How Would You Describe Depression?

I was depressed for many years. It was overwhelming. Those were some difficult times and as I look back on them I find that it is fairly easy to write about and give advice and simple tips. Although, I'm not a medical professional and don't claim that my advice should in anyway take the place of a physician, I do have something to say and I think that because of my experiences I give some fairly good advice.  However, someone asked me the other day: How would you describe depression?
I was stumped. 


Now I'm not talking about the symptoms, such as lack of energy, negative thinking or the aches and pains that accompany depression. I'm talking about how it feels to be depressed. To come up with a description in words without reverting to symptoms.


I have thought very long and hard on this post, looking for the correct words to describe depression, and hope that some of my readers will add some comments as to how they would describe depression. Here goes.

Depression was like a stalker that lingered in the shadows for years. Following closely, slowly it closed in. It watched and waited for an opening, it didn't destroy my life all in one swift move. The stalker preyed upon my mind, each day adding a new form of harassment. Slowly it took, slowly it isolated me from everything I loved. The stalker made me feel guilty that I somehow was at fault, it whispered false accusations and ideas into my head.
 

I began to doubt myself. Every time I left my home, my stalker would be following. My stalker watched everything I did, looking for the smallest of openings to bring in negativity and anger. He or it, told me things about others, how they hated me, how I was all alone in the world, it told me to stay at home, stay in bed that life wasn't worth it. 


I listened. I didn't want to leave home, I wanted to get away from my dark stalker. Maybe I thought, if I stayed at home, he wouldn't bother me. But he did. He filled my mind with hate and pity, my stalker did. He sucked the energy right out of me, life meaning was only to get away from my stalker and his constant ramblings. Death seemed the only escape. 


He seemed to believe the same thing. I tried to escape, I failed. Only medications silenced the dark language of my stalker.

How would you describe depression? How did it feel? I'd be curious to hear your comments and responses. 

How To Help Your Friend With Depression?

You're best friend tells you she suffers from depression, your first thought: How do I help a friend with depression? Depression isn't an easy illness to overcome or to live with, but there are some simple steps you can take to help with her recovery.  

1. Offer Your Help - Sounds so simple yet many friends simply don't offer. They simply assume that their friend will ask for help. People suffering from depression will often be struggling with their own thoughts and emotions, fighting internal battles that consume all their mental energy and often forget about the external world. They often feel stigmatized about depression and may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition to ask for help, so offer to help. 
2. Tell Them Often Everything Will Be OK - Give them reassurance, statements such as "I'll be there for you, "You are a wonderful human being", "I'm not going to leave you" and "I love you" are all good words of encouragement. Reassurance can be a hug or a pat on the back, these simple little things will mean so much to your friend. 
3. Learn About Depression - Knowing the symptoms and treatments for depression will go along way to help your friend recover. Know if your friend's symptoms are worsening or improving. Provide sensible, empathetic feedback either way. Understand the signs of suicide, a very real threat for anyone suffering from depression and know whom to call should your friend show signs of suicide. 
4. Commit To The Long Haul - This is so important. If you decide to help your friend with depression understand that recovery isn't going to happen overnight. Understand that there will be some trying times ahead. If you decide to help, commit to sticking through it, quitting before your friend recovers from depression can be devastating. 
5. Take Time For Yourself, Set Limits - Helping your friend with depression is going to be a trying ordeal. So make sure that you are refreshed and in good spirits. The best way to do this is to recharge yourself, by taking some time for yourself. Go for walks, movies or take time to talk with and enjoy other friends. 
6. Have Fun - Depression is a serious illness, but don't overlook the importance of having fun and laughing. After all laughter is the best medicine. 
7. Stay In Touch and Don't Give Up -  Depression is a complicated illness. Moods can change quickly and dramatically. If your friend seems uninterested in your company, keep in touch. Don't be pushy, just be available. Nothing can be as hurtful as if the phone calls, e-mails or meetings abruptly stop. 

Knowing how to help your friend with depression is something anyone can learn how to do. If you do help a friend with depression and follow some even a couple of these simple tips your friend will be greatly appreciative.