Signs of Depression

How Do You Get It?

Depression can come about in two basic ways.1/- Sometimes it comes about almost inexplicably. Internal chemical changes occur in your body that bring it on. This is known as Endogenous Depression. It can come on a person without reason & then their whole life just goes downhill.2/- The second is called Exogenous (or Reactive) Depression. This comes about as a reaction to external happenings such as:-

• The loss of a loved one
• A series of unexpected changes. I mean life changing events, things totally unexpected, the sort of things that are life shattering. It might be one major thing or a series of events that add up to one major thing.
• It often accompanies situations that cause a whole reevaluation of everything you thought was important in life.

Symptoms To Look For.

The main signs of depression are:-

• An overwhelming sadness
• Irritability
• Sleeplessness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or weight gain
• A loss of all sense of purpose or direction
• Loss of self worth & meaning
• Feelings of inadequacy, isolation & despair
• A belief that no one understands or cares about what you are going through
• Low energy & fatigue
• Lack of sexual interest
• It's like living in a fog & you can't find your way out.

Risks.

Depression can make you more susceptible to contracting other serious ailments & can be deadly. People tend to just want to give up & become suicidal. Some do much self harm such as:

• over or under eating & focusing on poor quality unhealthy foods
• way too much alcohol
• abuse of both illegal or prescription drugs

Prevention.

Depression is difficult to cure so prevention is most important. The following can help achieve this:-

• As always a healthy diet & good nutrition definitely helps
• Exercise is a real key. It makes you feel better & releases almost as much serotonin (a mood elevating compound) into your body as some antidepressants do.
• Spend time with friends, talk over your problems, help each other, have fun together.
• If there's something you can't talk about with a friend see a therapist & talk it out with them (you needn't feel embarrassed with a stranger).
• Develop a thankful attitude for things in your life & learn to look on the bright & positive side of things.
• Take walks in the sunshine in colorful peaceful gardens (light & color make a big difference to some people).
• Have a good massage occasionally; physical touch can help plus it improves blood flow & relaxes muscles & mind.
• Do some deep breathing exercises every day.
• Have a good soak in a hot bath & make sure you give yourself enough time for a good restful sleep.
• Pay attention to details every day. Things like personal hygiene & grooming. Clean up your house or room & keep it orderly. Look after yourself.
• Keep up to date with things. Don't drag your feet & let things build up till they become a difficulty.

The Main Problem.

Of all the signs of depression, the most difficult to deal with is the total loss of motivation to do anything. Even though solutions may be provided, you just don't care anymore. When people try to help, you get angry & tell them to go away. If people don't help you conclude that nobody cares.

What Can An Onlooker Do?

This is really difficult. If you see the signs of depression in a friend & want to help them, be prepared for a long & sometimes draining time. It may take weeks, but it can take months or even years.

• Firstly, be careful you don't become overcome by the problem & fall into a similar condition.
• Try & see the person on a regular basis. Spend some time, try to take them to new places (to get them out of the same day to day rut) particularly a walk in a nice refreshing place & encourage them to talk to you - get a conversation going.
• Perhaps prepare an occasional meal for them
• Encourage them to get professional help (a Journey Therapy can sometimes turn things around)

What Can a Depressed Person Do For Themselves?

All the things in the prevention list apply particularly

• good regular strenuous exercise sessions
• Force yourself to pay daily attention to personal hygiene, grooming & good habits
• Get professional help. You may need medication but I believe that antidepressants are generally over prescribed. They help some people greatly but they can have very negative side affects & are often very difficult to get off.
• A good vitamin intake can be helpful particularly vitamin B & the herb St. John's Wort.
• Some find help & meaning by Turning to God so why not read your Bible & find what life is really about?

Depression can ruin a persons life. Avoid it as best you can. Focus on good healthy daily habits that promote a positive attitude & outlook. Remember, other people have beaten this Disease & so can you.

Here's a little trick I learnt a while ago.Stand or sit in front of a mirror & while looking at yourself say "I'm happy". Say it over & over for Five Minutes. Get a timer & set it for five minutes & say it over & over. After a full five minutes it's difficult not to be in a state of laughter. Why not give it a try? All you've got to lose is five minutes!

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