Our talk Monday was around Depression. We included what can cause depression; how you may feel when you’re depressed; things that may help depression; and how to deal with someone you know that may be experiencing depression.
One of the causes of depression I mentioned was life changing events. Some of those life changing events can include:
-Loss of family member or friend
-Illness
-Relationship Problems/Divorce or Family Problems
-Negative Financial Situations
These are all things that can trigger seasonal depression. The trigger we’re going to focus on is the loss of a family member or friend; I experience seasonal depression at times because I’ve lost a grandma, grandfather, and great-grandma. Sometimes it’s just hard dealing with the fact that I’ll never have them again because they played such a major role in the person I am today.
The question is: what can we do to get through it?
-Permission to Feel: it’s NORMAL to miss those who are no longer here
-Support System/Talk About It: talk and be around others who are feeling the same way and may be even missing the same person
-Honor Them: Keep the same traditions going that they once did or start new ones
-Avoid Stress: stay away from stressful situation that’ll increase the way you’re already feeling
-Stay Busy: sometimes having things to do and places to go can help you not think about the loss as much
-Take a Vacation: get away and make new memories
*Reviewing some tips from Monday’s post*
-Gratitude: be grateful for life and the love ones you still have
-Exercise/Go Outside: don’t stay cooped up in the house; it won’t help
-Journal: write out your thoughts/feelings
-Professional Help: if needed
-Religion: religious practices
Depression is something that can affect anybody; it doesn’t choose specific people. It’s usually something that happens around the holidays because you’re reflecting on what’s no longer. When this happens try and spend some time being grateful for what still is. It’s all about trying your best to be mentally strong to get through the phase. Also once you’ve done the work to get through it, make sure you reach out and help someone else in need. Merry Christmas; thanks for spending some of your holiday with me. Until next time; take care!
