Let's face it! Life is not always easy, and for some of us, depression very often takes over, We get depressed when we are discouraged or disappointed in ourselves or our lives. We start to feel as though we can’t live up to the expectations of others….or even our own expectations. We feel inadequate to handle what needs to be handled, to do what needs to be done or to be what we think we should be. The attempt to live up to these expectations can be both a cause of low self-esteem and an effect of low self-esteem. It can lead to other self-destroying behaviors as well such as overeating, smoking, drinking, and drugs…all in an attempt to satisfy some need we have to make ourselves feel better in some way, or to dull the pain we are feeling. Ironically, this over-indulgence simply adds to our feelings of depression and worthlessness. We criticize ourselves for being weak and indulging in unhealthy practices. This self-criticism feeds the depression even more. It’s a vicious cycle.
People who are depressed sometimes try to escape… from themselves and from the world. I have a very good friend who used sleeping pills to “escape” from the difficulties she was having in her life. Unfortunately, the situation got worse because she couldn’t or wouldn’t face her realities, Eventually, she was hospitalized. At one point, she wouldn’t even comb her hair. Because she got professional help, today she is a fully functioning executive with a happy personal relationship and two well adjusted children.
If you are caught up in depression, get some therapy right away. Severe depression can develop into self-hate, self-rejection, and a desire to end your own life…possibly even the reality of acting on that desire. This is NOT how you should live. Your life experience should be a wonderful journey…full of joy and excitement. Get professional help now! Do this for yourself so you can get on with being the person you were meant to be…a person with a purpose and passion for living!
Do your have unrealistic expectations of yourself? Are you willing to give those up so you can have a happier and healthier life?
Judi Moreo is an author, speaker, and life coach. She has written 11 books including “You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman’s Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power.” Judi can be reached at judimoreo@yahoo.com