Coping With Depression
Coping With Depression - My Personal Story
Coping with depression was difficult. I developed depression after an injury that left me with chronic pain and life changes. I struggled to cope. When I began to have thoughts of suicide, I came to realize that depression was beyond my control. Denial was not the best option.
Coping With Depression - Medical Options
Coping with depression is possible and there are many options. Depression can sometimes be caused by a chemical imbalance and medications are often used to correct this imbalance.
A physician can prescribe the appropriate medications or refer you to another doctor who is more knowledgeable. There are several antidepressants available and sometimes more than one medication may be suggested. Your physician may prescribe which medication to use based on several factors:
- How has depression affected your activity patterns?
- Have your eating patterns been affected?
- How have your sleep patterns varied since the depression began?
- Have your interest patterns changed?
Coping With Depression - Therapy Options
There are also therapy options for coping with depression, such as talking with a qualified counselor who can talk through problems with you, teach coping skills, and provide support systems.
I went to a Christian therapist. At times, this was a challenge for me. He would tell me to look to my faith for answers and I wanted to scream. I was looking to my faith, but I was not finding the answers. Or perhaps, I was getting answers, but I wanted different ones!
We were able to discuss circumstances and I learned how to cope in various situations. My depressed feelings began to lift and I began to cope with challenges in my life. I began finding strength in my faith.
Coping With Depression - Finding True Self Worth
A big means of coping with depression came through finding my true self worth. I had previously based my self worth on the approval of my friends and on my ability to perform in my job. When I could no longer fulfill my work responsibilities due to injury, I felt worthless.
Over time, I began to realize that my true self worth does not come from within me. It comes from God-my Creator. God loves me. Through this tremendous love, I have once again found worth and significance in my life. He is my significance! 1 Thessalonians 2:12 says, "...walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."
What is your response?
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