by Trish Austin

Created on: April 27, 2010   Last Updated: April 28, 2010

Depression isn't mere sadness. It is sadness that lasts for at least two weeks. It can include frustration over minor things. Eating too little or too much. Not getting enjoyment out of things you did in the past. Sleeping too much or too little. Crying for no reason. Feeling worthless or guilty. A feeling of hopelessness or emptiness. Many symptoms of depression depend upon the person. Most importantly it isn't sadness that one can get over on their own.

The attitude of being able to get over depression on your own is one of the reasons people feel ashamed to get help. Then, they fall deeper into depression and the risk of suicide is high. Depression plays tricks on the minds of the depressed. The disease makes them believe 100% that the way they feel during the depression ( no reason to live, miserable etc.) will last forever. This is why intervention for some one who is depressed is so very important and urgent.

So,they can start on medication and begin therapy. The therapist will explain that the chemicals in their brain are not balanced and will assure them over and over that the depression will pass. The therapist will explain to them that it's part of the disease. That's one of the things my therapist explained to me during one of my depressive episodes. He'd say," remember this will pass. It always does.I don't want you to forget that..it will pass."

I don't have more than depression. I have cyclothymia.It's a mild form of bipolar disease. I am the last person on the planet who  thought I would suffer from depression. I was always Ms. Positive. Life has definitely taught me it doesn't always turn out  the way you planned. I've seen a place that I never knew existed. It's the pit of hell without the fire. Unless you've experienced this I'd think it would be impossible for you to imagine.

If I didn't have the support of my husband and my great doctors, I doubt I would be here today. Please anytime you here someone say they've been sleeping and can't get out of bed or crying for no reason.Or  you hear someone say they feel like they don't deserve to live take them seriously.

In my situation, without medication, there was not a scintilla of joy in my life. When my children came home I found joy in talking to them and to my husband. But, once I was alone nothing. Once the medication began taking effect, I began to find that my moods became happier. I hope it continues. Depression is not living.

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