The Brutal Reality of Depression

SELF-SUSTAINING NATURE OF DEPRESSION

Because it affects how people think, feel and act, depression makes day to day activities more difficult to manage. Worse, it tends to create a reinforcing cycle by hurting a person’s ability to study, work and maintain relationships. Major depression can cause intense feelings of guilt and shame, which make it much harder to see, much less employ, a positive way forward for those affected. These feelings, especially if recurring over weeks or months, can indicate severe depression:

- miserably sad

- irritable/overwhelmed

- guilty

- self-doubting/indecisive

- unable to focus, concentrate

THOUGHTS CAUSED BY DEPRESSION:

- ‘I’m a failure.’

- ‘I’m worthless.’

- ‘Life’s not worth living.’

- ‘People would be better off without me.’

BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION:

- withdrawal from close family and friends

- staying in from gatherings and events

- stopping normal, enjoyable activities

- not getting things done at work or school

- relying on alcohol and sedatives

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION:

- constant fatigue

- frequent headaches, stomach or muscle pains

- severe insomnia/nightmares

- loss or change of appetite

- significant weight changes

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION:

While the exact causes of depression aren’t clearly defined, and people react to suspected triggers in different ways, a number of common elements can be associated with its development. Generally, depression does not result from a single event, but from a combination of biological, psychological and lifestyle factors.

Personal factors that can lead to a risk of depression include:

- family history – depression can run in families and some people will be at an increased genetic risk.

- personality – some are at risk if they tend to worry a lot, have low self-esteem, are perfectionists, sensitive to personal criticism, or are self-critical and negative

- drug and alcohol use – these can both lead to and result from depression since many people try to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol for relief.

- Traumatic life events, such as long-term unemployment, divorce, abusive relationships and workplace stress.

REDUCING DEPRESSION, AIMING FOR A HAPPIER LIFE:

Falling into a cycle of depression can leave anyone confused, lost and desperate for solutions. When the mind turns against us, it stops being our most useful ally and can sabotage literally every part of our life. It’s very easy to allow a serious event or complicated situation to get out of control and plunge us into a mindset that we feel powerless to change.

However, the state of our mind is literally one of the few things in life we do have control over, even if we forget or start to believe otherwise. Positive meditation, faith in the strength of our families and friendships, the knowledge of past life successes, all can help us regain the will to change our outlook and mindset.

The first step is always the most challenging: understanding that there’s a hole to climb out of, and getting the will to move up.

CONCLUSION. SEEING THE DANGERS, SEIZING THE JOY:

Our brains, mental state, attitude; all the tools we have to navigate the emotional shocks and hazards of everyday life need protection and maintenance. The simple act of regular meditation, consciously (mindfully!) done as part of our daily routine can strengthen and focus those tools. First identifying the trouble we’re in is essential to surviving and living our best lives.

Take a moment right now and think about your hopes, fears and wishes. Are you projecting a positive outlook toward your life? Do you feel as though you have control over what happens next? If not, you must not feel as though you’re less of a person or wrong to feel this way! Take a breath and write down what’s keeping you from that control. Look at your situation honestly and consider what you want most from your life.

These are huge, difficult steps and may feel overwhelming. But, understand that all of us have just the moment we’re in to change the moment that’s next. You can break down any challenge into manageable steps, or choose another course entirely. Your mind can be your friend (really) and with meditation, you can spend some quality time with it every day to build that friendship.

Leave a comment on what you want from your life! And document it in your journal, if you have one. (If you don't have one, start one!) You can meditate on positive actions more effectively when you’ve decided what you desire. Changing your attitude is possible; give it a chance and see!

This article is not meant to replace therapy or medication for serious, chronic depression. If you want to hurt yourself or others, please get professional help right away. No matter what you've heard, there is no shame in seeking help and you can find the help you need.