RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Depression is a feeling of sadness. This feeling of sadness sometimes feels like it will never end. With illnesses there are many emotional changes. Your ability to talk, move or take care of yourself may have changed. The way you live your life as a patient or caregiver may also change during the course of an illness. Depression is a normal reaction to these changes and feeling of loss. The loss experienced may be the loss of a significant person or thing, loss of ability to do things you like to do, loss of self worth, or loss of hope.

Signs of Depression

Some of the signs of depression may include:

Over powering feelings of sadness
Feelings of hopelessness
Feelings of worthlessness
Irritability
Not wanting to be with friends and family
Feeling tired
Decreased interest in activities
Thoughts of death
Changes in eating habits (eating too little or too much)
Difficulty thinking or remembering things
Changes in sleeping habits (sleeping too little or too much) crying
Feeling that small tasks seem hard to do
What you can do:

These suggestions may help to decrease some feelings of depression.

Remember that it is normal to feel depressed when you have an illness or when you are caring for someone who is ill.
Talk about your feelings. Talking to your spouse, partner, friends and health care professional can help decrease feeling of sadness.?
Try to stay involved. Keep in touch with friends by phone or writing letters if you are able. Have a volunteer write for you if you are not able. Invite family and friends to visit when possible.
Find new ways to enjoy your favorite activities.
Remain active in making your own choices and decisions about your care.
Write down thoughts and feelings. Writing in a journal helps release feelings of sadness. If you have difficulty writing, speak into a tape recorder or ask someone to write for you.
Make a list of things you want to do. Break the list into small jobs. Ask friends to help. Celebrate small progress.
Let the sun shine in. Enjoy sunny days when possible.
Surround yourself with things that feel good. For example, if you enjoy gardening, put flowers in your home. If you love to read, put those books you enjoyed or always wanted to read around you. Read or have someone else read to you. Take time to rest. Practice being kind to yourself.
If sadness gets worse, talk to your doctor or other health care professional Medications to relieve depression may be helpful.