Depression — Page 9

Today I am feeling depressed! It actually started at work. Everything was fine. I had been fine for weeks, maybe even happy. But something happened. Actually nothing happened! I was ignored! If someone had insulted me verbally, or assaulted me Physically, I could have reacted immediately either verbally or physically, but I was ignored and it played on my mind so much I became depressed about it.

Now you might be thinking “Oh my God! What’s the matter with you? You are not depressed, you are sulking like a two year old! And yes, I agree, it is a really incredibly stupid thing to become depressed about, I know that, honestly, I REALLY know that!

But that is often how my depression starts. Something pointless, something stupid, something which I should be able to ignore or just shrug off, suddenly takes on a life of its’ own and takes over my mind and switches off the light of happiness, only to replace it with long dark lingering shadows of doom, gloom and despair.

Chemical or Physical. What is the cause?

If the problem with depression is a chemical thing like hormones in the brain, why would it be triggered by something as stupid as being ignored?

If it is a chemical problem then surely all depression would happen at odd moments like while you were watching a really funny film. One minute you would be laughing your head off and then the next minute trying to jump out of the window and wanting to end it all.

I have no doubt that there are chemicals involved. All emotions are chemical by nature. Happiness, sadness, love, lust. These are all made possible by chemicals / hormones in our brains being switched on at certain moments as a result of external influence, such as seeing a beautiful woman in a short skirt walking by….POW…Instant Lust Chemicals flood the brain!

So I suppose the “Cause” is a combination of physical outside influences, causing an internal response which switches on related chemicals to prepare the body for whatever might come next.

And maybe sometimes it works the other way around. Our body clocks may decide that spring and summer are perfect times to get lustful and start looking for that special boy or girl!

Why does it affect some more than others?

My present bout of depression was set off, I think, by simply being ignored by a certain person, maybe at a certain moment in time when I was feeling vulnerable.

Someone else might think that I am just being a wimp. Perhaps they, and maybe you too, would not be the slightest bit affected by such an incident. You might, if you are a depression sufferer, even think that what I am feeling does not deserve to even be called depression!

You might even think that I should re-name this article “Living With a Demon Called Sulking!”

It is a matter of personal opinion.

Whether or not my depression is better or worse than maybe your depression or someone elses, doesn’t really matter. It certainly doesn’t matter to me. As far as I am concerned, I am depressed and nothing that you or anyone else thinks is going to change that.

Last night I felt terrible. I mean REALLY bloody awful. I hated the world, I hated people…yes, even you! And I hated myself. I hated myself because of all the things mentioned above.

When you are depressed, or at least when I am depressed, I start by blaming the person or people, or the event, which I think is the cause of my present depression. But soon, once I have finished ranting and raving, or sometimes just sitting quietly (as if sulking), I start to blame myself. I blame myself for not reacting more positively. I blame myself for not speaking my mind. I blame myself for not sticking up for myself. I blame myself for putting myself in a stupid situation. I blame myself for not learning lessons from similar past events. I blame myself for blaming myself and not punching the person responsible for my depression on the nose.

The more I think about it, the more depressed I become. Until very soon, what was possibly a very small event which triggered a mild depression, becomes greatly exaggerated in my mind and the mild depression expands like a huge dark storm cloud stretching over the horizon casting its’ shadow over everything I see and know.

Is there a cure?

How do you drag yourself out of a depression? (Perhaps we should ask the government! :-)) Well, it aint easy! Today I dragged myself out of bed early. I went shopping. I didn’t really need anything but I ended up with several packets of biscuits. Now, you see, I am a few pounds over weight. But I have managed to lose over a stone in less than three months, which is excellent! However, I have found that doing something naughty is a great way to distract the mind long enough to clear the clouds of depression. It isn’t easy, it isn’t straightforward by any means, and it could take several packets of biscuits and chocolate chip muffins with copious amounts of tea, before I start to get better.

I don’t recommend it for everyone, especially if you have a weight problem. If you are on a diet and think that eating five packets of biscuits might actually make you more depressed, then I suggest that you do something else naughty instead.

You might find that going into a secluded wooded area, taking off all of your clothes, then running around shouting “I hate the world but I love my fat arse!” might just be enough to start to clear your depression.

Always be aware that things WILL get better!

I know it is not easy. But you must keep in mind that no matter how bad things seem to be right now, that they can not stay this bad for ever!

This is something which I constantly keep telling myself when I get depressed, or just a little fed up with the world.

EVERYTHING is temporary. Even mountains get reduced over time. Your problems, my problems, the countries problems, are all temporary.

If there is absolutely nothing you can do right now to ease your situation, if there is absolutely no action you can take to ease your dark feelings, if running around naked shouting that you hate the world but love your fat arse has had no positive effect on you at all….then all you have to do is have patience and wait….long enough…and I promise that whatever the problem is that you have right now….barring cancer or some other terminal illness….it will pass.

But ofcourse, if there is some action you can take, like maybe making an apology to someone, or talking to someone who has upset you, or any action at all that will help to solve your present problem, or at least bring the problem out into the open so you can deal with it physically or verbally, then that is far better than sitting in a dark room festering over it.

Writing this article has done me some good. I don’t feel as bad now as when I started it. I certainly don’t feel all happy and cheerful, yet. But I am in recovery. And I hope, I really hope that at least one sentence has made you smile or given you some idea as to how to start your recovery. I am sorry there is nothing scientifically proven in this article. It is just a load of stuff from my depressed mind. Maybe I will read through it in a few days and decide to delete it, I don’t know.

