Depression
The Dark Side of the Soul
What Is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that affects thoughts, emotions, and daily functioning. Symptoms can be mild or severe and may last weeks, months, or longer. It can bring feelings of:
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Guilt
- Numbness or apathy
- Self-doubt
- Loss of interest
KEY— Depression is not a weakness — it is a medical and emotional condition that deserves attention, compassion, and treatment.
Understanding Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue or low energy
- Guilt and worthlessness
- Irritability or restlessness
- Loss of pleasure
- Sleep changes (too much or too little)
- Appetite changes
- Persistent aches and pains
- Emotional numbness
- Suicidal thoughts
Depression rarely goes away on its own.
Why Depression Happens
Depression has many causes. It can be triggered by psychology, biology, trauma, life events, or a combination of factors. People may experience one episode or multiple episodes over a lifetime.
Depression is not a character flaw — it is often the mind’s response
to being overwhelmed, imbalanced or emotional injury.
to being overwhelmed, imbalanced or emotional injury.
Psychological & Situational Depression
Life events can trigger psychological depression:
- Relationship breakups
- Divorce
- Grief and loss
- Financial or job stress
- Unexpected changes
- Identity or self-esteem issues
- Unresolved anger or guilt
These depressions are painful but treatable with supportive, skilled therapy.
Medical & Biological Depression
The body plays a significant role in emotional health. Depression may result from:
- Brain chemical imbalances
- Hormonal changes
- Thyroid disorders
- Post-surgery recovery
- Chronic illness
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Medication effects
- Substance use
When the body is overwhelmed, emotions often follow.
Trauma-Related Depression
Trauma — especially untreated trauma — commonly leads to depression. This includes:
- Childhood wounds
- Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Accidents
- Crime victimization
- War, disaster, or violence
- Witnessing harm to others
- Medical trauma
PTSD frequently involves depression because unprocessed memories disrupt emotional equilibrium. “Unprocessed memories” are those traumatic memories which are “stuck” or “frozen” in the brain — waiting to be triggered.
Treatment Options
Depression is highly treatable. Common approaches include:
- Psychotherapy
- EMDR
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Support systems
- Medication, when appropriate
Medication can help correct biological imbalances. Therapy helps heal emotional and psychological contributors. Together, they can be powerful.
Healing does not mean pretending everything is fine — it means giving yourself permission to get help.
Can EMDR Help?
Yes. EMDR can be extremely effective when depression is connected to trauma, guilt, shame, loss, or unresolved emotional pain.
EMDR helps you:
- Process painful memories
- Release emotional intensity
- Shift negative core beliefs
- Gain clarity and strength
With support and skillful guidance, you can feel lighter, clearer, and hopeful again.