» Change Is Inevitable

Change Is Inevitable

Change Is Inevitable, But Not Easy To Accept
By Kevin O’Connell

Imagine yourself leaving home one sunny morning for work. Times are good. Bills are paid. Things just all seem to be in place. As you drive you notice fog on the horizon which gradually becomes thicker. Suddenly, you become overwhelmed by the density but you press on. By this time you’ve lost track of your bearings, you have no idea what’s ahead of you and only a memory of what’s behind you. Regardless of your ability as a seasoned driver, the anxiety and fear become paralyzing. You’ve been consumed by the unexpected and unrelenting stress of sudden change. Change is considered the most extreme life stressor, with one’s ability to accept and adapt having a direct impact on survival. Life stressors and stress limits are carry overs from one stage of life to the next. We are all able to buffer stress, and handle various circumstances at various levels, but stress is inevitable. We cannot eliminate it.

We’re currently mired in two of the worst “change” epidemics we’ve ever experienced, and most likely ever will. One due to “economic change”, the other “psychological change”. Each goes by the same name, but are very different in diagnosis and prognosis. Each is known by the name Depression. Because of the negative psychological attachments to the “D” word, our economic depression is more often referred to as a recession. Nevertheless, if you’re one of the millions who are out of work, behind in a mortgage or other bills, been foreclosed on, succumbed to the resulting health problems of this epidemic, you see it as a depression, and rightly so.

Unemployment is the blood line of both epidemics. Economically, it threatens our national, and more importantly, individual financial well being. Psychologically, the threat of permanent damage to our foundations of self-esteem, self-identity, and social network loom large. A major role in our psychological survival is self esteem. According to a recent AARP survey “ Impact of Economy on Health Behaviors” one in every five adults age 45 or older are suffering health problems due to financial stress and concern about being able to provide for their families. These problems range from eating disorders, turning to alcohol, drugs, heart attacks, strokes, and many more.

The health and social impacts of Depression can be even more debilitating and potentially deadly. Depression has been described by comparison to solitary confinement. It’s cruelty is inhumane. The person becomes completely withdrawn, afraid, lonely, feels powerless, and essentially separates the mind and soul from society itself. As humans, we’re each equipped, albeit at different levels and capabilities to deal with stress. Depression is more like a psychological cancer that relentlessly takes complete control of one’s life.

Many experts agree that the worst thing you can do when any of these symptoms become a part of your life is NOTHING!! They will not go away on their own, and ignoring them thinking they will does not work. Support groups are plentiful, stress management classes and reading material is equally plentiful. For the sake of yourself, your family, and those others who care about you, seek help. Whatever it takes for you to stay in control of your emotions, maintain your self esteem, and get yourself involved in seeking help, DO IT!! I plan to continue on with a series of articles on pitfalls to avoid and symptoms to watch for but would also love to hear from as many of you as possible about paths you’ve chosen for help. Any personal circumstances you’d like to share are welcomed. Everyone suffers in different ways and we can all help each other if we try.

Feel Free To Comment Or Ask Me Questions!

admin | February 25, 2010 1:02 PM

9 Comments

By Sharon, February 25, 2010 @ 8:48 PM

Great article! As a person who suffers with depression I can certainly identify with your article. I was told that depression runs in families and getting help is essential to feeling more like yourself. I agree that there seems to be more and more people becoming depressed and life in general these days doesn’t help. Thanks for bringing a “touchy” subject out in the open!
By Chris, February 27, 2010 @ 10:12 AM

I’m glad you chose this topic to start off with. I am currently unemployed and have been some time now. I’ve probably spent too much time in denial and not enough time realizing I’m not the only one, and look for help. Hopefully this will bive me a boost to stop “doing nothing” about it. I look forward to future articles.

Chris
By Survivor, February 27, 2010 @ 11:07 AM

Thanks for the comments on depression! In the past 12 months I’ve lost my job and the economy has forced my husband to close his business leaving many debts unpaid. We’ve managed to hold on to our home but bill collectors call many times a day and depression abounds. I’m not sure who depression is the hardest on – the one who is seriously depressed – or those around them trying to be of some help – all the way around – it’s no way to live! Counseling and medication are crucial and I’m hopeful that at some point in the future I’ll actually see a smile!
By Elizabeth, February 27, 2010 @ 12:49 PM

I too am one of those whose life has been affected by unemployment. It took me 9 months to find ANY job that would hire me, and now due to the economy once again I am searching for new employment. The stress is unbelievable if it wasn’t for my faith, I’d have no hair left, and no friends. My depression which I had undercontrol for years has raised it’s evil head once again and I find journaling and looking everday on the net to see if their are any jobs out there help me feel somewhat in control of my future…”put one foot in front of the other, and soon you’ll be walking out the door”. Thank you for talking about this I am sure that it has blessed many people as it has myself.
By Tom, March 1, 2010 @ 10:08 AM

Very timely article, as I remember when I was let go from work, and how I put too much on my job defining me. When I lost my job, I thought I was worthless. It took a long time to overcome that feeling and move forward.
By Mary, March 4, 2010 @ 6:09 PM

Very good article – and so true & timely!
By Todd, March 4, 2010 @ 6:11 PM

Men especially are affected so deeply by job loss. It is our identity & a means by which we show love to our family. Depression is a natural consequence to a man who loses a job. Thank you for discussing it.
By Jackie, March 4, 2010 @ 6:55 PM

One of the best articles I have ever read about depression. It takes work and time but it can be overcome. Keep up the good work!
By Mary, March 5, 2010 @ 11:09 PM

In reference to Let’s Stop Worrying About How We Got In This Mess -
And Focus On Fixing It!

Amen, I am so sick and tired of all the blame! Nothing ever gets solved by blaming others, let just fix this mess! It’s like moma used to say “I don’t care who did what I just want it cleaned up!”

Keep the articles coming!