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Depression is very common. But do we really know what it is? How should we cope with it?

"I am happy.", "I am doing good.", "Every thing’s gonna be all right!"

I have no family and friends with me when I moved across a country. I have had but a few acquaintances upon my arrival but life in my new world is in fast-pace that it seems everybody could hardly notice each other around…or might as well be just my own thoughts. I kept myself busy with work to a point that I was on-the-job stress. Starting my new job was as stressful as being laid off. My thoughts changed. My coping abilities snap me back. Frustrations and pressures over ruled. Loneliness crept over my heart. Tears were my only comfort. Nights were sleepless and I often wake up tired and exhausted. I lose my appetite. My enthusiasm and energy at work decreased. All these sent me to bed for few days feeling so sick.

I went to the doctor for check-up. I was diagnosed with mild clinical depression. The doctor told me that I would be in danger if it will get worse. "What?! I don’t know I am."  I never knew I was depressed; the signs are much less obvious to me. The doctor gave me medications but I refused. Everybody started to worry about me.

I thought of what happened to me when I moved in and evaluated how my life was in the previous days. I tried to recall my experiences that triggered the case. I have been through hard and tough times altogether. I never realized that I was that strong enough to stand amidst them. I prayed for God’s guidance.

I have been coping with stress/depression naturally with positive thoughts, with some exercises and activities with friends who care, and most with God’s amazing guide, the Bible and through prayers. His promises are awesome! Nothing is impossible with Him!!

FYI from Wikipedia.org:

Clinical depression (also called major-depressive disorder or unipolar depression)
is a common psychiatric disorder, characterized by a persistent
lowering of mood, loss of interest in usual activities and diminished
ability to experience pleasure.

While the term "depression" is commonly used to describe a temporary decreased mood
when one "feels blue", clinical depression is a serious illness that
involves the body, mood, and thoughts that cannot simply be willed or
wished away. It is often a disabling disease that affects a person’s
work, family and school life, sleeping and eating habits, general
health and ability to enjoy life.^[1]
The course of clinical depression varies widely: depression can be a
once in a life-time event or have multiple recurrences, it can appear
either gradually or suddenly, and either last for few months or be a
life-long disorder. Having depression is a major risk factor for suicide; in addition, people with depression suffer from higher mortality from other causes.^[2]

Clinical depression is usually treated by psychotherapy, antidepressants,
or a combination of the two. Clinical depression may be a stand alone
issue having differing features in patients, or as part of a larger
medical issue, such as in patients with bipolar disorder or chronic pain.

-Research for more…

November 18, 2007; 5:25pm, American Airlines Flight 1101 Chicago (ORD) to Minneapolis (MSP): I was rushing inside the airport heading for check-in 35 minutes before my flight. My heart was beating fast that I could hardly think and focus on what to do and where to go. I walked between the lines of travelers to and fro. Sweet! where is the check-in line??! I only have few minutes to catch up for the flight!

One of my friends who brought me to the airport came in and helped me through the line. I’m glad he came in. When I got my boarding pass, my friend asked the desk in-charge if I could still catch my flight. The lady in-charge told him that I could if I could make it through the gate before the door will be closed. He also asked the lady if there is still a flight of the same destination if ever I could not make it. And she told him that there is still another flight after two hours. But I need to arrive at a specific time to Minneapolis. Upon hearing the conversation it made me feel uneasy and worried.

I hurried through gate H16 after the security check and was striding as fast as I could. I wanted to run but there were many people who were ahead of me and that I could even hardly take a stride to overtake some of them. Everybody seemed to be in a hurry. H1, H2, H3, H4… I was counting the gates before gate H16. Oh! It’s a way too far from the check-in area.

Along the way I was tempted to hang around the stores with wonderful displays. But thinking of the few minutes that I have helped me not to stop and take a look at them.

Few meters away from the gate I heard the attendant called my name. I was catching my breath as I presented my boarding pass. She asked me what took me long and I did not answer. I rushed into the door and just at the time when I came in, the door was closed!

While I was seated in the plane and as I calmed myself, many questions came to my mind. What if my friend did not care to help me? What if I was tempted and went into the stores for just a minute? I must have missed my flight.

The door is almost to close in our travel to Heaven. Jesus is reaching out to us. All we have to do is reach out to Him. Do not hang around. He is coming soon! Keep looking up!

Do not miss our flight to Eternity! There’s no other available flight. See you there!

=) Janjan