Oppression, depression, expression

When I work with people who experience depression, I am curious about how they may have also experienced oppression. I believe there is a strong link between the two. When I talk about oppression I mean racially, culturally, politically, socially and structurally. I also mean the oppression that happens on a micro, interpersonal level often by those who are meant to care for and love us but that care and love comes with layers of control and conditionality. As a result you may have felt a locking down on your true self and spirit. In order to survive or 'save' the relationship, you shut down important aspects of your vitality that are intrinsic to who you are.

This happens on a nervous system level too and chronic depression often shows up as a collapse or folding inwards (Dorsal Vagal Shutdown) which moves you from connect to protect.

So what next?

Expression. 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

Reaching into your world, the archives of you and finding those smouldering embers. Finding ways you can come alive again, slowly and safely in relationship. Where does it feel safe to be you and what’s that like? How can you do that more? Where is the stretch?

How do you express yourself? In the clothes you wear, music you choose, food you cook and eat, how you move your body? Start slowly and find ways to tune into this outward movement of energy and the rekindling of your life force.

Everyone’s story of oppression and depression is different. Everyone’s journey into expression will be different too. And that’s the point; to honour the uniqueness and wonder of who you are.