Depression, and other “un-seen” casualties

As the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world it brought a goodly helping of fear, the main psychological impact has been elevated rates of stress or anxiety. Then as extended lock down and social distancing impacted people’s usual activities, routines and livelihoods levels of loneliness, depression, harmful alcohol and drug use, and self-harm or suicidal behaviour also rose. Despite great efforts there will be many “un-seen” casualties. So, as we celebrate our ability to gather once more, spare a thought for those who may very well still be suffering in unspoken ways.
I have spoken with many people over the last few weeks about how it is to be living with someone who is suffering – what are the rules, we are brought up thinking that we have to be kind, care for those who are ill, this is true, but what when that illness starts making you ill? Where do we draw the line? It is a wonderful to be a carer, IF you too have support.
If there was one thing that was unanimous during last Sundays “Post Lockdown Life Purpose” workshop it was the need to form new communities or sangas. For example, the other week I went to my yoga teacher in Banff’s class with my best friend from London. I attended a woman’s circle hosted in Cork by my friend from Leeds that I met in India, Sunday morning I went with my best friend from London and my daughter from Aberdeen to my yoga teachers in Varkala’s class. It doesn’t matter that it is online. In fact, these online classes are really proving a powerful way to connect, I mean, who would have guessed. The tool that stole our teenagers is now how we all gather. The best feedback I got from all the classes I’ve been doing was how great the intimacy was. I was interviewed by an author from Canada about how I created that just the other week but more of that another time. For now please share your thoughts on how we can actively look after those in need and those that care for them.
“Depression affects one in five people at some point in their lives. Anyone can get low at times, but with depression, the feelings don’t go away quickly or become so bad they interfere with everyday life”. – The Royal College of Psychiatrists

You may experience any of these
LOSING INTEREST IN LIFE
LOSS OF APPETITE & WEIGHT
FINDING IT HARDER TO MAKE DECISIONS
NOT COPING WITH THINGS THAT WERE MANAGEABLE
EXHAUSTION
FEELING RESTLESS AND AGITATED
DIFFICULTIES GETTING TO SLEEP
UNCOMFORTABLE EMOTIONS
RUNAWAY THOUGHTS
FEELINGS OF NOT BEING ENOUGH

Commonly agreed causes or triggers are past trauma or abuse; a genetic predisposition to depression, which may or may not be the same as a family history; life stresses, including financial problems or bereavement; chronic pain or illness; and taking drugs, including cannabis, ecstasy and heroin.

Many don’t realise the part anxiety can play, anxiety can lead to depression. Depression and anxiety are actually at different ends of the same continuum, when you get very anxious over an extended period it is as if depression comes over you like a wet blanket to dampen the flames of worry.

Many suffer in silence, this quote expresses it very well:

My lips say: “Fine, thanks” but my eyes tell a different story, my heart sings a different tune, and my soul just weeps.

Depression is predicted to overtake heart disease and cancer as being the most debilitating disease in the west by 2020, it is all too common. The spread of this debilitating disorder isn’t fated by brain chemistry, genes, diet, or personal weakness, as we’re too often taught – rather, the latest research provides overwhelming evidence that depression is far more a social problem than a medical disease. Depression doesn’t just infect a single individual and then stay contained within him or her. Depression’s effects reach into the interactions you have with others, rippling destructively through marriages, families, work environments, and communities like a viral contagion.

However it is not as bleak as it sounds. Depression isn’t an absolute – it’s not simply a case of either you’re depressed or you’re not, feelings can and do change on a moment by moment basis, it is part of being human. You can learn to live with your emotions both present and past.

More soon.