Telka's tools- depression & Grief

Let’s start with a clarification, are you asking about an emotion or a brain disease? Depression is a normal human emotion used to label a sad feeling. Unfortunately, the word depression is also used to describe brain diseases ranging from mild to severe mood disorders. These brain diseases are commonly referred to as mental illness and impact approximately 25% of the adults in the U.S.  Severe mental illness represents less than 6% of the adults in the U.S.  Testing will solve the mystery of normal verses illness. Use the Tool #4 Testing, Testing, Testing" on this page to identify mood disorders' symptoms, severity and duration.  Discuss your test results with your healthcare provider.  

Bottom line: Differences between normal emotions and symptoms of mental illness:

1. Emotions come and go while symptoms of mood disorders/brain disease remain consistently troublesome for a minimum of 2 to 4 weeks and may also include additional physical symptoms.  Using a mood tracker may help with this distinction.

2. Uncomfortable emotions improve with distractions and vacations, while mood disorders, like broken bones and infections, continue to cause discomfort even after a winning lottery ticket.

3. Mental illness, like other brain diseases, may disrupt sleep, energy levels, pain sensitivity, inflammation, digestion, appetite, motivation, concentration, memory, focus and mood. 

4. Depressed and anxious emotions may respond well to healthy lifestyle, good coping skills and social support. Brain diseases may also respond well to healthy lifestyle, good coping skills and social support, however, just like any damaged organ, the brain needs time to repair and heal. Recovery from brain disease is not as swift as recovery from the normal fight, flight or freeze, stress responses. 

5. For additional clarification, check out the depression and anxiety videos as well as the stress materials on this site and speak directly with your health care provider.

Check out the “Creating Best Results” pdf on this site.  In addition to those 20 tips, I also suggest that you take responsibility for your emotions.  Use the map, it’s your journey and your choice of destination.  You are welcome to use all the tools, videos and resources on this site with the therapist of your choice. 

Grief and loss resources in Lansing area

Beginning Experience Loss of a spouse through separation, divorce or death

Ele's Place 

Grief Share

Hospice of Lansing

Compassionate Friends

Sparrow Bereavement