Counselling For Depression
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Feelings of isolation and homesickness are common after about a month into your relocation. This feeling is normal and will generally subside once you start to settle in and make new friends. If you continue to feel this way for a period of time then you may be suffering from a Depressive Episode and may require counselling for depression and or medication to treat this.
It is perfectly normal to go through a period of adjustment when you relocate. For the first month you will be excited and it will likely feel like a holiday. After this initial period of new beginnings feelings of homesickness are likely to set in. If you are making good progress with your living and social arrangements these feelings will decrease and for the most part disappear.
If you have been overseas for some time and still feel fairly upset a lot of the time then you may be suffering from a depressive episode. Sometimes a depressive episode can last for a short time, other times it can be prolonged and quite debilitating. In short term episodes it is likely that your feelings are a response to your circumstances. In the long term you may be suffering from clinical depression.
Clinical depression is often the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Depressed people tend to have low Serotonin levels. If Serotonin levels are the reason for your low mood then you may benefit from anti depressants. There are a variety of anti depressants available so it is important that you discuss these options with a Doctor. Research has shown better outcomes when medication is paired with counselling as often there are underlying reasons for your low mood.
Some symptoms of depression include; early morning waking, lethargy, loss of interest in things you usually enjoy, loss/increase of appetite, and loss of libido. The longer that these feelings are present the more likely they are to become normal to you. It is important to act on these intrusive thoughts before they seriously impact on your career and interpersonal relationships.
Extreme depressive episodes have been known to result in thoughts of self harm or suicidal ideation. It is paramount that if you feel this way you seek emergency help. If you live in an area with emergency psychiatric care then you must contact them. If you live somewhere that does not provide these types of services then you must speak with your company about attending a facility that can assist you.
A low mood is associated with homesickness and you should not be alarmed if you feel this way for a short time. Depression can be a life threatening illness so make sure you don’t dismiss feelings that linger for an extended time. Sometimes time does not heal all and depression is treatable with medication and or counselling. While you are removed from your support network it is more important than ever that you take responsibility for your mental health and act accordingly.
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