Depression is like a fast moving river that leads to a treacherous waterfall. Many of us stand on the banks of this river getting pushed closer and closer to the edge. Proactive ones recognize the danger early, catch their balance and back away to higher ground. Others are pushed closer and closer to the edge without realizing it as they get lost in daily pressures. The unlucky ones lose their balance, fall in and get swept away.
An astounding statistic appeared in the Feb. 12 issues of Women’s Day. In a survey of over 6500 women, 24% of respondents indicated that their biggest health concern was DEPRESSION. That came second to Cancer at 28%, and ahead of diabetes and heart disease!
Of course depression is a problem. I have worked with dozens of clients with a history of depression or who struggle on the edge. I have found myself on the edge of depression many times, plus my family history alerts me that I may be vulnerable for life. The real issue this survey pointed out is that so many women FEAR depression.
Why does depression fears rank so high? Is it because our society finally talks about it publicly? Is it because so many people’s lives, including celebraties, are touched by it in today’s complex and stressful world? Is it because depression is so mysterious in the way it attacks and subsides? Is it because those who finally get their lives back after an episode of depression forever fear they will slip back into the darkness?
How can we remove the fear when depression is winning? It is robbing women of the energy and motivation they need to seek help and recover peaceful lives. Women admit they are exhausted. In that same Women’s Day survey nearly 1/3 of the respondents wished they had more energy.
When I learned about Energy Psychology in 2001, I immediately saw a great potential for helping people use self-care interventions like EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) to prevent depression, support those who struggle with it, and to keep the vulnerable ones balanced and away from the edge. I saw the value of early intervention to teach children and teens how to be resilient. I recognized how every person could benefit from coaching support and survival tools for those difficult days when life gets rough. Life balance and self-care are practical common sense, but the formula for each person must be individually tailored.
As a coach, I am not in a positition to diagnose or treat severe depression. However, I must become part of the solution. The long term life-balance solutions offered through coaching that integrate energy modalities offers so many practical methods for self-care. Energy Coaching can keep people away from the treacherous edge and connected to a long and resilient lifeline for help. I have seen lives change, exhaustion subside and joy return. When fear can be replaced by hope, joyful living prevails.
