The Main Signals of Depression + How to Find Healing

In this podcast (episode #397) and blog, I discuss the common signs of depression, why we should never be afraid of seeking help, how we can learn to manage depression, and more! 

Depression is something we should never ignore. When we feel depressed, we need to listen to what our mind, brain and body are trying to tell us.  Depression is a signal telling us we have something going on—that there is a “because of…” in our life that we need to investigate. The sooner you recognize the signals associated with feelings of depression, the sooner you can make the necessary adjustments to your life and get the help you need to start healing. 

But it is important to remember that you are not your depression; it’s not your identity. You experience depression—it does not define you.  

Because the mind is how we experience depression, and because the mind is our “aliveness” (the driving force that keeps our body alive and helps us experience life), learning how to manage the mind is of paramount importance. This means listening to the signals of depression we experience, not suppressing how we feel, to get to the root (the “cause”), and reconceptualize it. 

Essentially, we need to become thought detectives to find the source(s) of our depression. This starts with understanding the signals that the mind, brain, and body send us when we are going through something. These signals alert us TO protect us. 

There are 4 main signals: our emotions, our behaviors, our physical symptoms, and our perspective/outlook. Some examples are:

• Feelings of irritability and/or hopelessness (an emotional warning signal)
• Ignoring calls, texts or emails (a behavioral warning signal)
• The world feels more negative (a perspective warning signal)
• Muscle aches and/or pains (a physical warning signal)

Let’s say you feel down. As an exercise to help you start managing these feelings of depression, try to categorize what signals you are experiencing into these 4 categories. Some other examples of signals from a recent post I shared on social media are:

• Feeling self-conscious or flat around people
• Your personal hygiene goes out the window
• Your thoughts make you sad
• Your room gets messy
• Your hobbies no longer make you happy
• Brain fog
• You stop missing people and isolation feels more comfortable
• Constant fatigue

How do you feel emotionally? Physically? Are any of your behaviors bothering you? What is your outlook/worldview/perspective? Write this down any way you wish to help you start organizing your thinking. 

Then, once you go through this exercise, you can start listening to what these signals are telling you, and work through how you feel to reconceptualize these thought patterns. For more on this, see my in-depth podcast on depression (episode #105) and blog on depression, or check out my book Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess and app Neurocycle.  

For more on managing depression, listen to my podcast (episode #397). If you enjoy listening to my podcast, please consider leaving a 5-star review and subscribing. And keep sharing episodes with friends and family and on social media. (Don’t forget to tag me so I can see your posts!).     

You can now also join me on Patreon for exclusive, ad-free content! Sign up for a membership level that suits you, and receive access to ad-free exclusive bonus podcasts. These episodes will include more targeted, step-by-step guides for specific mental health issues AND some fun, more personal podcasts about topics like my favorite skincare products and favorite books, as well as live Q&As, fan polls and requests, and exclusive digital downloads!      

Join my Neurocycle Certified Facilitator program! This is an intensive training certification program designed and led by me, where eligible individuals have the opportunity to learn how to correctly facilitate the instruction of my methods, including the Neurocycle, within their practice or business with clients. The training is done in-person, and on successful completion of the training, the certified facilitator will have access to the CF portal where they can sign up and manage clients.   

How will I get a return on my investment?   

• You will become one of the most in-demand coaches in your community by taking your business to the next level.
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• You will learn the business & marketing strategies I have developed over many years to turn my passion for helping others find healing into a successful & sustainable business model
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If you are looking to deliver better results for your clients and build a coaching or mental health business that you love, the Neurocycle Facilitator certification could be a great fit! Use the coupon code INAUG25 to get 25% of the cost of the Neurocycle Intensive training here.  

This podcast is sponsored by:

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Podcast Highlights

4:00 What is depression? 

5:30 Depression as a signal

12:00 What are the main signals of depression? 

15:00 Using mind management to deal with feelings of depression 

17:00, 25:00 The 4 main types of warning signals  

29:10 Why we need to get to the “why” behind the depression 

36:30 Why things sometimes get worse before they get better & the importance of a strong support system 

This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional.