In the fog of her thoughts, she was lost, the images of last night’s events ever present in her memories. What should I do, who should I call? she asked the void of her house. The weight of her thoughts pressed down on her chest, making every breath difficult.
She looked to her right, and there it was the answer to her problems. A shiny metal with sharp edges, it had a wooden handle, resting on the table close to an orange. It was calling to her, and she could hear it speak, those voices saying, “end it all now, all it takes is a single cut on both wrists, and the nightmare is gone”.
She picked up the knife, and with tears in her eyes she said “I’m sorry” and the void remained silent. Lifting the metal above her left wrist about to end it all, there it was, the reply. A knock on her door, it was Jane, her neighbor.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Low morale, unhappiness, and if left unattended, can lead to drug abuse, self-inflicted pain or injury, and in worst cases, suicide.
We will go through a step-by-step process to getting through depression successfully.
1. Everyone has problems, the fact that you are living entails you have and will face challenges in life. How we deal with our problems is what sets us apart from each other.
2. Admit a mistake has been made, which is affecting you, and admit you have a problem that needs a solution. Accept the fact that you need help. This is an important step in solving the problems of depression. Some people find it hard to admit they need help with their problems in life. A problem said is a problem half solved.
3. Never let your present situation get to you badly. Avoid many regrets and blames, they only lead to more problems. There is no point in inflicting yourself with injuries or trying to hurt yourself, the mistake has been made.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but the temptation will also provide a way of escape that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinth 13.
4. Have the conviction to get through the hard times you are facing. How would you know what’s at the end of the line if you choose to give up now?
Obstacles are merely a call to strength, not to quit.
5. Try writing these problems down, the way you feel about them, and the way it has affected you. Writing is a form of expression. Most times things we can’t say, express in writing.
6. Find someone to talk to, it could be a relation, a friend, or maybe a shrink. Someone you can trust who would give you a listening ear, keep what you have told them secrete and help proffer solutions. When you talk about your problems, you express your emotions. A problem said is a problem half solved.
7. Follow the advice and instructions from those providing you with assistance, good advice from those who have been through a similar situation as yours, could be helpful.
8. Be around loved ones and those who would help lift your spirit. Avoid negative thoughts and always be optimistic. Do things that make you happy, things that would take your mind off whatever is troubling you.
9. Even when wounds are healed, the scars will always be there. They are to remind you of your mistakes and challenges, and your strong will in rising when you fall. What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.
11. Never take for granted those who are investing time to get you through your hard times. They are there because they care and love you.
12. Go through the prescribed rehabilitation process suggested for you. Healing takes time, and time heals all wounds. All you need is patience.
13. Avoid those situations or those mistakes that lead to your depression.
Emmalase.