Depression is defined as “feelings of severe despondency and dejection.” It typically causes individuals to slow or shut down their everyday normal functions, and many people will experience depression in their lifetimes. Hypnosis can be an effective means of helping individuals cope with many types of depression by providing a means of modifying deeply felt negative beliefs about oneself. Hypnosis goes deeper than cognitive therapies or CBT because hypnosis addresses the Unconscious Mind where these beliefs are imprinted.
Two Common Types of Depression
Situational: Situational depression or Reactive Depression, also known as Adjustment Disorder, is a condition that involves depressed mood and is triggered by a stressor caused by a major life change. Situational depression often results when a person has trouble coping or adapting to a particular life event.
Endogenous: Endogenous depression occurs without the presence of a precipitating external stressor or trauma. In other words, it has no apparent outside cause. It may be caused by internal or “endogenous” physiological changes. Endogenous Depression often has underlying genetic, biological, or biochemical markers that predispose the person to depression. Therefore, endogenous depression can also be referred to as a “biologically based” depression.
Dangers of Depression
Essential features common to all types of depression include negative self-regard, distorted negative thoughts, hopelessness, loss of energy and motivation, fatigue, slowed cognitive functions, some shutdown of basic biological desires such as appetite and sex drive, as well as physical symptoms of stress. Untreated, individuals who struggle with depression are predisposed to physical illness. Major depression also tends to be recurrent; each episode increases vulnerability to further relapses. Socially, depression is contagious. Moods tend to spread. A depressed person tends to affect at least three other people.
Hypnosis for Depression
Pharmaceutical drugs are the common go-to treatment for depression, and some people do find relief from antidepressant medications alone. However, medications do not teach coping skills or improve self-image. These factors contribute significantly to an individual’s ability to ward off depression and prevent its recurrence. Research shows that depression responds positively to good short-term therapy so long as the therapy provides a compassionate interpersonal relationship along with appropriate behavioral and cognitive coping skills training.
Psychotherapy combined with Hypnosis, also known as “Hypnotherapy”, can introduce effective coping skills, more realistic thinking, healthier relationship styles, appropriate problem-solving skills, and effective decision-making strategies, as well as help individuals achieve a healthy support network. Additionally, good therapy can help a person transcend an adverse personal history so he or she can begin build a more positive future. Hypnosis combined with good interpersonal therapy can make the therapy deeper and briefer.
For 30 years, I have helped thousands of patients who suffered from recurring depressive symptoms lead more fulfilling lives. If you would like to learn more about my practice, or you would like to schedule a free consultation appointment, visit us at www.BruceEimer.com or call my office today at (561) 377-1039.
I, Dr. Bruce Eimer, proudly serve patients in the areas of Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Wellington, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and surrounding areas.