lifeafterdepression

When you start to recover from depression, you may be discouraged by the times that it seems to be coming back. I recommend having a journal. Write in it every day, even just a few words or sentences. This will give you something to look back on when you are wondering if you are getting better. It will also give you a place to “vent” when you feel that your spouse, friend, or other relative has heard enough about your depression. Sometimes writing down your feelings will allow you to analyze them logically. You can also see how far you have come by looking back at older entries. So get a notebook, and start writing.

Yes, children can get depressed. Have you ever known a depressed child? Nothing is quite as sad as a child who is not bubbly and happy about life. Children can be treated for depression in similar manner as adults, but they have to have an adult in their lives who will take them to get treatment.

How can you know if your child is depressed? Some common symptoms of childhood depression include:

• Low self-esteem

• Not interested in normal activities

• Change in eating or sleeping patterns

• Anger or irritability issues

• Concentration problems

• Sudden change in behavior that has no cause

• Physical ailments, like a headache, that has no cause

If you know a depressed child, have him evaluated by a qualified physician. Chemical imbalances can be treated, and emotional difficulties can be helped with therapy. Depressed children can enjoy life again, with a little help from the adults around them.

When I was struggling with depression and refusing to get treatment, I kept telling myself that what I was going through was not depression. It was lack of sleep due to having a newborn in the house. It was being confined to my home because of my daughter’s health needs. Whatever was wrong with me, it was NOT depression. For some reason, I refused to admit that the disease had a hold of me.Thinking back on this made me realize that there are probably others who are in denial like I was. Before you can enjoy life after depression, you have to admit that you have a problem.Listing symptoms of depression is not easy, however, because the symptoms are different for everyone. I am not a doctor, but from what I have learned about the disease, common symptoms of depression include:

• Lack of enjoyment in activities that normally bring pleasure
• A sense of impending dread
• Unexplained, unreasonable anxiety
• Extreme fatigue
• Extreme irritability
• Restlessness
• Panic attacks
• Crying without reason
• Overpowering sense of sadness
• Feeling as though you are worthless
• Physical pain without a reason
• Unexplained changes in weight or appetite
• Insomnia
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies

If you are experiencing a combination of these symptoms, seek help. Overcoming depression starts with admitting that it is a part of your life. Remember, help is available, and you can begin enjoying life again!