Depression… We all know what this is. That feeling of hopelessness, despair, and being stuck. And, for the highly sensitive person (HSP), depression can be a regular visitor or an old friend. HSPs are twice as likely to experience depression in their lifetime as the general population. And when you’re a woman, the statistics go up even more. So, what’s a girl to do?
The Struggles of Depression while being an HSP
Being an HSP woman can come with a lot of wonderful gifts. We can be creative, empathic, intuitive, and deeply connected to others and the world around us. But, there are some unique struggles that HSP women face when it comes to depression.
Unrealistic Standards
For starters, you may often be very hard on yourself. You may be constantly judging yourself and your worth. And, when you feel like you’re not measuring up to your standards, it can be tough to shake that feeling off.
What is “no”?
Another common struggle for HSP women, you may have a hard time saying no. You are a people pleaser- a lot of us HSP women are. And, when you’re constantly putting others first, it can lead to feelings of resentment and being taken advantage of. This can make you feel overwhelmed which can feed into your depression. This leads me to my next point…
Nerves on Overload
You may also have a lot of anxiety. Now, this isn’t true for all HSP women- but many of us do suffer from anxiety. It can come from us being perfectionists or from being people pleasers. And, when you’re constantly feeling anxious, how are you supposed to take time for self-care? Or, even just relax? It can feel impossible. This can lead to feeling burnt out and depressed.
FREEZE!
Lastly, you may tend to “freeze” when you’re feeling overwhelmed. This is a common defense mechanism for HSP women. You might feel like you’re in survival mode and you just can’t deal with anything else. So, this may lead you to withdraw from your friends and family or from activities you once enjoyed.
These struggles are unique to you as an HSP woman and can make depression feel even more isolating. But, there are solutions for coping in a way that works for you.
Solutions that Work for HSP Women
Being a woman with HSP doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to kick that regular visitor, depression, to the curb. There are some things that you can do as an HSP woman to help you cope in a way that works for you.
Forgive Yourself
This may be something you have heard over and over. You may have even read it on a shirt or a motivational poster. But, it’s true. You have to give yourself grace. Forgive yourself when you make a mistake. We all do it. And, as an HSP woman, you are probably harder on yourself than most people. Just know, that even you are allowed to make mistakes.
Find Your People
When you’re feeling down, it can be helpful to talk to someone you feel comfortable with. Someone who gets you and won’t judge you. This can be a friend, family member, therapist, or even just a fellow HSP woman. Talking about your feelings may be hard, but it can help you to feel less alone. Maybe they can even offer some helpful insight.
Tapping into Your Creativity
Use your creativity! Tap into that well of yours and let it out! Whether you enjoy painting, writing, singing, or dancing- do it. Doing what you love can help release endorphins (feel-good chemicals in your brain) and help you to feel better. Plus, it can be a great way to express yourself.
Do What Works for You
There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to depression or anxiety. So, don’t feel like you have to do things the way everyone else does. If going to a therapist works for you- wonderful! If painting a portrait of your dog helps- go for it! The most important thing is that you do what works for you to help yourself feel better.
Consider Professional Counseling Support
Depression can be a difficult challenge to go through, but you are not alone! As an HSP woman, you have some unique struggles. But, this also means you can find unique solutions! Ones that work for you. So, don’t give up hope. You can get through this and come out on the other side. Remember to be gentle with yourself and give yourself some grace. As an HSP woman, you are amazing and you are capable of anything. Go out there and show the world what you’re made of!
Depression and Anxiety Therapy in Florida or Coaching for HSP Women
As a therapist in Florida, I would love to support you through your struggles as an HSP woman. If you are an HSP woman in Florida needing a therapist, let’s talk! My practice is based out of my therapy practice in Miramar, FL, but I can help you wherever you are via online therapy in Florida. Or, are you outside of Florida, but still needing empowerment to live your best, most authentic life? Let’s chat about how I may be able to help you through empowerment coaching for women! Check out the rest of my therapy blog for resources, thoughts, and additional self-care tools. I’m here for you and your journey to a beautiful life.
Other Services Offered at Counseling Solutions of Broward
At Counseling Solutions of Broward in FL, I provide a variety of mental health services for women. I offer services such as anxiety treatment, depression treatment, counseling for imposter syndrome, after-divorce counseling, relationship counseling for one, and co-dependency treatment. This is because my goal is to create lasting transformative change and growth in your life. For more information on counseling, please check out my what to expect page or contact my counseling office to make an appointment.
About the Author
Enid DeJesus is a licensed mental health counselor providing online therapy in Florida. She believes that therapy is the power of two people working together to bring change to someone’s life. This is why she works with women to support them in finding and unearthing their innate wisdom. She understands your life can be complex. So, she is here to help to provide solution-based therapy to help you overcome your life’s complexities.
If you’re interested in therapy, schedule a 20-minute consultation!
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