HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION?

The first step to defeating depression is to define it.

Often those depressed are having a hard time thinking clearly and rationally. They may not recognize their own symptoms. If you have a friend or family member who may have some or all of the following symptoms, encourage them to seek help immediately.

Sadness or emptiness
Feelings of hopelessness
Feelings of worthlessness
Trouble sleeping (not sleeping enough or sleeping too much)
Loss of energy
Headaches, stomach aches
Significant weight loss or gain
Withdrawal from family, friends and activities
Anger or rage, at self or others
Low self-esteem
Crying, feelings of guilt/shame
Inability to concentrate
Spiritual emptiness
Thoughts of death and/or suicide
Feeling that there is no future
Inability to relax
Compulsive shopping, followed by guilt over purchases

This is a partial list of symptoms. Those depressed may feel all of these, some of these or even other symptoms not listed. People are unique and their symptoms may be totally different.




HOW TO HELP YOURSELF
Do not blame yourself or label your self. You are not a failure, crazy or inferior. You have a real illness that in 90% of cases is treatable. Seek professional help.

Identify and accept that your feelings are legitimate. You have the right to these feelings.

Be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up for your illness.

Keep active.

Tell yourself over-and-over that "God loves me just as I am".

Allow yourself to be human. You are not expected to be perfect.

You will make mistakes; learn to let go of past mistakes and negative feelings.

Join a support group. Ask you doctor or therapist where you can find a group to join; then attend and share your thoughts and feelings with others who are going through the same emotions and problems.

Take "should have" out of your vocabulary. The past is just that - past. The only should in your life is "You should take care of yourself to the best of your ability and take advantage of every opportunity presented to you that will help in your recovery".

Eat a balanced diet. You need to maintain a healthy body to help you regain good mental health.

Continue taking all prescribed medications, even when you begin to feel better. Keep in mind that some medications must be taken for a period of several weeks or months to get the full effect.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and/or therapist. Continuing treatment is essential to recovery. Maintain a support system; keep family and friends apprised of your treatment plan and available.

Above all, accept the help offered to you; whether through your family doctor, outpatient facility or in-patient treatment facility. There is no shame in needing help. It is not a sign of weakness; seeking help is a sign of courage and wisdom.


Recommended Reading

Why Do I Feel This Way?
By Brenda Poinsett
What every woman needs to know about depression.

The Seat of Your Soul
By Gary Zukav

How To Win Over Depression
By Tim LaHaye

I Love Me
By Dietmar Scherf
Avoiding & Overcoming Depression

A Light In the Shadows
By William Coleman
Emerging from the darkness of depression

Feeling Good; The New Mood Therapy
By David Burns, M.D.




Final Thought:


I Am Your Master
I can make you rise or fall. I can work for you or against you. I can make you a success or a failure.
I control the way you feel and the way you act.
I can make you laugh & love. I can make your heart sing with joy, achievement and elation;
Or I can make you sick & listless.
I can be as a shackle...heavy & attached...burdensome.
Or I can be as a prism's hue...dancing & bright...fleeting or lost forever unless captured by pen or purpose.
I can be nurtured and grown to be great and beautiful...seen by eyes of others through action in you.
I can never be removed...only replaced.
I am a THOUGHT.
Why not know me better?
Anonymous