Understanding Depression
Connect With UsUnderstanding Depression
Connect With UsHow do we manage our…
apathy, pain, loneliness, and depression?
If you’ve ever struggled with overwhelming feelings of sadness, apathy, or loneliness, you have probably experienced some form of depression: whether it’s short term or long term. It is normal to feel sad or lonely every once and a while, but if your feelings of emptiness and apathy stop you from living your life, it can feel like there is no hope and like you’re facing the end of the world.
Depression is a mental illness that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can cause physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that can impact your daily life, relationships, and ability to work or study. Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
The symptoms of depression can include…
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite, eating more or less than normal
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Oversleeping or undersleeping
- Fatigue and low energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts
- Psychosomatic symptoms, such as a headache, stomach problems
Despite its prevalence and impact, depression is often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding.
Many people who struggle with depression feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit their struggles, and they may feel as though they are the only ones going through this difficult experience.
But the truth is that depression is a common and treatable condition, and it is something that we can overcome with help and support. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of depression, there are tools and resources available to help you manage and cope.
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What kind of depression am I experiencing?
Because depression has many causes and symptoms, it is important to know what kind of depression you are experiencing before you are able to manage and treat it. There are many different types of depression that will be treated in a variety of different ways. Below are just a few of the most common forms of depression.
*If you feel like you are experiencing depression, don’t diagnose yourself. Get in touch with a professional to help navigate and understand what kind of depression you are experiencing.
Situational Depression
It is normal to feel distraught or depressed after a traumatizing or difficult situation, such as a death or major loss. If you are feeling depressed or down after a painful or difficult situation, there are ways you can manage your situational depression. Oftentimes, this kind of depression passes with time.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Sometimes a long-term but mild feeling of depression can linger and stick with us. If you are experiencing mild symptoms of depression, but they have stuck around for a long time, you may have persistent depressive disorder.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is what most people think of when they talk about depression. This form of depression is typically diagnosed if you experience symptoms every day for two weeks or longer. Major Depression can look different for everyone, so if you think you may be experiencing symptoms, you should seek professional support.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a form of depression that manifests in mood swings that range from a mania-like “high” to depressive low states. When you are in a low mood swing, you will experience symptoms of depression.
Other Forms of Depression
Depression can look like a lot of things and can manifest for many different reasons. Other forms of depression include postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and psychotic depression. Different types of depression are managed and treated in different ways.
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Managing Depression
When we you in the midst of depression, it may feel like your emotions are drowning you. It can feel isolating, and even shameful or embarressing. But depression is a real mental health issue that deserves to be treated with grace and care. 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental illness at some point in their life.
It is important to remember that you don’t deal with depression alone.
When you feel overwhelmed by the feelings of depression, reach out to your community, family, and friends. Mental illness can cause us to self-isolate when we need support the most.
If you feel trapped by depression for long periods of time and feel like you could benefit from additional support, a counselor, pastor, or support group can help you process your emotions and find additional coping methods.
Lifestyle Change
While a lifestyle change may not cure depression, it can alleviate symptoms. Getting regular exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol can positively affect your mental health. Depression can make it difficult to do these things, so give yourself grace if these things feel impossible.
Share With A Pastor
Sometimes it can help to share our sadness and depression with a pastor. If you don’t have a pastor to share with, we would love to talk with you, pray for you, and listen to the things that are bringing you down.
Meet With A Professional
If you feel trapped by depression for long periods of time and feel like you could benefit from additional support, a counselor, doctor, or support group can help you process your emotions and find additional coping methods. A therapist or doctor may recommend drugs or medication to treat depression as well.
What does the God say about depression?
In the Bible, we see numerous examples of individuals who faced great challenges and struggled with depression. The Apostle Paul experienced a “thorn” of suffering that many scholars think might have been depression. King David wrote many psalms that express his feelings of sadness, fear, and hopelessness. Yet, despite his struggles, David always turned to God for comfort and strength.
In the same way, we can turn to God in our own struggles with depression. We can pray for strength and guidance, and we can trust that God is with us in our suffering. We can remind ourselves that we are never alone, and that God has a plan for our lives, even in the midst of our darkest moments. God is with you in the midst of your depression.
In addition to relying on our faith, we can also reach out to others for support. Whether it’s talking with a trusted friend, joining a support group, or seeking the help of a mental health professional, connecting with others can help us feel less isolated and provide us with a source of hope and encouragement.
Need Help? Know Someone Who Does?
Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
- Call or text 988
- Chat at 988lifeline.org
Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org.
