How to Explain What Depression Feels Like

Many people feel that they suffer from depression, but it is difficult to estimate the number of sufferers because many do not report it due to the stigma associated with such a condition. Estimates vary but it is likely that up to 350 million people globally suffer from depression. For reasons not yet understood, women are more likely to have major depression than men.

Because of the pressures prevalent in society today,many people feel unhappy from time to time. So what is depression? It is defined as a persistent state of sadness for weeks or months.

Sometimes it appears to non-sufferers that depression is not particularly serious. We frequently read or hear in the media that celebrities suffer from depression. The average person who is struggling to make a living finds it inconceivable that celebrities or sports stars who appear to have everything can suffer from depression.

One of the issues that faces celebrities and sports stars is that fame and fortune come very early in their lives, but that fame can disappear very quickly without warning. This is particularly true with pop stars where it is difficult to rise to the top, and it is even more difficult to stay at the top. Such stars think success will last for ever, and if they have not planned for the future they can find themselves out of favour in their 20s.

The longer the depression persists the more difficult it is for people to get back to normal. It can affect people in many different ways but it is very difficult for people to concentrate on matters. Very often these people will become less active even if they have enjoyed a very active life. They may not wish to engage in their favourite sport or even go out walking, as it seems so pointless to them.

Very often these people find it increasingly difficult to cope with life and every minor issue seems to become a major issue. Many people, who have been used to "juggling many plates" and solving tricky problems, find they cannot do this once depression sets in.

Once depression sets in, people can feel very lonely, even in a room full of people. They look at other people and very often feel jealous that other people are leading normal lives.

Depression can also cause changes in people's consumption of food and drink. Very often people over-eat or suffer from a loss of appetite. Also, the consumption of alcohol is increased, which may be a short-term fix for people who want to feel better. However, unfortunately it makes many people feel depressed.

For a natural cure for depression,by somebody who had suffered for over 20 years read below: John Hayes http://www.aboutyourdepression.com

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What Are the Symptoms of Depression? Read This Article to Discover If You Are Depressed

The symptoms of depression

The onset of depression can be gradual, and many people do not realise that they are depressed. The symptoms of depression include:

· Low energy-you cannot understand why you are frequently tired even if you haven't done very much.

· Lack of sleep-you may find it difficult to fall asleep. Even if you do manage to fall asleep, you wake up in the middle of the night, and find it difficult to get back to sleep.

· Lack of concentration-even if you have been used to concentrating you may find it difficult to concentrate and cannot achieve things. People that have used to do lists to achieve their goals find it increasingly difficult and frequently give up on the goal setting.

· Forgetfulness-this can be very worrying for people who have had a good memory, and who now find they are frequently forgetting things.

· Change of eating habits-people who are depressed sometimes increase their intake of foods, particularly less healthy foods. Some people go the other way and cannot find the motivation to eat.

· You become irritable-sometimes you may take it out on those who are closest to you.

· Small things become insurmountable. You may have been used to solving or overcoming issues, but suddenly even the smallest things become major issues.

· People will often tell you that you become what you think about most of the time, thus if you are successful, you are frequently thinking about success and how you can achieve it. Unfortunately, if you are depressed, you may have negative thoughts most of the time, and try as you may, you cannot think positively.

· Even people who have been fit and healthy will start to get aches and pains that they cannot explain, which may be headaches or joint pains.

· Motivation becomes a major issue-as you are unlikely to be able to concentrate; you may find it difficult to achieve normal tasks.

· You may not wish to go out. Many people who suffer from depression have been known to become housebound and do not want to go out to meet friends.

· Loneliness can become a major issue. You may be in a room full of people, but you feel lonely, unloved and lacking confidence.

· Guilt can be a major worry. If you lack motivation and cannot concentrate you will feel guilt because you have not been able to achieve what you wanted to.

We all suffer from some of the above from time to time but if you are suffering from the majority of the above these are the symptoms of depression.

