depression - noun - a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and low mood that interfere with daily life. (Google)
Although I don't know for sure, common sense tells me that quite a few people in the U.S. are suffering from depression at present. Very little that the 24-7 news cycle is reporting motivates the masses to get up out of bed every morning with lust for living. Most probably, more than a few are finding it hard to face the day lately.
Emotional depression is the voice of "Debbie Downer" (SNL) deep inside, affecting one's ability to function actively on a daily basis. "Debbie" is a parasite within that sucks up all of the effected's ebullience for the pleasures of existence. The effected may be consistently morose, negative, lackadaisical, difficult. The effected may not be able to sleep well or may sleep all of the time. The effected may be overeating or under eating, perhaps even starving himself/herself. There may be or not be anxiety present as "Debbie's" wingman.
Case in point, two of my very close relations under age 35 are experiencing symptoms of depression at present. What is tough is being the next of kin, the cheerleader who feels as though she is at the base of the triangle, crawling her way up to the top of the human pyramid. When it comes to depression, you have to be cheery, courageous, indefatigable, relentless, and hopeful. It's just not easy.
After my loved one had an emotional breakdown, I called one of my close friends who just happens to be a top psychotherapist in Los Angeles, recommended by Psychology Today. He gave me choices that you can make yourself if you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of depression:
1. Call your doctor. Ask for a recommendation. Find a psychiatrist or psychotherapist that your insurance plan will cover, but choose someone you like, someone who is well known in the field. No matter whom you select, both professionals will evaluate you. The psychiatrist may prescribe medication, and it may or may not relieve your symptoms. An EMDR psychotherapist may work with you to eliminate your misery, but it will take more than one session.
2. Stop drinking alcohol and eating sugar. Attempt to eat healthy foods. Stay hydrated.
3. Force yourself to exercise even if you just walk around the block.
4. Spend time outside in the sun. Vitamin D is essential to good health.
5. Call or text a close relative or friend whom you trust. Share your personal concerns. Or just make a date to have lunch or go shopping with the person. Loneliness often walks hand in hand with Depression.
6. Meditate. Google what it means and how to go about it, or find a Buddhist temple that offers free, open meditation as it has been proven to beat depression.
7. Turn off the 24-7 news cycle. Remember that no one can accurately predict what will happen in the future.
What seemed to work for my loved one was a long walk/talk on the beach at sunset with me. Although it wasn't an instantaneous, permanent cure, it was the start of something that looked like a breakthrough. She spilled a lot of what had been plaguing her, which helped. An attempt was made to regurgitate "Debbie Downer" and perhaps the unnoticed wingman, too.
Depression doesn't go away overnight. It is, after all, a mental illness. But don't give up. Never, never, never give up. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
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