There are people that never experience what depression is. Then there are those that have been touched in ways so intensely they welcome medication and hospitalization. Not everyone tries to recognize depression. Snapping out of it is not the response for feeling better.

Understanding, and compassion are welcomed from those that do not comprehend what it signifies to be depressed. Knowledge and dispersing depression information will help those that are afflicted and need help.

I am bipolar and grappled with severe depressions in my lifetime. Depression is a debilitating entire body illness that can be temporary or permanent. Depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance, genetic factors, psychological predisposition, physical factors, and environmental stresses. It also can run in families. Depression is also more probable to occur in people who are easily effected by stress.

Symptoms include:

→Sadness
→Loss of interest
→Feelings of guilt →Worthlessness
→Feelings of uselessness
→Trouble focusing or concentrating
→Changes in appetite
→Suicidal thoughts

In my worst depressions I have felt so despondent I did not want to go on existing. It is a battle just to survive. No one in their lifetime should have to ever feel that kind of depression. But it is tragic people actually feel this way. Also the saddest part of this is we cannot just get over it. It persists until we do something about it.

It is hard to establish my depressions because I have bipolar, although I do recognize I am triggered by stress. Hence when I start to have a lot of stress I need to begin taking steps to eliminate it or do something to deal with it before it drives me to spiral into a deeper depression.

Some cycles I can do this but not consistently. The best advise I can give is to pursue a professional therapist. Discuss things and let them give you advice. Group therapy is also an option to consider. Being around people that comprehend what you are going through can be very supportive. And lastly taking prescribed medication can be helpful.

Depression is like being in a dark hole that you cannot escape. It immobilizes you, you stay in bed for days contemplating your death . Your emotions overwhelm you. You caress sadness 24 hours a day, it is unrelenting. You shun your friends and family. You avoid all human connections. Your hygiene habits go unnoticed, they are the last thing your concerned about. Staying in bed sleeping, is all you want to do. You understand you should get up and do something, however you cannot.

Facts About Depression

→Depression afflicts more than 17.5 million people.
→Clinical depression ranks among the most serious health concerns in the United States.
→Major depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44.
→Two thirds people suffering depression goes untreated.
→Women suffer depression twice as much as men.
→At least 15% of depressed people will commit suicide.
→Depression effects people of all races, incomes, ages, and ethnic and religious backgrounds.

There are treatments available for depression if you seek them out. There are antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Reaching out is one of the most important things you can do to begin healing from severe depression.  But it isn't always easy to do,  especially when your depressed, because your motivation is gone, and you are filled with hopelessness and see no point in bothering to do anything to help yourself.

Finding the strength to seek out help is crucial. There is always help,  you do not need to suffer alone.  Let friends and family know what your going through.  On-line support groups, message boards,  and social networking sites offer a wealth of support.

Places to seek help:

http://www.nami.org/
http://www.dbsalliance.org/
http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/
http://www.nmha.org/

Suicide Hotline

http://suicidehotlines.com/
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Simple Tasks To Help You Maintain

When you are depressed try setting 3-5 goals a day. Write them out in a journal or an index card. Try to accomplish at least one goal a day. The next day try to finish 2. And so on.

→Make your bed
→Take a nice long shower
→Put on clean clothes
→Answer your E-Mail
→Do some housework
→Exercise for at least 15 minutes
→Play some online computer games
→Do a Crossword puzzle
→Write write write
→Take photographs
→Listen to music

Being proactive instead of not doing anything will make your depression worse.  You won't always get it right,  you can only try.  Being an advocate in your own mental health issues is something we must do to combat stigma and gain social acceptance in our own lives,  to achieve wellness and hope for ourselves.