The mind-body experience of depression
Depression is often thought of as a deep form of sadness. This would imply that we would always know when we're depressed, right? In reality, depression is a much more complex experience than just sadness. We may feel sad, lethargic, stuck, disconnected, or angry, among other emotions.
The darkness we feel when depressed is a holistic mind-body phenomenon.
Depression can also show up as an embodied experience – which we may not immediately identify as connected with low mood. Below are some common links between physical or lifestyle changes and low mood:
Fatigue and Hopelessness: Persistent tiredness isn't merely a physical symptom. It often parallels feelings of hopelessness or a sense that things won’t improve.
Sleep Disturbances and Rumination: Sleep difficulties, whether oversleeping or insomnia, often reflect a restless mind trapped in repetitive, negative thoughts.
Appetite Changes and Emotional Void: A significant increase or decrease in appetite can mirror the emotional extremes of depression, ranging from feeling everything intensely to a numbing void.
Physical Aches and Emotional Pain: Unexplained body aches or pains can resonate with the emotional hurt and distress one carries within.
Concentration Difficulties and Indecisiveness: A foggy mind, struggling to focus on tasks, often ties in with the indecisiveness and uncertainty that depression can usher.
Slowed Movement and Despondency: The physical sensation of moving through molasses, with slowed speech or movements, often reflects the weight of despondency or feeling stuck in one's life.
Feelings of Worthlessness and Self-Neglect: Physical neglect or disregard for one’s health and well-being can be an external manifestation of internal feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Depression is a complex experience that encompasses the entirety of a person, from their thoughts and emotions to their physical sensations. It serves as a reminder of the inseparability of our mental, emotional, and bodily states. It is a deeply layered experience: it sometimes takes some excavation to understand the root causes of the felt experiences of lack of motivation, low mood, and emotional distress.
Counselling is one way to explore the interplay of the somatic and mental realms that make up your unique experience of depression. My somatically-informed approach to counselling and psychologically-informed approach to craniosacral therapy ensure that whichever modality you choose, the multifaceted nature of depression will be respected and honoured in our treatment plan.
If you could use some support with depression or other experiences, consider booking a free 20-minute consultation to explore working together. Please know that there are very real reasons why you are feeling this way, and that your experience can shift.
Note: if you enjoyed this article, you may also like my article on the mind-body experience of anxiety.