Defeating Devastating Depression

Defeating Devastating Depression

  By Stephanie Anne Allen, NAMI Metro Connections Recovery Support Group Facilitator

I could sit here and quote textbooks, but I want to write this from a “real person” point of view.   Not only do I have a degree in psychology, but I also have much personal experience with mental illness.  I was a victim, and then I became a warrior, and now I am proud to say that I am a survivor. 

Depression is a devastating mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide.  It does not discriminate, affecting all ages, nationalities, social-economic statuses, and both sexes.  It can ruin a person’s life, but only if they allow it too.  There is treatment, and there is hope of recovery. 

The symptoms of depression range greatly among individuals.  Most sufferers state that they “feel extremely sad”.  Others state loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.  Some comment that their sleep and diet are affected.  Many times, those with depression will say that all they want to do is cry. 

            Many of the depressed find it difficult to do just the basics in life including taking care of themselves, and often times holding a job becomes a great challenge.  They lack the ability to concentrate.  They explain that a “dark cloud” has extended over their heads.  They often lack self-esteem and self-confidence.  They seem to approach life in a negative way.  They often are hopeless and helpless.  They see no purpose to their lives or a reason to be alive.

            Depression can be life threatening, because many people with depression become suicidal with ideations and attempts.  I never want to see it go that far.  I want people with depression to reach out and ask for help.  Most depressed people do not really want to die.  What they do want is help, and many are afraid to ask for it, due partly to the stigma attached with having a mental illness. 

Depression is said to be caused by both environmental and biological components.  I honestly believe that so much more research needs to be done on depression and other mental illnesses.   We seem to be in the “stone-age” when it comes to the knowledge we have on mental conditions.

Please reach out for help if you think you many have this illness.  Be not ashamed.  It is like any other illness.  It is a physical condition that just happens to affect the brain.  And remember that you are not alone and that you can achieve resilience and recovery.

            If you suspect that someone you love suffers from depression, please encourage them to seek treatment, but do not force it upon them.  People with depression often feel like they are not in control of their own lives and if you force them to get treatment they will retaliate by resisting treatment.  Approach them with compassion, understanding, and unconditional love.  This is of the greatest importance.  And if you yourself have been there you can also use an empathetic approach.  That is the most effective way. 

            If someone threatens suicide, please take them seriously.  Maybe you don’t think they’d really ever do it, but when someone says they are going to kill themselves, it is really a desperate call out to you for help.  We have lost so many to this senseless act, and we don’t need to lose any more souls that have purpose and worth in this world.

            Treatment consist of medication and various forms on therapy.  Antidepressant meds are the most effective medication for depression but if other mental conditions exist as well, a combination of different medications can be used in treating the condition(s).

            Therapy can help a person get in touch with themselves and sort out their issues.  It can offer a person to explore problem solving techniques.  A therapist is not there to tell you what to do.  They are there to help guide you and help you to  formulate solutions for yourself. 

            Recovery is definitely possible with meds and therapy.  Please also get involved with others who suffer from depression.  This will help you to not feel so alone and gives you the opportunity to form a reliable support system for when you are in need.

            I hope you feel that I have been “real” with you.  I have been there, and I feel empathy for all those who suffer.  But I also feel great hope that you can, and you will, recover. 

Stephanie Anne Allen is the author of: 

My Mental Madness Memoir

How to Survive Depression

How to Survive Bipolar Disorder

How to Survive Schizophrenia

www.amazon.com/author/allenstephanie