Don't Let Depression Define You

According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression(major depressive disorder) is a serious illness that is both common and treatable. Depression is characterized by sadness, loss of interest in activities, and irritability. It can also be responsible for various physical and emotional problems, decreasing the capacity to work and maintain a balanced home life.

Signs and symptoms

The list of signs and symptoms is long and varies from person to person, but here is a short list of the main ones. Please keep in mind that this is not meant to diagnose or to alarm anyone but to merely inform.

· An overwhelming or uncontrollable feeling of sadness or depressed mood that persists.

· Withdrawal from regular activities or group settings.

· Either loss of sleep or excessive sleep.

· Loss or increase in appetite associated with mood.

· Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

· Increased difficulty in thought processing and decision-making.

· Thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm | Please call 988 or visit Lifeline HERE FOR HELP

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These are, of course, only a handful of the many symptoms associated with depression. Typically, symptoms must last at least two weeks and have resulted in a change in the normal level of functioning for a diagnosis. Please be aware that some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiency, can mimic symptoms of depression. It’s always best to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

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So, What Separates Depression From Sadness Or Grief?

Grief is defined as a normal response to a significant loss. Those major losses can be anything from the ending of a serious relationship, the loss of a job, or the death of a loved one. Grief can be characterized by sadness, anger, guilt, and despair.

· Grief is usually the direct result of a specific event that causes waves of painful feelings intertwined with good memories of the person or people they are missing. Depression tends to maintain a decreased level of mood and functioning.

· The self-confidence of someone dealing with grief usually stays intact. Whereas people suffering from depression often feel useless and unwanted.

· Grief tends to heal with time, as good memories of a lost loved one outweigh the negative feelings. In the case of a lost job, etc., grief is replaced over time with a new focus on the future. Depression lasting more than two weeks should be brought to a medical professional's attention.

What Causes Depression?

· Chemistry | The imbalance of brain chemicals may contribute to symptoms.

· Environment | Exposure to physical, emotional, or domestic abuse and/or low quality of life are just a few contributing factors.

· Genetics | Depression can run in families.

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What Treatments Are Available?

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The good news is that statistics show that most people suffering from depression respond well to treatment and live long, successful lives. The most important thing is getting the help needed.

· Medication | In most cases, antidepressants work well when prescribed to balance out chemicals in the brain. These usually take a few weeks to a few months to reach full effect. It’s important to let your doctor know as soon as possible if any adverse side effects are experienced.

· Therapy (also known as psychotherapy, I just don’t like the name) | This type of “talk” therapy may involve the individual and include friends or family members. It is often used in mild cases of depression by itself or accompanied by medication for more advanced depression. CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, has also been proven to be a successful treatment. This form of therapy challenges the individual to solve problems in the present while recognizing negative or distorted feelings to redirect thoughts and actions and essentially learning to be their own therapist. You can read more HERE on CBT.

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· Self-Awareness and Lifestyle Changes |This may not cure or prevent depression but can help reduce some symptoms. Avoiding alcohol, eating healthy, and getting adequate sleep are all things that can increase energy and lead to a better sense of well-being.

Now that we’ve covered some dry but informative topics, it’s time to be real. The facts and statistics are tangible; we can see and read them, but depression is much harder to grasp than words on a screen.

Why, you ask?

Because people don’t pretend to be depressed, they pretend to be happy.

I have to admit, up until my Bipolar 1 diagnosis; I had never been depressed for a day in my life. Honestly, I thought depression was precisely what the information above detailed out black and white, simple as that. I was a fool.

I can only speak for myself and my own experience, so remember that everyone experiences depression differently. No two cases are the same. I thought depression was just “feeling sad” or “lacking motivation,” but what I found out was that my depression was void of any and all feelings. Feeling sad would have been a relief because, at least then, there would have been something to hold onto.

You can’t explain the “nothing” that depression leaves you with to someone. There are no words to describe it. For me, physical exhaustion was the most difficult to navigate. I barely made it through the day with my eyes open. I was physically exhausted every single day.

Was I sad? No.

Was I irritable? Not that recall.

When my psychiatrist called and ran through some questions, I was shocked when he wanted to prescribe an antidepressant. I thought something was physically wrong with me, not mentally. I have to admit; I never saw it coming.

And that’s just it. You don’t see it coming.

You didn’t ask for it.

You didn’t plan on it.

Nobody wants to battle depression.

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So How Did I Get Through It?

I said yes to the medication, and it worked amazingly for a few weeks. Until it didn’t. Out of nowhere. I was lucky enough that my wife stepped in and called the psychiatrist for me this go-round. Back to square one. This go round, I was lucky enough that my wife stepped in and called the psychiatrist for me. I never saw it coming, but she came to my rescue. After another phone call and a higher dose of antidepressant, I was back to myself in a few weeks.

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So, What’s The Point Of All This?

· You are not alone.

· There are people out there who care, but you have to let them in.

· Finding the right combination of medication, therapy, and support system takes time, but it does work. You have to keep fighting.

The Bottom Line Is This: Your illness does not define you; your strength and courage do. You are here for a reason, so keep moving forward. Most people will never know your level of strength because they have never walked in your shoes. That puts you in a unique position to help someone who is just now experiencing what you have already survived.