Am I Really Depressed – Or Is It Something Else?

Depression, according to the DSM-IV major depressive disorders, is diagnosed when an individual experiences at least five of the following symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks: 

• Depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Significant weight loss or gain (when not dieting) or changes in appetite
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation. 

So, Am I Really Depressed? 

This is what we call clinical depression. If you aren’t experiencing the above, you are not depressed. Let’s take that word “depressed” off the table. Let’s call it something else that really reflects how you are feeling. How about disappointment? Disappointment is too often the right word to describe all that is going wrong in your life.

Changes in family, housing, finances, reaching retirement, health issues, and more can stress you out and leave you feeling empty. When it’s disappointment that has you down, you don’t need medications. You need to get up, get out, and just groove. Snap out of it. Things happen, and you need to keep on moving and grooving. You are now your age, things are where they are, just accept it. Let go and live the most abundant life imaginable.

What to Do Now That I Know I Am Disappointed?

There are several things you can do to get yourself out of that disappointment rut.

Limit Stressors

For starters, stop listening to depressing media messages via social media, television, emails, text messages, and family/friends. Learn to say NO to keep yourself sane.

Exercise to Clear Your Head

Exercise is another way to deal with disappointment. I have always been a woman of daily exercise, and I mean the most aggressive exercise I could engage in. That is me. I’ve always had this strength to the point of being labeled “tomboy.”

I continue to exercise daily even at my current age of 64. This gives me mental and physical strength to keep on grooving.

Spiritual Woman

However, the most important tool in my arsenal is prayer. Personally, I like to go back to who I am as a spiritual woman, and that energy and spirit take over, and I know others will see it. How can I show others that I am a Christian woman if I’m going around looking and acting “disappointed in life”?

Embrace Life Changes

As I started aging and my hair was turning gray, my sons wanted me to embrace it. I thought I’d give it a try. With that came a change in my style, too.

I cleaned out my closet to start over.

I’m not huge on shopping, but I like going to thrift stores. I find great buys with brand names, too! From past experience, I knew which shops had the best clothing and shoes. And so, my style has evolved into whatever I found at the stores that would fit me and look good. I found that most of the best clothing was in the larger sizes (my size). Though it’s difficult to find stylish clothes in regular shops, the Lord blesses me with a bounty every time I go thrift shopping. It makes me elated to get lots of items for shortchange, and it lifts my spirit. 

I had never had a wardrobe completely furnished from thrift stores in my life. Now I own several belts, scarves, jewelry, shoes, hats, and I like how good I feel in this new style I have created for myself.

So, you see, depression is a serious mental issue, but if disappointment is what you’re dealing with, you have many more options. Do you need help getting started on your journey? Start by taking the first step. I am here to help you. 

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you been diagnosed with clinical depression? Do you think your issue may be disappointment – in life, relationships, etc.? What will you do to get your act together and cut off the spiral of disappointment?