Singing The Blues

At one time or another we all have periods of sadness in life. However, anyone who has experienced full-blown depression, otherwise known as "the blues," will tell you there is a huge difference between the two emotions.When a person feels a little low or sad, there is usually the realization that a light exists at the end of the tunnel. However, clinical depression can be so severe that there is often a sense of hopelessness, and that there is no way out from the darkness.

According to Miriam Rosenthal, M.D., one out of six adults have experienced symptoms of depression. The illness knows no difference between race, age or religious background, and about 25% of all women have experienced it, and 12% of all men.

Many people think you can just tell a depressed person to "just snap out of it," but the reality of depression is that its roots often reach deeper, and there are often very real physical, (medical), problems which underlay it. Some women are even known to have "Post Partum Depression," which can occur after a female delivers a baby. Another cause of depression can be "Bipolar Disorder," which is caused by a chemical imbalance within the body.

Prolonged periods of sadness can turn in to serious depression because repeated emotional blows have the ability to break down our coping mechanisms. The end result can be overwhelming feelings of anxiety, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, inability to concentrate or make decisions, and decreased energy.

If any of these describe what you might be feeling, there are steps you can be taking so that the light at the end of the tunnel is clearly visible. These include:

See a Dr. and have a complete physical

Talk to a professional counselor

Eat a well-balanced diet

Exercise daily

Lean on God

This last recommendation may surprise you, but what better Being to cast our troubles and cares  to, but our Creator? Even when we may think our thoughts and actions are secret, nothing is hidden from the Lord. Not only does God know our joys, but He feels our pains, and is just waiting for us to reach out so that He may dry our tears.

There is someone who loves and cares for you more than anyone else, but it is up to you to invite Him in to your heart. You may feel like you are all alone, and that no one understands, but God is eager to claim you as His much-cherished child.

Won't you call on your Creator today?

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr