Tags : DepressionHappinessHope
Category : Deep Emotional Themes Emotional Healing
Feeling Better Comes With Often Embracing Joy and Hope
Summary by: 
Depression:
- past losses and difficulties
- low self-esteem
- ‘fuzziness’ in thinking
- negativity
- challenges
- sense of purpose and meaning
- difficulty seeing a hopeful future and
- suicidal thoughts
DB: As a teenager I suffered from depression from past losses, difficulties and very low self-esteem. I also lacked a sense of purpose and meaning which led me to suicidal thoughts.
In my early 20’s I suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome CFS and in my 40’s I developed long term Fibromyalgia.
Emotional Feelings:
- sadness,
- difficulty to access emotions,
- feeling lazy,
- lost,
- angry and
- difficulty accessing pleasure in things that were pleasurable before but not now
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Less excitement for activities,
- increased use of substances
- or ‘out-of-control’ practices and escaping,
- ‘checking out’,
- housebound and bed-bound,
- reckless behavior without care of consequences,
- self-harm,
- reduced performance in work,
- school or duties at home,
- massive drop of levels of energy
DB: When I chose to become a Career Missionary after my suicidal thought attempt/self-harm, I felt out of control. I checked out and used reckless behavior without care of consequences, as perceived by my parents and family.
I lost my appetite, work performance and duties at home. I also endured disabling fatigue while dabbling daily with alcohol for relief.
During my suicidal intent, I was saved by a book that caught my eye. After opening the book to ‘see what it had to say to me’ was a last attempt to ward off the suicidal thought. At first glance the words offered to give my life away to a good cause, rather than throwing my life away.
Relational Symptoms:
- socially withdrawn
- isolated
- increase in arguments
- less invested in loved ones lives
- disconnected from others
DB: Significant health issues resulted living housebound. After attending psychological therapy I have been able to slowly but surely increase my social life, being more open and more invested in my loved ones. So there is hope for sure.
Physical Symptoms:
- stomach and appetite
- sexual, and sleep disturbances
- lethargy and fatigue
- slowing down and headaches
- get help from a doctor’s diagnosis of depression
DB: When I saw the doctor as a high school student I was prescribed effervescent Vitamin C. It actually helped, but the root cause wasn’t addressed. It has now been addressed through my self-education and the help of my supportive GP/Doctor.
Summary :
- With chronic illness there is a physical loss which can lead to depression
- social and emotional loss over long periods
- This includes loss of hope
- physical function
- integrity
- dignity
- faith
- social relationships
- autonomy
- freedom and
- ‘loss of life’ imagined
- Chronic ‘sorrow’ and depression is very frequent with co-occurring disorders
- Significant amount of loss can easily become depressive
Focus on:
- Coping strategies
- self esteem
- optimism
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- interpersonal therapy
- problem solving
- social support
- emotional expression
- mindfulness practice
- addressing toxic relationships
- boundaries and
- trusted support
Coping strategies include:
- Sunlight,
- exercise,
- natural supplements,
- sleep schedules and
- medical interventions.
DB: I discovered two other coping strategies, not mentioned, CBD oil and Trauma Informed Yoga that I have found very helpful indeed to the point of almost back to normal and better.
Unconditional Joy and Happiness: Can I Be Happy?
Debby's Wellness Circle 