Dealing with Depression
Mental illness touches all of our homes. There is hardly a family in America that is not affected, either directly, or indirectly. Historical view of good mental health was viewed merely as the absence of a mental disease. TODAY—good mental health is viewed as a dynamic balance in the midst of stresses and strains of life. Anyone might temporarily succumb to pressures that would force one to seek psychiatric help. Mental Health is a state of personal good health of mind and emotions
CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE WITH GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
They are comfortable with themselves
They are not overwhelmed by their own emotions, fears, anger, love, jealousy, or worries
They can take the disappointments of life in stride
They accept their own shortcomings
They have self-respect
The feel right about other people
They respect the many differences they find in people
They feel a sense of responsibility and connectedness to the community
They plan ahead but do not fear the future
They welcome new experiences and new ideas
They set realistic goals for themselves
They put their trust in God which enables them to trust man.
CAUSES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS
Genetic Background/Hereditary Endowment
Parents or relatives may have experienced problems
Some disorders can be a learned pattern
Personality traits run in the family
Early Environment (Birth to 6 years) social, religious, physical factors
Defense mechanisms developed to handle stress
Daydreaming
Hypochondriasis
Projection, displaced anger
Repression (unconsciously blocking out strong feelings)
Suppression (consciously holding back feelings)
Rejection, resentment, creating emotional distance.
80% of personality developed by age six. If defense mechanisms develop, then personality disorder develops.
Adult years (unresolved conflict)
Many problems brought about through irresponsible behavior
Many emotional problems are brought about by sin—wrong behavior
Depression is a learned lifestyle, as a way to handle stress (hereditary)
In Depression, the self is turned against the self. You become your own worst enemy
Self Critical
SIGNS OF MENTAL ILLNESS
Changes in Behavior
General Appearance
Preoccupation
Memory
Self-Concepts (paranoia)
Distorted Communication (talking to oneself)
Suspicion (sensitive, being watched, etc.)
Repetitive Acts
Dangerous Acts
Depression
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Feelings of helplessness, despair, sadness, overall gloom
A loss of perspective
Negative thinking pattern
Change in physical activities
Loss of self-esteem
Withdrawal from others
Desire to escape
Overly sensitive
Misdirected anger
Guilt
THINGS YOU CAN DO:
Do not set difficult goals, or too much responsibility
Break large tasks into small ones. Set priorities
Try to be with other people
Do not make major life decisions without consultation
Do activities that make you feel good
Do not expect to “snap out” of depression
Do not accept your negative thinking/painful thinking
POSITIVE CONFESSIONS ARE FOOD FOR THE SOUL
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS ARE TEMPORARY, SUICIDE IS FOREVER!!!
Do not give into suicidal thoughts, you can overcome them
The belief there is no hope is not truth
When you feel this way, it is your illness talking
Your mind is lying to you
Remind yourself that suicide is not reality
Tell a trust family member, friend or supporter
Recognize symptoms for they are
Make a plan for life
Connect with other people
Stay away from drugs and alcohol
Know when it is time to seek professional help
You cannot make someone suicidal by asking straight forward and caring questions
Take any mention of death or suicide seriously
Express understanding and concern but do not promise confidentiality
Do not try to handle the crisis alone.
