What Do You Know About Depression
Major depression can greatly affect a person's ability to
function at home and/or at work, and inhibit the enjoyment of
life in any way. Some people suffer depression only once but
others may experience it several times in their lifetime.
Answer the questions below to determine if you are experiencing
depression. If you answer True to at least four (4) of the
following statements, you may be suffering from depression. If
you answer True to the majority of the following statements, you
are certainly experiencing depression and you need to seek
professional help. See a doctor or a counselor before the
depression gets worse. T or F - I feel sad and blue most of the
time. T or F - I feel like crying more than I did six months
ago. T or F - I feel hopeless and helpless most of the time. T
or F - I have no motivation. T or F - I'm not interested in
things I used to enjoy. T or F - Recently I have wondered if
life is worth living. T or F - I am not sleeping well, or I want
to sleep all of the time. T or F - I have lost my appetite. T or
F - I am easily irritated. T or F - I am more anxious about
things than I used to be. T or F - My energy level has dropped
recently T or F - I dread the morning. It is hard to get up. T
or F - I have been thinking about myself a lot recently. T or F
- The face looking back at me in the mirror is sad. T or F - My
self-concept needs improving. T or F - I worry about the past,
the present and the future. T or F - I've had more headaches,
upset stomach, constipation, rapid heartbeat, etc. in the last
six months than usual. T or F - I think that people have noticed
that I am not working as well at my job, or enjoying life like I
used to.
Is Depression A Sin? Christians often ask this question. The
answer is Not necessarily! While harboring sin or sinful
attitudes in your life can certainly produce depression, other
possible causes include experiencing a significant loss or
having a physical problem that causes body chemistry to be
imbalanced. Great men in the Bible, such as David (in many of
his Psalms), Elijah (I Kings 19), Moses (Exodus 18), and Jonah
(Jonah 4) experienced depression. In each of these situations
God sent someone to help the suffering individual but He did not
condemn him. Psalm 23:18 says, The Lord is close to the broken
hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Whatever the
cause, God cares about the person experiencing depression. Some
Interesting Facts - One in four women and one in ten men will
develop depression some time in their life. - Men experience
depression differently than women. Men tend to get more angry. -
Depression can affect children as well as adults and the
elderly. - Suicide may result when depression has not been
treated successfully. - Depression has been called the common
cold of the mind. - Between 80-90% of the people seeking
treatment get well.
What Are Some Symptoms Of Depression? Everyone feels sad
sometimes due to a significant loss such as a death, a divorce
or losing a job. Anger turned inward can also cause sad
feelings. When these feelings are not dealt with properly and
they continue over a long period of time, a person usually
experiences a major depression.
Look For These Symptoms - Feelings of sadness for over two weeks
- Not wanting to spend time with friends and family - Increased
irritability - Changes in sleep and appetite patterns - Frequent
crying spells - Difficulty concentrating - Forgetfulness
How Can You Help A Depressed Person? We often feel uncomfortable
around a depressed person because we don't know what to say or
do for him. This may cause us to make some serious mistakes when
we try to help them. So what can you do to help? Let him be
honest about his feelings. Allow him to talk about his negative,
depressed feelings. Don't say, You shouldn't feel like that.
Be there for him. A depressed person may have lost someone
important in his life. Let him know you care and will be there
for him. Be aware. A depressed person often tries to avoid
dealing with his feelings, or to pretend he is fine. If he fails
to get help, he will only become more depressed. Help him get
help. Avoid saying . . . Just trust God. Just get over it. If
you would just do . . . You have lots going for you. You
shouldn't feel so bad.
When to Seek Help . . . Major depression is a serious illness
and can be fatal if left untreated. A person cannot face this
illness alone. Seek professional help for yourself, or for
someone you care for when you see . . .
- Three or more symptoms of depression - Response to your
attempts to help - No family or friends there for support -
There are suicidal thoughts - The person turning to substance
abuse - The individual cannot take care of his family or
himself.