It is reported that 1 out of 10 Americans suffer from depression of one form or another. And is also reported that most of them do not seek help.
Those who haven’t experienced it or are experiencing it for the first time view depression as being moody or down in the dumps and feel as though as adults we should “snap out of it”.
The truth is it’s as easy to “snap out of depression” as it is to “snap out of a stomach virus”.
Depression is NOT a form of weakness. In fact, it’s a result of life’s difficulties weighing us down to the point that we can’t continue to carry the emotional weight.
I have a cousin who feels like he has hit a wall and has no reason to live. He is one of the happiest, most out-going people in the world. If you knew him you wouldn’t believe that he is struggling with depression. As the common misconception goes, depression seems out of character for him. How could someone so outgoing be suffering from such overwhelming despair? And like many who suffer with the disease, he thought he was alone.
I remember the first time I realized I was suffering from depression. I was diagnosed with a low thyroid and started on medication. I felt a little better but not great. I was reading an article one day that mentioned the symptoms of depression and a lightbulb went off in my head. That was me I was reading about! “Oh my gosh, I have depression. That’s what’s wrong with me.” I thought. I was excited to have discovered my illness, then shame set in. “How could I be so selfish? I have a great home, a wonderful husband, three precious children, the ideal life–and I’m depressed? How ridiculous!” I convinced myself.
That’s how depression talks to us. It shames us. So, we stay quiet. And I stayed quiet until I had a breakdown and practically crawled to my doctor for help. I cried through the entire exam because of shame, quilt and embarrassment. She told me I would feel better in two weeks (with medication) and she was right.
After that, I realized that if I have embarrassment about depression, others do too, so I talk about it every chance I get. Believe me when I say…
Depression is a Liar –I am proof that you can get well!
It continues to amaze me how many people suffer with depression and have no idea what is wrong with them.
How many of us could make a list of people we know and love that have depression, have had depression or committed suicide because of depression? Sadly, most all of us have seen the effects of the disease in the lives of people that we care about.
But, there is hope. And it’s important for you to be able to recognize depression in yourself and in others who need your support but are too afraid to ask for it.
Here are some symptoms of depression as stated in a medical book I refer to often: chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia or sleeping frequently and for excessive periods of time, loss of appetite or a ravenous appetite, sadness, hopelessness, isolation, headaches, backaches, colon disorders, and feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. Many think of death and consider suicide.
Depression may be brought on by tension, upset stomach, stress, headache, nutritional deficiencies, poor diet, sugar, mononucleosis, thyroid disorders, endometriosis, high stressors like death of a spouse, divorce, loss of a job, loss of a parent, bankruptcy, injury or illness, or retirement.
Depression begins with a disturbance in the part of the brain that governs moods. Most people can handle everyday stressors, but when stress is too great for a person, depression may be triggered.
Awareness is key. Help is a must. Don’t suffer alone or let someone else suffer.
Reach out. Seek help.
#smallsteps
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