Talking About Depression
Talking openly about depression — and about depression awareness — helps to normalise it. When we share our experiences, we soften the isolation and remind ourselves that we’re not alone. I share what has supported me, along with ways to care for yourself and gently support others who may be going through something similar.
Depression can feel uncomfortable to talk about — a bit yucky, like admitting something we’re meant to keep hidden. It exposes our vulnerability. And yet, it can also bring comfort and connection, reminding us that as humans we all experience the same range of emotions.
Depression can arise in many ways: without an obvious cause, after a big high or rush of adrenaline followed by a crash, after trauma, or following something deeply sad or life-altering. However it shows up, it does show up — and it’s more common than we often admit.
“How are you?” people ask.
As I feel the tears rising, “I’m okay” slips out easily. It’s enough to bat people away, or to move the conversation along to something else.
Inside, I know I’m not really okay. My head feels fuzzy. I’m out of sorts.
Being naturally caring, I often find it easier to focus on others — even when I feel awful inside. Listening, supporting, and holding space for others can feel safer than sitting with the darkness myself.
But what is this darkness?
For me, it’s a quiet space of stillness mixed with torment and oddness. I don’t quite feel like myself, yet I’m still functioning — just about. I might forget things at the shop after paying for them. I take longer to make decisions. I might feel more irritable, withdrawn, or short-tempered with the people I love most.
Sometimes, simply sharing what’s going on can make a huge difference. Not to burden others — but so they understand. So they know it isn’t about them.
It can be as simple as saying:
“I’m actually not feeling great. I feel quite flat, and it has nothing to do with you. If I seem distant or not myself, please know that.”
Or:
“I’m taking steps to support myself, and I trust that this will pass.”
For me, depression can look like low mood, replaying difficult memories, feeling trapped or stuck, crying, anger, lack of motivation, lethargy, or confusion. These are just my experiences — yours may look very different.
What matters is noticing your signs. Asking yourself honestly:
How am I really feeling?
Is this manageable?
How am I functioning day to day?
Getting real about your needs — and being brave enough to reach out — is a powerful commitment to yourself.
Supporting Others With Depression
When I sense that someone else is struggling, I’ve found it helpful to reach out gently — offering space, kindness, and love, without expectation. Sometimes this creates an opening for them to share; sometimes it simply allows a moment of lightness or relief.
Depression can feel slow and heavy. For me, it often takes more than a casual “Hey, you okay?” to be able to open up. Knowing there are slower, gentler pockets of opportunity to talk — with someone safe — can be deeply supportive.
Everyone opens up differently. Please don’t take it personally if someone doesn’t share with you.
There are also ways of being together without words — playing a game, going for a walk, watching something, or doing an activity they enjoy. These moments still matter. They soften, soothe, and remind us we’re not alone.
Support Options That Have Helped Me
Reaching out — to a loved one, an animal, a tree, a trusted human, or even an unseen presence — is a beautiful first step. Beyond that, there are many forms of professional and holistic support available. What I share here is from my own experience, and may not include everything that has helped you — or will help you.
Homeopathy
Working with a homeopath has given me space to share openly and receive remedies tailored to my emotional and mental state. This has been a gentle yet powerful support for me.
Holistic Treatments
Treatments such as Bowen therapy and Reiki have helped lift emotional weight, release stored trauma, and shift energy within my body and mind. They also offer deep calm, nourishment, and relaxation.
Holistic Coaching
This has supported me in reconnecting with myself — and with a sense of spiritual or universal support I had lost touch with. It helped me move out of victim mode and remember that I am supported, held, and not being worked against by life.
Guided visualisations — connecting with the earth, angels, or spirit guides — have been especially grounding for me. I’m no longer holding back this “woo-woo” aspect of my work. It’s how I support, and it’s how I work. I’m always guided by how deep someone wants to go — sometimes a simple visualisation is enough.
Self-Care at Home
Practices such as meditation, breathwork, and gentle movement help emotions move and disperse rather than staying stuck. There are many free apps and online offerings that can support this.
Shaking Things Up
Changing routines or environments can gently jolt the system and shift perspective — whether that’s taking a break, going somewhere new, or disrupting familiar patterns. Sometimes we need a caring nudge or a loving reality check: you are not your depression.
Trust the process of unwinding. It doesn’t need to be forced. Often, it unfolds gradually.
When You Feel Unwilling to Receive Support
Sometimes we know what helps us — yet still feel unwilling to receive it. In those moments, a gentle reminder that easeful support is available can help. Nothing shifts until we’re ready to say: Yes, I’m ready to receive help.
When You’re Unsure What Support Is Right
If you’re unsure what support is best, asking someone who’s been there can help. Muscle testing, kinesiology, or simply trying something and noticing how it feels can also guide you. Your body and mind often know more than you think.
My Offerings
I offer a free 20-minute chat, where I listen openly and compassionately and help guide you toward support that may suit your situation.
I offer MBIT coaching and Reiki, both in Dorset and remotely, to support decision-making, ease overwhelm, encourage relaxation, and help you feel more like yourself again. I also offer Holistic Counselling, providing space to be heard alongside energy practices that support emotional wellbeing.
In my experience, the most effective support nourishes both mind and body.
To Conclude
I wrote this during a very low point — and chose to share it after moving through that phase. The more openly we share our experiences, the easier it becomes to recognise our shared humanity and find solutions together.
To normalise this: everyone feels low or depressed at times. It’s okay. And there is so much support available.
Please reach out if this resonates, or if you’d like further support.
Sending love,
Emily 💛
