Are You Depressed?
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.
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.
Depression can be paralleled with the same concept behind you not realizing your kids are growing up so fast because what you witness is gradual. A distant relative notices your kids growth and can\’t seem to believe it. So it is with depression. Your friends may notice it, but you\’ve been gradually becoming more depressed and to you it seems to be just another tough day.
Anxiety, fear, sadness, and pain are all the beginning stages of what can lead into depression. It slowly becomes worse and become severe. Sleeping, eating, basic everyday tasks is a challenge. You may feel numb or unmoved and your weight may change one way or another. Your concentration is nil and you avoid groups, social activities and become more alone.
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.
First, what does depression feel like? It is hard to pinpoint the feelings of depression because many people experience it differently. Some basic similarities are: 1. You are experiencing feelings of consistent irritability, sadness or anger. 2. Nothing seems interesting or fun anymore. 3. You feel bad about yourself feeling worthless, guilty and \”wrong\” or you don\’t fit in. 4. Your sleeping habits are all messed up. You sleep too much or not enough. 5. You have a lot of unexplained headaches or other physical problems. 6. You cry easily. 7. Your weight is different. You are either losing or gaining without any effort. 8. Your concentration is poor and your work habits are poor. 9. You are helpless and hopeless and your general outlook on life is negative. 10. You may be thinking about death or suicide or some way to escape. Second, if you have thoughts of suicide or have a tendency to want to escape, what do you do with those thoughts and what answers are there if you are feeling them? Sometimes these thoughts can be scary and overwhelming. If you feel you are thinking in this way, and do not see any solutions you should get help right away. When in this state of emotions it is hard to talk to others, but it is well worth it to reach out to a pastor or counselor in your area to talk through your thoughts and feelings and to get a professional, objective opinion and help!
Talking to someone about your feelings of depression always helps. Talking to a counselor or a pastor can be the best step you can take to start feeling good again. Although it may seem like it is hopeless, it is not.
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.
One way to help write down your thoughts is by writing down only one issue and then break the issue down into 4 parts.
First, describe the situation. For example, I am angry that my husband is late again for dinner.
Second, write about your thoughts of what happened. For example, \”if he loved me he would not have been late.\”
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.\”
Finally, explain on paper the path you are choosing to act out. For example, I am choosing to isolate myself because it makes me feel better about myself. The honesty in which you do this will unveil a heart you can view and start to heal.
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.
Time heals is an old saying but very true. But it is not true if you are not healing. Time can just make your heart harder and you become defensive and over protective. Take that first step and start that journey toward your healing for a happier and healthier life.
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.
To receive Counseling on depressionfeel free to go to Chuck Sugar.com To receivefree worksheets that help that can help. Don\’t reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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