Depression

I want to take some time to talk about depression and becoming aware of when it’s time to get help. First, I think it’s important for you to know that there are two commonly known forms of, clinical depression and circumstantial depression which is also known as situational depression. The differences between the two are clinical depression is reoccurring and can last for years whereas circumstantial depression roots from a person feeling depressed due to their current and traumatic circumstances. With circumstantial depression it generally does not last a long time and gets better as the circumstances alleviates. Depression can look like more than just feeling sad and down. It shows up as agitation, irritability, isolation (common in adolescents), loss or increase of appetite, aggression (common in males), loss of interest in hobbies and activities as well as self- harm and suicide behaviors. These symptoms can occur with both clinical and circumstantial depression. Both clinical and circumstantial depression can be associated with a diagnosis from a professional. Clinical depression is associated with mood disorder and circumstantial depression is associated with adjustment disorder. If you have been diagnosed with depression, please do your research and learn about your diagnosis for yourself so you can have a clear understanding of what is going on with you. If something has occurred in your life like a death, divorce or kids moving out and your feeling depressed your probably suffering from circumstantial depression as you are adjusting to the change and traumatic event that has taken place in your life. Generally, this form of depression will pass however, if after a substantial amount of time has gone by and you’re still struggling with depression it may be time to see a professional. If you have feelings of hopelessness, sadness or loss of interest in activities that reoccur and last for a long time with no connection to a specific event, then you could be suffering from clinical depression and should see a professional right away.

 It’s important for you to know that seeking help for depression does not necessarily mean taking medication. A lot of people become concerned about this and therefore refuse to see a professional. There are absolutely other forms of treatment that can benefit you; for example, cognitive behavioral therapy which, consist of learning how to reconstruct your thinking to change your behaviors (this is my favorite). This is just one of many treatment methods that can be used to help with both clinical and circumstantial depression. However, if your doctor is recommending that you try medication to treat your depression; I would encourage you not to shut the idea completely down but also do your homework about the medication your doctor is wanting to try. Although medication is not a cure all, it can serve as a great assistance whiling learning additional coping skills.
So, if you or someone you know has any of the symptoms listed above and they are to the point that they cannot function in there day to day life; than it may be time to get help! 
The thing about depression is you have to really work hard to do the opposite of what you feel to work towards overcoming it. Doing the opposite of what you feel is not easy for a person who does not have depression so imagine how much harder it can be for someone who does. So, it’s okay if you need a little support to help get you there.

And for my wonderful Christian saved folk out there (whom I love and am apart of), I hear your saying, “Well, I will just pray about it and it will be alright”. You absolutely should pray about it and while your praying remember that God created therapist, counselors and doctors so go ahead and get help and let God deliver you (won’t he do it)!