How to Get Over Depression

About Depression

how to get over depression

Depression is one of the greatest health problems affecting Americans today.

1. Heart disease

2. Depression

3. Cancer

4. Respiratory problems

Depression is second only to heart disease, but while the number of American's affected by heart disease is dropping, the number of people with depression is on the rise.

Here's the Stats:

27 million Americans are affected by heart disease

21 million Americans suffer from depression

19 million Americans have cancer

18 million Americans live with pulmonary disease

Is depression a mental illness, physical disorder, emotional problem, or a chemical imbalance? Yes, say the experts. Depression is all of those things. It's a complicated condition that is caused by many factors and best cured by addressing a person's physical, mental, and even spiritual well being.

Physical Symptoms of Depression

how to get over depression

Depression is a physical illness complete with debilitating symptoms that cause more than just bad moods. We now know that every person is hard-wired with a pre-disposition for certain diseases. Each individual has genetic markers that tell the story of their physical health.

Depression is known to be caused by a chemical imbalance affecting the brain. Doctors are getting better at prescribing drugs that are highly effective in treating the symptoms of depression.

Here's some common physical effects of depression:

-Increased aches and pains

-Chronic fatigue

-Decreased interest in sex

-Loss of appetite

-Sleep disorders

Depression suffers can experience some or all of these symptoms. It can also worsen existing health problems and bring on other new illness.

Faith's Role in Depression

There are hundreds of reference to light and darkness in the bible. Depression is dark, murky, and evil in nature.

To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

Acts 26:18

When a person is strong in their faith, prayer can help overcome depression. Being part of a religious community is another big help. It's well known that having a support system is essential for wellness. Intercessory prayers, positive reinforcement, and the simple gestures of friendship counter-balance illness. Regular attendance at worship services and bible study is often the light breaking through the darkness of disease.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:1-3

How to Recognize Signs of Depression

how to get over depression

What are the signs of depression? Here are some questions to help recognize common signs of depression.

More 'yes' than 'no' is not cause for alarm. Your responses should be used as a way to take an honest look at possible signs of emotional imbalance.

Professional help is always needed to make an accurate diagnosis of depression and is the first step to getting treatment.

Questions to Recognize Symptoms of Depression

Do you have difficulty falling asleep at night?

Do you experience disturbing dreams, nightmares, tossing and turning when sleeping?

Are you often tired and run-down?

In the last six months, have you had large weight gains or weight loss without dieting?

Have you lost your appetite?

Have you lost your sex drive?

Do you have close family members with mental illness?

Do you often feel that life is not worth living?

Do you worry excessively?

Are you excessively moody?

Do you experience delusions or hallucinations?

Is it difficult to remember the last time you were happy?

Do you sometimes feel out of control?

Do you feel inferior to others around you?

Have you lost interest in things that you used to enjoy?

Do you have chronic pain for no known reason?

You are not alone. 21 million Americans suffer from depression and 2/3 of them are getting successful treatment for the disease. There's hope for the rest, as soon as they take the steps toward getting proper care.

Still, there isn't an easy solution. Here's 7 steps to help you get through depression:

1. Find a good doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. Health insurance covers depression, and there are free mental health clinics available for the uninsured.

2. Be patient, but be your own advocate when working with your doctor to find the right combination of meds needed to balance the brain's chemical disorder.

3. Be co-operative. Don't fight it. You are blessed to be living in the first time in history when new pharmaceuticals bring life-saving results.

4. Get to the root of deep-seeded emotional problems. Recognize the emotional baggage you carry, and let it go. Refuse to let old hurt get in the way of your recovery.

5. Surround yourself with positive people, and a strong faith-based community. Give first, and you will get the support you need to get over your depression.

6. Pray for an end to darkness. Reach for the light of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness through prayer.

7. Appreciate God's goodness. Stay strong in your faith, and grateful for the opportunity to overcome your illness.