Depression in the Holiday Season
With the holidays sometimes depression can settle in. It can seem like sadness which is common, but can later fall into depression if left untreated.[I:http://www.upickyourterm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ChuckSugar2.jpg] Are you depressed or is someone close to you worried about your mood? If so, you are not alone. Depression is a common temporary problem and there is a lot that can help relieve you of your down feelings.
To begin, what is depression and how do you know if you have it? It is hard to say since it affects everyone differently. There are some basic similarities though. It can come on subtly or with an overwhelming trauma. It can even come on with a memory.
Since depression can come on slow, it can go by hidden to the one experiencing it. Due to the fact it is a slow evolution, some people may notice even though you may not. It is like a child who appears to be growing rapidly. Relatives who have not seen the child notice the growth immediately while the parents don’t see it as clearly. Because you see your depression everyday, it may be hard to believe you have it.
It can start with some anxiety, fear, hurt, or sadness and then move to seasons of sadness or “blue” feelings. Then it often gradually becomes real depression and can develop into severe major depression. Before you know it you’re not sleeping well, your eating habits are changing, you feel numb, you are gaining or losing weight, you are having trouble concentrating, you are avoiding certain people or events, and beginning to isolate yourself.
For some, it is hard to do some of the simplest things, like open the mail, pay the bills, or return a phone call. Here is a list of some signs of depression that you may be experiencing.
First, what does depression feel like? It is hard to pinpoint the feelings of depression because many people experience it differently. Some basic similarities are: 1. You are experiencing feelings of consistent irritability, sadness or anger. 2. Nothing seems interesting or fun anymore. 3. You feel bad about yourself feeling worthless, guilty and “wrong” or you don’t fit in. 4. Your sleeping habits are all messed up. You sleep too much or not enough. 5. You have a lot of unexplained headaches or other physical problems. 6. You cry easily. 7. Your weight is different. You are either losing or gaining without any effort. 8. Your concentration is poor and your work habits are poor. 9. You are helpless and hopeless and your general outlook on life is negative. 10. You may be thinking about death or suicide or some way to escape. Second, if you have thoughts of suicide or have a tendency to want to escape, what do you do with those thoughts and what answers are there if you are feeling them? Sometimes these thoughts can be scary and overwhelming. If you feel you are thinking in this way, and do not see any solutions you should get help right away. When in this state of emotions it is hard to talk to others, but it is well worth it to reach out to a pastor or counselor in your area to talk through your thoughts and feelings and to get a professional, objective opinion and help![I:http://www.upickyourterm.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ChuckSugar2.jpg]
Talking to someone about your feelings of depression always helps. Talking to a counselor or a pastor can be the best step you can take to start feeling good again. Although it may seem like it is hopeless, it is not.
Start journaling. This is one you can do for free. Honestly write down your thoughts and do not edit your thoughts to make them sound better than they are! If you are scared someone might read your most intimate thoughts, read them in the morning then flush them if you want to hide your words. But, the main thing is to start dumping out of your head all your thoughts onto paper. There is something very therapeutic about writing down your thoughts. What most people say is that writing it down was the first time they realized exactly what was going on in their mind. It forces you to be honest and say what is really bothering you. It is also a way to be compassionate toward yourself and give some credit to the feelings that are hurting you so deeply.
One way to help write down your thoughts is by writing down only one issue and then break the issue down into 4 parts.
First, describe the situation. For example, I am angry that my husband is late again for dinner.
Second, write about your thoughts of what happened. For example, “if he loved me he would not have been late.”
Third, write down things you are actually feeling. Your emotions of hurt, sadness, fear of abandonment, guilty, etc. Or write a sentence like, “I am angry because he acts like he doesn’t care about me as much as his career.”
Fourth, try to describe what action you are taking given the situation, your thoughts, and your emotions. For example, are you escaping, isolating, raging, throwing things, feeling sorry for yourself, blaming others for your misery, mad at someone or God, running away, avoiding the conflict, etc.? If you will write all this down, you will be amazed with how much insight and honesty you will be aware of.
The ones that tried suicide but lived later shared that they are glad they didn’t end their lives after all. They were more hopeful once they were able to share their thoughts and see the problems were only temporary and things were easier to deal with.
Time heals is an old saying but very true. But it is not true if you are not healing. Time can just make your heart harder and you become defensive and over protective. Take that first step and start that journey toward your healing for a happier and healthier life.
PS. If your depression has gotten to the point where you are having thoughts of ending your life, please call 911 and get some help immediately. Or call a counselor, who will know how to help.
To find a Christian Counselor in Nashville, TN go to http://www.ChuckSugar.com. He will be glad to talk.. This article, Depression in the Holiday Season is available for free reprint.
categories: depression,christian counselors,dealing with depression,nashville,brentwood tn. tennessee,christian counseling,Family,health