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Depression
10 Tips to Help You Cope When You're Feeling Blue
By Petrene Soames
Have you had days where you didn't want to get out of bed? Days where you felt that you had nothing else left to give? You're not alone. USA Statistics reports that depression and manic depression strike one woman in every five and one man in 10 at least once in their lives, while an estimated six to seven percent of adolescents in the United States suffer from some depressive illness.
Depression is classified as a physical illness of both body and brain. At the present time, depression is conventionally treated with medications – commonly known as antidepressants – and psychotherapy. Acupuncture, behavioral therapy, changes in diet and lifestyle, and counseling are also accepted treatments.
There is a real difference between someone who feels constantly tired, lethargic, unable to function, gains or loses weight, cannot sleep or concentrate, experiences memory loss and may also feel stuck or even suicidal and the person who is sensitive to the trials and tribulations of life and has the blues.
In my experience as a therapist, I have found that depressed persons battling depression for long or short term have similarities. These similarities include sensitivity, creativity and intelligence. They often display personalities that have not truly found their niche. A deep sense of unexpressed anger and resentment at feeling unable to express oneself creatively and take real control of one's life is often present. This may be accompanied by a sense of helplessness and hopelessness as depressed persons feel that their idealism, individuality and dreams are not reflected in society or in their own lives.
Many have not yet found themselves or their way and are exhausted emotionally and spiritually as they continue to accept less than what they want or need from life. The question is: Isn't it time for us to look at depression in more depth and not only from a clinical point of view? Might we agree that we each have a responsibility to understand ourselves more fully and realize that – despite labels, categories or medical definitions – we are each unique individuals?
