Find the damn roses

Find the damn roses
 
Yesterday I was explaining to a group of men in treatment for addition how clinical depression affects one’s ability to experience positives.   Depression has a number of common and  distressing symptoms.   First we must remind ourselves that it is a condition which is a chemical imbalance.  We may someday find out that the chemical imbalance is also  a symptom whose cause  can be more effectively  treated  but, for today, I will focus on how that chemical imbalance affects how the brain functions.  The primary affects are:
 

• The blocking of colors meaning that only the negatives register in the brain.   The imbalance blocks the automatic seeing or experience of colors or positives.  I might say to someone   I am seeing in  my office, “ Find the fresh flowers.”   If the person has a history of positive feelings about fresh flowers then they will be reminded on a cognitive level that positives exist even if they do not feel a connection to those positives at the moment.
• The blocking of time.  Not only does it feel as if there are not positives now it feels as if there were never any positives and never will be any positives. This is a much different feeling than having a bad day but feeling and knowing there have been good day and will be more good days.
• A feeling of disconnectedness.  One feels very alone, unable to connect emotionally or spiritually with oneself, with anyone else or with the God of one’s standing or some sense of the whole (feeling a part of).  One is totally alone and abandoned. 
• Hopelessness – Nothing one does or does not do will make a difference. No amount of rest, a good meal, a vacation, the support of a friend; nothing or anyone can make a difference. There is no purpose or meaning to life.   One may on a cognitive level know that others will be affects by one’s absence but they will soon realize that they are better off without one. 

 
The good news is that clinical depression and situational (temporary) depression can. Be successfully treated in most cases.  Treatment can, at times, include:
 

• Identification and treatment of a thyroid disorder or some other conditions which is causing or aggravating the symptoms of clinical depression.
• Evaluation and differential diagnosis by psychiatrist or other trained mental health professional
• Anti-depression medication  -  many options.  Finding the one which works for a particular individual may take time and  be very frustrating.
• Talk therapy – may take some trial and error finding the therapist who is the right fit – whose style communicates well with a person.
• Exercise.   When one feels as if they have no energy and if nothing matters it may be difficult to get oneself to exercise. When possible I recommend at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise a day.
• Nutrition.  Healthy food is very important.  When one is acutely depressed one may need to supplement one’s diet with Ensure or other  healthy protein drink.
• Supportive friends who do not tell one to just get over it.
• Hospitalization may be necessary at times.

 
Some behavior does not help and may make the depression symptoms worse.  These include:
 

• The use of alcohol or other recreational drugs.   Alcohol is s depressant.  Other recreational drugs are not pure and may cause new serious symptoms.
• Feeding the lies of the depression.   One does not want to  reinforce the feeling of hopeless, all or nothing, disconnectedness, or hopelessness.  One wants to honor the feelings without reinforcing them.
• Spending time with those who do not understand the depression and who may be critical.
• Entertaining suicidal thoughts or other violent thoughts. Share those with a health care professional or trusted family members and  seek medical care immediately.
• Giving up – believing that this is not a treatable illness.

 
 
Written July 17, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org