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Tasty Treats!
Add a little flavor to your love making! |
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by Sandy Pendleton, MFT
Have you ever said, "I'm depressed?" It is a common expression
these days but do you really know the signs and symptoms of Depression? Ask
yourself these questions:
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Have you lost interest in things that used to be fun or give you
pleasure—such as sex? |
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Do you ever feel sad or empty most of the day, for many days in
a row? Are you tearful or find yourself crying a lot? |
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Has your appetite increased or decreased significantly resulting
in a weight gain or loss without your conscious efforts? |
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Have your sleep patterns changed? Are you not sleeping as well
or sleeping too much? |
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Do you feel restless or agitated to the point of upset? Or are
you feeling like you just can't get going?
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Are you tired or at a loss for energy most of the time? Is it a
challenge to even get out of bed or off the couch? |
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Do you constantly wrestle with feelings of worthlessness or
guilt? |
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Is it hard to concentrate or make decisions? Even the simple
ones? |
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Do you ever think others would be better off if you were dead?
Have you ever thought of killing yourself? |
| If you can answer yes to five of these points for any
two-week period, then you may be experiencing what is clinically called Major
Depression. If you struggle with similar symptoms only to a lesser degree and
they have lasted for at least two years, you may be suffering from a milder
form of depression called Dysthymic Disorder. Depression left unattended can
have serious consequences and may require outside intervention. |
Numbing Out
The darkness can make you numb. Many times women become
disconnected from their bodies and are not really sure why. Depression can take
a heavy toll on your desire for closeness, cuddling and especially sex. When
even the idea of having sex becomes overwhelming, it can turn a once joyful
experience into one of dread. Some women are so numb they end up just going
through the motions of sex because it is too much trouble to say, "I don't want
to" anymore.
Reconnecting
It can be helpful to reconnect with your body, your interests, and your sense
of self. If sex seems like too much giving at the moment, you might want to try
getting a massage or some energetic Reiki. Both can be helpful and nurturing
experiences to help you reconnect with your body. Think about some of the
things that used to bring you pleasure and make a date to go do one or two
again soon. It is also important to reconnect with your own inner wisdom.
Sometimes it gets drowned out by the constant nagging of not enough, fear and
doubt— but it is in there somewhere. Listen for the soft, quiet voice that
brings you peace and reassurance.
Now What?
There are many things that can help if Depression is taking over your life. The
first step is to see your doctor to check for organic causes in your body, such
as a problem with your thyroid, hormones, toxins, or allergies. Although a loss
of desire for sex is definitely a symptom of Depression it can also indicate
other problems, check out the Libido-Yours Mine
and Ours section in Women's Sexual Health
for more information. Once a physical problem has been ruled out you may be
advised to get some psychological help. Remember to tune into your own inner
wisdom to help you find the right professionals. Click
here to get tips on finding a good therapist.
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