Why Am I So Depressed?

Depression is an indication that something is wrong and needs your attention. Episodes of depression can be debilitating and insidious. They can affect your sleep, your appetite, the way you see yourself and your attitude toward life in general. Depression can create disruption in your professional life and lead to poor performance. It can also affect your personal relationships with family and friends.

Depression resulting from a crisis or a traumatic event is referred to as situational depression and is a normal reaction to loss. However, if left untreated, situational depression can lead to a more serious form referred to as clinical depression, especially in individuals with high risk factors.

Some of the symptoms of clinical depression include feelings of deep despair and suicidal tendencies. Some of the behaviors to watch out for include: disorientation, chemical abuse, deep sadness that seems to be getting worse, refusing proper hygiene care, death wish or talking about suicide.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms you might want to suggest, in a non-confrontational way, that they consider going for counseling. A combination of counseling therapy and medication has helped many individuals by enabling them to put the situation and their feelings in perspective.

To begin working through your feelings of depression refer to the workbook section in Life Interrupted: Grief Recovery Guide and Workbook available through Amazon and http://www.grief-recovery.org/ (“See inside the book” option and FREE articles are also available on the website.) 

Am I Really Healing?

One of the most common symptoms of grieving is depression.  It’s not unusual to experience sadness again and again as we progress through our healing. This may cause many to wonder if they’re sliding backward rather than moving forward.  Feelings of depression are especially common during holidays and other days that hold special significant such as anniversaries and birthdays. (See posts titled, 16 Tips to Help You Get Through the Holidays While Grieving and Lost Love and Valentine’s Day.)

In order to heal and regain a sense of equilibrium and wellness, we need to accept our loss, choose to let go and move forward in a new direction. Surrounding ourselves with people that are understanding and supportive reminds us that we’re not alone. Attending grief recovery support groups or workshops allows us to connect with others that are experiencing similar emotions and can provide insight and encouragement. Involvement in the community or in a project geared toward helping others serves to take our attention away from ourselves and our pain and gives us a broader perspective.

As we continue healing we’ll experience a lessening of grief and in time the memories associated with the severed relationship will be less painful. In many instances our life will follow a different path—one that we may not have considered if it wasn’t for the loss.  We learn and we grow from the experience and the demands placed upon us—and in so doing we create a new reality.

Life with all its challenges and joys, its peak moments as well as the ordinary and mundane, is a privilege and a gift from God.  And when one considers all the possibilities that come our way, from the miniscule to the majestic, it’s both awesome and humbling.

To download FREE Healing From Loss articles and purchase books on grief recovery please visit http://www.grief-recovery.org

Overcoming Depression

Depression is an illness that affects a large majority of the population worldwide. In some cases it requires counseling and medication. Symptoms of depression directly related to a trauma or crisis (referred to as Situational Depression) often respond well to changes in lifestyle and a proactive attitude. Below are a few suggestions that may help you combat depression and empower you to participate in your own well-being.

Assume a healthy lifestyle

• Get plenty of sleep. Most depressed people have sleep problems either too much or too little.
• Enjoy the sun. Absence of sunlight can worsen depression. Make walking in the sunshine part of your routine.
• Learn to relax. Take part in a fun group activity or do something you enjoy with a friend or by yourself.

Exercise to elevate your mood

• Exercise regularly. Twenty minutes of daily exercise improves your body and your attitude.
• Don’t stop. If necessary vary the routine to make it more interesting.
• Easy does it. Develop a rhythm and increase the pace but don’t overdo.

Be Proactive

List things that you’ve enjoyed doing in the past. Choose one or two and make them part of your daily routine.

1.  Read books by your favorite author
2. Watch your favorite movie(s)
3. Get a Massage
4. Light several fragrant candles
5. Play your favorite music
6. Take a warm bath
7. Have lunch with a friend
8. Take a walk
9. Adorn your living room with flowers
10. Send a card to someone you know
11. Call an old friend
12. Do something just for the fun of it

Food – make it healthy

The foods you eat impact your mood. Make sure your diet has contains protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Chew slowly and enjoy every bite.

• Have breakfast. It’s your source of energy for the day.
• Eat every few hours. Hunger can increase feelings of fatigue and irritation.
• Cut back on sugar. Foods high in sugar can cause fluctuation in mood and energy levels.

Redirect your thoughts

• Substitute negative thinking  When negative thoughts about yourself or someone else enter you mind replace them with a positive thought or affirmation.
• Hang out with positive people. Learn from their behavior and incorporate some ideas into your own lifestyle.

What else can you do

If your depression worsens get professional help and/or join a support group. Depression can be treated but it requires your active participation and in some cases professional counseling.

(c) 2011, Paulina Rael Jaramillo

For additional articles and books on healing from loss visit http://www.grief-recovery.org