A New Perspective on Depression

Life… right?! We have ups and downs; we grieve when we lose a loved one; our hearts hurt when a relationship doesn’t work out as we hoped; we become disappointed with ourselves and others when things don't go as planned. However, through emotional trauma, physical ailments, spiritual disconnection and so on, we are expected to function, almost robotically through life with a smile on our faces.

Women especially have this expectation of ourselves, because we are caregivers, parents, business owners, employees, and the carriers of the world. There is so much weight put in our shoulders that it is no wonder that women represent 4 out of 5 people suffering with depression.

Symptoms of depression can include: Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions Fatigue Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness Pessimism and hopelessness Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much Irritability Restlessness Loss of interest in things once pleasurable, including sex Overeating, or appetite loss Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won't go away Digestive problems that don't get better, even with treatment Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Depression does not make you weak. On the contrary, because you are still pushing forward, you are quite strong. Let’s look at depression from a different perspective - a Spiritual perspective:

How many of us were taught about the GOD inside of us? How many of us have been taught how to explore the inner depths of ourselves to find out who we are? How many of us were taught that we owe it to ourselves to become every aspect of the person we are so that we can fill the space that GOD for us? In most families, communities, churches, organizations, schools, jobs - we are taught to conform to the expectations and requirements those groups set as “standard”. If we are different, we are picked on, ridiculed, shamed. But the reality is, we are not created to be the same! You are different - beautifully different from the next person, even if that person is your sibling or parent. AND THIS IS GOOD!!

However, when we feel that we must fit into molds to appease others, we tend to experience suppression, oppression, and depression. Suppression says to hide who you are because it doesn’t work for the set standards; oppression says follow directions, only become what is allowable; and depression is the result of hiding yourself, being contained, being held back, denying Self, forgetting who you are, allowing others to govern you. You begin to feel like you’re dying inside because the real you is being suffocated daily. Your Spirit wants freedom, wants a chance to blossom and develop all the talents you possess, but you deny yourself the opportunity because the inner you does not fit the mold.

I hope in this very moment you can look inside of yourself and see the gift to this world that you are; that you stop hiding the phenomenal human being that is waiting, fighting to be released! You deserve to be ALL of You! Not just the parts that people like, but even the parts that they have not yet encountered. Remember, people are talking about you right now as you are trying to fit into a small space that you have long outgrown. Their opinions have nothing to do with you. Allow their words to have no effect on your pursuit of YOU - because you Deserve to Live and be as Big and Grand as is in you to be! No more holding back and hiding! Push depression back by allowing your Spirit to take charge. Feed your Spirit through prayer, meditation, seeking GOD, finding and Loving Self, accepting your many gifts and developing them. You owe this to yourself.

As the song says “Free Yourself and the rest will follow”.

Important note: If need help with depression or any other mental health challenges, reach out to a professional. If you are not sure where to turn, post here and I will help you find somewhere/someone who can help. You are too valuable to this world to not receive the help you need. If you need immediate assistance please Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at Call 1-800-273-8255.

May Love, Blessings & Peace ever be yours…

That Girl Ambassador/Guest Editor, Raquel Newton