Understanding Depression
Hello friend! Do you battle depression? I have, and it’s hard to describe how devastating it is to your entire self—your loss of hope, loss of joy, even loss of motivation to live life anymore.
When I experienced my second major depression in my late forties, I lost my appetite, would rather stay at home rather than go to anything that had to do with fun, and I reflected on the joys of heaven and truly desired to be with Christ instead of living life any longer.
I saw a counselor for six weeks for other issues and she asked me if I wanted to take my life or had a plan to. I didn’t. That was good, of course, but I want you to know that I understand how depression feels. I know you’ve already heard me talk about it in previous blog posts.
With the help of changes in medication, I gradually recovered from my depression in a year or slightly more. But I had lost hope of ever recovering when I was in the middle of the pit of despair.
I probably don’t even need to define depression if you are going through it because you know exactly how it feels. But I want to go ahead anyway, for the sake of anyone who needs to understand more about it.
The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) defines depressive disorder as more than just feeling sad, or “going through a rough patch.” Rather it’s a serious condition “that requires understanding and medical care.” Without treatment, it can be devastating to you and your family.
NAMI states: “Depression does not have a single cause. It can be triggered by a life crisis, physical issues, or something else—but it can also occur spontaneously.”
Though it may not have a single cause in your case, I’d like to toss out to you this viewpoint that the late Dr. Paul Powell, my former minister, expressed in his Daily Devotion. In his wide experience with his own issues and counseling many others, he concludes that depression is primarily due to a loss or series of losses, such as a loved one through death or divorce, a job, and along with that, a sense of self-worth and security, health, friends, and familiar surroundings.
Was that helpful? I agree that losses can trigger depression, but I know that chronic depression involves much more than that. But perhaps you can relate to his take on this issue because I certainly can.
According to my Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, if you have depression that lasts for more than two weeks, she recommends getting an evaluation from your doctor to rule out any physical causes such as low thyroid. If there are no physical causes found, seek out a therapist who can help you understand reasons for your low mood and offer helpful ways to cope. If depression continues, your therapist may refer you to a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication, or back to your doctor who may also prescribe an antidepressant.
Since I have bipolar disorder, I need medication to treat the chemical imbalance in my brain. There is no shame in seeking therapeutic or medical help for your depression. It may save your life.
According to NAMI’s website information on depression, common symptoms include:
Changes in sleep
Changes in appetite
Lack of concentration
Loss of energy
Lack of interest in activities
Hopelessness or guilty thoughts
Changes in movement (less activity or agitation)
Physical aches and pains
Suicidal thoughts
I made a list of ways that may work for you (at least one or two may connect with you) to help you to cope with your depression.
Stay in contact with a friend.
Talk about your issues with a close friend or family member who has a positive impact on you.
Don’t dump on yourself. In most cases, guilt is not valid.
Be patient with yourself and those who don’t understand you.
Journal
Move your body, even in small ways.
Reach out and ask for help.
See a counselor.
Find refuge in God.
Never give up.
Read Psalm 139.
What else is working for you? I hurt for you. God hurts for you. You are in my prayers as I write.
- Marilyn