by Jennifer Lee Snelling

Created on: February 09, 2008

Almost 17 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with a plaguing psychological emotional disorder known as depression. The symptoms are very evident, stemming from a most violent or devastating event in one's life. The caustic memories can result in episodes of sadness, paranoia, extreme fear, and anxiety attacks.

If not treated, harmful behaviors may initiate and then may become suicidal or homicidal; therefore, it is not too late to seek treatment.

Here are ways the depressed can deal with this serious version of depression.

1. KEEP AN EMOTIONAL LOG/JOURNAL

Writing their feelings down in a journal or a notebook can help to express emotional and mental inhibitions. Reflecting and reading after writing the thoughts can propel the patient to focus on other things throughout the day rather than the very event/person/thing that can cause one to be depressed.

2. TALKING/VENTING FRUSTRATIONS OUT

Talking to a trusted family member (most likely a parent), or a trusted friend about what's troubling them to get off their chest is also therapeutic. MOST IMPORTANT: They must make sure they value confidentiality, like a regular psychiatrist or a therapist. They must not tell all in one day, and They shouldn't tell all they know! Everybody's understanding of a situation is not the same-some may use it for gossip material (the depression cycle can continue repeating as long as it happens)!

3. SEEK SPIRITUAL COUNSELING

A trusted and loyal pastor or clergyman of a local church may offer spiritual guidance to help any child of God who would not mind seeking in times of distress. He or she may counsel them through their distraught time by looking up Bible verses for them to read. He or she may pray with them and continue to pray for their recovery.

Helpful Bible verses are 1 Peter 1:3, Psalm 60, Job 13:15, and Titus 2:11-14.

No one deserves to stay in this condition.
Sorrows will turn into a brighter day with the right treatment and the right encouragement. For those in that predicament, continue to stay encouraged and your prayers will soon be answered-to live a full and happy life again.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Lee Snelling.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.