Finding happiness again, what Fearne Cotton’s journey teaches us about overcoming depression
When television and radio presenter Fearne Cotton spoke openly about her battle with depression, it struck a chord with many people. Her honesty about how difficult life can feel, even when everything appears perfect from the outside, reminded viewers that depression does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of success, family, or circumstances. In her interview on ITV’s Lorraine, she described living with depression and anxiety and how, for years, she struggled to understand why she felt so low. You can read more about the interview here, Fearne Cotton on Depression, ITV Lorraine.
Fearne’s story is one of courage and vulnerability. By sharing her journey, she helped to break stigma and encouraged people to talk about feelings, to seek help, and to recognise that they are not alone. For many, her story mirrors the gentle, practical work of overcoming depression, where openness and self understanding become the foundation for recovery.
It’s OK to talk about it
One of the most powerful messages in Fearne’s interview is that it is OK, and productive, to talk about how you feel. Silence often deepens isolation. When people bottle up emotions or try to just get on with it, they can end up feeling alone and misunderstood. Overcoming depression often begins the moment you share your inner world and allow someone to meet you with care and clarity.
Fearne explained that once she began to open up, she realised how many others had lived through similar experiences. Talking about difficult feelings is not a sign of weakness, it is a step towards connection and healing. For many clients, the first sessions are a relief, because telling the truth out loud reduces shame and begins the practical work of overcoming depression.
Depression does not always look like sadness
Depression appears in many forms. Some people feel flat or empty, others feel irritable, anxious, or constantly on edge. There may be days when getting out of bed feels impossible, or moments when nothing seems to bring joy. Despite a life that looks good on paper, the inner world can feel heavy. Naming these experiences is an important part of overcoming depression, because it removes blame and invites compassion.
Understanding that depression is not a personal failing helps you meet it with skill rather than struggle. This shift supports calm thinking, steadier energy, and a kinder relationship with yourself, all of which are building blocks for overcoming depression in a sustainable way.
Small steps that truly help
In her book Happy, Fearne Cotton shares how simple, accessible actions helped her regain balance, such as spending time with her children, picking up a paintbrush, reading, or going for a walk. These activities did not fix everything overnight, yet they restored a sense of steadiness and reminded her that calm and pleasure can still be found. This is the spirit of overcoming depression, doing small things that are close at hand and consistently soothing.
- Spending time outdoors supports mood and reduces stress
- Creative moments like painting or writing help you process feelings safely
- Connection with loved ones eases isolation and rebuilds belonging
- Music or reading offers comfort and perspective
- Rest and routine give the body time to reset and recover
These everyday steps reinforce the deeper therapeutic work. When you practise small actions that steady the nervous system, you give your mind repeated evidence that safety is possible, which is central to overcoming depression with patience and self respect.
Why talking changes the brain
Putting feelings into words helps the emotional centres of the brain settle. In a calm, supportive conversation, stress circuits become less reactive and new interpretations become possible. This is one reason structured therapy can be so effective for overcoming depression. In a safe setting you can explore pressures, losses, perfectionism, or long term self criticism and, over time, lighten what the mind has been carrying.
Fearne’s openness had a ripple effect beyond her own life. By naming her truth, she showed that recovery begins with honesty, and that every person deserves understanding rather than judgement. This message encourages others to take their first steps toward overcoming depression without shame.
When anxiety and depression overlap
Many people notice racing thoughts, constant worry, or physical tension before they realise depression is also present. The body and mind are closely linked, so when one is struggling the other often follows. A compassionate, whole person approach makes overcoming depression more achievable, because it calms the body while addressing the deeper emotional patterns that keep low mood in place.
As your nervous system learns that it no longer needs to trigger fear or exhaustion to stay safe, anxiety softens and energy begins to return. Gentle practice, practical tools, and a steady therapeutic relationship help this shift take root, which is the essence of overcoming depression in daily life.
Finding your own version of happy
Happiness is not a constant state. It can be cultivated through honest reflection and small, repeated choices that align with what matters to you. Therapy becomes a space to discover what truly nourishes you and to release old beliefs that block joy. This is practical, compassionate work, and it is at the heart of overcoming depression in a way that lasts.
At AbsoluteU Clinical Hypnotherapy in Horsham, sessions blend Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Neuro Linguistic Programming to help you work with both conscious and subconscious processes. Clients often describe feeling steadier, clearer, and more able to meet daily life. This integrated approach offers practical steps and inner shifts that support overcoming depression at your own pace.
As the future begins to feel more open, motivation grows. You notice that your responses change, that you recover more quickly from setbacks, and that calm moments arrive more often. These are reliable signs that you are overcoming depression and building a healthier foundation for the life you want.
Taking the first step
If you are living with low mood or anxiety, you are not alone. Many people who seem confident on the outside are quietly struggling on the inside. Asking for help is not weakness, it is a clear act of courage and self respect. Reaching out is often the moment that overcoming depression truly begins.
Whether through therapy, honest conversations with trusted people, or small daily practices that support your wellbeing, progress builds with consistency. As Fearne Cotton’s story shows, healing begins with honesty, grows with support, and becomes sustainable through simple steps repeated with care.
For practical ideas you can use right away, explore our page on tips for managing anxiety. If you would like to talk through your next steps, contact AbsoluteU Clinical Hypnotherapy in Horsham, West Sussex. Together we can focus on what helps you keep overcoming depression, one steady step at a time.
