts

When dealing with depression, it's important to remember that you're not alone and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Understanding that depression is a complex mental health condition influenced by various factors, including genetics, biology, environment, and life experiences, can help reduce self-blame and stigma. Prioritizing self-care, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, engaging in activities you enjoy, and seeking social support, is crucial for managing symptoms and promoting well-being. Developing self-awareness, challenging negative thoughts, and seeking professional help when needed are essential steps in the recovery process. Remember to be patient and compassionate with yourself, acknowledging that healing takes time and progress may be gradual. Finally, know that recovery is possible, and with the right support and interventions, you can regain a sense of hope, purpose, and resilience in your life.