A Bridge Too Far

Hello again...

I did say my topics would be random but would somehow come together to form some sort of solid foundation of life.

Well, I'd like to touch on depression for a moment.

It's become a serious issue (growing more common) and something which affects so many, often in debilitating ways.

Of course anything mentioned here shouldn't be taken as a cure all nor replaces professional help as there are various forms, some of which are chronic and others biological.

I think many of us have experienced some feelings of depression but have you ever felt so utterly alone, so down and out, that life hardly seems worth living.

Don't give up. You are not alone and there is hope.

One of the first things to think about is "how do I actually feel?"

Ask yourself a few questions like - Do I know what is causing this?

Is it a particular thing or event?

Perhaps a series of things, e.g. Lack of money, my partner left me, my parent/sister etc is sick or dying. The list is endless and as I mentioned can be a combination of things.

The point I am trying to make (well several points, actually) is that there is hope. So let's break it down in to bite size pieces.

• One way or another, know that there is a way out for you - to be happy!
• Think about (but don't get bogged down) the feelings you have and try to put your finger on the cause.
• Write down a short list of the issues if you can identify them.
• Remember, in almost all cases, there is a way to solve virtually any problem.
• If you can make a list of worries, separate each one and look at them in turn. Each item may be able to be broken down further in to manageable bites. You may be able to spot steps you could take to remove or at least lighten the burden on yourself.

Many of us get tangled up in a web of despair created by our attitudes and responses when life seems to trip us over and stab us in the back. It's easy to feel as though we've been born under an unlucky star.

Some would say, "Oh build a bridge and get over it!"

Now, a sharp jolt like that can often be just what the doctor ordered but more often than not, it comes from self-absorbed insensitive people, focussed primarily on themselves. They want you to feel good so they don't have to deal with it. Let's face it; a depressed person is no fun to be around.

And it's definitely no fun to be depressed yourself!

One of the best cures for depression is to be grateful. Yes, and it's one of the hardest things to motivate yourself to do. Most people just don't get that when you are feeling truly depressed, there seems no end in sight and no way out. Until you feel it, you just don't understand it.

So, what to do? Firstly, if you think its way too overwhelming to try and help yourself, or that you may harm yourself or others - seek help immediately! Make an appointment with your GP or MD, a counsellor or other professional advisor ... and go to it!

However, for many other cases, perhaps you could try the following exercise.

Our lives are made up of many facets and experiences, some of them good, some perhaps - not so good. When we are depressed, it is harder to appreciate or even see, many of the good things, experiences and aspects that surround us.

It all seems dark and dismal as we spiral into that world of, "Everything's wrong, nothing goes right for me" - world.

The truth is, however, that there are always some good things in your life, if only you would notice them.

I will continue on with this important subject when I return.

So please, watch this space!