BEING IN CRISIS

There is a lack of understanding depression, leading many to believe that individuals struggling who suffer are simply seeking pity or attention.

We all have our moments of joy and sorrow, but when faced with the challenges of anxiety, depression or mania, the emotional journey reaches unprecedented depths.

Depression is a silent struggle, which often can be masked by laughter and jokes whilst in the company of others, but the internal suffering is intense.

For much of my life, I have battled with depressive episodes. It is only recently that I have started to effectively manage them by consistently taking my medication and implementing the strategies and techniques that I have acquired in therapy sessions.

Achieving this task is more complex than expected, as unforeseen triggers may present obstacles.

How can you help someone truly grasp the complexities of depression?

During times of low mood, I often withdraw from others and seek solitude. I lose interest in eating and all my favourite activities; it can spiral into destructive behaviour if it lasts for more than a week.

I firmly believe that while medication can be beneficial, true healing requires active participation and collaboration in the treatment process.

Having a supportive circle of positive individuals is beneficial during the initial phases.

If I were to put my depression into words, I would describe it as a deep, ongoing sense of sadness, a complete lack of motivation, and a feeling of being completely disconnected from the world.

When you reach this stage, you are on the verge of a crisis and must seek help.

When these overwhelming emotions consume me, my next step is to seek out solutions to alleviate my suffering.

Regrettably, I have consistently opted for an irrational approach to coping with my pain instead of reaching out to the crisis line for help.

At that point, I had reached a place of despair and resignation, where I only desired to break free from the overwhelming agony of existence.

Discussing your feelings can be beneficial, but ultimately, it is up to you to break free from the confines of your bubble.

During times of depression, I tend to withdraw and avoid communication by not responding to calls or texts.

A while back, I attempted to convey my struggles with depression to an older friend. Unfortunately, he could only grasp the concept of sadness and judged everything else based on my appearance and possessions.

For the past three months, I have been grappling with a deep sense of sadness and uncertainty, unable to pinpoint the exact cause of my depression.

I understand that my mood may be down for some reason, but I am determined to keep my head above water this time.

The most terrifying aspect of depression is when you lose faith in yourself and neglect your well-being.

It’s essential for those who don’t experience suffering to recognise that each of us has our own individual set of signs and symptoms.

While some individuals neglect their hygiene, I prioritise it. Similarly, while some people indulge in overeating, I lose my appetite.

The thought of feeling down and turning to food for comfort is something I can’t fathom.

I find myself in a solitary struggle with depression, as I often reject assistance from the crisis team, and my social interactions are virtually non-existent.

I have been in this state for three months, and when faced with tasks, I operate on autopilot and get things done.

Despite my mind functioning normally, I still struggle to muster the strength to confront each new day.

At times, I find myself favouring my manic episodes over the downward spiral into depression.

It is crucial for me to effectively manage my manic episodes as they have the potential to cause significant harm to both me and those around me.

There are moments when I struggle to maintain equilibrium in my thoughts, which can have disastrous consequences.

My doctor is aware that I am experiencing a crisis again, and I have stayed within my local area for the past week.

The only respite I discover is when I stroll through my local cemetery.

I acknowledge that I may face challenges throughout my life, but I need to identify the factors contributing to my struggles.

Each day, I turn to prayer for strength during these difficult times. With the assistance of my doctors, I can face and overcome the challenges that come my way.

In everything, there must be a balance.

Natalie M Bleau

Scripture of Balance