Depression: Why Can't You Just Get It Together?

Depression:  Sadness.  Feeling Helpless.  Feeling Powerless. 

Depression is a terrible thing.  No, it doesn't mean you are lazy.  It doesn't mean that you have a negative outlook on life because that is what you choose.  It is a medical condition that can be treated and it should be in every case. 

Depression is not something that comes on overnight and it isn't something that goes away just because the person wants it to.  Who would want to feel sad, cry all the time, feel helpless, and find no joy in anything they do? 

If you have never suffered from depression it can be difficult to understand. But it isn't impossible to support someone who is depressed even if you don't understand it.  Offering to help is a step in the right direction.  And asking someone why they don't just snap out of it is not helping!

So, how do you help someone suffering from this disease?  Listen.  Even if you have heard the same thing over and over again.  Encourage.  If the person is not in therapy, why not point out the benefits of going.  Support.  Don't stop talking to this person because they bring you down.  Ask for help. If they are not seeking therapy or just seem to be getting deeper into the depression enlist help of others who may be able to help you.  Love.  No matter how bad the person is feeling, tell them you love them.  You may not think that they hear you, but they do.  Accept.  You don't like to see anyone suffering, but accepting this person as they are is very important.  There is a stigma attached to depression and most people feel alienated because of the disease.  Their sense of reality is distorted. 

Depression can bring on thoughts of suicide.  You should ALWAYS take a suicide threat seriously!  I don't care how many times the person has said it or if you don't think they would ever do it.   Some doctors say that a majority of people who attempt suicide do it to get attention.  I don't know if this is true.  In my opinion, this is a calloused, selfish statement that doesn't help the person who is depressed or the family involved at all.  At some point, the person thought they wanted to die.  Even if it was just a moment of weakness  and they acted rashly without thinking of the long term effects.  At that particular moment, that was what they wanted.  No one, except the person suffering really knows what they were thinking.

There are many causes of depression.  Sometimes a chemical imbalance is to blame.  Sometimes a host of multiple issues cause a person to slip into a depression.  Whatever the reason, treatment can help.

If you are suffering from depression, seek help.  You are not weak.  You are not lazy.  You are not worthless.  No matter what has gone wrong in your life, no matter what you have done.  You can get help and feel better.  You may feel like no one loves you.  But, I am here to tell you that you are loved by God.  Reach out and ask for help.  You are worth it!

Not sure if you need help?  Find Out!