With Donald Trump running the United States of America, there are many in the U.S., as well as abroad, who worry about civil unrest and the possibility of a Depression. In this context, a depression is, ''a long and severe recession in a market or the economy' and it's not much different on a personal level, either.
A person who is depressed experiences feelings of severe despondency and dejection; they just can't seem to get up and get moving. There can be:
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• A genuine feeling of unease
• A sense of displacement
• Feelings of physical discomfort - as in, not comfortable in one’s own body.
On a mental level, the thoughts are negative, cloudy - even scattered. To friends and family, it might seem that the depressed person is not even trying to help themselves. In reality, most people suffering with depression focus on what is not right, rather than what is.
This tendency to dwell on the problem, like cows in a paddock chewing their cud, is one of the biggest downfalls for anyone who is feeling blue. People like to tell themselves that if they understood the problem (whatever that happens to be), they would be able to solve it, feel better, or get things sorted.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. In fact, when you spend your time going over and over the problem, all that you do is build the problem, giving it more energy and life and as a result making yourself feel overwhelmed by it.
Trying to ‘fix’ the source of depression doesn't really work, ...but a combination of changes will most likely do the trick. Of course, this is a process, which means it will take a little time, not to mention a certain amount of practice and discipline.
When you believe that you can't, you will get overwhelmed, feel depressed, and basically give up, sinking deeper into the depression. If, however. there is a plan, a strategic, step by step process you can follow, one in which there are small but measurable changes experienced, things begin to shift.
It may seem almost impossible to escape the fog of depression and have the clarity to make a plan. This is where therapy may help. Even if you’re doing this on your own, remember that you’re already immersed in this problem; now the idea is to accept it and figure out what concrete, positive actions you can take to get out.
Sometimes, this plan can involve major external life changes – for example, leaving a toxic relationship. Other times, it might be more internal, for example, learning ways to practice self-love and boost your self-esteem.
The next step is making a real commitment to following through.
It’s a bit like going to the gym really - just moving runs some feel good chemicals through the body - and that’s the start. Possibility raises its head, then hope can develop, and as further steps are taken you get stronger, hope becomes seeing, and for most of us, seeing is believing.
According to the American Psychological Association, 80-90% of people who treat their depression will be able to overcome it, and just about everyone who tries to beat this condition finds some improvement. There is hope. If you’re suffering from depression, you can take your life back. Help yourself, or get help, starting now.