Depression is a mental illness that is often undiagnosed. It can be caused by physical or mental trauma, illness or genetic predisposition. Major depression, in particular, appears to have a hereditary influence, though it can appear in individuals with no previous family history. Depression is a very treatable disease; real life examples can help illustrate how others have successfully dealt with it.
Evaluating Causes
One woman had not worked for over three months due to depression. She felt worthless and wanted to avoid contact with the world. After meeting her therapist, she was able to examine the roots of her depression. She revisited times in her life when she was able to feel good and contrasted them to times of feeling worthless. This enabled her to evaluate how her own feelings of worth seemed tied to how others treated her.
In a second session, she was able to identify why she became depressed as a means to avoid dealing with things. By delving into how this behavior protected her as a child, she was able to identify how it now hindered her in her adult life. After a second session of talking these issues through, she was able to function normally.
Finding God
For another woman, her depression caused her to seek outside influences to manage her pain. She indulged in sexual behavior, drinking and illegal substances. However, this hedonistic life left her empty rather than full of the pleasure she was seeking. Her restlessness ended in a severe depression that was resolved by finding God.
She believes that God healed her of the hurt and fear that caused her major depression. By seeking the comfort of religion and God's presence, this woman has found peace, fulfillment and comfort.
Normal Lives
The website 4therapy.com contains numerous stories of normal people living every day lives and struggling with depression. Their stores run the gamut from those living day to day to those who have wealth in abundance. Regardless of economic issues, they share the difficulty of living with depression. Their stories echo with the common factors many depression sufferers experience: difficulty in engaging with others, fatigue, feelings of helplessness and lack of worth as well as thoughts of suicide.
The inspiring part of their stories comes from their ability to seek help for this treatable disease. Whether using talk therapy, medication or a combination of the two, these people have found meaning and help in managing their disease.
