Are you tired of feeling blue? Do you sometimes feel as though you are never going to come out of the funk you are in? Feeling blue is a completely normal emotion. We all have bad days; however if those days turn into weeks and then months, you should consider speaking to someone about your mental health.
I almost waited too long before speaking up. In today’s blog, I want to share some of the warning signs that I missed. Perhaps you may find something helpful in your daily walk or perhaps this may help you in observing a concerning behavior depicted by one of your loved ones.
Sadness Can Typically Be Attributable
Though this may sound cliche, when someone is experiencing the blues, that feeling did come out of the blue. There is usually some event that has occurred recently or even in the distant past which has caused the sadness. Here are a few examples:
- a promising job opportunity falls through
- the loss of a loved one, or a pet
- betrayal by a friend or loved one
- general frustration with how your life is progressing
It may take some time to determine the cause of your sadness. However, once discovered, you should be able to take the necessary actions to rectify the situation. Try looking for a different job or go back to school to better your situation. Or perhaps you need to forgive the person who has done you wrong as mentioned in Ephesians.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32
But keep in mind, if the blue feeling continues for a longer period of time, please seek out help. Do not write it off as something that will go away with time.
Depression May Lead to Suicidal Thoughts
Although suicidal thoughts are not common among those with depression, they are not entirely uncommon either. Even if someone does not wish to die, a person with mental health issues may still feel like hurting themselves physically in hopes the feelings will pass. However, while sadness can make you feel blue for a couple of days, most people will not have suicidal thoughts while they are processing through the sadness. If you have thoughts of self-harm or you have acted upon those thoughts, please seek professional help from your doctor.
Sadness Generally Does Not Affect Your Daily Life
Feeling sad may make you want to stay home and in some cases that could be healthy – such as in times of grieving for a lost loved one. During those times, most people just want to be left alone while they process what has just transpired. On the contrary, when someone is battling depression, being left alone is likely the worse thing one could do. I beg of you, please, before it is too late, seek help. Do not suffer alone the way I did for 38 years.
Sadness Generally Resolves Itself with Time
Got the blues? Usually, you can feel better by changing your surroundings; getting away. When you feel sad, you can often raise your spirits by spending time with friends, watching TV or reading a book, or perhaps getting involved in some hobby. Anything really to get your mind quickly off whatever is causing your sadness. However, no matter what you try, depression is not likely to just go away over time. So if you notice someone going away by themselves often, please check on them. The worst times for me were when I was alone in my thoughts.
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If you made it this far, please consider commenting below, subscribing, and also sharing on your social media sites. Most importantly, I ask for your prayers. I write this weekly blog as an outlet in my fight against depression. However, my hope is that something I write here may help others who may be struggling. If you would like to help with my battle against depression, check out my online Etsy store and affiliate links. Most proceeds are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by dialing 988. You may also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.