From Depression to HOPE

Think about your neighbors, coworkers, friends and family.  Are you aware if any of those mentioned are suffering with depression or hopelessness?  Sometimes we live in a bubble and we are oblivious to what is taking place in men, women and children’s lives.  I hope by the end of this article you will be enlightened to how you can help those affected by depression.  If you are one of the people that are struggling with depression, then I hope this will help you as well.

The statistics are slowly rising and more people are being diagnose with depression.  It is a scary thing to know that so many people are looking for answers and yet the depression still grips their mind and emotions.  The soul part of man is complex and even conventional medicine does not seem to bring relief to those afflicted by depression and/or anxiety. We are not only seeing adults with depression, but children are suffering in silence.

By no means, am I an expert, but I am one that has overcome and I am a winner over depression.  It affected me from a young age. As I continued to mature and evolve into who I am today, I realize that the lack of HOPE is one of the enemies that can cause depression.  Men, Women and children do not feel loved, competent and skilled in life and for those reasons they withdraw from any activities and sometimes they isolate from their families. Certainly there are cases where men and women have had awesome upbringing and a very close knit family, but depression can affect the rich, the poor, the affluent, the successful, the business man/women.  Depression can change the dynamic of any home.

Some statistics to show that in 2012 one in every ten Americans suffer from depression. On the following website, www.depressionhelp.com they state depression affects around 120 million people worldwide.

There are non-conventional methods that can assist anyone.  Organic and Natural Food stores carry a variety of supplements that can bring a balance to the emotions that are out of balance.  I would take it a step further and maybe seek out a counselor or a life coach with experience to help guidance you through the process. My opinion regarding conventional medicine is not important.  But what is important is discovering what works for you.

Let’s take a look at the word depression and its’ definitions.

1. Severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.

2. A condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest of life.

Some of of the symptoms in indentifying depression are the following:

1. Loss of appetite-sometimes the depression will create a thought of not being hungry.

2. Overeating in some cases

3. Insomnia

4. Low self-esteem

5. Withdrawal

6. Cannot process their thoughts in a healthy manner

7. Isolation

Some individuals experience depression due to the following:

1. Divorce

2. Loss of employment

3. The death of a loved one

4. Aging

5. Downslide of the economic condition

6. Crisis Identity

7. Childhood traumas and the list goes on.

 

We need to be sensitive towards individuals who have lost interest in LIFE. We should position ourselves to help those that are depressed. The symptoms of depression are very real. Those affected by depression need a voice and they are in need of understanding. Let’s begin by becoming our brother’s keeper.

The following are my recommendations.

1. Invite them out to take a walk with you.  Make them feel comfortable enough so they will want to talk.

2. Come up with activities where they can use some of their skills.

3. Be a friend

4. If you assist any felllowship,church or ministry, invite them to go with you.

5. Encourage them to seek professional help

Let’s help someone from depression and give them HOPE

Please feel free to comment.

Gladys