Chris Beam, LPC
As we press on through the current COVID-19 situation, it can be easy to feel isolated, bored, frustrated, or without purpose. The usual “rut” may have been replaced by an even more overwhelming rut that is affecting us. You may start to wonder just how much this pandemic and its effects are affecting you.
Sometimes depression hits hard like you’ve fallen into a deep dark hole. At other times, it may seem like a gradual decline into the darkness and you’re not even sure how you got there or how long you’ve been there. Either way, identifying the symptoms of depression may help you understand better what is happening.
Depression can affect us on many different levels. Some of the symptoms may be physical: your sleep may be affected, you may find yourself sleeping a lot more than usual or you may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. You may experience a decrease or increase in appetite. You may feel sluggish or tired. For severe depression, your body may have aches and pains not otherwise accounted for. You may experience cognitive or mental symptoms of difficulty focusing or staying on task, forgetfulness, difficulty making decisions, easily distracted, or your thoughts just don’t seem clear. Relationally you may be avoiding people or isolating yourself, you may find yourself not feeling connected or supported by others. Spiritually, you may question why this is happening, why this is happening to you, why is it not getting better, and where is God in the middle of all of this. You may feel alone and abandoned by God. Emotionally, there may be feelings of depression, grief, anger, loss, mistreatment, loneliness, fear, or failure. Feeling irritable, impatient, or defeated may be strong emotions you experience and you may not even recognize the feelings could be symptoms of depression.
If you have experienced some combination of these symptoms and they seem to be persistent, seek out your pastor or a trained professional. Take a step to find help.
The Samaritan Counseling Center of Southwest Georgia is located in Bainbridge, GA and is currently conducting tele-therapy for all of their clients. For more information, you can contact the Center at 229-243-1633.
Situational depression is difficult, but it can be overcome. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for professional help and also for emotional help and support from people in your life while you work through it.