Homeschooling Through Depression

     Do you suffer or have suffered with Depression?  This is going to be Part 1 of a 3 Part series on homeschooling though depression.  In Part 1, we'll be talking about what depression is, is not, and how it's diagnosed.  In Part 2 I'll talk about my personal journey with depression.  In Part 3 I'll talk about homeschooling through depression and practical ways that can help.  I, myself, have suffered with depression on and off for many years.  If you suffer with depression it can be hard to describe exactly what is going on, on the inside.  If you have a spouse or good friend who suffers from depression it can be difficult to comprehend why it is they feel the way they do.  There can be frustration because of their seeming inability to not be depressed and there will be suffering on your part.  When one member of a family suffers from depression, the entire family is affected in one way or another.
     I think it's important to talk about what depression is and what it is not.  Let's start with what depression is and how it's diagnosed.  Symptoms of depression include:

~Persistent sad or depressed mood, anxious or "empty  feelings
~Loss of enjoyment in things that were once pleasurable, including sex
~Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism, worthlessness or excessive guilt almost every day
~Irritability, restlessness, anxiety
~Fatigue and decreased energy
~Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
~Major change in weight (gain or loss of more than 5% of weight within a month) due to 
  overeating, or appetite loss
~Insomnia, waking up during the night, or excessive sleeping

~Physical restlessness or sense of being rundown that is noticeable by others

~Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with
   treatment
~Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, suicide plan, or suicide attempt
      
      Sometimes depression can be difficult to diagnose because depression can manifest itself in so many different ways. Depression itself can be a symptom in many medical conditions so it's important to include your doctor and get checked out to make sure there isn't an underlying medical problem. Some people may withdraw and lose interest in many things. Other people may become irritable or even agitated. Eating and sleeping patterns can be out of whack on both ends of the spectrum.  Wanting to sleep all the time or having severe insomnia.  Showing very little interest in eating or eating to excess. 

In order to be diagnosed with depression, you must have at least five of the symptoms listed above with at least one of the first two nearly daily for at least two weeks.

Depression symptoms can last for weeks, months or sometimes even years. The symptoms of depression can affect every facet of a person's life.  It can be difficult for others to understand why you just can't snap out of it.  Depression symptoms can sometimes be so disabling, they can make it very difficult for a person to function in everyday life.  Things people take for granted like showering, eating, getting out of the bed, can feel overwhelming to someone with depression.

Episodes of depression might occur only once in a lifetime or may be recurrent, chronic, or last most of a persons life. Symptoms may appear to be precipitated by stressful life events. At other times, they may seem to occur at random, possibly due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.  Depression can have many different causes.  Genetics, biological, chemical, hormonal, environmental, psychological, and social factors all can contribute to depression.

     What depression is not.  Depression is not a person's fault.  No one chooses to become depressed and stay depressed.  Some individuals may not even realize they are as depressed as they really are.  Often, it's the ones around us who love us, that notice changes in us.  Listen to them.  The most important thing you can do if you are depressed is get help.  Talk to your doctor, priest, sibling, parent, spouse, trusted friend, or counselor.  Don't be embarrassed, and don't wait for the symptoms to just go away on their own.  Depression is treatable.  There are natural treatments such as acupuncture and herbs.  Medication and counseling are a good combination.  Treatment won't look the same for everyone because God had made each of us and our circumstances unique.   

     I suggest watching this short 4 minute video about depression.  It is very expressive of what many with depression go through.  May the peace of Christ be with you on your journey.  

Prayer for those suffering in depression

 O Christ Jesus,
when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You,
we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.

By Saint Ignatius of Loyola