According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7) in any given year. Depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. And one in six people (16.6%) will experience depression at some time in their life. These are some pretty staggering statistics and warrants (in my humble opinion) solutions and options from as many schools of thought and perspectives as possible. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of depression;
o Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
o Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
o Withdrawn – no interests in social interactions with other people
o Crying (sobering) uncontrollably for no obvious reason
o Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
o Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
o Loss of energy or increased fatigue
o Increase in purposeless physical activity
o Feeling unworthy, worthless, shameful or guilty
o Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
o Constant thoughts of death or suicide
As I look back on my life from a much higher perspective, I am very clear on the reasons why depression fell upon me in the way it had, for years. After all, I was one who held within dark secrets in relation to years of systemic molestation and incestuous relations. I had internalized self hatred and shame from all of the negative input from the outside world regarding my innate mannerisms, race and sexual orientation (or lack thereof). In conjunction to the aforementioned, I was very detached and hurt due to being a product of an absentee father and all that comes along with being a social/cultural misfit. The rhetorical question is, how could one not be psychologically impacted in such negative way?
When I had gotten to the point of being tired of feeling and being in such a state - the very first thing I had to do was to go into those dark places and bring all of these internal towers and dismantle them, one piece at a time. I learned to forgive those who have hurt and offended me and honor the very things that others tried to shame and put me down for - the attributes and ingredients that made me uniquely ME.
In conjunction to the tips shared within my linked video - I suggest that we bring to the surface all of those things that caused hurt, shame and pain in your life and talk about them! I learned that by openly confessing and speaking about these matters with a friend, associate, therapist or relative who you can relate and trust; we free ourselves from the fear, shame and guilt that coincides with hiding and deeply impacting thoughts, feelings and events. In other words, you will begin taking control of the shame and pain and not allow them to control you. TAKE YOUR POWER BACK!
In closing, the traceable source of your depression may not be the same as mine but I strongly feel that should you take heed to the tips and advice and apply them to your life, you WILL overcome too!
Immeasurable love, always!
ABB a.k.a. Astralboobaby