I have been there (and will probably be again). Here are a few things to think about before you consider medical help. I don't know if any of them pertain to you; these are just things that help me.
Are you getting enough sleep? Most people still do need eight hours. Are you getting too much? More than ten may be too much.
Are you eating right? Keep a diary for a week of EVERYTHING. Little things like chocolate, soda, and sugar can throw you off for a while, especially if you have an imbalance (thyroid, blood sugar, etc.).
Are you getting exercise? It doesn't have to be a formal thing. Get outside and walk for 30 minutes during the day. Can't do 30 minutes straight? Do three 10-minute sessions. Exercise releases natural endorphines, God's pick-me-up for our bodies.
Are you getting sun? You don't need to become a beach bum, but a lack of sun leads to seasonal depression. If you're not getting sun, it doesn't matter what season... your mood will lower. It's worse for some people than others.
Now the biggies...
Are you harboring any unconfessed sin? My anger issues caused major depression for a while. Now that I'm working through them Biblically and confessing them, I'm having a lot fewer depression jags.
Are you spending regular, consistent time with God? The more time I spend with him... praying my concerns all out, then reading the Bible and listening to let His Spirit in... the better my overall mood.
I don't know if any of these are an issue for you; these are just things I dealt with when I was having depression and dark episodes on a pretty regular basis. I hope it helps.
What a great -- and very thorough! -- list of questions. So often, depression falls like a soft blanket; it sort floats on the breeze just above us on the way down, then wraps itself in a way that's oddly secure and finally becomes suffocatingly warm from the inside out. Any one of the things you listed is a BIG contributor to depression, and so often we walk around with 2 or 3. Thank you so much for sharing this -- a concise list is really good for personal accountability!
.. because i was interested when you said you are teaching sign language in a coop. i am a deaf interpreter when i was in the philippines and i am teaching my boys sign language. i was thinking about doing that in a coop but i am a bit apprehensive about it. however, i have been thinking of starting a baby sign language class at home. my baby is 14 months old and i have start him on signs since he was 8 months, i have a post and pictures in my blog of what he can sign so far.... anyway i thought i'd share that first.. and i also wanted to thank you for this post about depression, just what i need to hear today. blessings to you! ~ melanie =)
Thank you for your thoughts on this. I know that when I get depressed it is a symptom! And the reasons you listed are probably some of the big reasons I have not sought medical help. I admit it is hard to change bad habits like lack of sleep and bad eating. But I have to start somewhere, right? I think I have problems focusing and accomplishing things. It is more than just depression that I am struggling with. Merely facing things that are hard for me is a struggle. It may be a result of depression though, I am not sure. I just feel messed up to put it plainly. But I believe I am headed in the right direction! Thanks for the support and prayer!!!
In Christ's love,
Beth
