Managing Depression

There are a lot of conversations out there on how to manage depression. This is going to briefly be one of them. However, instead of it telling you what to do, I want it to give you some ideas to think about it. This post might not be for you right now if you are going through a breakdown or an episode. BUT do not be afraid, you are going to get through this one. And the next.

This post might be best served for the period of time between episodes or for the person who knows someone going through depression. I'm saying all this before we get to the substance of the post because I want you to know that it might not make sense, or it might not be something you want to do. But it will be here for you when you are ready. Breathe in. Breathe out. Let go.

According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5th edition (DSM-5), depression has a set criteria that must be met in order to be clinically diagnosed. These include:

- Depressed mood (low mood, feelings of sadness)

- Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities

- Weight loss when not dieting or weight gain

- Insomnia or hypersomnia (changes in sleep routine or habits)

- Feeling slow, lack of energy

- Feelings of worthlessness

- Feelings of guilt

- Lack of concentration or difficulty concentrating

-Recurrent thoughts of death

To be clinically diagnosed with major depressive disorder the above stated criteria need to meet a certain threshold, and cause significant distress or impairment to your life.

What about the day to day depression? Where these feelings come and go, last for a minute or last for a day. It might be safe to say that everyone at some point in their life has met at least one of the above criteria. While the steps to managing depression have been acknowledged by countless authors and professionals, I want to share them here and provide you will basic reasons.

Steps of YESSS

1. phYsical activity

2. Engagement

3. Sunlight

4. Social support

5. Sleep

Managing depression starts with managing life. The good parts and the bad. It is not always easy ; and it is worth it, you are worth it.

Each of these steps will be addressed in their own individual blog so that this can be a step by step process. I know that you want the resolution right now and the fix right now, but it will happen in time and it will come together. And it may come together when you least expect it to.

Scriptures to read about depression:

Psalm 34:17-18

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed spirit.

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest

Questions:

How do you experience sadness or depression?

What or who do you turn to in those moments?

How can crying out to the Lord be a first step in seeking healing?

What would "rest" look like for you when you give up the heaviness to God?

Prayer:

Lord as I journey down this path in understanding more about myself and those around me, give me strength to seek healing and help when necessary. Lord I know that you love me and that you want me close, but there is something that keeps me from seeking you at times. Lift me up so that what keeps me from you no longer stands in my way. May I find your light in this journey of growth and healing, a healing that you can only give my soul. Amen.