Dealing with Depression Part 2, is my continuing topic on this week’s “Bleeding Heart Chronicles”. Good morning, love. As I discussed in my last post, depression is a real thing. Having to reach out for help can be tough enough, but when we’re brave enough to tell people and they have a terrible reaction to it, that only serves to validate our dark thoughts of being a burden and worthless. On top of that, we now feel silly for reaching out and usually clam up.
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There are a number of factors that may increase the chance of depression, including the following:
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.1) Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. This can greatly increase the vulnerability to depression later in life.
.2) Certain Medications. Some drugs have side effects of increasing the risk of depression. such as isotretinoin, interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids.
.3) Conflict. Disputes with family members or friends.
.4) Death or a loss. Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one. This is a natural reaction but can spiral down into deep depression.
.5) Genetics. A family history of depression may increase the risk.
.6) Major events. Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring.
.7) Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can contribute to the risk of developing depression.
.8) Serious illnesses. Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or may be triggered by another medical condition.
.9) Substance Abuse. Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have major or clinical depression. Even if drugs or alcohol temporarily make you feel better, they ultimately will aggravate depression.
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Negative feelings like depression and anxiety function the same way. Depression and anxiety are, most of the time, emotional signals that our psychological health is not ideal and that our psychosocial, relational needs are not being met. Then we have to consider the relationship we have with ourselves and the extent to which we feel proud and accepting of ourselves. It is very important that we feel known and valued by our friends, our family, and our lovers. We also have a desire to be known and valued in terms of how we contribute to society. We absolutely need to respect and have compassion for ourselves. Feeling depressed, in the context of low value from family, friends or lover, is like feeling pain from a broken arm, feeling cold being outside in the cold, and feeling hungry after going 24 hours without food.
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Some types of anxiety—obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia—are particularly associated with depression. The fact that anxiety usually precedes the development of depression presents an opportunity for the prevention of depression. We can not outgrow anxiety, so we need to be taught specific mental skills. Something called Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown positive results in both depression and anxiety. This is something I have never tried but thought it worth a mention. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people to monitor the environment for the troubling emotional landmines that seem to set them off. That actually changes metabolic activity in the cortex, the thinking brain, to modulate mood states. It works from the top down. Treatment with CBT averages 12 to 15 weeks, and patients can expect to see significant improvement by six weeks. Compare it to Drug therapy which typically takes months, if not years. It’s worth exploring.
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Exercise is important to any therapy. Exercise directly alters levels of neurohormones involved in circuits of emotion. It calms the hyperactivity of the nervous system and improves function of the brain’s emotion-sensing network. It also improves the ability of the body to tolerate stress. What’s more, it changes people’s perception of themselves, providing a sense of personal mastery and positive self-regard. It also reduces negative thinking. I myself do a midnight brisk walk/jog every other night. For me it helps clear my mind and alter my mood and perspective. I enjoy taking a quiet time away from everyone and do a simple ten or fifteen minute breathing meditation. Meditation can also help us to understand our own mind. It can help transform our mind from negative to positive. Overcoming negative energy and cultivating constructive thoughts just by feeling my on spirit. I know it sounds weird at first to people. I was very skeptical myself. But in today’s busy world, when does anyone stop to take a break for themselves. They are busy jacked into their phones while at same time taking on stress of life. Put the phone down. You won’t suddenly die without it. Take some me time.
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There was much more I wanted to cover in depression. This is a subject I may pick back up again in the near future.
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When depression and anxiety kick you around, you need to realize you are Not just a survivor. You are much stronger then you realize, you are a warrior. We have everything we need to defeat anything that comes against us. How many times have you faced hardships? And yet, you’re still here, you’re still standing!! Give yourself another chance, just one more day. Even when your own brain turns against you, there is still hope. Tomorrow is always a different day. A brighter day. The day you say “Ok. Life has taught me lessons. I’ve learned. Now is life’s turn to learn a lesson!! I am immune to it’s terrors.” Then take life by the throat and demand it give you what you want. We all have our off days. Our days we simply get beat down. But there’s always that day we rise up and conquer. Stay strong, you’re story isn’t over yet! I always embrace my darkness! For without the darkness, I would never see the light!! In the mist of darkness We must look towards the light of a new day that shines on our path. Push and reach out beyond other peoples doubts, our fear, and the shame of the energy draining depression. I stand with you. I feel your mood. I feel pain with you. I bleed with you. And Together, we will rise above depression. We will pursue a brighter day and balance in our life. Because Together we are unstoppable, my love! WE will master Depression! Always and forever!
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˜Bleeding Heart Chronicles˜ ©
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Lord Freakzilla is a passionate and resourceful creative writer, experienced in studies of human behavior and psychology. His articles for “Bleeding Heart Chronicles “ is fueled by his compassion for the broken hearted. He also brings to the table his gothic poetry style for “Dark Rose Poems” series.
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