Reeza Thomson is a highly experienced psychologist and mindset transformation coach with a mission to help individuals break free from limiting beliefs, overcome life’s challenges, and unlock their full potential.
In my previous article, we explored the overwhelming mental health challenges that the modern world imposes on us, challenges that many struggle to endure. The constant pressure to succeed, societal expectations, and unprocessed emotions often leave people feeling lost, exhausted, and disconnected. Depression, in many ways, is the silent outcome of these struggles, quietly taking hold before we even realize what’s happening. If you found that article insightful, this one will take you even deeper into understanding depression itself and, most importantly, how to heal from it.
Depression is not just "feeling down" or "being tired". It’s a profound condition that affects every aspect of life, from relationships to physical health. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to get out of bed, feeling emotionally numb, or constantly battling self-doubt, you are not alone. Depression is not a personal failure; it is a signal -your mind and body calling for care, for healing, for you to pay attention to yourself in a way you never have before.
Why does depression happen?
The causes of depression are complex and unique to each individual, but here are some of the most common triggers:
1. Chronic stress
Constant tension drains your mental and physical energy, leaving you burned out and emotionally exhausted. When stress hormones like cortisol remain elevated for too long, your brain struggles to function, and you may feel stuck in a mental fog. Bottled-up emotions, unprocessed experiences, and an inability to cope with life’s demands can quickly spiral into depression.
2. Relationship problems
Loneliness doesn’t only exist when you’re alone; it can persist even within relationships. Conflicts with partners, family, or friends, unresolved emotional wounds, and a deep need for validation can all contribute to feelings of sadness and isolation. When relationships lack emotional safety, they become a breeding ground for depression.
3. Dissatisfaction with yourself
Do you feel like you’re never “good enough”? Unrealistic expectations, self-criticism, and guilt can create a cycle of self-doubt. If you often people-please, compare yourself to others, or take on more than you can handle, you may be unknowingly pushing yourself toward emotional burnout.
4. Unresolved trauma
Painful experiences – whether from childhood or adulthood don’t simply fade away with time. Breakups, betrayal, grief, job loss, or any major life upheaval can leave emotional scars that, if left unaddressed, can keep you trapped in the past. Many people struggling with depression feel stuck in a loop, replaying old wounds, blaming themselves, or shutting others out, unaware that healing is possible.
5. Biological factors
Your brain chemistry, genetics, and even diet play a huge role in your emotional well-being. If your hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin are out of balance, it can feel impossible to experience joy. Likewise, poor nutrition can deprive your body of essential nutrients that are crucial for mental health. Depression is often a sign that your mind and body need recalibration, not condemnation.
6. Lack of self-fulfilment
Do you feel lost in your career? Like you're constantly trying to prove yourself but never quite succeeding? Society places immense pressure on people to achieve, compete, and keep up. When inner potential conflicts with limiting self-beliefs, depression often follows.
How to overcome depression: A step-by-step path to healing
Healing from depression is not about "just thinking positive" or "snapping out of it." It requires real, intentional steps toward self-care and professional support.
1. Acknowledge your feelings
Denial only prolongs suffering. Recognize your emotions instead of numbing them with distractions like excessive social media, alcohol, or isolation. If you feel exhausted, unmotivated, or emotionally disconnected, honour that reality awareness is the first step toward change.
2. Start small to begin healing
Depression can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Instead of setting huge goals, focus on small, consistent actions:
Get fresh air: A short morning walk can do wonders for your mood by increasing oxygen flow to your brain and gently reintroducing movement into your routine. Your feel-good hormones will be activated right away after some time spent actively in fresh air. Try it for yourself, too.
Prioritize sleep: Rest is a necessity for your body and brain, not a luxury. Sleep deprivation is one of the contributors to stress. Establishing morning and nighttime routines can help regulate your body's internal clock in case you’ve started having sleep issues.
Nourish your body: Depression can make you neglect your nutrition. Focus on whole foods that support brain health, like omega-3s, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables. Many people know this but sometimes forget alcohol is a depressant and contributes to malnutrition, and feel-good hormones drop just a few hours after consumption.
Change your environment: A weekend getaway, visiting an old friend, or simply rearranging your space can help shift your mental state.
3. Identify the root cause
Depression doesn’t come out of nowhere. Something in your life whether past or present - has led you to this point. Identifying the root cause is crucial, and professional support can help you do that in a safe, structured way. Nobody has to face depression alone.
Why therapy is a game-changer
You might be wondering, Can’t I just figure this out on my own? While self-help strategies are valuable, therapy provides something they cannot: structured, personalized guidance from a trained professional to achieve desired results, i.e., healing as a targeted treatment any other doctor would address for physical illnesses.
Many people rely on medication alone, but while antidepressants can alleviate symptoms, they don’t address the deeper causes of depression. Therapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can rewire your thought patterns, helping you regulate stress hormones naturally and build resilience from within.
Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a step toward reclaiming your power. Therapy provides a space where you are truly seen, heard, and supported without judgment. It helps you:
Identify and challenge self-destructive thought patterns
Rebuild self-esteem and confidence
Learn how to manage stress effectively without setbacks
Develop healthy coping mechanisms in moments of stress and pressure.
Cultivate emotional resilience
The truth about healing
Depression can make you feel like joy is impossible, but I promise you it’s not. Healing is not about erasing your past but about transforming your present and being excited about your future.
If you feel like depression is pulling you under, don’t wait. Reach out to a professional. Book that first appointment. The path forward starts with a single step, and that step could change everything.
You deserve to live a joyful, fulfilling life. Even if you don’t believe it yet, I believe it for you. And I will remind you as many times as it takes until you can believe it, too.
Your healing does not need to wait. All you need to do is make those first tiny steps. Help and support are always there for you.
Read more from Reeza Thomson
Reeza Thomson, Psychologist | Mindset Transformation Coach
Reeza Thomson is an expert in modern psychology, mental fitness, and mindset transformation, with a life story shaped by resilience and determination. Overcoming childhood trauma, poverty, and various forms of abuse, she built three successful careers by the age of 42 through relentless perseverance and self-transformation. After struggling with years of traditional therapy that didn’t offer lasting solutions, Reeza now has her own practical, research-based methodology to help people heal from emotional wounds and shift limiting mindsets in just months.
