These are tough times for many people in this wonderful country in which we are blessed to live. Even though some of you may be navigating fairly well through the labyrinth of financial and personal issues, others find themselves in a mighty battle for peace of mind and hope for the future. For many of these people, the struggle is intensified by added presence of depression which can make it difficult to see their way past emotional turmoil and experience the light of day once again. Like a black hole into outer space that sucks in all of the light around it, depression is a black hole in your inner space--a strong pschological force that causes a form of darkness.
According to mental health experts, depression is characterized by having five or more of the following symptoms nearly ever day:
1. depressed mood most of the day as indicated by a subjective report or an observation made by others.
2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or most daily activities most of the day.
3. Significant weight changes or decrease or increase in appetite.
4. Insomnia or hypersomina.
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation.
6. Fatique or loss of energy.
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inapropriate guilt.
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate or indecisiveness.
9. Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan of comitting suicide.
If you find yourself clearly identifying with at least five of these symptoms, please make an appointment with your doctor or therapist today. With proper diagnosis and treatment, depression can be managed and conquered. So if you believe that depression is robbing your world of joy, reach out for professional help and begin enjoying the light again.
Wishing you Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare, Ed.D
MY PERSONAL COMMENT:
I chose this article because this also relates to me personally. I live in this thing called the black hole. This is exactly how i described how i felt to my doctor's 8 years ago. Although I am being treated, i still have difficulties. I am slowly but surely beginning to see the light. But as soon as some type of tragedy occurs i go back into that black hole. When i lost my brother in November it took me back into it and i am slowly trying to crawl out of it with the help of professionals and definitely with the help of God. I hope this article can reach at least one person that feels they are alone when they may experience the above symptoms. I want them to know that they are not and that help is out there. I pray each day that one day i will get my joy and happiness back.
