Let’s face it, life is not always easy, and for some people, 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 even lead to overindulgence in food, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or sex 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 overindulgence simply adds to our feelings of 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 knew a young woman some years ago who used sleeping pills to “escape” from the difficulties she was having. Her situation became worse because she couldn’t or wouldn’t face her realities. Eventually, she had to be 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 adult 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, so you can get back to yourself, the self you know you can be . . . a person with a purpose and passion for living.
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