DEPRESSION
Living with depression is like living under a big, dark cloud of sadness, pain, and confusion.
Depression is considered one of the most common emotional struggles in today’s society, yet there is no single cause, nor a single solution.
However, there is support for you. Often just having some understanding of the common symptoms of depression helps you realize that you are not crazy or wierd. Many women feel it is wrong to struggle with depression so they suffer alone, often misunderstanding themselves.
Read through this list of symptoms and note if any of them are what you are experiencing. If so, remember there is support available for you to help you overcome depression so you can begin feeling well and whole again.
COMMON SYMPTOMS:
Emotional
- sad, blue, lousy, down-in-the-dumps, feel stuck, the blahs, aimlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, lost, anxious
- change in crying patterns
- hidden or unexpressed anger
- loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies
- loss of sexual desire
Physical
- appetite change
- loss or gain of weight
- disrupted sleep patterns
- fatigue
- aches and pains not cured by treatment
Cognitive
- reduced concentration
- consistent forgetfulness
- not able to function at work
- indecisiveness
- feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
- little or no self-esteem
- loss of confidence
- faulty thinking patterns
- thoughts of death or wanting to die
Spiritual
- lack of interest in seeking God
- stronger feelings of guilt
- blaming God for your problems
- not attending church regularly
- having difficulty praying, worshipping, or reading the Bible
THERE IS HOPE! THERE IS HOPE! THERE IS HOPE!
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Physically
- eat well
- exercise
- get enough sleep
- take medications if prescribed
- do activities that make you feel good
- reduce stress
Behaviorally
- keep in touch with your doctor
- don’t make major life decisions
- have a plan for each day
- journal
- stay away from alcohol and drugs
- do not harm yourself
Emotionally
- monitor what you are thinking
- don’t blame yourself
- value yourself
- fight negative self-talk
- purposely look for hope
- be patient with yourself
Relationally
- don’t isolate yourself
- seek counselling
- join a depression support group (in person or on-line)
- spend time with others
Spiritually
- put your hope in God
- listen to uplifting music
- attend church
- do accept God’s grace
I recognize it is not as simple as ABC to beat your depression, yet the first step towards healing is having the courage to admit you are actually depressed. Depression affects people from all walks of life, and all ages, so you know this is not about something you did. The important thing to remember is that when you are able to confirm to yourself what you are struggling with, you are also able to find ways to combat it.
Just a note of encouragment: If you are thinking of self-harm or suicide please seek help immediately. Call your local Mental Health clinic, your doctor, 911, or a Help Line. Do not hesitate to go to the hospital emergency room either.
You matter.
