Why do I get sadder and sadder?

Because the world (humankind) is not a nice place. It is not ideal in its structure and societies.

God's way is better and when his son Jesus returns possibly soon it will be much different than the world has ever known. This is a promise from God him self.

(Isa 55:8) For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

(Eze 18:25) Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

When I go out side I find a peace also. Why? Because the largest cathedral is his universe above us especially when the stars are out. Oh such beauty it is to behold. O thank you dear Holy Father for such Peace and Beauty. In Jesus' name, Amen

Because the news is very depressing, and the majority of it focuses on the negative (diseases, war, murder, etc). In journalism tragedy sells, especially bad things that happen on the other side of the world, and the goal of the media is to bring those events into the homes of people. What we take in through our eyes impacts the brain, and the chemicals in your brain can generate sad emotions.

Also our environment has to do a lot with our emotions. If you go outside and the sun is shining, and the birds are singing, and the fresh wind is blowing, these things actually affect our senses and the chemicals in our brains in a positive way.

If you notice that the news is making you feel sad, keep being informed to a minimum. Don't let it overwhelm you. But if you notice that this sadness is prolonged (lasting 2 weeks or more) you may suffer from depression, whether temporary or moderate. As someone who suffers from depression, to keep my spirits lifted, I have to be careful of watching the news.

Pack some easy to make food & your camping gear, drive out of town, find some bushland, pitch the tent and stay there for the week.

If someone you know likes camping take them with you, if you could do it, do it alone!

You'd be amazed what the great outdoors can do to a person after a week, with no other distractions apart from the early swalks from the birds as the sunrises.

Please know what your doing and tell someone where you'll be. Try not to take any electronic device apart from your mobile phone that must be put on NO INCOMING CALLS.

Sit back, clear your mind, and you'll start to feel incredibly better

Most people getting sadder n' sadder when he/she was alone, especially in the home. You experienced this because since you are reading- reading a problematic books, novels etc. and watching a dramatic movies. Thats all i can say why people getting sadder n' sadder.

Try the humor section at the library. Sounds to me that all the worldly events have too much bearing on your world. Outside it's open, peaceful and endless. Enjoy the open air and your own thoughts they are allot more trusting and manageable.

Maybe you just don't like the way you feel like you're in a cage when you're inside and you need lots of space to feel comfortable. Also, watching the news is very depressing nowadays so I would watch it sparingly.

it happens to all of us.

for me it works that way especially when i watch it around morning and night. so i dont watch the news anymore. if you live life without the news, then youll relize life goes on and you could live a much happier and healthier one without it.

maybe you care too much of what's happening in the world, and if you feel better when you go outside, then that means you're spening too much time looking at the media

You must not have been drinking beer.

Depression is a common condition, 15% of the population will suffer from clinical depression at some point in their lives.

Everybody has periods where they feel low, or down. These are normal emotions, and appropriate after bad news, bereavement and so forth. However, depression – the illness, is persistent, and help is required to recover. The difference with depression is when the unhappiness is without cause, or lasts much longer and is out of proportion to circumstances, or seems beyond the sufferers personal control to manage.

Depression affects people differently. Some are mildly affected – often known as dysthymia, and manage to function despite their condition. Others may be severely depressed and find it very difficult to carry out even the most basic tasks., such as washing and dressing.

There are also different types of depression, such as the episodes of depression, followed by elation in manic depression (bipolar affective disorder, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and PND (post natal depression).

Spike Milligan and Winston Churchill were two famous manic depressives. Depression is not selective of class, status or upbringing.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms are many, varied and not all sufferers will exhibit the same problems. They may include:

Continual low mood

Feeling of inadequacy

Feeling “tearful” and “emotional”

Irritability

Anger / aggression

Anxiety

Lack of motivation

Lack of social interest

Poor personal care

Irrational / guilty thoughts

Feeling of hopelessness

Suicidal thoughts

Tired all the time

Loss of appetite / weight

Comfort eating

Inability to sleep

Disturbed sleep

Loss of concentration

Sleeping too much / not waking refreshed

Loss of libido

Avoiding people / social situations

Lack of energy

Feeling physically ill

Extreme lethargy

Bleak and pessimistic view of the future

N.B. Anxiety and depression are closely linked. Anxiety can cause depression, and depression can cause anxiety.

SO WHY DO I FEEL LIKE THIS?

Depression is a complex illness, and can occur for several reasons.

In a person suffering from depression, levels of neuro-transmitters are lowered. One of these is serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5HT).

It can be triggered as a result of a number of causes:

Social Circumstances

Unemployment, divorce or break down of relationship, bereavement, redundancy, sudden/dramatic change to personal circumstances

Physical Conditions

Glandular fever, influenza, anaemia, diseases such as multiple sclerosis, severe arthritis, and treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy, resulting in PND – about 10% of all women experience significant PND. Depression presents more commonly in women (this may also be because men are more reluctant to visit their doctor)

Psychological Conditions

Sufferers of anxiety may also find they develop depression. Unresolved psychological issues also contribute. About 60% of people suffering chronically with anxiety and panic will also develop associated depression.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Each sufferer is an individual, and treatments vary. Many people combine treatments for optimum effect, i.e. medication and counselling. The preferred choice at present is SSRI’s along with CBT. The medication is to lift the mood enough to be able to take on board and learn skills needed to overcome the condition long term.

