Definition

Definition of DEPRESSION

1.

: a displacement downward or inward <depression of the jaw>

2

: an act of depressing or a state of being depressed: as a (1) : a state of feeling sad (2) : a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty with thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal thoughts or an attempt to commit suicide b : a reduction in functional activity, amount, quality, or force <depression of autonomic function> <depression of red blood cells> 

 

Most of America does not talk about depression or how it affects them or their loved ones.  "Mental Health" is usually only discussed when the horrific events take place.  Unfortunately this seems to only fuel the misconception of depression.  You would actually be amazed at how many people face daily depression and are not facing going off the deep end. 

Embarrassment has always been felt when talking so someone about dealing with daily depression.  The look in someones eyes and the wonder they have about you.  Dealing with "it" is usually a quiet battle that no one knows you are going through.  I cannot tell you all of the chemical science behind it, I do know being overweight, inactive and chronic pain contribute majorly to it. I do know that I have been dealing with depression for as long as I can remember, heavy and thin. This does not mean that I am sad all of the time, or that I even need medication.  I function and I function well, I enjoy people, places and things.  Sometime getting myself into these functions takes more gumption or talking myself into.  If I am not aware on a daily basis of where my "mood" is I can easily become very inactive, quiet, extremely tired and in a funk.  Sometimes a funk can physically hurt, sometimes its just exhaustion.

I believe that if I am going to get truly healthy I need to address more than just the physical part of it.  The mental part plays a bigger role than any of us give it credit for.  We need to be very aware of what our thoughts are and what those thoughts contribute to our mood.  I try everyday to keep this in check, some days much easier than others for sure.  

 

I'm am not sure why I was so compelled to write about depression today.  I hope that this reaches someone that it needs to reach.  Who ever you are, you are not alone.  Depression is not a stigma, nor should you be treated like it is.  There are so many solutions at our fingertips.  Asking is the hardest part, but you have to start some where.  Take the first step and realize that you are not alone and probably more people in your life can relate to what you are dealing with...ask.

 

 

Remember to look in the mirror and tell yourself something positive about yourself today.