WHAT IS DEPRESSION
Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when emptiness and despair take hold and won't go away, it may be depression. More than just the temporary "blues," the lows of depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Hobbies and friends don’t interest you like they used to; you’re exhausted all the time; and just getting through the day can be overwhelming. When you’re depressed, things may feel hopeless, but with help and support you can get better. But first, you need to understand depression. Learning about depression — including its signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment — is the first step to overcoming the problem.
So tell me, who does not have these symptoms at times. Are we already into "depression" or are we going into depression? I can say, "I Am Depressed." So does that makes it okay to accept it?
Common signs and symptoms of depression
* Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
* Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in or ability to enjoy former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex.
* Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
* Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
* Psychomotor agitation or retardation. Either feeling “keyed up” and restless or sluggish and physically slowed down.
* Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued and physically drained. Even small tasks are exhausting or take longer.
* Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Harsh criticism of perceived faults and mistakes.
* Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
So look that this list..... To have the attitudes of some of these is sinful, wrongful thinking. And you are saying, "I can't help it?" I might feel restless or sluggish or feel fatigue and physically drained or not able to focus or not feeling strong and this attitude might get me to feel hopeless.
I don't say, "I am depressed!" I don't say I am worthless. Well I might. But I don't believe it. I don't take my thoughts and make them law of my life. Am I as a Christian believer worthless? No. Might I feel worthless in the sight of God? Yes. AM I? No.
I am not going to act upon feelings to the point of believing I am worthless. Which if I do, can lead me to false reading of my self.
Had I read into some of the events that have taken place in my ministry and life, I would be really depressed, heart broken, sad, sluggish, and worthless. And I would have just quit and got into the term used by the medical field, as manic depressive. What is that anyway? If that had happen I would not be the Pastor/Teacher of Rivers of Joy Baptist Church.
Well, you say, I don't know how all this has happen? I now find myself with all these symptoms. This could be true I am sure. So that is why it is important to keep a daily tap on your life.
Remember you are more than the sum total of all your negative experiences.
