Have you ever been down? I mean really down? I'm not talking about lying down on a bed, or in the bed sick, or falling down on the floor. No, I'm talking about those days when you feel lower than a snake's belly. I'm talking about those periods in life when we feel just down right depressed! Can anyone relate? We all can, because life has a way of just knocking our legs out from under us at times. Thankfully, it's not all the time, but it does happen and sometimes when we least expect it!
When your depressed the last thing you want is to be around people, especially happy people. Why? Because they just remind you of how unhappy you really are! And they make you envious because you want to laugh and enjoy life once again.
If you have been feeling depressed for more than a few weeks, I would highly encourage you to see a doctor. You need a complete physical exam to rule out any health problems. Also, if your clinically depressed you may need counseling and even medication to help you through this dark time. Depression is totally the pits! I know. I've been there! But I would like to offer you encouragement today and say, "don't give up!" There is hope and you can get better.
If you see someone who seems to be a little "down", here are some suggestions to brighten up their day.
1. Invite them to go with you for a cup of coffee. Talking over a cup of coffee can lift someone's
spirit. They may just need a listening ear. Who doesn't in this day and time! Everyone is so
wrapped up in their own lives. Learn to be a good listener and just sharing really helps.
2. Send them a card to let them know your thinking of them. Jot down some things you like
about your friend. This will encourage them.
3. Pick up the phone and call them. Again, be sure to listen and ask about them. Let them talk.
This is not the time to share all your operations or the trouble you've been having lately.
4. Go for a walk with them at the park. Just getting out of the house helps and this is usually the
last thing they want, but it's what a depressed person needs.
Depression hurts. It feels like a black cloud is hanging over your head raining only on you, while the rest of the world is experiencing sunshine and roses. We all have our bad times, but if you have
a friend, you can make it.
Some symptoms of depression are:
1. Doing things slowly.
2. Your future seems hopeless.
3. It's hard to concentrate.
4. The joy has gone out of your life.
5. Difficulty making decisions.
6. Feeling sad, blue, and unhappy.
7. Feeling fatigued.
8. Feeling like a failure.
9. Sleeping too much, or too little.
10. Spending time thinking about how you might kill yourself.
Again, if you have any of the above symptoms, you need to see a doctor right away!
This article is meant to raise awareness of depression and it's symptoms, but is also to offer suggestions about how to help other people through those "down" times that will pass.
Do you have any suggestions, not listed? If so, please feel free to comment and share.
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