Depression

Common symptoms include:

Lethargy
Sleep disturbance
Poor concentration
Appetite problems
Cravings and addictions
Thoughts of suicide
Inner emptiness
Low mood
Anxiety

Reverse Therapy refers to this condition as 'de-pression' for a very particular reason. When Headmind tries to force us to over-conform to being a particular kind of person (e.g. 'strong', 'nice', 'dependable', 'always in control', etc) then any emotions which don't fit that self-image are 'de-pressed back into the body. For example, one person can try to be the perfect employee, never complaining even when pushed to the limit. When Bodymind sends up the emotion of fear to let her know she is vulnerable and needs help, this can be ignored by Headmind as 'selfish' or 'weak'. The most common emotions that are depressed are in fact fear, anger and sadness. De-pressing these emotions usually leads to Anxiety as the 'pressure-cooker' effect builds up.

When Bodymind notices that a state of over-arousal exists (for example, when the Adrenal glands produce too much Cortisol – a common symptom of depression) it uses the Hypothalamus to compensate by reducing Serotonin (a mood booster) and increasing Noradrenalin (which damps down the Nervous system and creates lethargy, among other symptoms). The combined effect is to produce the state called clinical depression.

Unfortunately, Headmind then reacts to the state of depression that it has itself created by indulging in thoughts of self-blame. Taken to an extreme these can result in thoughts about suicide.

If you are not sure whether you fit the profile for depression you can take our Depression Test now.

Notes: These comments do not apply to manic depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which Reverse Therapy cannot treat.

Reverse Therapy works by first helping the person to understand how people can get lost in Headmind worry and hopelessness. Headmind then tries to de-press what it sees as uncomfortable emotions, which were in fact sent by Bodymind to galvanise the person into action and back into life. These emotions continue to await resolution before Bodymind can discharge them.

A thorough investigation of the circumstances in which 'de-pressed' symptoms first appeared is undertaken – as well as more recent occasions when the symptoms worsened. Once the underlying emotions which are being 'de-pressed' have been uncovered, the client is encouraged to take action to resolve the needs indicated by those emotions. For more information on health and the emotions please also look at the Bodymind page. Clients are also taught how to stay in a state of bodymind awareness and take small steps to restore Headmind's confidence in the person's ability to engage with life.