Are You Experiencing Signs Of Depression?
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If you think you are experiencing depression, you will not doubt it at all. I say this because I have been depressed in my life before at two different times. It is hard to explain the feelings, except that when I was depressed, I had no interest in any of the things I usually liked. I was barely making it through day by day in hopes that the dark cloud over me would pass by. The best advice would be to pray, then reach out for some help. You do not have to do it all alone. ~ Bill Greguska
Signs of depression can be subtle at times, but if you are concerned, by all means, talk with someone you can trust or even contact a medical clinic. Here are some encouraging scriptures that refer to having signs of depression.
2 Corinthians 7:5-7 For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me so that my joy was greater than ever.
Learning about emotional illness, including its signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment is the first step to overcoming the problem.
In my experience, divorce takes you out for about ten years, but you hear people talk about it lightly—the same with depression. You only have to have one good breakdown before you realize you need help. It’s pretty frightening. ~ Julia Cameron
Psalm 143:7-8 Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me, or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you, I entrust my life.
In Our Broken World, Do You Have Signs Of Depression?
Signs And Symptoms Of Clinical Depression May Include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies, or sports
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
- Slowed thinking, speaking, or body movements
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or suicide
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
There Is Help For Depression!
One or more situations cause situational depression. These situations can be upsetting but not necessarily a real depression—possibly a job loss, a divorce, the death of a loved one, etc. If you think you might be experiencing signs of depression, please first pray about it, and if you feel a confirmation that you might be having symptoms of depression, go check it out medically.
Some treatments and medications can help. Do not take medication unless it is the last resort. But if you have to, then take it as prescribed and do other things to take care of yourself like exercise, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, avoid alcohol and other drugs, and be sure to pray and walk closely with the Lord. Psalm 23:1-6
When you’re depressed, things may feel hopeless, it is a feeling that is hard to explain, but if you have signs of depression, you will notice the difference compared to when you feel your usual self. With spiritual help, support, and encouragement, you can get better. I was very depressed, and my doctor suggested taking Cymbalta for a while, so I am glad I did. I went from total despair to a more manageable depression in a while, and I thank God for that!
Check List To Consider Concerning Depression:
Some basic ideas to consider why you might be not feeling well:
- Are you getting enough exercise?
- Are you eating healthy and avoiding junk?
- Are you drinking enough water?
- Are you getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night?
- Is there any unconfessed sin in your life?
- Is there anyone you need to ask forgiveness for?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive?
- Have you been feeling sorry for yourself?
- Have you been laughing very much lately?
- Have you been socially connected?
If you wrote down ten things that you are grateful to God for, you would begin to feel much better. I get “depressed” sometimes too, but since I have experienced real depression in high school and a broken marriage, I have learned that depression feelings are usually just feelings of sadness, or physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually tired burnt out temporarily.
But if you think you are genuinely depressed, consider getting professional help. Antidepressants can be helpful, BUT I would try to read the list above and see if that helps. If you feel suicidal, then get help right away. Here is a good page with information to help if you are feeling suicidal. Or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) right away.
There Will Be Storms In All Of Our Lives
Weathering the storms of depression is something that needs help from God, a close friend, a church member, or possibly medical treatment.
My pastor’s wife, Sue Sauer, helped me a lot when I was depressed while going through a divorce I did not want – also, my mother, Pastor Mark Mallwitz, and Pastor Dave Briscoe were all very encouraging.
Looking back, I learned that when I trusted a close friend for support, it took the load off my shoulders. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Sometimes depression can be a purely spiritual thing, and it must be fought with God’s word. Take your concerns to the Lord and ask the Lord for His help to sort things out with you.
Depression is the physical and emotional result of hopelessness, the “feeling” of hopelessness. We live in a world devoid of hope, and depression is the irrational product of that reality.
Remember that sadness is a very regular part of life. Depression does not have to be a way of life! Similar to a dog, depression can be controlled and trained bottom line; you can overcome depression!
