Symptoms of Depression
Depression is often recognized by a profound feeling of sadness, loss of appetite, altered sleep patterns or loss of interest, as well as a broad range of other symptoms.
There are many theories about the cause of depression. One of the most commonly accepted theories suggests that two naturally occurring chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, are believed to affect core mood and pain symptoms of depression.
These chemical messengers aid communication between many areas of the brain and spinal cord that affect emotional aspects of a person's nature. They are also important in "controlling the volume" of messages about pain between the body and the brain.
In general, if you've been experiencing some combination of the following emotional or physical symptoms for more than two weeks, and it interferes with relationships, ability to function (work, complete daily tasks, etc), you should consider counseling psychotherapy, as well as talk to your doctor.
Sadness throughout the day, nearly every day
Loss of interest in or enjoyment of your favorite activities
Feeling of worthlessness
Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt
Thoughts of death or suicide
Trouble making decisions
Fatigue or lack of energy
Sleeping too much or too little
Change in appetite or weight
Trouble concentrating
Aches and pains
Restlessness
Causes of Depression:
There is no one single cause for depression for everyone, however, there may be a single factor that influences your depression. Physical illness, financial hardship, loss (of meaning, friendships, family, death), major changes in life structure, as well as a family history of depression or a history of personal abuse are often found to be root causes of depression.
Counseling for Depression:
A counselor will help guide you through recognizing underlying causes, changing behaviors, coping skill development and other methods, both external (behavioral) & internal (spiritual-cognitive) to assist in depression management and recovery.
How to Increase Your Self Confidence
• Think positively about yourself. Rather than focus on avoiding
negative thoughts, emphasize your thinking energy on positive
things such as plans, goals, achievements and relationships.
• Set goals that are realistic and will meet your expectations.
For instance, set your goals at reasonable level so that what
you accomplish is equal or almost equal to what you set out to
accomplish. This accomplishment can boost self- confidence,
self-satisfaction and self-esteem.
• Reward/praise yourself when you have done well, both audibly
and with specific beneficial rewards.
• Dwell on your strengths not your weaknesses. Failure and
weaknesses are often maximized and distorted when one is
depressed, so you must make the effort to find and maximize
your strengths. Do not expect perfection in every aspect of
your life; simply appreciate your strengths and focus on them.
• Do not attribute your achievement and accomplishments only
to luck. Instead, give yourself credit for your own personal
achievement. Be thankful for your inherent gifts and talents.
• Learn to be assertive. That is, learn to express your feelings,
opinions, beliefs and needs directly, openly and honestly, while
not violating the rights of others. One can be assertive without
being aggressive. Assertiveness training can be very helpful in
building self- confidence and discovering areas of negative
self-image.
• Make a list of what you feel are the major problems in your
life. Then list ways to improve or change them. Chances are
that not all of your problems can be dealt with easily or
quickly. However, there are some areas where you can take
immediate action.
Things to Remember for Improving Self Confidence
• Count the good things, not the negative
• Think positively about yourself
• Learn from your experiences
• Set realistic goals
• Be courageous
• Keep learning
• Live usefully
• Value simplicity
• Welcome change
Things to Do
Begin and end your day with thanksgiving to God.
Become involved in helping others.
Meditate by reading the Bible for enlightenment and direction.
(If you are having thoughts or feelings of suicide, you should call 911 immediately, or seek medical help at your nearest hospital.)