What Depression Feels Like And What You Can Do To Feel Better

My experience with depression and how I cope.

There are some people that never experience what depression is and then there are those that have been touched in ways so extreme they may need medication. People that don't know what it feels like expect you to just snap out of it. That is not possible if you are so depressed you can't get out of bed.

I am bipolar and have had some severe depressions in my lifetime. Depression is a debilitating illness that can be temporary or permanent. Symptoms include sadness, loss of interest, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, feelings of uselessness, trouble focusing, or concentrating and suicidal thoughts. I have felt so hopeless I didn't care to go on living. It is a struggle just to survive. No one in their lifetime should have to ever feel that way. But it is unfortunate that people actually feel this way. And the saddest part of this is we can't just snap out of it. Or pretend it away.

Depression is like being in a dark hole that you cannot breakout of. It can immobilize you, staying in bed for days wishing you could end your life. Your emotions are overwhelming. You feel sad all time, You avoid your friends and family. You avoid all human contact. Your hygiene habits are left to be desired. They are the last thing you even care to think about. Staying in bed sleeping is all you can do. You know you should get up and do something, but you don't.

Depression afflicts more than 19 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. There are treatments available if you seek them out. There are medications and talk therapy. Reaching out is the most important thing 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. Call a hotline, let friends and family know what your going through.

 Not everyone understands depression. Just snapping out of it isn't an answer. Understanding and compassion is welcomed from those that do not know what it means to be depressed. Knowledge and spreading the information will help those that are suffering and need help. Depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance and genetic factors, psychological predisposition, physical factors, and environmental stresses. Depression can run in families. Depression is also more likely to occur in people who are easily affected by stress.

It is hard to pinpoint my depressions because of my bipolar, but I do know I am affected greatly by stress. So that is a trigger for me. So when I start to stress I need to start taking steps to eliminate that or do something to handle it before it causes me to spiral into a depression. Most times I can do this but not always. The best advice I can give is to seek out a professional therapist. Talk things out and let them give advice, listen and hopefully this will help. Group therapy is also an option to consider. Being around people that know what you are going through.

When I am depressed I try set 5-7 goals a day. I write them out in my journal. I try to accomplish at least one goal a day. The next day I try to finish 2. And so on. Being proactive instead of not doing anything only makes it worse. I don't always get it right, but I do try. I think being an advocate in our own mental health issues is something we must do, to combat stigma and gain social acceptance. To our own lives, to achieve wellness and hope for ourselves.