Living with a Mental Illness is NOT easy!



Living with a mental illness, no matter WHAT the diagnosis is, is not easy, nor is it a joke, or a game. It's a very difficult thing to endure, for both people involved. The person affected directly, and their significant other, and/or family and friends who interact with that person. People who don't understand the annoyance and frustration of having to live 24/7 with a mental illness tend to be a bit insensitive about it. It's frustrating enough having to cope, people who have this problem don't need added stress of their loved ones on them about "Why can't you pull yourself up by the straps and move on???"

Speaking as a person who has mental illness, I know what it's like to have to try and explain what's going on in my head, all the time, every single day.

The following story should be of some help:

Sid Imsosad is bummed today. He's not really sure why, but it's those same old feelings of distress, failure, hopelessness, gloom, doom, and despair that are flooding his mind once again. Why is it he feels this way, and how in the world can he overcome it?

What Causes Depression?

Sometimes people who are prone toward depression have a poor self-image. They feel badly about themselves, so it's hard to feel good about much else.

Sometimes depression is caused by feelings of guilt or shame, self-criticism, or embarrassment. If these feelings are the result of sin, the sin should be confessed. Often depression will go away when a person knows that he or she is forgiven.

Sometimes, though, none of the above reasons are the cause of the depression. You simply feel "down" and you don't really have a good reason. Well, you're not alone. Some of the greatest saints fought periodic bouts with depression! Your depression may just be an opportunity to grow closer to God.

Is Depression A Sin?

It's not a sin to get depressed. But God doesn't want you to stay depressed--especially if the depression is caused by self-centeredness.

But keep in mind, people don't simply "snap out of" depression. It may take time. Be patient with yourself. Perhaps a physical, chemical imbalance in your body is the cause. If you seem always depressed, an exam by a doctor may be the place to start. Check your diet carefully. Are you eating right? Getting enough sleep? Exercising?

Other Possibilities

Are you a perfectionist? You say nothing ever seems quite good enough for you? If so, you will probably be depressed much of your life.

Do you have some wrong concepts about God or others whom you look up to for recognition? Maybe you think that you can never please God or your parents; that you must always work harder and harder; that you are doomed to be a failure. If so, no wonder you get depressed! God is not like that, and, hopefully, neither are your parents. God loves you, period. You don't have to earn that love. Nothing you ever do will keep God fromloving you. Hopefully, the same is true for your parents. But if it isn't, you have to realize that your real value is that you're a child of God, infinitely loved and infinitely valuable regardless of what you achieve in life.

Whatever the reason for your depression, don't ignore it. If you find yourself often feeling down for long periods of time, seek counsel. Your parish priest, teacher, or youth leader can probably help you, but the first step will be up to you.

Talk to god and read your Bible (Try Matthew 11:28-30 and 1 Peter 5:7 for starters) to get a life energizer. God wants to deliver you from depression. You should want that healing as well!

Soon as I can get some more information, I promise, it'll be added on here.