Do you or anyone you know have been dealing with depression? Depression is very common in the difficult seasons. If you or a friend has had feelings of sadness for extended periods at a time, then this could be more than typical sadness, it could be depression.[I:http://addictionrecoverybasics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ChuckSugar2.jpg]
Initially, we must understand what depression feels like. It is hard to say since each person may feel different symptoms. There are some parallels with these symptoms though. And depression can be subtle and overwhelming at the same time.
Since depression can come on slow, it can go by hidden to the one experiencing it. Due to the fact it is a slow evolution, some people may notice even though you may not. It is like a child who appears to be growing rapidly. Relatives who have not seen the child notice the growth immediately while the parents don’t see it as clearly. Because you see your depression everyday, it may be hard to believe you have it.
It can start with some anxiety, fear, hurt, or sadness and then move to seasons of sadness or “blue” feelings. Then it often gradually becomes real depression and can develop into severe major depression. Before you know it you’re not sleeping well, your eating habits are changing, you feel numb, you are gaining or losing weight, you are having trouble concentrating, you are avoiding certain people or events, and beginning to isolate yourself.
Simple tasks become hard to do. Like, opening the mail, bill paying, or answering the phone. Here are some signs of depression that you may recognize.
You may wonder if you are just sad or truly experiencing depression. Depression can be different for everyone but there are some similarities. 1. You are consistently sad, irritable and angry. 2. You can not laugh or have fun. Life seems dull and boring. 3. You feel like you don’t fit in and have nothing to offer. 4. You lose sleep or sleep all day. 5. You hurt and feel achy for no reason. 6. You cry a lot. 7. Your weight fluctuates one way or another. 8. Focusing on tasks is hard if not impossible. 9. You are hopeless and see no way out. 10. You want to escape. If you are thinking of hurting yourself or others or want to escape there are some things you can do to help yourself heal. If the thoughts are constant, you need to get help from someone as soon as possible. It may seem impossible, but fight those feelings of defeat and find a pastor or counselor who help people all the time in this capacity. They are trained to know what to say and will keep your conversations in the strictest confidentiality. Their professional opinion will help tremendously. [I:http://addictionrecoverybasics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ChuckSugar2.jpg]
When you talk to someone that is sworn to silence it can help make you feel better and relieve the tension that comes with the depression. Even though it seems there are no answers, there are.
When you write a diary, or journal or a note to yourself, you can help mend those negative feelings in your head. It is therapeutic to take those thoughts out and have them in front of you on paper to read. If you are concerned someone may read them, throw them away. It is still going to benefit you by allowing you to see more objectively. Soon, by doing this, healing takes place say the one’s who have experienced this first hand. It also helped them love themselves again once they spent some time getting those hurt feelings out in the forefront.
Many will write down one issue that is bothering them and then taking that one issue and breaking it down into four categories.
First, describe the situation. For example, I am angry that my husband is late again for dinner.
Second, what are all your thoughts about what happened. (Be honest and do not edit). For example, “if he loved me, he would have called or would have been on time. Other things mean more to him than I do.”
Third, write down things you are actually feeling. Your emotions of hurt, sadness, fear of abandonment, guilty, etc. Or write a sentence like, “I am angry because he acts like he doesn’t care about me as much as his career.”
Fourth, try to describe what action you are taking given the situation, your thoughts, and your emotions. For example, are you escaping, isolating, raging, throwing things, feeling sorry for yourself, blaming others for your misery, mad at someone or God, running away, avoiding the conflict, etc.? If you will write all this down, you will be amazed with how much insight and honesty you will be aware of.
Some who wanted to end their life became hopeful when they could see their thoughts clearly and understood the depression. They found there was hope and that their feelings were only temporary and could be dealt with.
You have heard that time heals but only if you are healing. Time can make your heart harder and you become more and more withdrawn and indifferent. Take the challenge to help your healing grow stronger.
PS. If your depression has gotten to the point where you are having thoughts of ending your life, please call 911 and get some help immediately. Or call a counselor, who will know how to help.
If you need Counseling on depressionfeel free to go to Chuck Sugar.com If you needfree worksheets that help that can help. Check here for free reprint licence: Do You Know Someone Who Is Depressed?.
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