Depression... yuck!

I have written about depression many times on this blog, however I feel it is something need to write about a bit more.

I know a lot of you deal with this just as I do, on an ongoing basis. I have written about some things that have helped me in the past like exercise, journaling, volunteering, gardening, etc. however that does not always help the problem. Many use the standard depression meds Prescribed by their doctor or even natural herbs, I have done both. Right now I am using a natural herb type formula and it helps to some degree. The prescribed stuff has so many side effects that it just did not work for me but I am not telling anyone to take them or not. It is totally your decision.

So what to do when it seems depression is closing in even when you are trying to do things right? Well obviously we all pray about it, and sometimes thinking positively is not the cure we would love it to be, so what to do? How does a person get out of bed, put one foot in front of the other, shower, eat, or worse case scenario live when it feels as if the world, air, life itself is bearing down on you so hard it sucks your soul dry?

No easy answers that it for sure. All I know is when it gets that bad for me it is because I ignored all the signs leading up to that point. So what are the signs? Well for me I start feeling overwhelmed about almost everything looking like stress. I cry more easily about even dumb little stuff. I am gripier and crankier. Usually I am a realist/optimist, at least I try to be, but when depression is creeping in I lose all optimism. Truthfully it is really hard to be optimistic on this planet these days for any reason. Now that is a serious challenge for any human. When I was in the mist of my worst abuse as a child I always told myself that nothing lasts forever and tomorrow is a new day, but when I am creeping into that dreaded depression looking to tomorrow is not a happy thought.

So what I am trying to say with this blog is look for the signs and learn to recognize them before you get to the point of no return or the point of seriously hard return and you have a major meltdown. Unfortunately the church world ignores depression; Christians look at it as a character flaw or weakness. So, don’t go to church expecting any help or much sympathy.

What I can tell you is learn what triggers your depression. Is it seasonal? Could it be chemically induced? Is there something you do that sets it off, like watching too much TV, too much news, too much Internet u-tubes, being around certain people, certain colors or sounds, or foods maybe, illness, pain or allergies? Just try and pay attention to what is going on when the signs start creeping in. But the main thing is pay attention to the signs before you have a major meltdown. Now I am telling myself this as well because I tend to ignore the signs and get to the meltdown point before I do anything about it.

When the signs start showing their heads that is when we need to implement the strategies to keep depression in check. We cannot avoid it by denying it is there or ever will be there. It is not a character flaw or weakness. Some say it is anger turned inward and that may be true but we need to figure out just what we might be angry about, what can trigger anger in us?  Are we fighting any unforgiveness towards someone? I do not have all the answers by far however these things are what I have gleamed in my fight with depression.

Usually there is a trigger, somewhere in your life that sets it into motion.

What not to do when you are dealing with someone who is going through depression…

Don’t tell them there is nothing to be depressed about because that just makes us feel even more freaky and bad. Don’t tell us to get over it and think positively… that might sound easy but it is not!

Mostly be patient and listen… sometimes we just need to vent. Honest feedback can be helpful but not always received right away. We usually have to process things in our own way and time. We don’t need to wallow in our darkness however when we are there it is very hard to see the light, so kindness, patients and prayers are what we need the most.

We will get through it…we will survive. Knowing someone cares, understands and is there for you even long distance is a wonderful blessing and much appreciated. That is what a lot of you are for me, a wonderful support system of brothers and sisters who love me warts and all. You pray for me, encourage me and do wonderful kind things for me, just because….

And I feel the same way about you all as well. I am here as part of your support system. I do not judge you and love you warts and all… : )

Please always feel free to e-mail me or snail mail me, even just to vent. My e-mail and snail mail address are posted on my blog and at my website.

We all need each other… the few of us like minded souls trying to make this journey a little easier for each other until we meet on the other side.

Always love and prayers,

Your sister,

Judy