I think I might be experiencing some depression these days. There are days that I just feel sad. My question is, what are the symptoms of depression and what could I do about it?
Dear Gary,
I think I might be experiencing some depression these days. There are days that I just feel sad. My question is, what are the symptoms of depression and what could I do about it?
Anne
Dear Anne,
Please remember that depression is called the common cold of Mental Health. It can cover a broad spectrum of feelings from being blue one day to a debilitating illness that lasts over long periods of time.
In the movie Forrest Gump there is a scene where Forrest joins the Army and goes to Viet Nam. As he walks in water up to his chest, he states that one day it just started raining and it kept on raining. My wife and I served as missionaries in Asia and we know what he was talking about. It’s called the monsoon season. While we were out there we felt the oppression of what seemed like endless days of dark, bad weather. During those times, many struggle with short bouts of depression. In the scriptures we see David fighting his own battles with the blues. He says in Psalms 13:2 “How long shall I take counsel (struggle or wrestle) in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?”
The major elements of depression to look for are things like these. Do you feel sad or empty? Have you lost interest in pleasurable activities? Are you gaining or losing weight? Are you sleeping too much or not enough? Is your body restless, agitated or lethargic? Do you feel fatigued? Do you have feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt? Can you concentrate and make decisions? Have you had thoughts of death or hurting yourself?
The truth is that everybody feels depressed at times. Other great people in the Bible struggled with the blues. Jeremiah and Job are two notable examples. The thing that I notice is that God never abandons them. David ultimately gives the right response to the blues when he says in verses 5-6, “But I have trusted in thy mercy (unfailing love); my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”
Here are some things that you can do to combat times of depression:
Make an appointment with your medical doctor for a check-up. We all need one yearly.
Talk to someone trustworthy (friend, pastor or professional Christian counselor). Get the toxic emotions outside of you. Make sure they are good listeners.
Disrupt your routine. If you are isolated at home, make yourself go out to a positive event like church. If you are sleeping too much, set the alarm and make yourself get up.
Make sure you are eating right, sleeping the right amount and getting some fresh air, sunshine and exercise. (Exercise at least 20 minutes, three times a week, with your doctors approval).
Trust God! He loves you! This too will pass.
Brother Gary