The link between the symptoms connected with hearing loss and depression have never been more apparent.
A bold statement, but one for which I am absolutely certain. Certain because I know both categories intimately.
My story
Over the past 9 years, I have suffered from intermittent bouts of depression and have only in the past month accepted that I need help. Why these bouts come about are a mystery to me.
I have my own apartment that I share with someone I very much love. I earn my keep doing something which I have always wanted to do and work with very friendly amicable people. My family regularly contacts me and sends their love too.
You suffer from depression?
To an outsider, it would be easy to question why I get so low. And the answer is that I do too.
Nonetheless, the sensation of isolation is ever present. There is a weight on my shoulders that is ever so heavy that nothing can be done at times than shed tears to release the feelings.
I do have a number of coping strategies that I use to ensure that I can continue marching on each day: keeping busy works, forced smiling works and making jokes with others around tends to keep me afloat, but deep down the chain latch continues to pull me down if I allow it a single opportunity to subdue me.
Similar symptoms to hearing loss
In a similar manner though, I have had the chance to learn about symptoms that come hand in hand with hearing loss whilst working at The Hearing Clinic. And, they aren’t too dissimilar from those that I face myself:
- Isolation and loneliness
- Sadness
- Difficulty communicating with those around me
- Feelings of helplessness and emptiness
Knowing what I know now and the ability of our Audiologists to solve these problems straight away for our patients is something that I wish I could obtain. Unfortunately though, I do not have a hearing loss that can be helped with technology.
Acceptance
I have accepted where I am and made the decision to go to the psychotherapist for cognitive behaviour therapy treatment, a process that will likely last months and help me take control of the depression that shadows me.
For the hearing loss sufferers though, I would urge you to join me in accepting your symptoms and consider looking to get a full diagnostic of your hearing levels so that you can see if you have the opportunity to resolve yourself of the emotional turmoil that accompanies it through technology.
Our hearing centres can be seen here if you would like to begin your journey.
I hope that this article has raised awareness those people suffering from depression or hearing loss to seek help in changing their lives for the better.
Thank you for reading. If this has been useful for you, please consider sharing it for others so that more people can get involved in Depression Awareness Week and get help.
