Depression: Singing the Blues When the Band is Playing Swing

Many people "Sing the Blues." They feel trapped as if there is no way out of the pit of deep sadness and debilitating lack of motivation. Everyone else seems able to enjoy the Swing Band’s melody and kick up their heels with the joy of living. Depression sufferers find it difficult even to get out of bed.

Depression is a serious mental/emotional problem. Depression affects 1 in 6 Americans every year. Women are twice as likely to experience depression as men. Major Depression of various types affects 10%. Left untreated, suicide is often the tragic result.

Everyone feels sad from time to time. Usually there are negative circumstances that make sense of down moods and in less than two weeks the sadness will have largely dissipated or at least not have disrupted regular life activities.

Depression is different. Sad or irritable feelings without a sufficient identifiable cause (grief, loss etc.). Depression binds people in intense sadness and other symptoms on most days for more than 2 weeks.

It is not a choice. Depression is not something people can “snap out of” or “choose not to feel” nor can it be “easily solved by fervent spiritual disciplines.” Depression results from a complex interaction between physical, emotional, circumstantial and spiritual components. Oversimplifying the causes can create confusion and disillusionment and can serve to deepen the depression.

Besides sadness, the symptoms of Depression include

• Preoccupation with Death
• Suicidal Thinking or Acts
• Chronic Aches & Pains
• Sleep Disturbances, either too much or too little
• Lack of Interest in Hygiene and may be Unkempt
• Loss of Interest in Sex
• Low Energy, slow and heavy speech patterns
• Guilt Feelings
• Feeling Worthless / Hopeless or Disappointed in oneself
• Self Condemning Thoughts
• Sad for no reason
• Anxiety / panic*Loss of Interest in things that were once enjoyable
• Irritable, Restless, Agitated
• Inability to Concentrate
• Decreased Decision Ability
• Thoughts of Death / Suicide
• Difficulty Thinking / Remembering
• “I don’t care” attitude
• Feeling Abandoned by God
• Lack of Purpose or Meaning
• Loss of Interest in Spiritual Things
• Withdrawal from Family/Friends

Again, experiencing any combination of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks indicates depression. Immediate treatment is the best course. Here are some steps toward treating depression and improving mood symptoms.

• If you have suicidal thoughts GET HELP IMMEDIATELY. Call 911 or go to an EMERGENCY ROOM.
• Schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss symptoms and rule out other medical causes
• Maintaining Overall Good Physical Health including adequate exercise and good nutrition play a vital role in maintaining mood stability and avoiding depression.
• Tell someone you trust about your feelings, e.g. a good friend, teacher, school counselor, Physician, minister, priest, rabbi, or spiritual leader.
• Maintain positive connections or become connected to friends, groups and family. Avoid isolation.
• Schedule an appointment with a counselor or other mental health practitioner to assess your situation and begin treatment (NCI contact number is 479-855-5704 or email at bill@ncicares.com).
• If medication is prescribed, it is important to seek counseling as well because medication without therapy is far less effective than when used in combination with counseling.
• Developing good self esteem through positive self talk can dramatically improve mood over time.

Suggestions for maintaining good emotional health:

• Maintain positive self talk. Don’t allow self condemning thoughts and replace them with accurate and positive self affirmation.
• Engage in positive social interaction.
• Begin or maintain activities that provide purpose and enjoyment in life.
• Exercise: 20 minutes or more of heart healthy exertion will improve mood by releasing the feel good brain chemicals called endorphins and reduce harmful immune system chemicals that can worsen depression. Exercise also increases body temperature which may have calming effects
• Eating a Healthy Diet can also have profound influences on mood. Overeating and eating certain foods can have a “mood lowering” effect on some people.
• Seek Counseling soon after life circumstances are disrupted through loss or other challenges. The longer you wait, the more difficult and lengthy the recovery.
• Have Regular Medical Checkups. There are some diseases such as heart disease and diabetes that can have a profound effect on mood.
• Maintain or develop spiritual pursuits with a group, clergy or spiritual leader.
• Develop at least one friendship in which you can share your real feelings.

Depression a common. Many suffer from its effects and find themselves Singing the Blues. In the words of Duke Ellington, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” The good news is that Depression is almost always responsive to available treatment. In as little as a few days to several weeks there is likely to be a noticeable improvement in mood, more energy and a return to the enjoyments of life. Many resources are available to people who suffer from depression. Self Help, Medical Intervention, Spiritual Support and Professional Counseling can combine to shake the Blues and Swing into the joy of living.