Rainy Days and Mondays

This poignant beautifully written and sung lyric continues on with “What I have they used to call the blues.” This terminology was more casual and inferred a somewhat temporary situation. Today we all can suffer from situations that bum us out and create depression. For example, unexpected car problems to needing extensive dental work can certainly create short-term depression. These surprise problems are generally thoughtfully resolved allowing the acute depression to subside.

However, there are many who exhibit a more major depression that lingers for months or years. There are a multiplicity of associated problems, too many to discuss, with this type of depression. Major depression is now viewed as a disease. Telling someone to “get over it” or “shake it off” would be like telling that to someone with diabetes.

There are biological factors which may include heredity and or chemical imbalances in the brain. There are numerous drugs that can releave symptoms once the particular physical problem is properly diagnosed. Psychological problems can often be more difficult to identify and treat. The death of a loved one may go threw phases of initial grievance and or prolonged depression. Sometimes an extreme trauma may not be dealt with immediately. A soldier may see his good friend and ally die right in front of him. Circumstances prevent stopping and grieving. This would endanger his life as well as those around him. He must stay focused, but cannot forget his friend. As a result, he compartmentalizes the memory of the event. This compartment may stay closed for years with him holding the door shut with one hand. Life becomes challenging with only one free hand to work with. Only careful thoughtful therapy will allow that compartment of traumas to be opened and dealt with.

 Everyone deals with major issues differently. Some people cannot accept a cancer diagnosis. Their fears can multiply even if they survived. Amazingly others are greatful for life and thankful for the wake-up call to cherish every moment of their future.

 To say that depression is complex would be the understatement of the century. Mild acute depression is usually resolveable. Major depression must be accurately diagnosed and treated as the disease it represents. I certainly have no definitive answers, but can only suggest that you focus on your Emotional, Physical and Divine connection. With these in harmony you will be best prepared for any battle.