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PrintCase Study Two: Loner Brian
'Brian' was a single forty six year old mature student and part
time free lance illustrator. He reported feeling miserable and low.
On checking his basic needs, it was clear that his diet was fine.
He also slept well regularly, although seldom felt rested after
sleep - a common symptom of depression.
However it soon became obvious that he had very little social contact.
He sometimes spent weeks alone working on his course dissertation
and on illustration work.
He said he spent a lot of time ''in his own head' and agreed that
we all need some kind of contact and a source of stabilization.
We looked at ways he could increase social contact and he suggested
he started going to bowling again. There was a regular group he
knew pretty well but he hadn't been for months although he used
enjoy it. He also decided to begin jogging around the park again
as this always lifted his mood (serotonin, a neurotransmitter connected
to a sense of well being is increased through exercise) and he enjoyed
being recognised and acknowledged by dog walkers in the park.
I suggested he have his lunch in a busy little cafe close to where
he lived. He made these changes and reported later feeling a great
deal better. Whilst not all depressions lift so quickly, in Brian's
case the basic need for social support and connection was the main
offender in making him feel bad much of the time.
Other case study: Stressed Out
Next, 9 Basic Human Needs
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