Symptoms of Depression and Dealing with Isolation
One of the most damaging symptoms of depression is the tendency to withdraw from others socially and emotionally. Our self imposed isolation is a symptom at first and then the more we experience it, progressively it becomes a cause as well. If there is ever a condition that friendship would help it is with depression. Depression rarely comes on with one event or in one day, like we might come down with a cold or experience an auto accident. Depression and the symptom of isolation occur over time. Symptoms of Depression and Withdrawal Depression onset is gradual, and is a result of cumulative causes as they change our perspective. As our outlook changes, we likewise change our behaviors and withdraw gradually. This is especially true of teenagers, because their understanding of their emotions is less than older adults. Teens may want to talk about their feelings, if they could explain them. Moreover, they also may not feel there is an understanding adult available. Symptoms of Depression Seeking Solace in Numbers The effect of our isolation with our feelings of emptiness and lack of direction will compound our situation. Suffering is bad, and suffering alone is worse. The obvious answer is to find someone who understands to talk to. It does not matter what type of depression we are suffering with, nor how long we have been suffering: None of that matters right now. What matters most is that we find a way to talk to someone who is willing to listen. If you are a teen, the obvious first choice is your parents. Working outwards are your friends, a distant relative, teachers, and someone in a church or similar organization nearby and accessible. There is an old adage, 'there is strength in numbers,' and that applies here. Symptoms of Depression and Adult Isolation If we are an adult, perhaps single or a single parent, we still will withdraw to an unhealthy degree, as we struggle with our lack of enthusiasm. This is the strongest symptoms of depression and will be the first symptom experienced, and the last symptom cured, unless we do something about it. One of the characteristics of our withdrawal, like our teenage sufferer counterpart, is that we may not have anyone suitable and understanding to talk or have company with. A common reasoning is that we do not want to bother another person with our problems, prevalent in the teen mindset for sure! Symptoms of Depression The First Step We talk a lot about first steps here, and this is one. Tell yourself your depression and need for friendship, understanding, and companionship are not a bother to others who care for you. Others whom God will send nearby for you to find would take your depression, anxiety and stress problems seriously. Treat your condition of depression, anxiety or stress as something God wants you to share with others, so that you both can grow a friendship out of it. Symptoms of Depression and Finding Those Others We are not a bore to others because it is not our responsibility to entertain others, as it is not their responsibility to entertain us, like a clown at a circus; that is not what friendship and encouragement is all about. If we are a teenager, we can start our search with the aforementioned adults nearby, in an ever widening circle, until we find someone. Symptoms of Depression Step Two, Reach Out to Someone God has planted a listener out there within reach, and if you try, you can reach them. For you teenagers, be wary of the Internet, yes that is where you are reading this, but be careful. There are still many wolves in sheep's clothing lurking out there, and they do not have your best welfare in mind. Avoid any personal one on one contact with any adult that originates out of this medium! Another reason to minimize associations over the Internet is because we all need face to face interaction, and the Internet is far too sterile to give us the comfort we need. Look within your circle of friends and associates, where contact is more personal, and more nurturing. Your Gut Feeling If you are an adult, the way to reach out and stay in contact with others is to use your gut feeling, and focus on yourself and ask yourself, 'what is inside me?' Focus on your positive aspects and strengths (yes you have many) to get a sense of self confidence, then look around at all the other people and ask yourself, 'which one do I feel is most like me, and best relates to me?' Your gut feeling will never let you down. God will reveal his guardian angels that He has sent for comfort and friendship. They are out there, and waiting! What are the two steps to remedy isolation, one of our symptoms of depression again? First is: Tell yourself your depression and need for friendship, understanding, and companionship are not a bother to others who care. Next is: Reach Out to Someone Start tomorrow. There are such a thing as human flesh and blood guardian angels, and yours are waiting!
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