We have all experienced days where we feel what is commonly referred to as having 'the blues'. The feelings are often difficult to explain, you don't always understand or know why they occur. So what do you do to deal with them? Do you just accept them and 'write them off'? Or do you try to figure out the source?
For some these days are few and far between. But for others they occur just a bit too often. So how do you determine what 'too often' is? Once a month? Once a week? Twice a week?

I am not a professional , or will even suggest I know anything about this topic on that level. All I can tell you is that I have lived like this for more time than I care to think about.

From various articles I have read the sources of these feelings can originate from hormonal/chemical imbalances, diet, lack of exercise, and of course environment and current events or past events in your life. (This is a very condensed list).

So when do you determine that these 'blues' are a problem? And what actions can you take to help you through them? Can you even "Admit" to yourself that they could in fact be a 'problem'? It is often very difficult for some people to admit they suffer from 'depression' (yep that's the word) Depression is a sign of 'weakness' right? Depression is something you should be ashamed to admit to right?

By chance are YOU the ONE that EVERYONE around you "depends" on? The STRONG one? Never ever being "allowed" to be weak in any way? Guess what? IT HAPPENS!! There comes a time when your body and mind just says "Enough!! "

Personally, I have been through the gamut from severe to mild depression and 'all the in betweens'. Cannot go 'into' the depth of what I have experienced… Just not enough space.

But I do have a few suggestions or questions I think you ought to consider.

1) Do you find yourself becoming withdrawn from those around you? You don't 'feel' like being around friends and family?

2) Your lifestyle is changing? But your explanation to that is you are 'just becoming a homebody'… you like the peace and solitude of being alone……

3) Is your overall health becoming an issue? Perhaps your eating habits and physical exercise has changed drastically? How about your sleeping habits?

4) Are those around you and who are close to you complaining all the time about you 'shutting' them out, or not seeing them as often (or not at all) as you use to?

5) Do you find yourself doing everything 'but' those daily tasks that need taking care of? Explaining to yourself that what you are doing is more important? (here I suggest you may be withdrawing from life around you, avoiding anything that is 'normal')
I can remember a time when just paying a 'bill' was a major event ….. don't know why but that was 'part' of the depression, for some even getting out of bed in the morning is the same.

6) Have you ever experienced crying for no apparent reason? The tears just begin to flow at the most unusual times and these feelings of confusion or sadness overcome you? I have.. and damn, it can happen at the most inopportune times,like 'when you are out in public'. Would you agree its time to realize something 'serious' is happening to you.? Are these 'sobbing sessions' happening more often all the time? Perhaps its time to seek some help and advice?

Okay so, you have admitted you could be… or probably are depressed, so now what? Do you sit back and let life pass you by? Or do you seek help?

Most recently, I have been given the opportunity through our government to choose some courses to 'upgrade' myself to become 'employable'. But being the 'government' there are certain 'processes' that need to be done before they 'give' you anything .. I have had one appointment after another, talked to soooo many different people (all in different departments) and each of them has given me a number of 'tasks' that I have to do (I guess to prove I am serious or whatever) … Well I have considered myself getting much 'stronger' and have been taking actions and setting goals for my future… UH OH until "all this" was LOADED on me!! Now all of a sudden those 'feelings' are rearing their ugly heads again… in particular one of being OVERWHELMED by what is 'expected' of me. I have 'quietly' yet 'repeatedly' told all involved that I have been suffering from depression for approximately 2 years now (yep, I can admit it easily now) NO ONE LISTENS!!!!

Luckily I have a special friend who recognized what was happening to me and has helped me just 'by being there' and trying to help me find resources to get me 'through' it all .

So this bring us to another issue - What about our 'so-called' friends? How many times have you asked someone "How are you?" and Really Listened? My guess is Not Too Often. What would you do if your friend replied… "I'm really depressed" or just "I'm ok "? All too often you would probably respond "Oh that's too bad, hope you are feeling better soon". (I'm just as guilty of this as anyone, but I plan to change that)…. Shouldn't your response be something like: "So what are you doing about it"? " Would you like me to see if I can find some help for you "? … More often than not, you will hear from the depressed person … 'nothing' or 'I mentioned it to my doctor' …. ( I'm not even going to get into that one… after 'mentioning' it to my doctor for 2 years and even He didn't listen). So what do you think your 'responsibility' as a 'friend' should be?… something to think about ?

I'm not able to include all that I would like in this one editorial. I would love some feedback from you either directly or anonymously … Perhaps through email, guestbook or better yet., my Open Forum

To conclude ….. Are you having a 'blues day'? …… Hmmm how many have you had in the past month (or two or three)? ………

~ Shan ~

I would also like you to note that there is a Resources page on this site that has some links relating to depression that you may be interested in visiting as a follow up to this ed.