Art by Adam Martinakis |
In this first part, we discuss depression in Utah and how the idea of being a perfect Mormon woman can contribute to depression. We also talk about our own symptoms of depression. Here is a list of those symptoms:
Symptoms of Depression
- apathy and detachment; difficulty connecting with the living world and being a part of what is happening
- a sense of powerlessness
- inward blaming, self-faulting, feeling worthless
- excessive sleeping; also insomnia or difficulty sleeping; being highly self-critical
- physical numbness or pain
- asthma and breathing problems
- mental darkness; feeling under a low ceiling
- difficulty getting out of bed
- self isolation; being tense and withdrawn
- irritable bowel syndrome
- migraines
- feeling like the body is falling apart; feeling old and in pain
- constant hopelessness; feeling unable to make life feel worthwhile
- eating too much or too little
- disrupted daily living
- being mean/angry at people you love
- helpless crying
- absence of appetite (for food, sex, things that usually bring pleasure)
- escaping (into food, television, books, etc.)
- inability to concentrate or focus; inability to "get things done" (normal, daily things)
- being emotionally numb or overly dramatic (no middle ground or normal functioning)
- being an appendage to someone else, not able to be the main character in own life (things happening to you rather than being an active agent)
- feeling suicidal