Depression: Are You Putting off Getting Help?
Depression typically has the symptoms of sadness, loss of energy, feelings of guilt and anxiety and loss of self esteem. There can be changes in appetite and sleep. The depressive illness can range from interfering with our usual activities and relationships (mild to moderate depression) to making it hard to relate or communicate with others or to do day-to-day tasks ( debilitating or severe depression). Many people feel sad or down and think that maybe they are depressed but many depressed people don't get the help that they need.
Why do people resist getting help for depression?
There are many reasons for people not getting the help they need to overcome their depression but the most significant include:
Denial that they have depression. Sometime people with depression - even those that have a comprehensive assessment think that they 'don't have it' and 'don't want it'. Even if it is not in your plan it can be important to stop fighting the idea that you are depressed and seek the help and assistance that you need.
Guilt and shame can prevent a person with depression from getting the help that is needed. Even in the twenty-first century psychological problems and help for 'mental disorders' are still often regarded as stigmas. However, if you hide your depression from others the anxiety about talking about your depression will increase. Actually facing the shame and guilt and telling people how you feel will usually ease the burden - and make you feel less alone when you share what you are going to do to get better.
Being independent and self reliant - these are admirable qualities but when it comes to depression you need to ask for help and to follow the advice of others.
Fear especially about what you may need to do if you seek help. You may be afraid of:
being dependenton others,
having to make a commitment,
what your friends and family will think,
about what you will learn about yourself and so forth.
Feeling depressed can cause a lack of energy and motivation. Getting help and following through on the advice takes energy - it is easier to decide to do nothing and not get the help that is needed.
These are some of the reasons that people have for not seeling help and assistance with depression. However none of the reasons will actually make you feel any better - you need to make the choices and decisions that are necessary to get back your health - to feel well again and to overcome the depression. It will not necessarily be easy to make the decision to get help - but once you have made the decision and are on the path to better health you will be glade that you made the effort. Growerz overcoming depression program can provide assistance and support.
04.10.2007. 19:23
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