Chemical depression is a neurochemical imbalance. Feeling depressed is an emotional response to loss or dissapointment.It is possible that hynosis can alter this emotional response for a time but it is not possible for hypnosis to alter the chemical structure in the brain or the prevailing life circumstances that people find themselves in.It may be that perspective can be altered momentarily but not indefinately.
Hynosis can certainly alter the body and mind enough to lead a person into an extreme form of relaxation and trance-like state: this makes the person suggestable and may even play on the body-mind connection, "I think therefore I am." It can help them open their minds to see other possibilities in their lives and give them a sense of hope. This may be just enough to help them receive the assistance they need or make some changes in their lives.Other forms of treatment can also do this but provide more longevity in treatment.Likely, we cannot be hypnotised each day, so the response is fleeting.Spiritual racketeers also feed into this phenomena as well.This is not the same as a true spirit-led healing and those who have experienced this will understand the concept I am referring to.
We can experience different forms of trance-like states: driving, washing the dishes, watching football on TV, meditation, prayer, exercise etc. It takes us out of the present activity to a place where our mind is distracted and unaware. These exercises are often suggested as helpful if we are under extreme stress, but clearly they are momentary and certainly cannot be a cure for an extreme emotional state: however, the activities can get us through the moment.
It would appear that hypnosis is also a form of momentary treatment at best and likely only if a person believes that it will be of some use. Interestingly, the use of medication for depression is often perceived this way as well. In addition, belief in the helpfulness and relationship of a therapist or doctor adds to improving the depression as well, so we can be assured that faith in the cure plays a part in the overall healing for depression, but this is more of a human phenomena, rather than the success of a certain treatment modality.
Other treatment modalities do show solid success rates in improving the quality of life through clinical depression: group work, 1-1 therapy and medication are the options. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps people turn their thinking around to observe the truth rather then thinking negatively and often, unrealistically.There are traps that people fall into and once they are pointed out, people have the capacity to change their thinking around.
Groupwork provides a practical setting for people to explore their relationships and communication styles.Hypnosis cannot provide this.
Hypnosis does not provide the teaching that is necessary in thinking patterns and behaviour changes and therefore cannot provide the extended form of change that is needed.