The Right Medical Help Can Be Very Helpful
Look Up To Find Help For Depression!
There is help for depression. Call upon the Lord! And get some exercise, eat healthy, get enough sleep, and think about what is good and Godly!
If I were you, I would see my doctor or therapist before I got too far down. Pay attention to your symptoms and the feedback from trusted friends and loved ones. The sooner you recognize and admit you are depressed, the sooner you can turn things around.
There are times when using anti-depressants for a short time can be very helpful. If you or someone you know suffers from depression, there is hope for depression, and help is available. You are not alone. With God’s help, you will climb out of this hole.
These scriptures on depression will give you hope and will build your faith. Confess and meditate on them to win the fight. The key is not losing Hope.
Allow the hope of God to seep back into you. Remember, there is a real Person (God) behind every one of these promises. He promised them to you for a reason – to help you.
- Psalm 145:14
- Proverbs 12:25
- Isaiah 40:31
- Isaiah 53:4
- Mark 9:23
- Philippians 4:6-7
- James 4:8
- James 4:10
- 2 Peter 2:9
- 1 Peter 5:7
What Is Depression?
It is an illness that involves the brain. What are the signs of depression? It can affect your thinking, mood, and daily activities. Depression is more than feeling sad for a few days. Depression can be mild or severe.
Mild depression can become more severe if it’s not treated. Often people use the expression, “I am depressed about (___________),” which is not necessarily the same as clinical depression.
If you are diagnosed with actual depression, you aren’t alone. Depression is a widespread illness that affects millions of adults in the United States every year. The good news is that it can be treated.
What Are The Signs Of Depression?
It’s normal to feel sad sometimes, but if you feel sad or “down,” on some occasions. When you are down for more than two weeks at a time, you may be depressed. Depression affects people differently. Some signs of depression are:
- Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Feeling hopeless or empty
- Forgetting things or having trouble making decisions
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Gaining or losing weight without intending to
- Thinking about suicide or death
Get Active!
Getting active can lower your stress level and help your treatment work better. It can also help keep you from getting depressed again. But it’s important to know that physical activity isn’t a treatment for depression.
- If someone you care about is down and can not get back up.
- If you think a friend or family member may be depressed, check out these tips on how to talk to a loved one about depression.
Get help right away if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide.
- To get help for yourself or someone else, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
(Above Information partially supplied by https://healthfinder.gov website)
Ideas To Help Fight Signs Of Depression!
If you or someone you know need help, here are some helpful tips and encouragement about how you can overcome this type of thing and build your faith:
- Avoid being alone; be with people who love and care about you.
- Sing or listen to uplifting, Godly music.
- Read the Bible daily (especially the Psalms) and draw your strength from it to renew your faith in God.
- Get enough rest! Don’t try to handle your depression when you’re sleep-deprived.
- Exercise and examine your diet for needed changes.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables and fewer refined sugars.
Related Pages Of Encouragement:
A Special Link for a Little Extra Encouragement
More Ideas To Fight Depression And Signs Of Depression!
- Seek help from others if you feel overwhelmed with your discouragement.
- Praise God and give thanks, even if you don’t feel like it. Try to speak words of encouragement instead of falling into the rut of complaining. Focus on your blessings: You have many of them, even if you can’t always see them.
- Work on the solutions for your problems. Don’t focus on the symptoms.
- Is there a spiritual problem you need to deal with? Is there a relationship you need to reconcile? Become active in a recreation you enjoy.
Find Hope And Encouragement From Our Links!
- If you just started believing in God, we have a page specifically for you.
- If you are dealing with anger, stress, or depression, we have information to help you.
- We have phone helplines, website links, youtube videos.
- You can learn more about us and our goals and our purpose.
- If you have a drug/alcohol problem, or if you want to get right with God, you are at the right place!
- If you need to talk to someone right away, you can call 800-633-3446 or click here.
- Finally, if you have any questions or want to get on our email list, just let us know.
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