Riding the waves of Depression

In the waves of depression, days are measured in highs and lows. The lows are the lowest and the highs are the highest. There never seems to be a 'in the middle'. In the waves of depression, you float between self confidence and self doubts. When the winds are blowing and the white caps are high, you find yourself alone and confused. You find yourself wondering how the tide took you so far. On the days that the waves are big enough to capsize you, you just want to be left alone. Sunny days and calm seas bring out the best of the waters. You float, relaxed and light. You taste the sweet salt. You sometimes sit on the sand and feel the warmth that calm water bring in. All these waves of depression, leave you tired and worn out from the fight to stay a float.  You never know when the next big wave is going to take you out.

There are so many of us, riding the waves. Almost 15 million according to National Institute of Mental Health in 2010..did you just read that right?! in 2010, the National Institute of Mental Health noted that almost 15 million of us were suffering from clinical depression. Wow. Those of us suffering from depression often feel so alone...who knew that it was so far from the truth.

So what causes these 'waves of depression'? Postpartum, Post traumatic stress, your genes, stressful life...

My dear sweet readers; if you suffer from depression, please don't suffer alone. You know misery loves company! That's not what I mean, I mean GET HELP! You don't have to suffer. There are so many options in dealing with depression, its any wonder why there are so many of us suffering!

Depression is NOTHING be ashamed of. It's a condition. A hiccup. A blip. A thing. A bug. Depression is a condition of the mind, soul, spirit, and heart. I know how it takes over and rules your life. You'll never really be free of it. So you have to work with it. Please don't suffer. Please don't sit there feeling like life is over and you'll never be normal. Get off your ass and take care of it. I know I make it sound so easy. Please don't let it get to the point where your sitting at your kitchen table crying over something rather another, while your spouse runs around trying to figure out what the hell just happened.

The waves may take you for one nasty ride. But together we can ride it out. You don't have to suffer alone. You don't have to worry about asking for help. Help is good!

Here are some symptoms, taken from the NHS website. If you think you may be suffering from depression, or know someone who is (please offer them support)-SEEK HELP!

Psychological symptoms include:

• continuous low mood or sadness
• feelings of hopelessness and helplessness 
• low self-esteem 
• tearfulness
• feelings of guilt
• feeling irritable and intolerant of others 
• lack of motivation and little interest in things
• difficulty making decisions
• lack of enjoyment
• suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
• feeling anxious or worried 
• reduced sex drive

Physical symptoms include:

• slowed movement or speech
• change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased) 
• constipation 
• unexplained aches and pains
• lack of energy or lack of interest in sex
• changes to the menstrual cycle
• disturbed sleep patterns (for example, problems going to sleep or waking in the early hours of the morning)

Social symptoms include:

• not doing well at work
• taking part in fewer social activities and avoiding contact with friends
• reduced hobbies and interests
• difficulties in home and family life

No one said this road was going to be easy. No one said it was going to be so hard either! There is no reason to hide your head in shame. You are not alone and you don't have to suffer. 

xo