"Deep-ression"

Recently in preparation for a workshop I will be facilitating I have been spending more time (than usual) studying the topic of Depression. I must say that now that I have taken more time to step back and actually look at what Depression really is, I am bothered by how flippantly we throw around this term.
Depression has a general character, but also very specific features depending on what type of Depression it is and even more specific depending on the person, gender , age, etc.
This revalation came as a result of my own bout with Depression.
I won't take you through all the types and sub-types here, but what I will share is that what I learned and continue to learn is life changing!
And that is just my point. Today we tend to throw the word Dpression at anything that makes us sad or can be better described as "the blues". Depression however does not just effect your day or week, it effects your LIFE.
Dpression is among the most painful and difficult of all human experiences. It robs those who have it of energy, interest, and the will to make things better. The "spirit" of Depression is profoundly negative, causing its sufferers to develop a negative view of self, the world, and the future. In fact during Depression it can seem as though nothing can change and things will never get better.

Clinuical Depression can be described as: feeling EXTREMELY low or disinterested most of the day, nearly every day as well as a long list of other sysmptoms, including but not limited to;insomnia,hypersomnia, significant wieght gain or loss, feelings of worthlessness,and hopelesness. These symptoms can be accompanied by distorted, irrational, negative thinking including suicidal thoughts and even attempts.
Some very crucial points to keep in mind as the U.S. and the world is going through some very tough times
1. GOD is in controll There is nothing too big for Him to handle!!
2. Depression is hard to diagnose on your own.Often our moods
effect our judgement, the way we see ourselves and others. It is often necessary for us to speak to a Mental Health professional to make the diagnosis.
3. You are not alone. If you are suffering from depression, you are not alone. More than 5% of adults are depressed at any given point in their lives, and more than 15% will be depressed at some point in their lives.
4.Depression is not a sign of weakness.Many capable, intellegent, and extremely accomplished people have been depressed. Being depressed does not mean you have a "weak" personality or character. It simply means that your spirit is being attacked by the enemy!
Depression is a tool of the ENEMY!!
My personal attack came after the loss of a second child to miscarriage. My husband and I had been married for two years, we deeply desired to have children. After this loss the enemy attacked us at the very fiber of our covenant,we stopped communicating. We began to question ourselves, each other, as well as the world. I looked at other young mothers with resentment and evny, "why them and not me Lord!"
For me depression came in the form of a "wall" that kept my loved ones out. I have always been one to "talk about it" you are never in the dark as to how I feel because I will tell you. Depression "took" my words.
What I heard when I stopped talking however, changed my life! It was the voice of God telling me exactly what I should do to expereince healing from the profound pain in my heart...and as they say the rest is history.
8 years and 2 beautiful little boys later, my husband and I are standing ever firm on God's promise for our covenant. I only look back to recall the lesson and count the blessings!
Going through Depression is a very difficult journey!, but if you take care to know the terrain (equip yourself with the Word of God)and take along a well traveled companion (talk to those who have been through it or skilled, knowledgeable professional) You Will Make It!!!
If you want to learn more in depth about how to help yourself and loved ones with Depression follow Mai Life!!