More than 7% of Americans suffer from depression. This translates into approximately 17 million people. Depression impacts how you think, what you do, and how you feel. Depressive disorder can affect your appetite, your energy levels, your motivation, and your sleep. Other signs of depression include difficulty concentrating, making decisions, low self-esteem, and fatigue. While many people seek psychiatric help, patients can naturally beat depression with hypnosis.
Antidepressants
Psychiatrists often prescribe antidepressants to address issues related to a patient’s brain chemistry. While it is common to experience some relief within a few weeks, most patients will start to experience the full benefit of antidepressants in about two to three months. As with most prescription medications, patients may experience unwanted side effects.
C.B.T.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of talk therapy, can be helpful in addressing negative or catastrophic thoughts. Psychiatrists help patients to focus on the present and reframe negative thoughts. Patients are taught to respond in a positive way to life’s challenges. Cognitive behavioral therapy often requires months of sessions to address depressive disorder. Sessions can be held privately or in a group setting.
Hypnosis
Hypnotherapy is now a more widely accepted treatment for depressive disorder. Often misunderstood and mystified, hypnosis is a natural alternative to prescription medication. Contrary to popular belief hypnotherapy is not a form of sleep. Hypnotic trance is a relaxing and attentive state where the unconscious mind can be accessed. Patients continue to be aware and responsive in hypnotic trance.
Trance
Hypnotic trance is achieved by following the verbal directions of a hypnotherapist. Guided imagery, overload, relaxation techniques, and confusion help to lead patients into hypnotic trance. The subconscious mind is now open to directions, also known as hypnotic suggestions, that address negative thoughts and feelings. Life’s challenges can be reframed, and anxiety can be released.
Beat depression with hypnosis
Hypnosis works because it targets the unconscious mind, the control center for all we think and feel. Along with mood enhancement, hypnotherapy effectively addresses self esteem and insomnia. Hypnotic programming helps to shift a client’s perspective. The glass is metaphorically seen as half full. In some cases, depression is triggered by an experience. In hypnotic trance this event can be uncovered, but more importantly, released, and reframed.
Scientific trials
A sizeable scientific study demonstrated the efficacy of hypnosis. In this study participants were offered cognitive behavioral therapy alone, or in combination with hypnosis. At the end of 16 weeks those who incorporated hypnosis experienced far greater relief than those who did not. Additionally, the improvement experienced by the hypnosis group was sustained at 6 months and 12 months out.
If you were someone you know is suffering from depressive disorder, hypnotherapy along with cognitive behavioral therapy should be considered. Hypnosis addresses the disorder as well as the symptoms. It is also a prescription free, and scientifically proven method to address depression. Avoid the potential side effects of antidepressants and beat depression with hypnosis.