Depression vs. Sadness

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Depression and Sadness

Could You Be Suffering From Depression Or Are You Just Sad?




Heavier Than Sadness 

Depression is much, much more than "just" being sad or being in a state of sadness.
At times, when we are unable to deal with stress and problems we begin to feel anxious or depressed. In general, with passage of time and working with a trained therapist, depressed feelings will subside.

Some things associated with depression include:
restlessness, irritability, thoughts of death, suicide, suicide attempts, insomnia, early morning waking, oversleeping, changes in appetite are linked to a weight gain or a weigh loss.decreased energy, fatigue, physical and mental sluggishness, feeling guilty, worthless, pessimism, helplessness, persistent sadness.

Some things associated with depression include:If your level of everyday functioning has been compromised, this is a strong indicator that you are struggling with depression

Journaling Helps 

A poem, story, few words or a picture - You Get To Decide

The world: a dark and difficult place.
With this empty hopeless life, I barely wake, barely sleep.
I dread tomorrows. I pray the lord my soul to keep.
To lay so still it tires me, to move about fails me.
As all my days and nights do meld, a desperate captive - I am held.
Outside pressures just go away, I've retreated and here I'll stay.

Dreams are blank and days are long
In my heart there is no song.

Let me be - do not disturb
It is my burden - a mangled blur. A life of dark that shall not lift,
an empty soul, a bottomless pit.

Avoid, detract - don't interact
Alone and sorrow be my guide, as I wrestle with demons deep inside.

Sleep is good for it's my escape -
This emotional pain takes my joy
leaving me a shell, a broken toy.
Why am I here, and be forced to suffer so?

Another example;
Depression-What to make of the darker moods-A Jungian Perspective

When Saturn clutches the soul causing wounding and despair too much to bear. How tempting it is to abandon the soul to her suffering and find refuge in medication that quiets her screams.

And while the above are somewhat poetic other writings may include just a word or two; PAIN or ALONE using a black or other colored maker - whatever feels like it matches your mood.

Try To Avoid Isolating Yourself

Why Do We Isolate?  

When an animal in the wild is injured they "act as if" nothing is wrong and go into hiding (isolation) until they recover.

Another reason for isolating when struggling with depression is that we become overwhelmed with life. Depletion of one's life energy (lethargy) takes hold and previous levels of functioning often diminish or entirely disappear.

Consider This

" We either make ourselves happy or miserable.
The amount of work is the same. "
~Carlos Castaneda

Black & White 

BLACK & WHITE THINKING

Zebras come in black and white, the way we perceive the world around us does not need to fall within the same limited spectrum.

Most of life falls within the gray areas.

An example might be; that no individual is ALL good or ALL bad also, All or nothing thinking comes under this category.

Men and Depression 


While facilitating an incredible Men's Therapeutic Support Group it came to be known and accepted that there are times when men feel depressed and it ends up looking like anger!

Men''s Group, Anger Management and other info (805) 204-715



Kids and Depression 


Why do some kids struggle with depression?
the following factors may play a role:

Genetics There's a 25 percent chance a child will struggle with depression if one parent has it; that risk jumps to 50 percent or more if both parents are affected.

A chemical imbalance Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that play a vital role in regulating emotions.

Ttrauma. Dealing with a parental divorce, moving to a new home, or being the victim of abuse can be particularly traumatic to kids who haven't yet developed coping skills.

Hormones When hormones kick in boys and girls are equally at risk for depression.

Addictions Represent Poor Coping Skills 

How do you relieve your boredom? Some common addictions: Alcohol, Gambling, Womanizing, Workaholism and Compulsive shopping

instead you may want to address boredom in a healthier manner



* Go to a workshop on a cutting-edge topic by a leader in the field.
* Take that course you've been thinking about.
* Experiment with something artistic or technical.
* Look into a controversial issue in politics or some other social field.
* Engage in a community service activity or hobby that's new to you.

