No Fear Or Shame

Depression has many symptoms and characteristics that also match other illnesses.  It’s easy to overlook or even deny the possibility of a depressive episode or emotional problem.  Many people are ashamed to admit or even consider depression playing a factor in their health.  I have heard the phrase used to describe an undiagnosed illness as, “it’s all in their head.”  Actually, that could be exact.  The problem is that depression doesn’t only stay in your head.  Depression is more than just a feeling of hopelessness, lack of energy, or general feeling of sadness.  It is a medical crisis and untreated can affect multiple parts of your body.

Medical professionals have stated many times that a physical illness can cause a person to become depressed, so is it truly feasible that manic depression can result in physical ailments?  Yes.  I have suffered from depression for at least 35 years and for approximately 30 of those I have also been diagnosed with multiple digestive and intestinal illnesses.  In my opinion, your mind dumps everything on your stomach.  Nerves play a major factor in how well a person can recover from any illness.  Physicians always encourage their families to keep a positive attitude, because it is a factor in the body healing itself.  We send get well cards to our friends and loved ones to encourage them during an illness.  The purpose, obviously, is to motivate them to keep a positive attitude about getting well.

I am currently seeing a chiropractor for degenerative disc disease, some chronic low back pain, and carpal tunnel.  We discussed my depression at length.  As a health and wellness advocate, Dr. Wade believes that my depression increases the tension in my muscles causing aches and pains, poor posture, and sedentary behavior.  Depression clearly compounds any genetic problems I may already possess.  The body is a wonderful creation by God and it is designed to heal itself from many ailments, however, the brain can interrupt that natural healing process.

Over the last few months I have struggled again with weight gain.  This is typical behavior for me in the late fall and winter months.  Shorter days give way to long dark nights.  Colder temperatures and dreary skies interrupt the abundance of sunshine our bodies need.  The holidays bring about a combination of joy and misery.  It’s a loving and beautiful season, but as a person gets older they have lost more loved ones and therefore can dwell on grief.  For an individual like me who suffers from Bipolar Disorder, this is a recipe for disaster.  It’s a roller coaster ride every day. 

Every person in the world has problems.  Everyone loses loved ones.  We all face our own levels of stress and no person is burdened more than another, it’s simply the way we handle it.  This is the nature of the disease.  A person with a chemical imbalance is not capable of recovering as fast as someone who had a stronger chemical makeup.  This is a fact.  Talents are unique to each person.  We are all different.  Some have an ear for music, an eye for design, a brain for business.  No two people handle the same situation alike, therefore no two people will handle their own different situations alike. 

A person who suffers from depression and related illnesses must not hold themselves to some standard set by society which prevents them from seeking the care they need.  Also, it doesn’t have to be hidden or covered up.  Thankfully, we are making great strides in society and even in the Church in dealing with each other.  I still have a family member who calls my disease, “your other little problem,” but I have learned not to let that stop me from seeking the help that I need or reaching out to others who may need me.  If you believe that God leads you down a path in life so that you can achieve goals in your heart and in His plan, then you understand that path may not always be lined with roses.  Sharing our setbacks, hardships, and trials with one another is just part of life’s healing process.  Imagine keeping dark secrets packed away so deep inside…will the body be able to heal itself in that condition? 

My great friend, Jean Chappell who recently left this world for her final reward had the best advice for sharing feelings.  “Depression feels like being trapped underneath a wet blanket,” she explained.  “You tear your way out from under that wet blanket however you can.  Once you get out, don’t give one thought to how your hair looks!”  This is sage advice on how to deal with public judgment.

Love to you all.

For A Season

Once Autumn arrives and green leaves begin to change into beautiful oranges, yellows, reds, and browns, the magic of God’s artistry becomes even more apparent.  For most of the country, warmer climates yield to breezy cooler days.  I have great memories of fall on the quad at my alma matter and the feeling of a brand new start each year.  Fall can be a great beginning to a new school year, a motivational start to a company’s new fiscal calendar, and of course the gateway to a splendid holiday season.  The season that produces shorter days and longer nights, however, can also be a catalyst for increased depression. 

The American Medical Association denotes a study between the correlation of sunlight and Vitamin D to a person’s energy and mood level.  In addition, literature produced by the Mayo Clinic shows exposure to the sun as a general mood enhancer.  While Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to bring out the best in people, including their joy and love for others, it can also compound emotional problems for those who may be suffering from grief or loss.  Minister Wayne Dunaway says December is the best time of the year to reach people and “prick their hearts” concerning the life of Jesus. “  “Christmas is certainly more commercialized than when I was growing up,” explains the Church of  Christ Minister, “however, as Christians, we should take every opportunity to save souls and Christmas time is when most of the world celebrates Jesus birth and are most open to His gift of salvation.”  It seems almost like a catch 22 during the holiday season.  Joy exudes from most people, while for those who may have struggles find it harder to cope with the dark cloud of depression.

Depression is a cruel and unforgiving illness.  The symptoms generated by this unpredictable disease can be triggered by the slightest of circumstance.  One of the down sides of the fall of the year is less sunlight.  People can become “seasonally depressed” because their days are shorter and they face each day knowing they are in “for a long night.”  A person who may suffer from a broken relationship or a death in the family could find it very difficult to face the extended hours of darkness. 

Suicide rates continue to increase more and more each year according to statistics produced by measureofamerica.org.  Many factors are attributed to America’s increased number of youth suicides in the last decade.  The top causes are bullying, sexual orientation, drugs, and low self-esteem, also published by the American Medical Association. 

As an individual who travels and advocates for those who suffer from all forms of depression, I have met many people who are diagnosed with Seasonal Depression.  This form of depression does come and go with a particular season of the year.  A possible trauma occurring in a person’s life can cause the onset, or some sort of chemical deficiency may be a factor.  For most who suffer from Seasonal Depression, the symptoms will subside after a couple of months.  Overwhelmingly in my conversations with others, the late fall and early winter months are the predominant times of year for Seasonal Depression. 

Depression in any form can be just as difficult for a loved one as it is for the patient.  People who are not clinically depressed may not have a good understanding of what someone is going through and may be at a loss as to how to help them.  The best advice as an advocate and public speaker I can give, is compassion and patience.  It is okay not to understand every issue another person has.  You must understand it is a very real problem and medical attention is needed.  Medication is not always necessary, sometimes counseling from a licensed professional or a spiritual guide can initiate improvement.  Just as I recommend with any person who suffers from depression, trial and error is essential.  What works for others may not work for you.  We all have a different chemical make-up and we all have different circumstances.

As the holidays approach, love and appreciation for the amazing life given to us by the Father is the most important healing attitude anyone can have.  Seek love and compassion from friends, family, coworkers and spiritual leaders who are willing to be supportive.  We all deserve to live a prosperous and joy-filled life.  In fact, that is exactly what Jesus died for, and He is the reason for the season.

Love to you all.