If you have experienced the symptoms of depression, there is a natural cure.
Read on for a way to beat depression naturally by somebody who experienced this for over 20 years.
John Hayes
http://www.aboutyourdepression.com

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Tips for Overcoming Depression

Depression is really a debilitating condition. Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness and despair, intense fatigue and lack of interest in undertaking tasks. People with depression feel drained and typically lack the motivation to do anything about their condition. Fortunately most cases of depression can be treated. The trick is to discover the appropriate depression treatment for the particular symptoms.

If you have been depressed for a while, a doctor might have suggested that you simply attempt antidepressants. Prescription medicines could be part of a general remedy strategy for moderate to severe depression, but it will not be the only remedy. In particular cases of mild depression, there are plenty of other factors that will alleviate the symptoms, and you might wish to try these before taking prescription drugs. Here are some suggestions.

Never go it alone

Positive power is contagious, so should you be depressed, find positive people who can help you. You might find that you are naturally attracted to people who really feel very depressed, but this will only result in you becoming more depressed. Once you are depressed, you will need to find people who can challenge the negative mindset that makes you depressed. This will not mean that you'll want to entirely reject good friends or family members who might also have feelings of depression. After all, you wouldn't want them to reject you. Just make sure to find other individuals who can help lift your mood and challenge you to fight your depression.

Care for your well-being

There is no doubt that your physical and mental conditions are important. If you are not very active, you will not feel good either. On the other hand, it really is a great deal tougher to feel depressed when your body is in top condition and your power is strong. Among the list of very best antidotes to depression is regular physical exercise. This works because exercise releases chemical substances that make you really feel great. These chemicals are known as endorphins. Exercise also helps to enhance the flow of oxygen by way of your bloodstream, which increases power.

Another way to keep fit would be to eat properly. An eating plan that includes fruits, vegetables and complete grains are good for you, whilst consuming processed foods, which might be loaded with sugar, will send you on a roller coaster of ups and downs, which will cause you to get exhausted. Also make sure you get some exposure to sunlight each and every day. It will not surprise you to know that individuals who devote more time outdoors are usually less depressed.

Support other people

When you are depressed, you almost certainly never really feel extremely great about yourself. One way to turn this about is to assist other people. Helping other people may be a crucial element in the treatment of your depression. If you spend time with other people you see that everyone faces difficulties. Focusing on the challenges of others could be a welcomed distraction from your own complications and depression.

Do things that you enjoy

Definitely it's difficult to become depressed when you happen to be doing exciting things. Nevertheless, for those who suffer from chronic depression, you might find that you do not want to take part in activities because one of the symptoms of depression is lack of motivation. Creating time for enjoyable activities is critical if you would like to overcome depression. Even if you do not "feel like" undertaking anything, do something anyway. Take a bike ride around the park, play a game or just take a walk for 20 minutes.

If you are suffering from depression, this will help you.
This treatment is proposed by somebody who has suffered depression for 20 years.

John Hayes
http://aboutyourdepression.com/

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I Hate Life - How Can I Feel Better?

There's a lot about life I rather dislike e.g. crime, bad parenting, shoddy goods in the shops, bad-tempered colleagues, dishonest politicians, and the list goes on and on. I bet at some point we all have wanted to blame misfortune, fate, or life itself for not giving us what we think we need. Feeling disgruntled may even be your normal attitude. But if you actually say "I hate life", it can make you extremely negative, disliking anybody and everybody.

Two people who wrote "I hate life"

On an internet forum one person wrote:

" I hate life. I neither like how it's been nor how its going. I've had it with life. I give up. There is no point in me continuing. Whatever I do and try, it never works out. I can't get a job. My life is pointless. Every one has made me negative... No one appreciates me, its all an act."

And another person said:

"I hate every feature on every worthless face I see. I know the hate and evil in mankind and I hate it."

