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| Stressed or Depressed |
So how do you know if you're depressed or just stressed? There are some key differences.
Stressed
Stress is your body's physical response to high-demand situations that you have little or no control over, such as dealing with a chronic disease. Stress isn't all bad - on the upside, it can make you feel energetic and focused.
Stress is your body's physical response to high-demand situations that you have little or no control over, such as dealing with a chronic disease. Stress isn't all bad - on the upside, it can make you feel energetic and focused.
On the downside, if you're
constantly stressed, you may experience health problems overtime: high blood
pressure, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and premature aging.
Depressed
Depression is more than just feeling blue - it's a serious medical condition. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you're twice as likely to suffer from depression as someone without the disease.
Only your doctor can tell you for sure, but if you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may be depressed:
- Feeling nervous or emotionally empty
- Feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness
- Tiredness or a "slowed down" feeling
- Restlessness and/or irritability
Slow down.
Make time each day to sit quietly, preferably for at least 15 minutes. Focus on breathing deeply. Think pleasant thoughts.
Just relax.
Have you ever been surprised to notice your jaw was clenched or your shoulders were tight? We tend to be tense without even realizing it. Try this: Lie down and, starting at your feet, clench each muscle group for a count of 10, then relax - all the way up your body.
Move your body. The best stress buster around is exercise. Take a walk, work in the yard, go to the YMCA ... you'll feel the benefits instantly.
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