Signs of Depression

What is the source of our depression or the sadness we feel in and of our lives? What brings on negative feelings that not only affect our day-to-day lives but even our health? We need to stop and think about what we are thinking every day of our lives. This will not only improve your relationship with others but will even improve your overall health and as we get older we will face this more often because of day-t-o day aches and pains. Many people over fifty suffer from depression simply because of the way they feel. Not realizing how we feel inside, our thoughts and feelings will affect what we feel on the outside.

If we are not careful, we can start thinking about the past-mistakes we made, where we missed it, all the should haves, could haves and then we will find ourselves getting depressed, these regrets can come more often as we get older. Recognize the symptoms before they happen is the key to overcome these sad and negative feelings.

Ephesians 6:13-14~13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; Having done all to stand, stand therefore.

No matter what situation you are in, think ahead and be prepared no matter what may happen. This is where so many people have problems. They think things will just work out someway, but this is never the way to face life. Whether we are confronting a spouse, a boss, a child or even a friend we have to be honest. Having hidden thoughts and feelings in our heart is one of the main causes for a person to become sad and unhappy with their life.

When you recognize yourself feeling depressed or down, stop and say to yourself, "No, I am not going that way, and start to think and dwell on the positives in your life, they are there, sometimes we just have to look to find them. A very wise doctor once said "when it comes to the nerves, one can do more than anybody or any medication taken. The main thing to do is talk to yourself." This may sound strange but you know we really do talk to ourselves all the time and what we say about ourselves is more believable to us than from anyone else.

I believe what is around us is a greater controlling factor in our attitude development than our personality or any other inherited traits. You've heard the old saying: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

Don't you ever believe that again, because after the bruises have disappeared and the pain is gone, the inward pain and the remembrance of the hurtful words remain.

It is sad but we remember the negative words someone speaks to us or over us several times over the positive words spoken. I had a wonderful student but she had many problems in her studies and had a very low self- esteem of herself. Her mother told me when she worked in retail, "they always said it takes 10 positive comments to cancel out one negative comment" this mother was amazing and spoke positive, encouraging words over her child. Now, this young girl is out of school and planning on going to college in the fall. If she would have listened to the negative words for very long, they would have gotten down inside of her and I do not think she would have had the courage to go forward in life concerning college or anything else worthwhile. This lesson showed me how important our words are to our own well being. What we say and hear will make a difference in our attitude and our over all health. In becoming a positive person, one has to work at it for there are always negative words coming at us and to us all during the day. If we are not careful we will fall into this trap and before long we start feeling down and depressed all because of our thoughts and our words.

John Adams, second president of the United States, walked with a friend into a great hall where they found two busts, one of George Washington and the other of Adams. Tapping his cane on the closed lips of Washington he said, "That fellow knew how to keep his mouth shut." Then, using the cane to tap his own bust, Adams said, "And this fool didn't!"

There are times when the greatest wisdom is displayed by refusing to open our mouths! We need to recognize the symptoms of feeling down and intervene right then, before it escalates into full blown depression. We do have the power within us. Always remember what the Bible says about the tongue in Proverbs 18:2

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Choose the right fruit in your life, speak positive words to yourself and others. When you start feeling down, get around positive people and if there is no one around, watch some old funny movies. Do whatever you can to bring your attitude up, being aware of the symptoms can stop depression and sadness before they have time to take root.