Depression doesn’t go away on its own. It needs intervention.

Depression doesn't go away on its own. It needs intervention.

          Have you recently heard something like, "What’s wrong with you? You seem different. You used to be so happy," and felt like crying because you didn't know what was wrong with you? Have you wanted to cry at nothing at all for no hormonal reason? When your emotional system is unbalanced, your level of happiness is affected. Negative thoughts and feelings become overwhelming and sadness dominates your life. Do you find it impossible to solve problems or to experience pleasure? Do you no longer find joy in things you used to love, like eating chocolate cake, playing games, intimacy, or watching television? Do you only feel overwhelming sadness? Do you feel anxious, worthless, and insecure but don't know why? If you're experiencing incessant negative thoughts and prolonged sadness, something has gone wrong. You are most likely experiencing symptoms of depression.

          With symptoms of depression, it's important to seek help. If you're feeling overwhelmed with negativity, hopelessness or have thoughts of suicide, the best place to start is with a phone call to 1-800-SUICIDE. They are trained to listen to you. Talking to someone will allow you to express emotions and explain how you feel, and if you need to know what resources are available, they can help.You are not alone. At least 20 percent of the adult population in the U.S. will experience an episode of depression in their lifetime. Right now, about ten percent of the population is feeling exactly like you do. Negative thinking happens to everyone, often on a daily basis, but negative thinking is not the same as incessant negative thinking. When negative thoughts are so profound or so frequent that they interrupt day to day living and problem-solving, something has gone terribly wrong, and whatever is wrong is not your fault.

            Depression is called an “invisible” illness because its symptoms are hidden or confused with symptoms of other illnesses. Like a thief in the night, depression steals and even kills, leaving victims and families devastated.  When one is depressed, finding positive outcomes or permanent solutions to problems is nearly impossible. If you feel like there is no way out, call 1-800-SUICIDE and talk to someone whose only concern is you. Just remember, depression doesn’t go away on it’s own. It needs intervention.

            Depression is the leading cause of disability among adults in the U.S.A. and world wide. The best thing you can do for yourself is know the symptoms of depression. If left untreated, it can last for years, leaving you at risk of suicide or worse. Following, is a short list of symptoms. If you experience four of these symptoms for two weeks or longer, you might be depressed.

• Incessant negative thoughts
• Sadness or unexplained crying
• Hopelessness
• Lack of pleasure in life
• Need for isolation
• Thoughts of suicide
• Loss of appetite or overeating

(c) M.D. Johnson (2013)