Overcome Depression

How is the InSync approach to depression different to others?

The InSync approach to overcoming depression is highly personalised. It is a ‘whole system’ approach which considers your life's circumstances, history, body, mind and lifestyle. It is based on the fact that the fundamental causes of depression are mind and body imbalances, as well as faulty beliefs and perceptions. The imbalances lead to many unhealthy changes in the body and mind, including in brain chemistry.

The medical approach to most cases of depression is the use of anti-depressant drugs, of which there is a wide variety. Different types of antidepressant drugs work in slightly different ways, but they all act on brain chemicals related to emotions and motivation (e.g. serotonin and noradrenaline). However, even when these drugs successfully treat the symptoms of depression, they do nothing to address the causes or to bring lasting healthy balance to the whole system. They simply correct one of the end-results of the depression imbalance. The drug approach can be like giving laxatives to a constipated person, without changing their low fibre diet, lack of exercise and stressful lifestyle.

Doctors often have difficulty finding a drug and a dose that is effective and without noticeable side effects for each patient. Anti-depressant drugs are usually prescribed for at least 6 months, and often for years or indefinitely. This is of considerable concern as all drugs cause some degree of adverse effect, especially in the long-term.

Although the InSync approach does not include anti-depressant medication, we recognise that it may be appropriate for some people with severe depression, in the short-term. The drugs could enable them to live safely and effectively, while pursuing healthier, long-term approaches to healing. In this situation, an anti-depressant drug is like bridging finance; it allows someone to cope in the short-term, but incurs the ‘cost’ of drug toxicity.

Psychological and psychiatric treatment of depression often includes therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), often in conjunction with medication. CBT helps a person to change their thought and behaviour patterns by identifying and replacing unhelpful thoughts, as well as finding new ways of going about their everyday life. ITP focuses on helping people with depression to get along with others more easily.

These therapies can correct faulty beliefs and perceptions associated with depression, but usually only those that are at the cognitive (conscious thought) level of the mind. These techniques are much less effective on deeper levels of the psyche, where depressive tendencies are often held. Psychological and psychiatric therapies are also unable to address the body and mind imbalances at the heart of depression.

Who can benefit?

InSync personalised coaching is suitable for anyone who feels depressed in any way, regardless of the severity, nature or duration of the feelings. Our approach is safe and can be used in conjunction with any other form of treatment. You will learn to understand the underlying causes of your difficult feelings, and be supported in a process to bring lasting improvement to your emotional well-being.

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More information on depression
Understanding the experience of depression from the InSync framework