We feel so much in our lives: happiness, sadness, excitement, disappointment… the list goes on. One feeling that everyone experiences, and one that’s so uncomfortable, is the feeling of sadness. Sometimes we cry, and that relieves stress. We may feel angry, irritable, or no longer interested in things we normally enjoy.
A lot of times something happens that causes us to be sad. Some of these things can be the death of a loved one, illness, the demands of school, extreme expectations from parents, drama at school – or at home. Others can also be physical or psychological abuse – which can include bullying. These things bring stress, which negatively affects you!
You can usually work through sadness with the passing of time and support from family and friends. Then, you’re back to your old self, happy and doing those things you enjoy.
When the sadness doesn’t go away, it could very well be depression. You may have feelings of worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness. You may want to sleep all the time, abandon activities you once enjoyed, cry escessivley, isolate yourself. You may even feel you aren’t you anymore.
Another cause of depression may be physical. It often runs in families, which can be linked to genetics. This affects chemical activity in your brain that makes it hard to sleep, causes anxiety, and/or causes you to isolate yourself: abandon friends and the things you once enjoyed doing. Other physical factors that can cause depression are drug and alcohol abuse.
What can you do? First, take care of your body. Getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising reduces the effects of depression. Talk to a parent or someone else you trust, a close friend, a counselor, or someone that’s gone through it and understands how you feel.
No matter how bad you feel, Never, Never, Never hurt yourself. Things may seem hopeless, unbearable – but it will get better. If it gets overwhelming, PLEASE call the suicide hotline and talk to someone. 800-273-8255. They’re available to help you 24/7.
God asks us to pray – and that’s not all. He’s given us doctors, counselors, people that love us, and when necessary, medication. He loves you and wants you to feel loved, feel worthy, feel joy and hopeful. Did you know there’s people you don’t even know that love you?
Feelings of sadness and depression are not your fault, it happens and there are people that want to help you. Just reach out.
Until next time, my friends…
Photos: Day 290 _265 – In search of a title … high contrast black and white by Jason Rogers, Why So Sad? by Henry Leirvoll, 196/365 Abandon All Hope by Martinak15 all license
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