So You Didn’t Know You Were Depressed?

I knew that moving from Florida to the mountains would be life changing. I had planned this move for 6 months. I searched the net for small towns that appealed to me. And then I’d go to bed every evening dreaming of my new home and living in the mountains. It almost seemed impossible, but before I knew it-I was in my SUV with son and animals in tow driving to Georgia. Heading to the Blue Ridge Mountains had been in my dreams for years, now it was a reality. I moved to a small town where I was kindly greeted by mountain folk. It was everything I had ever dreamed of and more.

Then, depression made its ugly appearance. After a few months I noticed that I was short tempered, sluggish, and I slept- a lot! Truth be told, I wasn’t even aware I was in full blown depression. I thought it was peri menopause that was causing my extreme irritability. So my therapist kindly pointed out that perhaps I was depressed. I was more than surprised. I had moved from the hood to a picture perfect town, so what reason did I have for any type of depression? After listening to the wise words of a trained expert, it all made sense. I had made a life altering choice when I moved. And I also moved to a house in the country. Closest anything-10 miles. Nearest mall-nearly 2 hours away, Forget Wal-Mart, that was at least 40 minutes from my house. I worked from home and friends were few and far between. And let me tell you, it’s easier to isolate when you live in the boonies, than not. After nearly one year of isolating I realized that maybe my therapist was right. I had been in depression without even realizing it.

Depression can creep up on us like a slithering snake. And before we know it, were in it. So how do we know what to look for? How can we detect or prevent depression?

First of all, there are at least 8 different types of depression. Nearly 10% of the population age 18 or older suffers from a depressive disorder. Did you know that twice as many women as men are affected by depression? And depression doesn’t discriminate. This means that no matter where you live, how old you are, or what your social status is-depression can occur. Latest studies have shown that depressive disorders are occurring earlier in life, as young as age 14 in children.

So what are some symptoms to look for?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include:

• difficulty concentrating and making decisions

• tired feelings associated with lack of energy

• feeling worthless, and helpless

• feeling hopeless and pessimistic

• Sleeping all the time

• Restless and irritability

• Losing interest in daily activities and sex

• Loss of appetite and over eating

• Headaches, body aches and pains

• Feeling sad or anxious

• Suicidal thoughts or ideations
  

Here are some helpful links: Remember-you don’t have to do this alone! Try the Depression Assessment quiz to see if you are depressed. Read Part 2 where I will discuss how you can handle your depression and some helpful supplements you can take that will help without the use of medications. The statistics on suicide and statistics on depression are pretty depressing, but we can work towards improving the statistics one person at a time!

Clinical can and should be treated. As for me, I took the natural route. I visited my local health store and purchased some “Happy Campers”. These natural herbal supplements helped with my irritability and I began to sleep better at nights. Also, the fact that I addressed the problem – was a good beginning to my road to recovery. If I hadn’t taken action, my depression could have turned into major depression. I am thankful that my eyes were open and I was able to treat what ailed me. Part of what I was going through was normal. It has been quite an adjustment for me. I still have my moments and question whether I did the right thing. Then all I have to do is look outside my front door at the mountain across the street, and I know. My son who is now 11 is happy and has made some great friends. After 1 ½ years I finally began to make some friends too. I try to keep my self in check and I know that if I am start sleeping a lot-then I need to try and figure out why.