What does depression look like?

 In my 45 years of life I have battled depression many times in my younger years. The simple fact is not having the ability to cope with some of life's most challenging moments is a real thing. So many people are walking around stick inside themselves yet outwardly looking happy and at ease. Why? Because we began to hide the struggle and suppress issues such as feeling inadequate, dealing with childhood trauma, postpartum depression, mental illness and just being overwhelmed with the responsibilities of life.


The clinical definition for depression is (major depressive disorder) a serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. 

6 Symptoms of Depression to watch out For

Feelings of Hopelessness

Irritability

Affected Concentration

Loss of Interest

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Changes in sleep Habits

                                                                                    Changes in appetite

We must understand that having moments of sadness from time to time is a basic human emotion no one is happy 100% of the time. But if that sadness persists to the point where you can't seem to shake it off, it may be depression. Depression is treatable but the first step is getting help to define where these emotions are coming from and the deep rooted issues that keep you locked in a pattern of sadness.

I had depression so bad at one point that I didn't even want to get out of my bed. I barely had the strength to keep on living day to day. I was a mother, wife, minister at my church and a manager at my place of business. But in all those different roles no one ever knew the turmoil I was battling inside myself because I was always smiling, friendly and full of laughs hiding behind this mask was literally killing me inside daily. 

The breaking point was when I literally had thoughts of ending it all because I felt worthless, empty and unloved. My children are what gave me the strength to pull myself out of that dark place. Realizing that if I were to give up they would suffer the most behind my selfish decision. I went and got help all I needed was someone to talk to that didn't have a dog in the fight who understood my point of view and equipped me with the necessary tools to juggle my emotions in a healthy way. 


Where in my case I only needed therapy others may need a little more assistance to cope with their issues of sadness such as medication. We must remember that at the end of the day we must do for ourselves what makes us whole, healthy & happy. 

Depression maybe a illness that affected 14.8 million U.S. adults aged 18 or older in the last several years but we are equipped to fight back if we seek the treatment options that are available to us. Remember you aren't alone in this battle and that you yourself hold the key of recovery. So until next time Love, Light & Blessings. 

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