Part II of Depression and Anxiety; What are they? How can they be recognized? What can be done to help?

Considerations:

(Here I would like to interject that it is very important to really consider these things. Everyone is different.)

Individuals differ in how they respond to the helping efforts of others. The help that is given may need to vary according to the individual abilities and circumstances of each person. A caution would be to not expect everyone to readily respond to helping efforts.

When to seek medical help: Sever or suicidal depression or anxiety. Significant physical symptoms, such as insomnia, fatigue and pain syndromes. Other chronic medical problems. Bipolar disorder. Or patient preference.

Alright, this next part helped me a lot. When I went to this seminar I was unsure if I was actually experiencing depression the illness or if I was just sad or overly-stressed. By the way, I think it's important to note, even if it's just for myself, that I'm experiencing anxiety at this very moment. I have an uncomfortable feeling in my chest like it's tight. This is scary stuff to share with some total strangers and some friends. This goes soul deep...and it's scary. But my desire to be of help to others is still out-weighing the anxiety.

Man, I'm having problems getting the chart on here.

I'm so sorry that it's fuzzy but it will have to do. Anyhow, I came to a self-diagnosis via these charts. I figured I had Moderate depression because I knew that my symptoms persisted for weeks and months and that it has been like this for years. I can still function, but it's hard. Like the chart says, I get by. I also recognized that I view myself negatively (though I have known this for some time), that I felt helpless and often hopeless. Actually, I still feel those things.

Okay, onward with the rest of the information I want to share.

Tips for helping people with depression:

-Be patient. Remission may take several weeks or even months. Progress is measured in steps, not in leaps and bounds.

-Extend appropriate opportunities to serve without overwhelming.

-Listening may fix more problems than trying to fix problems. People may know what needs to be done but need help doing it.

Tips for helping people with anxiety:

-Be aware of triggers for anxiety (such as public speaking)

-Use their talents in smaller group situations

-Capitalize on their strengths

-Recognize success

These are all basic tips, again, it's really important to understand that everyone is different. For instance, public speaking doesn't trigger my anxiety. I haven't figured out what causes it, yet. I just wake up most days feeling axious and nervous...I'm still working on that.