The human experience is unique in that it lends itself toward a sensation of depression that transcends almost any other emotion. It can overwhelm your life, making it harder to sleep, eat, or even just interact on a regular basis. Those who have these sensations of sadness and depression may be fueled by their past experiences or a current situation that builds anxiety in their life; whatever the cause, they are not alone.
More than 200,000 Americans - according to a 2004 Time Magazine survey - experience some form of depression 3 days out of every month. Women and teenagers are more likely to experience these symptoms and underweight women even more likely. Combined, more than 17 million Americans every year experience depressions throughout the year. A rate of 9.6% of Canadians will experience a depressive episode that extends beyond a year and 5.2% of Americans will do the same. Depression is a very real problem; one that causes lives to grind to a halt and emotions to overwhelm what could be an otherwise full and happy life.
Depression is not a genetically formed problem, though there have been a few isolated cases in which heredity is believed to have played a role. For the most part though, depression is the result of environmental stimuli affecting an individual negatively. In a recent article written, I discussed the Environmental Noise each person experiences along their life path. This noise can be a strong indicator of a depressive state and the success a person will have in overcoming that state. Isolation, a lack of friends and family, a long standing felling of not belonging, or just self conflict are all extensive contributors to depression and the risks it carries.
A common situation, especially for those that feel they do not belong in the world around them is a life style that leads them from city to city consistently. They may have limited friends in any one social circle, with multiple moves in their adolescence and multiple support networks that are weak or have crumbled due to lack of contact. They will feel the urge to leave their life behind in hopes of finding something new in another city and building a better life, only to go through the same cycle again when they arrive in the new city.
There are additional symptoms of depression that occur on the outside as well. Work situations, family life, and friends may all cause depression to onset, as can he weather in many cases. External forces that are repeatedly and excessively negative can actively work against someone to make them feel worse about themselves as well.
Lasting Effects
Depression should be treated immediately, especially when it occurs in teenagers who are strangers to many of their sensations and emotions and will react more impulsively to their feelings. For many, simply reliving a past experience or handling the heavy burden of their guilt will cause depression to onset and the best remedy is to let go of the past. This is easier said than done and for many people it is an ongoing, long term process.
Whether experiencing depression or anxiety, an individual can be treated with medication when the symptoms become life altering. A counselor or professional life coach can be a great help in analyzing the situation and determining if this is necessary. The first step though, before any medication is brought in is to turn off the chatter within the brain - that constant, ongoing replay of memories and past events - and realizing what the root of the problem is. When self awareness becomes possible, healing can begin.
Are you living in the past? Do you feel like you don't belong in the world around you? Visit BrunoLoGreco.com and learn how to reclaim the world around you or how self-awareness could be the key to saying "bye-bye" to the past.
Bruno LoGreco is a successful Master Life Coach, with international clients.
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