If you had been badly done to you may think "I hate life"

These are two unhappy people who are not okay with the world. They appear to see the problem as out there in a sick and uncaring society. If you suffer from chronic illness, are out of a job, got no money or had an unhappy childhood, then you may feel you are a hopeless victim of inadequate health care, unemployment, an unfair educational system, or neglectful or abusive parents - right? But you would also have a problem for, being at odds with society, you won't feel at home in the world and won't get pleasure in life. And maybe you wonder will you ever feel differently?

Here are just three things you can do that might help.

1. If you think "I hate life" then learn to criticise fairly

We may live with the experience of sickness and suffering but to reject the world as broken, is arguably an unreasonably jaundiced view.

Yes, there is a lot that is bad with life and it would be silly to go around with rose tinted glasses. But often in a desire to find fault we avoid looking at ourselves. Instead we criticise others unfairly, exaggerate their failings, jump to conclusions on flimsy evidence, or see everything in terms of only black and white when really there are several shades of grey.

"Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." (Mark Twain)

If you say "I hate life" because of a mood of despair then you have probably drifted into a cynical attitude that denies anything of value.

2. If you think "I hate life" then use anger constructively

To say "I hate life" also suggests that the bitterness, that came from bitter experiences, is still with you. If so, you are probably in a constant state of private complaint against the world and there is the danger that your bitterness can eat you up.

"Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, because hate in your heart will consume you too." (Will Smith)

Often, there is not much if anything one can do about the bad side of life. But occasionally it can be possible to use the energy of your anger to do something constructive. Instead of taking on the passive role of a victim of swindlers, hypocrites, and social nuisances and stewing over their behaviour, it may be possible to get your anger out into the open and do something about it. If you have been fearfully hiding away from challenges you might try facing life head on. Why not stand up to malpractice and bullies, whilst realising you can't fix all the world?

You could go to an anger management class and learn how to effectively assert justifiable anger in socially acceptable ways and get it out of your system rather than let it smoulder away inside. Learn to distinguish between destructive and constructive anger. Discover how to watch out for that kind of angry frustration which comes upon us when perhaps for good reasons we don't get what we want from someone or don't get our own way. People who do get up your nose will not deserve condemnation despite any initial feelings of contempt you might have for them. But you might be able to influence them.

3. If you think "I hate life" then recognise the positives which make life worth living

If you say "I hate life" then instead of only seeing the bad side of everything and everybody, why not try to see your cup as half-full rather than half empty? This might mean looking for something likeable in someone you don't take to. It might mean searching for something you can sympathise with in a person who is against you. Instead of giving up on someone why not try to develop the relationship?

"Sometimes you want to give up the guitar, you'll hate the guitar. But if you stick with it, you're gonna be rewarded." (Jimi Hendrix)

You may want to give up on someone when you feel vulnerable in their company but if you stick with trying to communicate with them you may be surprised at finding a positive feeling of involvement.

Finding a warmer feeling towards others comes more easily when we are looking for the good in them and being ready to excuse them when they behave badly e.g. by being non-judgemental and being open to the possibility of any mitigating circumstances. According to Emanuel Swedenborg's visionary experiences of an afterlife, finding fault with others is an aspect of a hellish state of mind whereas a heavenly state of mind is looking for the good in others.

"Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it." (Sai Baba)

Copyright 2013 Stephen Russell-Lacy

Author of Heart, Head & Hands Swedenborg's perspective on emotional problems

As a clinical psychologist, Stephen Russell-Lacy has specialised in cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy, working for many years with adults suffering distress and disturbance.

He edits Spiritual Questions a free eZine that explores links between spiritual philosophy and the comments and questions of spiritual seekers. You can share your views and find out more about feeling good, personal well-being & spiritual healing

His ebook Heart, Head and Hands draws links between the psycho-spiritual teachings of the eighteenth century spiritual philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg and current ideas in therapy and psychology.

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All About Postnatal Depression

There is no doubt that giving birth can be a very rewarding experience for parents, grand parents and friends and family. However it can also be a very traumatic time for both the mother and father. Pregnancy in itself can be very difficult, as any mother and father will testify.

