Mental Health Monday

It's been awhile since I've written a Mental Health Monday post. Read at your own risk.

Clinical Depression

I was diagnosed with clinical depression over 10 years ago. My history since then has been like a roller coaster. My current depressive state stretches back to late spring, early summer. Symptoms:  gloomy attitude & general apathy are the 2 main ones. It has taken an unusual amount of time for me to get out from under this current episode. I would attribute that to medication issues & physical health concerns. What distinguishes clinical depression from a case of the "blues" is the chronic nature of clinical depression. Typically, it just doesn't go away, although it varies in degree.

SAD

Lois & I used to note that we reached a real slump toward the end of JAN every year. In hindsight, I think what we experienced was a type of Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a variant of clinical depression. A lack of sunshine, a lack of Vitamin D [according to some sources], going to work in the dark & returning in the dark, being cooped up . . . These are all symptoms. It can be hard to distinguish SAD from the typical gloominess of this time of year. I've never been officially diagnosed w/this condition, but I'm convinced that it is a legitimate condition that could necessitate professional help.

General Anxiety Disorder

I do have a diagnosis of a general anxiety disorder. What distinguishes this condition from typical worries is its chronic nature. Secondly, it's also characterized by obsessive worry, especially about things that we have no control over . . . especially those things that under normal circumstances wouldn't cause us too much mental energy. I have found that the anxiety & depression work hand-in-hand. They feed off each other.

O.C.D.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can accompany depression & anxiety. Extreme cases include symptoms such as obsessive hand-washing; arranging & re-arranging personal items repeatedly, such as the items on one's desk, dresser, etc.; compulsive behaviors, such as following a very specific morning routine, evening routine, eating routines; turning helpful habits, such as exercise, "quiet time," etc., into obsessions that MUST be performed the same way every day, day-in & day-out. It's linked to anxiety because falling back on routines can be a way of dealing w/anxiety. It can be linked to depression when obsessions become so dominant that there's no long any comfort in them.

Mental Health & Physical Health

There is solid research to back-up the link between mental health & physical health, also confirmed by my own experience. Depression can amplify physical complaints, such as feeling more aches & pains than usual. Illness & injury can contribute to a cycle of depression. I was diagnosed w/Influenza A a little over a week ago, & a debilitating symptom has been a sometimes violent cough, which is carving into my sleep. Sleep, or lack of it, enters the equation. A lack of quality sleep contributes to depression. I can't get a good night's sleep, because I'm awakened every night by several episodes of coughing. That creates mental & physical fatigue, which leads to more depression & anxiety. 

Also, chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, severe headaches also become exacerbated by depression--creating more unhealthy "loops" that make it difficult to cope.

Spiritual Health

Our physical & mental health are strongly connected to our spiritual health. If a person doesn't feel right with God, it's hard to feel good about his or her physical & mental well-being. It's important to remember that Jesus loves us regardless of how we feel towards Him. Attending to a daily spiritual health habit helps us strengthen wholeness among our physical & mental health issues. For me a daily quiet time has become hugely significant for my overall health. My quiet time--which I am NOT suggesting is the one right or best way to approach better spiritual health--includes prayer, scripture, devotional reading, & meditation. I try to compartmentalize it into an hour first thing in the morning, lest it become a OCD behavior.

CAVEAT:  Seeking greater spiritual health for the sake of greater mental & physical health is NOT a healthy attitude. Scripture promises amazing blessings when we spend time in Word, prayer, worship, devotion, but the purpose is to let the Lord guide us in our walk here on earth. When I start thinking that my physical & mental health aren't getting better because of something lacking in my spiritual health, I have turned the focus from Christ & His work in me to me & my work on behalf of my relationship w/my Lord & Savior. Does this make sense? [I feel like I better start wrapping thing up, because it seems to me that today's post has become somewhat (very?) rambling.]

Other Healthy Strategies

• Usually, but not always, medication can ease mental illness. However, psychotropic meds are strong stuff & should not be used w/o supervision by a qualified mental health provider. Natural supplements & remedies? Ditto that.
• Diet is hugely under-utilized in the treatment of mental illness. [This is one of my downfalls.] A healthy diet contributes to physical health which contributes to mental health. 
• Exercise is repeated over & over again in the literature re:  strategies for better mental health. Among other things, it can help us cope with anxiety, which in turn helps us cope with depression.
• Therapy. A mental health therapist can be a god-send, as he or she helps guide us to the roots of our depression & anxiety and helps us see options for a healthier lifestyle.
• Service. Speaking from experience, depression can cause a person to become very, very self-centered. It's easy for me to see everything in relationship to ME. By focusing on the needs of others, we can help turn the focus from inward to outward. Those "others" definitely include our spouse, children, grand-children, but can encompass service on behalf of others. For example, volunteering at a rescue mission, food pantry, humanitarian organization, etc., can all have a salutary effect on our hearts & minds.

Today's blog appears to be first of all the act of journaling, which I have consistently found to be helpful in treating my own mental health symptoms. Secondly, you may see yourself in some of what I've written, which may lead you to seek professional help or which may confirm for you some positive steps that you're taking.