Try nurturing your
Spirit

More on the difference between sadness and depression 

...because some parts are worth repeating

Still wondering what is the difference between sadness and depression?
It typically comes down to your ability to function. Are your emotions interfering with your daily life? "It's OK to be sad or angry and have some of those feelings, but when you're affected physically, when you have changes in your appetite or your weight, or difficulty sleeping or focusing or you experience memory problems, that's when it becomes something more serious."

Unproductive emotions, meaning negative emotions, can make a person a magnet for more negativity.
When struggling with depression a person may isolate from the world around him or her, As a person with depression withdraws, he or she begins to make bad choices, stop exercising, or indulge in unhealthy vices such as drinking, smoking, or eating poorly. And may avoid social situations, argue with family or co-workers, and fail to stand up for him/ herself when they normally would.

In this tough economic climate, difficult events such as losing a loved one or ending a relationship may be compounded by stress, anxiety or anger triggered by financial difficulties. Job loss can also mean health insurance loss, and a person confronted with unemployment and depression may feel that therapy or antidepressants are not affordable options.

Steps you can take to help your mood that don't cost a thing.
A change in lifestyle is one of the most effective ways a person can battle depression - eating healthy, exercising, socializing, and trying to get regular sleep, a person can become less isolated and better equipped to manage his or her emotions.

Don't let pride stand in your way, you deserve to feel better!
Most cities have community mental health centers that offer services at a discounted rate. And for anyone really needing to speak with a therapist contact a doctor and try to negotiate lower fees. Also, many mental health professionals are willing to work with patients at a reduced rate. This is true for 805Therapy.com

Now... 

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How To Do Life, Consider A Few Of The Following 



Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

When in doubt, just take the next small step.

Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...

Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch

You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

It's OK to let your children see you cry.

Resist comparing your life to others.You have no idea what their journey is all about.

If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

Additional Sources For You 

Emotional and Mental Health - New to therapy? Maybe some of your questions will be addressed here
805Therapy.com Official Website
Services available
Frequently asked questions
and more
FAQ's and more
Another Squidoo lens offering a few answers, tools and suggested readings
Surviving Anxiety, Depression & More
Tools, Techniques and Good info
Anxiety Worry Panic
Educational info, helpful tips
Variety of Mental Health Topics
Shame, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Schizoid personality disorder ...

Helpful Books on Amazon 

While self help books can be wonderfully helpful, it often takes a skilled therapist to show you actually "how" to achieve what you want. I mention this because I see it in my practice often, clients report 'knowing' the tools, but not how to actually use and apply them to their own life struggles and situations. This is not due to failure or lack of intelligence. :) Just so you know.

The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/20/2009) Buy Now

Men Get Depression

Amazon Price: $22.49 (as of 11/20/2009) Buy Now

The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Depression: A Step-by-step Program (Workbook)

Amazon Price: $15.61 (as of 11/20/2009) Buy Now

Growing Up Sad: Childhood Depression and Its Treatment

Amazon Price: $12.44 (as of 11/20/2009) Buy Now

Google News on 

Depressed, Anxious, Unhappy Topics

Denise's Parenting Teens Blog
By Denise Witmer, About.com Guide to Parenting Teens When your teen seems moody or sad, do you think its depression or it's just a phase? Believe it or not, ...
Kiss Kiss Fang Fang - How 'Twilight: New Moon' Turned into the Hottest ...
Bella Swan is a moody, accident-prone loner who fi nds her soul mate in supermodel-hot vampire Edward Cullen, a "vegetarian" who abstains from drinking ...
HEALTH & WELLNESS: What is the best depression treatment?
Whatever the name, it all refers to the same thing: feeling sad and depressed for weeks or months on end (not just a passing blue mood). ...

For Further Consideration 

Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

Over prepare, then go with the flow.

Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

The most important sex organ is the brain.

No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

Frame every so-called disaster with these words'In five years, will this matter?'

Always choose life.

Forgive everyone everything.

What other people think of you is none of your business.

However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

Believe in miracles.

God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

Your children get only one childhood.

All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

The best is yet to come.

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

Yield.

Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Ever been depressed? What did you do about it? 

Or you can just say "hello" here

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