Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Loss of energy or increased fatigue

• Feeling worthless or constant guilt

• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions

• Thoughts of death or suicide

** Keep in mind, medical conditions (e.g., thyroid problems, a brain tumor or vitamin deficiency) can mimic symptoms of depression so it is important to rule out general medical causes.

Let’s Make it Personal….

Depression is common amongst us all. We can all say that there is at least one person within our family that has endured the oppression of Depression. If not on our selves we have witnessed depression expressed in others. Maybe just reading the above list, made you wonder, “Do I have depression?” This information is not meant to bring you to the rabbit hole of diagnosing yourself, leave that to a trained professional, (Like ME :D) I have struggled with depression in my early 20’s. I believe strongly on generational patterns, cycles and strongholds. That was present in my life, 2 generations filled with woman who have suffered from depression. That knowledge did something for me; ignorance is not bliss. There is something about knowing the family history that empowered me to understand that this beast of depression that I was fighting, was not a personal battle, rather a generational struggle. I was not exempt from feeling the despair that I once saw over my family. When my aunt was on the bathroom floor weeping from a mental state of depression. Seeing her in this season was hard for me to understand as a child, it all made sense when I was in my own experience of weeping and sorrow from low self esteem and worth. How did you make it through? Well… just like it takes a village to raise a child, it took a village and diverse from of modalities to find my freedom and healing and regain my power back. I immersed myself in understanding how depression was manifested in me and the root cause of those thoughts. I put on my construction hat and gloves, picked up my shovel and began to dig into the inner parts to understand, WHY? Why was I experiencing depression, my faith was my strong tower and what allowed me to persevere to push through the dark cave that encapsulated my soul. I share so that you can walk away reading this believing or at least having just a mustard seed of hope that YOU also can make it through. You are not alone, you can do it, and community will be your greatest gas station to refuel you when you are discouraged. Healing is awaiting you, will you take hold of it?

Tips:

• Sit in Gratitude for 3-5 minutes/Daily

• Get outside of your home/room & allow the sun rays to hit your skin

• Reach out to your lifeline when the darkness feels unbearable (family, friends, therapist, mentor etc.)

• Avoid Isolation

• Challenge yourself to keep up with hygiene in your low moments

• Journal, Prayer & Self Reflection