Depression

While we all feel sad or down from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks, months or even years) and sometimes without any apparent reason. Depression is more than just a low mood – it's a serious condition that affects physical and mental health. Depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults in any given year, and one in six people will experience depression at some time in their lives.  While Depression is beyond the scope of normal Life-Coaching, and should not be coached without referral to/from a qualified medical practitioner, psychologist or specialist, nevertheless you may get a client who presents with "Depression like" symptoms. In instances like this, you may wish to start with coaching for increasing happiness, or you can drill-down to find a deeper issue to coach.  Remember that your role as a Life-Coach includes motivating, validating and supporting your client so that their mood upon completing the session is more positive than prior to the session. However, you are not qualified to coach Depression.  If you suspect that Depression is the cause, you may decide to coach on self-awareness and/or the need for the client to seek advice from their medical practictitioner.