The Influence of a Solid Support System on Clinical Depression
Think for a moment how you feel during a depressive episode. Do “helplessness”, “hopelessness”, and “loneliness” come to mind? If so, that also seems to be the consensus of many people in the depression forums where I spend some of my time.
Depression has a way of creating a psychological “catch-22.” Your negative feelings cause you to isolate yourself, yet the more you avoid others, the more depressed you feel and the more you withdraw. So what do you do?
Consider for a moment that as humans we’re social animals. Our brains are hardwired for social interaction. Therefore, no matter how difficult it might be for you, having a personal connection to those who understand what you’re going through and who will help or support you through depressive episodes can be extremely therapeutic. That dynamic is found in a strong or solid support system.
This is often an important part of this particular subject. A solid support system consists of a mix of people whose common objective is to offer positive support to the person battling depressive episodes. Your support system can include family, friends, co-workers, spiritual workers, people in the mental health field such as therapists, support groups, and even your doctor. Every person within your support system should be trustworthy, loyal, understand your depression and offer unconditional positive regard relative to your situation.
The support that they can offer includes but is not limited to encouraging you to take your medication, exercise, maintain a healthy diet, keep your therapy appointments, and maintain a daily schedule.
The benefits of a strong support system include:
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1. Significantly reduces stress – Your stress will begin to subside when you find that you can confide in people who care about you as they listen to what you have to say and offer suggestions or ideas about dealing with your depression. So go ahead and vent without fear of being judged.
2. Increases self confidence and self esteem – If you’re part of a support group, you’ll be given the opportunity to listen to the’ssues that other people face with their depression. You’ll also be given the chance to offer any ideas you may have on how they can overcome their issues. As you progress, you will feel more valued, important, and loved.
3. Reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness – One of the most important benefits of a support system is that you’ll always have someone to talk to and participate with in social activities.
Keep in mind that establishing a support system will take some time. So in order for you not to feel so overwhelmed, which could intensify your depression, you may want to start building your support system one person at a time. Make sure to ask your doctor or therapist for help to get you started. Also remember that while you need support, you don’t need to be enabled. Never expect anyone within your support system to do something for you that you need to do for yourself otherwise your recovery will be hindered, perhaps significantly.
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7 Responses to “The Influence of a Solid Support System on Clinical Depression”
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So I think I might have clinical depression? Lately there has been a lot of depressing cr@p going on in my life (i wont elaborate and bore you on that stuff) I’ve had trouble sleeping, I'm always tired, even if i sleep ten hours at night I can still sleep for 3 more on the couch. I’ve a crazy increased appetite and want to eat all the time
Also, I find myself phasing out just staring at things for like a full minute without thinking. Do you think I’ve depression? Maybe?
Signs of Depression. Signs of Depression: Major Depression Symptoms. Signs of depression. If the depressive feelings you’re having are caused by an important and negative
My guess is no. I’m not a professional in any way. But this seems to be more stress than depression. Depression usually lasts linger and you probably would have a history of it…even if you do have it they prolly wouldn't give you meds for it…it doesn't sound even moderate if you do have it…if you do it’s probably mild but it’s impossible to diagnose over the Internet. But my guess is that it’s stress. Don't talk yourself into thinking you have depression…the word gets throw around too much.
This is a must read for anyone who has directly or indirectly been affected by depression. Mike Eisenbath has written a very courageous, honest and extremely spiritual blog about what it’s like to suffer from clinical depression. One of the more interesting aspects of this blog is that Mike documents how some very famous people and some biblical figures have struggled with the disease. Mike also discusses struggles with his faith and the impact that depression has had on his spirituality. My hope is that those who suffer from depression will read this blog and learn that they’re not alone and that there are many options for them to seek help. Maybe more importantly, I hope that those who have never had depression will read this blog and gain a better understanding of what life is like for depression victims. A powerhouse of a blog that you’ll not be able to put down. It does not matter who you’re this blog will change your life for the better. If you’re a depression victim I suggest you buy one for yourself and the one who is life has been impacted by your struggles. To learn more about Mike you can visit: [...].
Great place to start is with a family doctor to rule out any physical illness and then see a psychiatrist. You shouldn't diagnose yourself and you shouldn't have to live with depression. If you want to talk about what's depressing you please feel free to call. Counselor PW Boys Town Hotline 1-800-448-3000
Someone I care for has just gone into a major clinical depression so I have been reading everything I could get my hands on to understand both him and the impact on me and our relationship. Of all the blogs I have read, this one was least helpful. Perhaps if I’d just hatched out of an egg and had no experience with life, it might give me information I did not already have from living every day. It’s so simple-minded, condescending and addresses the obvious so blandly – I felt it was a total waste of money. Anne Sheffield’s blog on Surviving when they are Depressed was a godsend – as was Terence Real’s on men’s depression. This one – gave me nothing at all. I do not usually slam things but this was useless in my opinion.
Trying to diagnose a clinical condition over the internet with a few sentences is a bit like giving you a hair cut through e-mail. Situational adjustments are quite common and often feel like an emotional roller coaster but if you’re not bed ridden and socially isolated for weeks at a time it could be that you’re adjusting to life's conditions.