Depression can be associated with the holidays and seasons of the year. Depression seems to be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes it hard for the cells to communicate with one another. Depression can be linked to genetics, to the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, and difficulty in school. Symptoms of depression include:

• Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
• A dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and inappropriate guilt
• Extreme difficulty concentrating
• Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
• Inactivity and withdrawal from usual activities
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Depression in children may not have the classic symptoms of adult depression. Watch especially for changes in school performance, sleep, and behavior. Whatever its cause, depression is not just a state of mind. It is related to physical changes in the brain, and connected to an imbalance of a type of chemical that carries signals to the brain and nerves. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. It is important to make an appointment with a pastor, and or physician as soon as symptoms are noted for early treatment interventions. The sooner treatment is started, the sooner the depression will lift.

We have excellent resources for treatment here in Salina, and others are the National Institute of Mental Health 888-8-269-4389, American Psychiatric Association 888-357-7924, and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline @ 800-2738255.

It is helpful to find someone to help assess the problem, and then look @ the persons strengths. If God brings you to it, he will get you through it.

An attentive ear, and observant eye, the Lord made them both. Proverbs 20:12

Velma