| Surviving
Depression
Someone
once defined Evil as “that which destroys hope.” By that definition,
depression is an evil malady, because it robs its victims of hope
as well as energy and joy.
Let
us underscore a point previously made: depression will not go
away without proper treatment; you can’t will yourself to “get
over it.” In eight out of 10 cases, treatment will be effective.
But it takes from several weeks to several months for the treatment
to take full effect.
In
the interim, if you are suffering from major depression, you are
bearing the heavy burdens of chronic exhaustion, feelings of worthlessness
and helplessness, probably aches and pains that have no physical
origin, and no faith in a better future.
You
must understand that these symptoms and feelings are part of the
depression, and your bleak perception of the world probably does
not reflect reality. Those negative feelings will fade as the
treatment begins to take effect. Until then, there are ways you
can make your situation more bearable:
- Set
realistic goals and assume a reasonable level of responsibility
for attaining them, taking your depression into account
- Break
large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what
you can when you can
- If
possible, postpone important decisions until the depression
has lifted. If you must make some significant decision, such
as changing jobs, getting married or divorced, seek the opinion
of others you know and trust, who will have a more objective
view of the situation
- Try
to be with other people and to confide in someone you trust.
In depression, to be alone is to be in bad company
- Take
part in activities that might make you feel better. Going to
a movie, a sporting event, religious services, taking a walk
or engaging in mild exercise may help lessen your dark mood,
or at least distract you from the negative feelings that have
you in their grip
- Don’t
become discouraged if you don’t feel the treatment is helping.
As previously noted, it may take weeks or months to become fully
effective. Expect gradual, day-by-day improvement
- Accept
the help of family and friends
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