So, is there an answer? Can depression be cured without stuffing yourself with dangerous tranquilizers, or munching on figure destroying biscuits? Is it possible to just laugh yourself out of depression?

I honestly and obviously have no idea. Once this depression leaves me I will most likely be OK for some time to come. I don’t suffer from depression regularly. It just happens sometimes. Sometimes there doesn’t seem to be a reason for it…it just takes over. And then, just as suddenly, it can be gone and I am left wondering what all the fuss was about.

Maybe I am a wimp. Maybe your depressions are far worse than mine. Maybe you thought this article was useless because it was written by a self centered, vain, useless, fat, sulking nobody! Well, at the moment, I would have to agree with you. But hopefully tomorrow, or maybe next week, I won’t give a damn what you think, unless you have been helped by it in some way, in which case, my depression will have been worth it.

The authors name is Tony Cordingley. Interested in affiliate marketing, networking and writing articles.
Visit my Blog…Click here.

Senior depression has proved especially devastating among older adults because the disease has been so misunderstood in that population. Left alone, depression not only prevents older adults from enjoying life like they could be, it also takes a heavy toll on health. But if you learn to spot the signs of depression and find effective ways to help, you or your loved ones can remain happy and vibrant throughout the golden years

Signs of Depression change as we grow older. The difficult changes that are a part of the ageing process—such as the death of a spouse or medical problems—can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system. But depression is not a normal or necessary part of aging. In fact, most seniors are satisfied with their lives despite the challenges of growing old.

Senior Depression is not a result of normal aging. Loss is painful—whether a loss of independence, mobility, health, your long-time career, or someone you love. Grieving over these losses is normal, even if the feelings of sadness last for weeks or months. Losing all hope and joy, however, is not normal. It’s depression. For the elderly, depression is a common problem, with only a small percentage getting the help they need. There are many reasons depression in older adults is so often overlooked: Some assume seniors have good reason to be down or that depression is just part of aging. Elderly adults are often isolated, with few around to notice their distress. Physicians are more likely to ignore depression in older patients, concentrating instead on physical complaints. Finally, many depressed seniors are reluctant to talk about their feelings or ask for help. That lack of understanding is just one of several reasons why older adults may not seek and receive the treatment they need, with sometimes tragic results: the growing problem of geriatric suicide.

What triggers Senior Depression? Coaches often find seniors living alone; their opportunities for going out and friends to go out with are getting smaller due to deaths or relocation. It has gotten increasingly difficult to go out due to illness or loss of driving privileges. Of major importance is a loss of feeling of useful. They believe they have nothing to contribute or having retired, feel a loss of identity that was connected too their career. Illness and disability will often be a source of depression. Experiencing chronic or severe pain; cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease can take a toll on the psyche. Many prescription medications can trigger or exacerbate depression. Seniors are often over medicated. Fear is very prevalent as an underlying factor. Many have an unnatural fear of death or dying; fear of falling, or financial problems. Depression can also be brought on during the grief process. The loss of friends, family members, and pets, is a reminder that their time will come. The loss of a long term spouse or partner, is often times a precursor to their own death.

Seniors don’t always fit the typical picture of depression. Many depressed seniors don’t claim to feel sad at all. They may complain, instead, of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or headaches that have gotten worse, are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly.

Older adults with depression are also more likely to show symptoms of anxiety or irritability. They may constantly wring their hands, pace around the room, or fret obsessively about money, their health, or the state of the world.

Recovery Coaches look for these clues in senior depression. Older adults who deny feeling sad or depressed may still have major depression. Here are the clues to look for: Oddly, a senior will exhibit anxiety and worry, rather than typical depression. One must take the time to really observe the senior to see where the anxiety stems from, and if it could be depression. Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains, Hopelessness, Helplessness, Memory problems Loss of feeling of pleasure, Slowed movement, Irritability, Lack of interest in personal care (skipping meals, forgetting medications, neglecting personal hygiene)

Older Adults Less Likely to Seek Treatment for Depression. Family can hinder the process of detecting depression and getting treatment for those experiencing symptoms. Often times they still consider them the adult and themselves as the children. They do not know how to help mom or dads, who have always been so strong and independent. Or as many people, including Medical Professionals, have the misconception that senior depression is simply part of growing old.

The stigma of seeking mental health treatment is a bigger factor among seniors, many of whom grew up at a time when having a mental health problem was often considered synonymous with being “crazy” or incompetent. Recovery Coaching is a gentle bridge that helps the individual much as your best friend would convince you to seek treatment.

Increase Suicide Risk among Older Adults. Adults age 65 and over comprise only 13 percent of the US population, they account for 20 percent of all suicide deaths. Suicidal elders often select a means of suicide (efficient and lethal) that does not permit intervention. That means we need to know how to recognize the behavior in time to intervene. Well over 75% of older people who completed suicide had recent contact with a physician.

When a senior has severe depression, they need appropriate treatment. As with most depressed individuals, they cannot see a way out. If you know someone who is dealing with depression, get professional help.

Coach Chez is a recovery coach, helping Seniors make lasting change in behavior and emotions. Senior Motivate 4 Success helps Seniors live life on life’s terms. Call today for a free discovery session and decide that change is a must.

(949) 375-2676, Http://www.seniormotivate4success.com

Living With a Demon Called Depression

Depression And Seniors