“Finally,
brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard
from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And
the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9
************************************************************
In recent years, it has been reported that there are
20.9 million Americans in the US that live with various forms of depression
including Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic-depression, and major
depression. Depression may be caused by a difficult situation or circumstance,
the loss of a loved one, a chemical imbalance in the brain, a negative side
effect to some medications, a medical condition such as thyroid disease or
multiple sclerosis or MS, or even by a genetic predisposition.
However, clinical depression is when a person has
experienced untreated depression for three weeks or more, lending to chemical
changes in the brains neurotransmitters or serotonin levels in the brain. Since
the mind and body are so closely connected, untreated depression may present as
sadness, teariness, sluggishness, fatigue, malaise, deep muscle pain, or even
as a physical problem such as gastric upset or even migraines. People with
depression sometimes experience difficulty with relationships, memory, focus
and slowed cognition, as well as, accompanying anxiety. Manifestations of
depression may be subtle, or easily recognizable as when someone talks about
thoughts of suicide. The continuum for depression is broad, but the need for
help is there either way.
With depression so prevalent in American life—the
likes of epidemic proportions-- perhaps it is time to really look at our lives
and make some positive, life-giving changes that will improve quality of life
for those living with depression and for their loved ones. Here are some things
one can do to prevent and/or ease the impact of depression:
Embrace
the Power of Positive Thinking
Today’s Scripture reminds us that we are in control
of what we think about. Even when experiencing depression, each of us has the
power to consciously ‘change the channel’ on his or her thinking, redirecting
their thoughts, if you will. By so doing his/her part to help promote inner
peace and well-being, despite feelings of depression. This Bible passage, Philippians 4:8 advises
us to focus on:
“8 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard
from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And
the God of peace will be with you.”
According to this Scripture, the outcome of shifting
one’s focus to what is noble, right and true replaces what is worrisome or
anxiety provoking with positive thinking, brings great inner peace. Personally,
when I worry, I like to envision being at the beach. I find it extremely
relaxing and it has even helped lower my elevated blood pressure!
Exercise and
Diet
Be sure and eat a well-balanced, nourishing diet, drink
plenty of water, and exercise daily. Exercise is important to get the most out
of the chemical endorphins found in your body that provide depression and pain
relief.
Reach Out to Others
We
were born to serve God through others. As Christians, we are taught to
prioritize our lives…God is first, family is second, work and Church are third,
and everything else comes after that. Reaching out to those in most need among
us is a wonderful way to move in a positive direction, stemming the ebb and
flow of depression, and serving God. Through random, and not-so random, acts of
kindness, we are able to extend warmth and care to friends, family and others,
thereby also benefiting oneself by expanding our sphere. Reaching out to others
is a Win-Win. Becoming involved at Church in various ministries is just one way
to enhance one’s mood through helping others, and volunteering in one’s
community is another way.
Seek
Medical Care
Sometimes, despite ones best efforts, the blues
persist. In the event that you or a loved one experiences sadness or depression
for three weeks or more, it is important to seek medical help as soon as
possible from your primary care doctor or a psychiatrist. Additionally, if you
have any thoughts of suicide, it is important that you go to the closest
emergency room and tell them how you are feeling. In this instance, above all, safety
always comes first.
Most of all, as you seek medical help, stay calm and
try to be kind and gentle with yourself. Antidepressant medications may be
ordered by the physician, and you will feel relief from depression soon. Before
you know it, you will be feeling your old self again!
Copyright 2014 Adele M. Gill / Distrubuted by News Consortium / Catholic Online
No comments:
Post a Comment