When we experience depression, it’s natural to want to find a way to get rid of it as quickly as possible. The heavy feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness can be overwhelming, and it’s tempting to think that if we could just stop feeling depressed, everything would be okay. But what if depression is more than just a problem to be fixed? What if it’s a signpost, pointing us toward deeper issues that need our attention?
It’s important to understand that depression isn’t always the root cause of our struggles. Often, it’s a symptom of something deeper going on in our lives or within ourselves. By focusing only on getting rid of the depression, we might be missing the opportunity to address the underlying issues that are causing it. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t seek relief from depression—finding ways to feel better is important—but it also means that we shouldn’t stop there.
Imagine someone who feels depressed because they’re stuck in a job they hate. Every morning, they wake up with a sense of dread, knowing they have to go to work. Over time, this feeling of dread turns into depression. They might start to think that if they could just stop feeling depressed, everything would be fine. But the depression is actually a signpost, pointing to a deeper issue: their dissatisfaction with their job. If they only focus on treating the depression, without addressing the underlying problem of their unhappiness at work, they might continue to feel stuck, and the depression could return.
Depression can also be a sign that we’re not living in alignment with our values or true selves. For some of us, depression might arise when we feel disconnected from our purpose or when we’re living a life that doesn’t reflect who we really are. This disconnect can create a sense of emptiness or meaninglessness, which can lead to depression. In this case, the depression is signalling that something deeper needs to be addressed—perhaps a re-evaluation of our goals, values, or the way we’re living our lives.
Another way depression can serve as a signpost is by highlighting unresolved emotional wounds. Sometimes, depression is linked to past traumas or experiences that we haven’t fully processed. These unresolved issues can fester beneath the surface, and depression might be the way our mind and body alert us to their presence. By recognising depression as a signpost, we can begin to explore these deeper wounds and find healing. Ignoring these underlying issues by only focusing on the symptoms of depression might mean that we’re not truly addressing the root of the problem.
Depression can also point to difficulties in our relationships. If we’re feeling isolated, unsupported, or misunderstood by the people around us, it can lead to depression. In this case, the depression might be highlighting the need to address these relationship issues, whether it’s by improving communication, setting boundaries, or seeking more meaningful connections. Simply trying to get rid of the depression without looking at our relationships might mean that the underlying problems remain unresolved.
It’s also worth considering that depression can be a signal that we’re overwhelmed by stress or that our coping mechanisms are no longer working for us. Life can be incredibly demanding, and sometimes the pressure builds up to the point where we start to feel depressed. The depression, in this case, is a signpost indicating that we need to find new ways to manage stress or that we need to make changes in our lives to reduce the burden we’re carrying. If we only focus on eliminating the depression without addressing the stress or developing new coping strategies, we might find ourselves back in the same place later on.
Recognising depression as a signpost rather than the core issue is a powerful shift in perspective. It encourages us to dig deeper and ask ourselves what the depression is trying to tell us. This doesn’t mean that antidepressants or other treatments aren’t valuable—they can be incredibly helpful in managing the symptoms of depression and giving us the strength to explore the underlying issues. But it does mean that we should also be willing to look beyond the depression itself and consider what it might be pointing to.
By seeing depression as a signpost, we open ourselves up to the possibility of deeper healing and transformation. Instead of just trying to make the depression go away, we can use it as a guide to help us understand what’s really going on in our lives. This approach can lead to more lasting change because it addresses the root causes of our struggles rather than just the symptoms.
In conclusion, depression is a complicated experience. While it’s natural to want to avoid the pain, it’s also important to pay attention to what it might be trying to tell us. By treating depression as a signpost, we can begin to uncover the deeper issues that need our attention, paving the way for more meaningful and lasting healing.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, you don’t have to go through it alone. At My Practice Counselling Melbourne, Jonathan Riley and our team are here to help. Reach out today to start your journey toward a healthier, happier life. Contact us now to book an appointment.