Aspire Therapy Blog

Why Do So Many Of Us Suffer From Depression?

The debate about whether depression is an over-diagnosed disorder and the role of drugs in its treatment is highlighted by a new book entitled Manufacturing Depression: The Secret History of a Modern Disease.

For a really radical new take on the nature and function of depression which has significant scientific backing, read our article about the possible evolutionary role of depression and its hidden benefits.

That research draws attention to the dramatic difference between the number of people diagnosed with depression as opposed to other mental conditions, raising questions about the ways in which depression is used as a diagnostic category. This is the central issue of Gary Greenberg's new book, reviewed recently by the Guardian.

The Benefits of Depression

It’s probably hard to believe that there could be any benefits to depression, but that is exactly what is being suggested by some of the latest scientific research into the problem.

Scientists now believe that depression may be an evolutionary adaptation of the brain rather than a malfunction.

According to this radical new view it is a trait which has been developed over time in the same way as fever has been in order to assist human survival.

Know Your Medication

Find out more about the medication prescribed for mental health conditions such anxiety and depression by going to the BBC's Headroom web page.

In a short video clip Dr Sandra Scott (see picture) briefly explains the pros and cons of tranquillisers, anti-depressants, mood-stabilisers and anti-psychotics.

Clearly medication can help with some psychological conditions, but used incorrectly or inappropriately the wrong drug can bring on the very symptoms it is supposed to alleviate.

A significant number of clients who come for hypnotherapy have been prescribed medication by their GP. However the fact they are coming for hypnotherapy indicates that the medication has not provided a magical cure, or indicates that they would prefer to rely on their own resources if possible.

We always point out that hypnotherapy does not provide a magical cure either and encourage use of self-help techniques and the building of personal resources to find genuine and long-term solutions to problems.

We would never, moreover, interfere in any way with the programme of treatment prescribed by a doctor or offer contradictory advice.

Are You In Control Of Your Thoughts?

Are you in control of your thoughts or do you allow your thoughts to control you? We like to think of ourselves as autonomous, independent, self-sufficient beings and yet all to often we play the victim when it comes to our own state of mind.

This is particularly the case when we are suffering from loss of confidence, low self-esteem, depression or lack of self-belief. The thoughts we have about ourselves can seem unalterable and inescapable.

But negative, self-critical thinking can be challenged or diminished through a process of careful self-questioning, or by letting the thoughts become objects of detached contemplation. These are two approaches that we use in hypnotherapy.

Therapy A Better Alternative To Drugs, Say Government Ministers

The debate about the effectiveness of anti-depressant drugs has again hit the headlines in the last few days.

Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, has announced that 3,600 therapists are to be trained during the next three years in England to increase patient access to talking therapies, which ministers see as a better alternative to drugs.

This follows news that a team of researchers at Hull University concluded that new generation anti-depressants have little clinical benefit in all but the most severe cases of depression - findings which have been disputed by the makers of Prozac and Seroxat.