The parents naturally think that once the baby is born everything will be fine, and it normally is, but for many post natal depression can be very traumatic.

What is postnatal depression?
It is also known as postpartum depression and is normally associated with the mother but it can also affect the father. The first few weeks after the birth are very difficult:
-The baby needs to be fed throughout the day and night.
-The baby needs to be changed regularly and sleeps a lot.

Not surprisingly, many mothers find it very hard work and difficult to bond with the baby. Very often the mother will reject the baby as she feels she cannot cope.

Although the mother has had a difficult time, it is often overlooked that the father can also suffer. Prior to birth, the parents may have led a very pleasant life, but the birth can put a strain on all concerned.

Symptoms of postnatal depression
Normally postnatal depression develops in the first 2 months after birth, and it can last for months, and in some cases for more than a year. Very often the mother will experience mood changes shortly after birth, which very often clear up, particularly as the baby grows and starts to smile. If the condition persists, then postnatal depression may be prevalent, the symptoms of which include:
-An inability to cope with the baby
-A lack of interest in the baby-many mothers worry because they are not bonding with the new-born
-Feeling tired all the time
-Lack of sleep-many mothers, particularly with their first child, find it difficult to sleep as they are constantly listening for their baby to breathe
-Change in eating habits-some mothers find it difficult to eat, while others will over-eat
-Lethargic- a feeling of "I can't be bothered" and not wanting to do anything
-Feeling down most of the time

How many people suffer from postnatal depression?
It is difficult to be accurate about the number of sufferers as many people do not report it or do not seek help. However it is estimated that 10% to 15% of women suffer.

In 2013, it is estimated that worldwide there were over 250 births per minute, which shows that millions of people suffer from postnatal depression.

Is there a solution?
Fortunately there is a natural, drug free solution to this condition.

For a natural, drug-free solution to postnatal depression, please read this article: http://aboutyourdepression.com/

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How to Beat Depression Naturally by Finding Your Inner Strength

Recently we've had a series of articles on how to treat depression naturally, with tips on exercise, nutrition, and meditation techniques, as well as the dangers of indiscriminate drugs. So, today I would like to look deeper into how we think about depression, and how changing our thinking can help us change how we feel.

Not every pill is good for everybody.

Some people diagnosed with serious depression may need medication. But just because a TV ad says "ask your doctor about drug XYZ" doesn't mean it is good for you. In a month or so you might hear "did you take drug XYZ? Call the law firm of... " So how did we come to believe that every problem needs a pill, especially when taking a pill takes control away from you and gives your power to something else?

"Mother's little helper"

If you're not old enough to remember, movies can give you the idea. Somehow we survived World War II, with men fighting on battlefields, and women learning welding and living with rationing at home. Then it was over. There was peace. But suddenly we couldn't seem to cope anymore. Rebuilding was tough for some, but many people saw unprecedented prosperity. And in no time we felt stifled and bored to death.

Enter Valium. It wasn't really the first drug of its kind, but it was the first time it became widely accepted that there was a pill for every problem, even if the problem was suburban life. By the 1960's The Rolling Stones even sang about it. Rock stars had acid, and moms had the little yellow pill.

The pioneer woman... too tired to be depressed.

So if modern life is so hard, how on earth did civilization get this far? Certainly depression and mental illness have existed as long as we have, but how did people manage? It could be because they didn't have time to sit around ruminating on their problems. They treated depression naturally because were too busy just trying to survive.

In the Rocky Mountains, where I live now, there is something called the Mormon trail, where women walked... yes, walked... across America, pushing their few belongings in carts. Now I can barely get through a camping trip without being miserable, but these women trudged for miles to build a new life. They endured exhaustion, the death of loved ones, wild animals and hostile attacks, but there was nothing to do but keep going. There was no time to be depressed.

Change your perspective... change how you feel.

Now you might be thinking, yeah, so pioneer women were wonderful, but I'm a failure, and I'm going back to bed. But the point is not to make us feel even more unworthy. It is to show us how strong we can be if we give ourselves a chance.

