When the Blues Become Depression

We all have felt the blues from time to time when we feel blah or now the new term that’s used is, “meh.”  However, there is a big difference between feeling blue and suffering from depression.

Feeling blue may last for a week or two.  A blue feeling doesn’t interfere with our daily lives and leave us feeling as if we can’t function simple tasks or leave us feeling like we want to isolate away from our family and friends.

Depression can be very debilitating and may require medication in addition to psycho-therapy.

The blues will lift after a little while……….but depression……….depression defers hope, depression comes with a negative voice that wants to tell the person suffering that their desires will not be fulfilled and that their tree of life is void of any life sustaining fruit.

…….Depression is a liar……..

If you are concerned about a friend or family member I’ve provided some warning signs to look for regarding telling the blues from depression.

Signs of Depression

• Loss of interest in activities that you once enjoyed

• Irritability and frustration

• Difficulty concentration or making decisions

• Isolating from family and friends

• Excessive sleeping or trouble sleeping

• Inability to control emotions

• Uncontrollable crying

• Feeling hopeless

Symptoms of anxiety 

These are a few symptoms that may be present for you or a loved one regarding depression.  Take depression seriously!  It is an illness that requires treatment.  If you think you or a loved one is suffering from depression:

• Gently share your concerns with your loved one.  Along with depression comes feelings of guilt and shame so be gentle and loving.

• Offer to help them find a qualified therapist who can assess and diagnose clinical depression.

• Be supportive and remember that depression is an illness.  It is not a condition that should be ignored.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel of depression”

Melanie Eddy