Has your past been getting in the way of your ability to enjoy the moment and move forward? Do you have constant thoughts of how you wish things would have turned out? Are there times when you regret experiences and decisions you or someone else made? If so, these might be some indicators that you deal with depression to some extent. A "disorder" is only classified as such when it becomes pervasive in ones life and creates dysfunction on a daily basis. Symptoms such as lacking motivation, lacking energy, helplessness, and social isolation are just a few that describe the experiences of someone dealing with depression. 

My definition of depression is the issue of dwelling on the past and its influence on your present emotional state. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and medication are some of the different options for treatment of depression. It is much easier said than done to stop allowing the past to steal your present joy. If you are having a hard time conquering the issue on your own you may look into enlisting the support of a Therapist. See my post on how to know when to seek therapy and how it might be helpful for you here.

There is a stigma of guilt and shame that accompany the struggles of depression depending on the factors contributing to your condition. I would urge you not to allow the stigma to hold you back from healing. Depression uses silence and shame to perpetrate itself in our lives. It effects everyone differently and comes about for a multitude of reasons. There is Post-partum depression, depression from trauma, depression from loss and list goes on. Some experience weight gain and oversleep while others experience weight loss and insomnia. This condition can greatly effect relationships and self esteem when untreated. Regardless of its presentation it can be very difficult and painful to deal with but I promise you there is hope. 

My goal is for these blogs to be helpful source of information for you. That they might help you to find comfort and solace in knowing that you’re not alone. If you ever have thoughts to harm or kill yourself please explore the options out there to assist you. Check out my resources page, call 911 or visit a nearby hospital. You matter and someone’s thinking and cares about you. Submit blog topics and questions you'd like me to address here and subscribe below to stay updated. Until next time :)