Take a moment to consider how you've been feeling lately. Have you experienced feelings of
sadness, loss of interest, sleep problems, or difficulty concentrating? These and other symptoms,
when experienced nearly every day for at least two weeks, may indicate that you are suffering from
depression
What Are the Symptoms?
Depression is not the same as having the occasional "blues" or feeling sad every once in a while --
and then bouncing back to your old self. Depression can be mild, moderate or so bad it affects
every part of your life -- your body, your feelings, your thoughts and your behaviors. It can have an
impact on your family relationships, your friendships and your ability to work, play or just get
through your day. At its worst, depression can even make you feel like you don't want to live. These
thoughts and feelings are not your fault -- they can be part of depression.
When the sadness persists or keeps returning, when everyday things like sleeping, working,
spending time with your family and simply enjoying life continue to be difficult, it is not "just the
blues" -- you could be dealing with major depression.
Some of the signs of depression include:
A sad or empty mood lasting for two weeks or more and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most
activities you once enjoyed, along with several or all of these additional symptoms:
1. Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt
2. Difficulty concentrating, making decisions
3. Changes in sleep habits (such as insomnia or oversleeping)
4. Significant change in weight or appetite
5. Fatigue, loss of energy, feeling "slowed down"
6. Agitation
7. Frequent thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
How Is It Treated?
Treatment can involve taking medications, going to therapy or counseling, or both. You may need
ongoing treatment to prevent it from coming back.
If you are feeling depressed, you might wonder if you are the only one who feels the way you do, if
what you are feeling is really depression and if your feelings are really bad enough to see a doctor.
When you're depressed, everyday life can feel difficult. You know your feelings are not the normal,
healthy ones that come from being faced with life's difficulties. Your despair might feel as if it will go
on and on. However, there is hope. Depression is treatable and feeling better is within your reach.
KNOW that there are people out there that really care.
KNOW that you are not alone.
KNOW you have help!
KNOW YOU CAN GET THROUGH THIS!!!
you. When you cross rivers, you will not drown.
When you walk through fire, you will not be
burned, nor will the flames hurt you.
Isaiah 43:2
strong again.
They will rise up as an eagle in the sky;
they will run and not need rest;
they will walk and not become tired.
Isaiah 40:31
lifetime.
Crying may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
afriad, because I am your God.
I will make you strong and will help you;
I will support you with my right hand that saves you.
Isaiah 41:10
that they should always pray and never lose hope.
Luke 18:1
up when the right time comes. Give all your worries to
Him, because He cares about YOU.
1 Peter 5:7
their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
little, has its stages of drudgery and
triumph; a beginning, a struggle, and a
victory.
-----Anonymous
Every step leads toward the goal I've chosen.
Copyright (c) Nikola C. Giovani
I am sinking down to the depths below
the reality o' the world i used to know,
It's torment in here, my mind screams out,
I have to escape, of that there's no doubt.
I retreat to my haven, my own little world,
away from the anguished life i was hurled.
Twirling and swirling in this oasis of pain,
to stay where i was, i had nothing to gain.
My head feels like bursting, my voice shouts aloud,
but pure silence covers my life as a shroud.
I feel like i'm dying, my senses go dull,
my mind claws away inside of my skull.
Rocking and swaying, my heart barely beats,
I hide from my fears underneath my own sheets.
Dont talk to me, leave me, can't you see i'm not
here,
your presence so close to me, fills me with fear.
I'm screaming, i'm shouting, my life can't contain
the pressures of existing, they drive me insane.
Release me, oh help me, oh banish this pure
torment i suffer, in this world so obscure.
My life is in shatters, I can see there's no cure
for this torturous world and its corruptions impure.
My tormented being cries out, help me please,
away from this anguish and dreadful unease.
I crave peace of mind, put my awareness to rest
away from this uneasy life I detest.
Engulf me, oh darkness, and blanket my pain,
release me from suffering, and from torment
abstain.