4 Ways Hypnotherapy Can Help With Depression:

“Our generation has had no great war, no great depression. Our war is spiritual. Our depression is our lives.” ~ Chuck Palahniuk

It is estimated that about 6.7 % of the U.S. adult population is dealing with depression. This rate is even higher between the ages of 18-25. Depression can be caused by many reasons which makes us very vulnerable to its symptoms. Some causes include emotional trauma, family history, hormonal imbalances, drug use, and some medical conditions. As you may already know, the two most known treatments for depression are psychotherapy and medications. Although hypnotherapy may not be the first thing that comes in mind, research results show that hypnotherapy can be a great help for depression treatment.

Hypnosis is a subconscious therapy and it works on the unconscious level. Think about it, when you wake up in the morning, you don’t consciously think “Hmmm, l want to be in a horrible mood today” or “Today is a great day to have all kinds of negative emotions”, right? I didn’t think so. The negative emotions and associated symptoms of depression come from the subconscious mind. This is why hypnotherapy can be a very helpful tool for dealing with depression.

Hypnotherapy can help with depression by identifying the root cause as well as creating a positive expectation about the future.

Hypnosis can help to identify the root cause 

Early life or other emotional trauma is one of the reasons for depression. Most of the times the core cause of the negative emotions is so hidden that it may even be confused with its symptoms such as fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, mood swings, excessive alcohol use, etc. These symptoms are usually subconscious agents to distract the attention from the real cause of the problem since it may be too hard to handle.

During the hypnotic state, it is easier to communicate with the subconscious mind and hidden layers can lift during the trance. During trance, the brain waves slow down, the focus is fully shifted within and the body. This allows the mind to be more open and accepting.

Hypnosis can help to bring a resolution to the root cause 

Hypnosis is a naturally calm and relaxed state. During hypnosis, the imagination is heightened and with the positive direction of the hypnotherapist, the focus of the journey is set with a positive attitude. Also, during hypnosis, emotions and pressured feelings can finally surface themselves. These emotions are usually the reason for depression. By understanding, releasing, and moving through these emotions and memories, the person can release depressive thoughts as well.

Hypnosis can help to build a positive future outlook 

One of the most dominant thinking patterns that come with depression is hopelessness, feeling “stuck” and/or interpreting life situations negatively. Hypnosis helps with lifting this negative shade. Finally, the person will be able to see that the future has lots of options and it’s up to them to pick whichever option they wish! By using the imagination and the calm state, the hypnotherapist can help the person create positive expectations of the future. This will help to shift the negative mindset and slowly leave the depressive thoughts behind.

Hypnosis can help to increase motivation for healthy activities

Depressive thoughts and moods discourage the person from doing healthy activities. For example, socializing, exercising or hiking can trigger serotonin release and elevate the mood. However, people dealing with depression are usually demotivated to do physical actions which keep them in a negative mood more. Eventually, this becomes a vicious cycle. This cycle can lead the person to detach from their social environment as well as physical achievements.

Hypnosis is a great tool to improve motivation. Whatever the person used to enjoy doing can be reinforced during the trance. Whether it is about physical exercise, self-confidence, eating healthy, or socializing, hypnosis creates an inner encouragement for the person to take time for self-care.

Final notes…

Although hypnotherapy is a great tool to release depression, it is important that you are assessed by a licensed professional first. With the recommendation by a therapist, hypnotherapy can create miracle results and a positive outlook without the medications!