Many people who struggle with depression feel unable to control their difficulties in life. Few, if any, choose to be depressed. Most people truly wish to be happy in their lives. People who struggle with depression are not able to achieve that, and often feel like victims, as do many of the friends and family around them. How often have you said, “If I wasn’t depressed I could………..”, or “If my spouse/parent/child weren’t depressed I could (or they would)………..”.

This can lead to feelings of being controlled by your own or someone else’s depression. The effect can be similar to being in a “controlling relationship”. People experience feelings of shame, guilt, and diminished self-esteem. Feelings of anger and resentment may come into play. There is also a strong component of fear (“If I don’t do this the depression could get worse, my family or friend could kill themselves, or I will be overwhelmed by my own depression”).

So how do you stand up to this emotional hostage taker called depression? Solving a problem always starts with identifying what the problem is, so you must first begin to recognize the ways in which your or your loved one’s depression is holding you back. Is it preventing you from seeking a better job, or nicer place to live? Is it preventing you from engaging in activities or socializing with others? Is it preventing you from participation in spiritual activities? How is it affecting you physically? Is your sleep troubled? Have you lost or gained an unwanted amount of weight?

Secondly, seek strategies to better manage the specific ways in which the depression is controlling you. Knowledge is power. Seek information on better nutrition and sleep habits. Learn techniques to calm your fears and strategies to make better decisions.

Lastly, seek help to decrease the depression directly (or the effect your loved one’s depression has on you). Medication (if you are depressed) and therapy (if you are depressed or have a loved one suffering) are general terms for the best treatment for depression. But what kind of medication? And what kind of therapy?  Those will be discussed in the upcoming posts.

Remember this: The professional staff at Ketamine Wellness Centers in Mesa and Tucson are available to help you address these difficulties. Call us today, and start your journey to free yourself from the control of depression. Don’t be held hostage any longer to your or your loved ones’ difficulties. Free yourself and learn to be happy again!