DECK THE HALLS WITH DEPRESSION?

Are you depressed?

Depression is a disease just like any other. It's not a matter of willing yourself out of it or thinking your way through it. It's there and it can be relentless.

Everything I've ever read about major depressive disorder suggests that a combination of chemical therapy and psychotherapy can help alleviate the pain caused by depression. Negative thoughts spawn negative moods but what if you can't stop those thoughts from occurring. The feelings those thoughts cause are physically painful and often mentally debilitating.

The operating systems of each individual’s brain differ. It fact, the brain is the most complex thing in the universe. Imagine trying to find the right combination of medications in order to enable it to fire off just the right amount of chemicals to keep your depression in check.

It's not unusual for depressed people to go through periods of trial and error to find out which medications work best for them.

Changing circumstances can cause worry and doubt in everyone's life. None of us are immune from the effects of change. Depressed people however often find themselves unable to cope at all. They can't see beyond their depression. They can't muster the kind of inspiring thoughts to alter how they feel. Their imaginations suffer. They can't 'think' their way out of their depression anymore than someone can think their way out of lung disease.

Being overwhelmed by change and doubt can paralyze depressed people. Brain cells aren't giving off the right kind of zap that allows them to effectively deal with confusion. They don't feel engaged. It becomes difficult for them to participate in life. Each waking moment hurts.

If depression is haunting you, especially during the dark days of the holidays, get help.  You deserve not to suffer. And though a remedy might not be immediate, at least you can take the first step to do something about it.