To beat depression, we have to make changes in our thinking, before we can change our behavior. We have to believe we are worth taking care of, and we have to want to change.

I have heard that with any negative behavior, there must be something we get out of it or we wouldn't do it anymore. Is our depression covering up some old unresolved conflict, an old unhealed wound, or a fear we can't face? If so, it is better to let go and stop focusing on how bad we feel, and turn your thoughts to someone else's needs.

Meditate or pray as an act of intercession.

The absolute best way I know to pull myself up when depression starts, is to pray or meditate for someone else. There are plenty of people out there who need it, and how we pray doesn't matter. We can ask for blessings, say a mantra, the Rosary, or just focus on thoughts of love. You can pray for someone you know, or victims of disaster far away. But just taking 15 minutes or so to focus positive energy toward someone who is suffering fills me with gratitude and peace. It could do the same for you.

Move from meditation to action.

History tells us we become depressed less by challenges than ennui. And pop music tells us we are stronger than we think. If you lend your strength to a project or cause outside yourself, you can make a difference in the world and beat your depression at the same time.

Pay attention to your moods. If you feel yourself becoming too self absorbed, listen to Kelly Clarkson singing "Stronger" or Katy Perry "hear me roar," get up, get out and do something for someone else.

Use your strength to develop healthy habits. There is a cycle here. Feel a little stronger, eat better, exercise a bit, meditate, give of yourself, feel a little stronger and start again. It is possible to beat depression naturally. Just keep taking one step at a time.

If you found this helpful please let us know in the comments section below, and share with your social media friends. We really appreciate hearing from you.

For more tips and great information on how to beat depression, check out ClearYourStress.com. You'll also find many guided exercises and meditation methods to relieve stress, connect with your inner wisdom, and enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Visit ClearYourStress.com now to get started.

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How Do I Help Someone With Depression?

Compassion speaks a language all its own,
Often it's not even vocal,
Our compassion proves God's on the throne,
Of our hearts - where, there, He is local.

Is there a better sign that God's Spirit dwells deeply within us than our compassion for others? Where we are slow to judge but quick to see the best in a person, God's love flows in real and practical ways. Relationships are the winner.

***

"If you know someone who's depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn't a straightforward response to a bad situation; depression just is, like the weather.

"Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they're going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. It's hard to be a friend to someone who's depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do."
~ Stephen Fry

Compassion is what underlies the desire and the sacrifice to interact with someone who is depressed, and, though the compassionate do not need a reward, they are rewarded by God by what they give a person who might otherwise struggle to receive. When a person is struggling it isn't anything intentional that they will receive, just the space to be themselves in the company of another person. If we are that person, we are compassionate.

Some matters of life require no further exploration than their simply being.

When we can coexist with the person who is struggling with a condition as mysterious as depression is - and we can include anxiety in this, also - then there is space afforded. Such space is the affordability of tensions that ordinarily frustrate people. This is why some people cannot let the depression go, accepting it as something that needs to be left, unless the person themselves seeks to explore it with us. Some people find it necessary to ask questions that are clearly none of their business. We need grace in dealing with these people, for they will seek to take from the relationship rather than to give. They exhaust trust.

Supporting someone with depression is about discerning them and allowing them the freedom to be as they are. When we can be with them, allowing such freedom to flow, we find that we are living as if we are them. We are privileged to be considering them as we would consider ourselves.

***

Supporting someone with depression is about being wholly available to offer them space without enquiry, their opinion without judgment, and the intent of their wishes without being too critical.

Being a friend for the person grieving or depressed is simpler than we might think, but we need to think a little like they might think, talk as if they were hearing, and walk as if in their shoes, holding their hand with acceptance.

© 2014 S. J. Wickham.

Steve Wickham is a Baptist Pastor who holds Degrees in Science, Divinity, and Counselling. Steve writes at: http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com.au/ and http://tribework.blogspot.com.au/

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