What is A Functioning Depressive?

On the surface so many people are living their lives as a "functioning depressive". Their reality can be mundane, exhausting, with weight loss, claustrophobia, anxiety, low self-esteem and a general feeling of being heavy-hearted. Many people go through their lives functioning at this level and never question "is this normal?". On the outside you appear fine but inside you can be in turmoil. This is called sub-clinical depression which is when you're not quite depressed enough to be diagnosed however you are below the level which is considered normal. You can feel surreal, outside of things, lethargic and exhausted. You do not need to be crying constantly to have depression nor do you feel like you are leading a normal life.

So many people put up with these feelings and continue to live a relatively normal life with "functioning depression". People who are suffering from this usually experience sleep problems, physical aches and pains associated with stress, headaches, back problems and low confidence levels. Depression has many different sysptoms and for some, they are hard to recognize. A functioning depressive can be confused about the symptoms and don't recognize the signs for what they really are. This is a very big problem indeed so here are symptoms that you need to look out for:

* Energy levels - are you constantly tired, fatigued, feel that everything is an effort and have a lack of concentration. Are you forgetful or indecisive? Is you thinking slower than it used to be?

* Feelings - Do you feel sad regularly, are you bored no matter what life has to offer, are you anxious or low all the time. Have you lost your interest in food, sex, work and do you feel like your life is always dull? Have you a reduced sense of self-worth or a feeling of guilt?

* Sleep & Thoughts - Do you have a problem getting a full night's sleep, do you wake during the night, oversleep or have trouble going to sleep? Do you ever feel like life is not worth living or have any suicidal thoughts?

If you honestly answer the above and find that you may be in this category then you have to seek help immediately. Stop and think. Do you really want to continue with these episodes in your life? Do you want to feel emotionally numb? Do you want to be low in self-esteem and not getting a good night's sleep? You must realize that you need a little help and turn your life around. Here are a few other people that you can call:

- Your Doctor:

This should be your first step as they are trained in diagnosing depression and can refer you for further help, if needed. If you find out that you are depressed, there are various different treatments available to you which include medication, therapies, CCBT, psychotherapy and counselling.

- Meetings:

After you have been diagnosed then it may help to talk to others who are going through the same experience as you. You should never feel a stigma attached to you if you have depression as one in five people suffer from this debilitating illness. It is like having a broken arm....would you be embarassed with that? I doubt it. However, depression is the same thing just it cant be seen.

- Counsellors:

A counselling session can really open your eyes an dmake brilliant changes to the way you see yourself. This experience will give you a new outlook on your life and will be an eye-opener for you. You may have started out your depression by suffering from a loss, a trauma, abuse or just through stress and a fast paced life. Whatever, it is time to stand up and defeat this illness and take back the life you want to live. You will be amazed at the changes that you can make for yourself, all you need is a little helping hand.

HOW TO HELP YOURSELF:

Exercise up to 30 minutes a day. This can include a gentle walk, cycling or jogging. Diet is also a very important factor in emotional health and vitamins B12 and folic acid can add to depression.

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