The first step is to visit your GP. They can confirm your diagnosis and ensure your depression does not have a physical cause. You must be prepared to be honest with yourself and your GP. If you have some unresolved issues, medication alone will not provide a cure, and your GP can recommend you for some form of therapy.

Therapy

This may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or counselling. All health authorities have a Community Mental Health Team, who will be able to select and provide appropriate treatment upon your referral by your GP. If you really feel you need it, do not be afraid to request a referral.

Medication

There are several different types of anti-depressants. You are likely to be offered one of the following types:

SSRI – (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), the most known household brand name being Prozac (fluoxetine) but now include a whole stable of closely related medicines

Tricyclic antidepressants

MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)

Moclobemide

Different people respond better to different drugs, and different categories of depression respond better to different drugs to, so there may be a degree of trial and error before you find the right one for you. There is no universal wonder drug, and what worked for your friend may not be beneficial to you.

Before you go to your GP, you may like to make a list of lifestyle considerations to discuss the most suitable medication. For example, if you lead a busy life, or drive for a living, a drug which makes you drowsy may not suit, where if you have problems sleeping at night it may be beneficial.

There are several sites on the internet which explain in detail each type of medication, and their possible side effects.

Anti-depressants are not addictive. However, you may suffer withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly. Any withdrawal should be gradual and under medical supervision.

Alternative Medicine

St Johns Wort is a herbal remedy, which has a similar effect to SSRI’s and is commonly used in the treatment of depression. Do research this carefully before starting yourself on this. It can be very effective but can also have some severe interactions with medication you may be taking for other medical conditions so if you are on any other prescribed medication at all please do not take this without taking specialist advice.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS

ALL medicines have the potential to cause side effects, some of which may be unpleasant. Most side effects only occur during the first few weeks of starting to take the medication, and then disappear. If you are taking the medication and have panic or anxiety – it is not uncommon for this to get worse for a few weeks before the benefit is felt. It can be helpful in these circumstances to drop your dose and gradually increase it.

However, many people take these medicines without experiencing any side-effects.

You should also ensure you tell your doctor about any medicines you use regularly. Some medications can react with each other, for example, St Johns Wort can effect the efficiency of the contraceptive pill, and decongestants shouldn’t be used with MAOI and tricyclic anti-depressants. With the MAOI family, there are also some important food restrictions too. Your GP may need to review they way you self medicate certain conditions.

SELF HELP

Sufferers can also do a lot to help themselves, by taking positive action to help improve their lives.

Diet

Ensure you eat a healthy nutritionally balanced diet, including plenty of water, fresh fruit and vegetables, and wholegrains and pulses.

Exercise

Exercise as regularly as possible, be it a brisk walk to the shops or round the park, a swim or joining the gym.

Reduce / Cut Down on Stimulants

Review alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and any “recreational” drugs taken. Stop or limit your intake. Swap tea / coffee for water, green, black or herbal teas. Set yourself limits and stick to them. You may choose to allow yourself two glasses of wine at a family celebration. Stick to your limit, and consider swapping wine for wine spritzer to make your drinks last longer

Relax

Sign up for yoga, Tai’chi or pilates. Buy a relaxation CD. Go for a massage. Indulge in a bubble bath.

Change the Pace

Do you need to do everything you do in your life? Do you need to do it when you do it? If not, slow the pace of your life down a little. Consider taking a short holiday.

Remove Stressors

Whilst it is never a good idea to make major lifestyle changes whilst suffering from depression, review your life with a view to reducing stress. If you have relationship problems, discuss them with your partner, visit Relate. If you have problems at work, discuss them with human resources or your manager.

Some stressors can be minor, but putting them off can cause unnecessary aggravation. These may be little things, like a car interior that needs cleaning, or a wardrobe that needs tidying. Find the time to deal with any issues that “bug” you, however small.

Keep Your Mind Occupied

Read a book, watch a film, phone a friend. Try not to simply “sit and dwell”. Take up a new hobby.

Keep a Mood Diary

Note how you feel each day, what stressors are present, what activities you’ve done, what you’ve eaten and drunk. Monitor for any patterns

Don’t Bottle It Up

Don’t keep your feelings to yourself. Explain to your close family and friends what you are experiencing. If necessary, educate them about your illness and treatment. Avoid people who tell you to pull yourself together, or to just get on with it! You have an illness, and cannot help the way you feel.

Rediscovery

Write down all the things that usually give you pleasure. These can be hobbies or experiences – reading, embroidery, playing squash, ice skating, trying out new recipes. Make time to read a book, sew a sampler, book a squash court

Create a Self Help Folder

Keep any information you find useful filed together, and use it for reference. This can include articles, journals, magazine cuttings, or even quotes or pictures that make you smile.

AND ABOVE ALL – STAY POSITIVE

Remember that depression is a treatable illness from which sufferers make a full recovery. Do not set any false time scales for recovery. Everybody is different. SSRIs can take 2 – 3 weeks before any benefit is felt. Medication may need to be continued from 6 months up to 2 years. Do not expect an immediate recovery once you have started treatment.

Some sufferers find that they may experience another period of depression at some point in their lives. This is quite common, and should not cause concern. It is very likely that you will notice the signs much sooner should it occur again, and can take appropriate action.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more detailed information about depression, it’s causes and treatment, contact:

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

www.rcpsych.ac.uk

www.medinfo.co.uk

www.sane.org.uk

www.depressionalliance.org

www.samaritans.org.uk

www.mind.org.uk