Depression see also Neurasthenia Psychosomatic and Holistic Meaning and Interpretation

Neurasthenia is characterized by extreme physical and psychological fatigue. Symptoms include difficulty making decisions, confusion, digestive problems, physical pain, heightened emotional sensitivity, and profound weakness. Neurasthenia shares similarities with depression, often leading to isolation and negative thoughts. This condition is fueled by a negative attitude. Instead of focusing on what isn't going well in life, it's essential to practice gratitude for one's blessings. Self-empowerment, setting goals, and acknowledging one's potential can usher in more joy and happiness.

This description primarily addresses individuals experiencing PSYCHOTHETIC DEPRESSION, not those facing occasional depressive moments or reactions to challenging events. For the latter, descriptions of agoraphobia, anxiety, or anguish may be more relevant.

Depression is characterized by a loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities, accompanied by feelings of despair or despondency, fatigue, reduced energy, decreased concentration, indifference, disinterest, discouragement, withdrawal, and mental rumination. Typically, individuals experiencing depression may resist seeking help and prefer others to initiate change. Sleep disturbances are common, even with the aid of sleeping pills. They often speak sparingly and exhibit a tendency to retreat from the world, and in severe cases, may contemplate suicide. Depression is sometimes confused with burnout; distinctions are detailed in the description of burnout.

Depression serves as a way to evade emotional pressure, especially intense emotional pressure. The individual reaches a point where they can no longer cope. Based on my observations, those with depressive tendencies often harbor unresolved conflicts with a parent of the opposite gender. Consequently, they may unconsciously project these unresolved feelings onto their spouse, creating a transference. What the depressed person makes their partner feel mirrors what they may have wanted to do to their parent but refrained from. By rejecting help, the depressed individual continues to nourish resentment or anger towards that parent, sinking deeper into their emotional pain.

The severity of the depressive state reflects the intensity of the childhood wound. Common wounds include rejection, abandonment, humiliation, betrayal, or injustice. To induce such profound mental imbalance as depression or manic-depressive psychosis, these wounds had to be experienced in isolation. The person had no one to confide in during childhood, no one to address their questions and anxieties. Consequently, they did not learn to trust others, stifled their desires, and withdrew inward, while their feelings of resentment or anger grew.

Typically, individuals suffering from depression are reluctant to seek help or help themselves, prompting those around them to intervene. If you are among those trying to assist, it's vital to be firm and convey that no one else can provide lasting help except the individual themselves.

The key is for the depressed person to acknowledge that their depressive state is a response to the profound pain endured by their BEING during childhood. They must release resistance to what IS. Rejection or fear of rejection is the most common wound. The individual must recognize that even if they experienced rejection in childhood, it does not necessarily imply their parent did not love them. The parent who rejected their child may have themselves been rejected as children and still struggle with self-rejection. Developing compassion and forgiveness towards that parent marks the beginning of the healing process.

The most critical step is self-forgiveness for having loved that parent so deeply. The only remaining task is to communicate their feelings to that parent without accusations (see the stages of forgiveness at the end of this book). It's natural for children to harbor resentment or anger and suffer intensely in isolation. Additionally, the individual should resolve to recognize their own worth. If self-recognition is challenging, they can seek insights from those who know them well.

If the depressed person experiences suicidal thoughts, it may indicate a desire to let go of the old and make space for the new. However, they may mistake this inner urge for a desire to end their own existence.

Depression reflects deep inner sadness and the accumulation of suppressed emotions, creating a conflict between the body and mind. It is often linked to significant life events. Depression manifests as devaluation and guilt that erode self-esteem. In a state of depression, I feel miserable, worthless, and live predominantly in the past, struggling to engage with the present or envision a future. It signifies an inner imbalance, perhaps with a chemical or hormonal component, where my individuality is obscured. I feel confined within my space and slowly lose the zest for life, the essence of my existence. I perceive myself as useless. In other words, depression is rooted in a situation concerning my territory—what belongs to my vital space. This territory includes people (parents, children, friends), animals (pets), and objects (work, home, belongings). The conflict I experience may relate to an element within my territory that I fear losing or to conflicts occurring within my territory, such as sibling rivalries.

Expressions that reveal my emotional state may include: "You're suffocating me!" or "You're draining my energy!" Sometimes, I may struggle to establish boundaries within my space and feel permeable to my surroundings, resulting in a sensation of limitation and invasion. Consequently, I surrender because I find the burden overwhelming, lose the joy of living, and feel guilty for who I am. I may even incline towards self-destructive tendencies or seek attention from others as an unconscious means of manipulating my environment. Laughter becomes scarce.

Regardless of the reason, I must now delve into the underlying causes of my depression. Did I experience intense pressure during childhood? What significant events from my early years make my life seem insignificant? Is it the loss of a loved one, the purpose of my life, or the direction I can no longer discern? Escaping reality and evading responsibilities, even in the form of suicide, is futile. Instead, I must confront the responsibilities in my life because overcoming depression necessitates addressing its root causes. I recognize that I am a unique being with exceptional inner values. I possess the capability to regain control over my life, and the choice to either surrender or fight lies within me. I have the tools needed to shape my destiny. Embracing responsibility grants me greater freedom and the rewards of my efforts.

Melancholia is a profound state of sadness, often accompanied by guilt and severe depression, which can impact physical movements. This condition leads to dissatisfaction, contrariness, and a lack of joy, making one feel trapped in a never-ending cycle. Affirm: "I affirm that joy resides within me." Set achievable goals to rediscover this inner energy, dispel sadness, and invite more joy and satisfaction into your life.

Refer to "eyes (in general)," adding that the person perceives reality as excessively offensive, seeing life through a bleak lens.

When I find myself saying that I'm becoming bored or feeling dull, it's an indication that I'm not fully utilizing my strengths and potential. Why do I constantly seek the company of others for stimulation? Boredom is closely linked to melancholy, and if left unaddressed, it can lead to a state of nervous depression. Melancholy often stems from a sense of lack or emptiness in my life. Recognizing this state is the first step. I should allow my higher self to guide me, as all the resources I need are within me. Listening to my inner voice and engaging in practices like meditation and energetic treatments can be beneficial. I possess the capacity to direct my life because I am whole and self-sufficient in my own universe.

Depression see also Neurasthenia