Is depression getting the better of you?
Let's turn it around.
Psychologists specialised in depression in Valencia and online.
Understanding depression
If you like art, you may know “Nighthawks” by Edward Hopper
This painting captures a scene that, as an allegory, says a lot about how depression is experienced.
It shows four people who, although physically close, seem emotionally distant, isolated and lonely, as if completely lost inside themselves.
The bright lights of the diner contrast with the darkness outside and create a feeling of loneliness and disconnection, as if the world were a sad, empty place. There is no visible door to leave through, which feels claustrophobic, as if the figures were trapped both physically and emotionally: an interior lit by a light that illuminates but does not warm; a cold, uncomfortable place.
People living with depression may recognise themselves in the different layers of this work: the emptiness and hopelessness we feel inside, the parts of ourselves we neglect or don't accept, the fear and rejection the world out there makes us feel…
Imagine for a moment that we asked Hopper to reinterpret his own work through the eyes of someone who has given themselves space, taken care of themselves, accepted their broken parts and managed to open up again.
We might get something more like this…
A warmer light inside, evoking calm and serenity; a place open to the outside, blending into it; people who, instead of isolating themselves, are glad to meet, accept and respect each other; and a background with brighter colours that feels like a kinder space.
Hopper's original is, of course, an excellent painting.
But tell me,
Which one would you like to be?
Does any of this sound familiar?
Depression is an emotional disorder that directly affects the way we feel, think and behave.
People with depression often describe feeling something like this:
- “I often feel like crying or, even though I don't usually cry, I do it over things I consider “silly”.”
- “I get irritated easily or feel anxious.”
- “I've lost interest in things I used to enjoy.”
- “I feel a lot of guilt, low self-esteem and pessimism.”
- “I tend to isolate myself, I think I'm a burden to my loved ones and sometimes I feel people don't care about me or reject me.”
- “My body is warning me: I feel tired, have trouble sleeping, have lost my appetite, feel muscle tension, pressure in my chest, headaches and less sexual desire.”
- “I think about death a lot; I've had suicidal thoughts or attempts.”
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself right now, don't wait for a session: call 024 (Spain's suicide prevention line, free and 24/7) or 112 in an emergency.
Did you recognise yourself in any of these sentences?
In therapy we will try to understand where all this comes from and draw up the plan needed to change it.
Hi! I'm Álvaro, a general health psychologist.
In therapy I like to create a warm space where we can properly understand what is happening, and also take action when we're ready. I work from an integrative approach, adapting the tools and the pace of the process to each person.
Would you like to get to know me a little more?
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