Two letters. One full of quiet hope, the other written with a trembling hand. In this episode, I read them both pausing to breathe, to feel, to listen. To God. To my therapist. To the parts of me I almost left behind. It’s tender. It’s honest. And maybe, a little like your story too.

I went quiet. Not because I had nothing to say but because I didn’t know how to say it. This episode is raw. It’s not polished. If you’ve ever lost your voice somewhere between the noise and the numbness… this one's for you.

In today's episode, we are going to be looking at Depression as a mood disorder. Depression is a mood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable. Depression can affect a person's daily life and lead to significant distress, affecting their work, relationships, and overall well-being.

Depression can have various causes, including genetics, life events, chemical imbalances in the brain, and other medical conditions. Some common symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of energy, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite and weight, and difficulty concentrating.

Treatment for depression typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Antidepressant medication can help alleviate symptoms by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people learn coping skills and identify and change negative thought patterns. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction techniques, can also improve symptoms.

It's essential to seek help if you're experiencing symptoms of depression. With the right treatment, many people with depression can lead fulfilling lives.

Today's survivor story: JOHN FOLK-WILLIAMS (https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/a-personal-story-of-living-through-depression/)

Scripture Readings: Psalm 42 and Psalm 43.

Resources: The South African Depression & Anxiety Group (https://www.sadag.org/)

Today’s topic is something I struggle to comprehend, because I always feel like the line between trauma dumping, reaching out for support, and constructive vulnerability is often blurry. As someone who is highly self-conscious, socially anxious, and worried about being perceived as a “toxic person”, I constantly find myself under-sharing my needs and lacking genuine connection with others, Which is why on today's episode if you haven’t already guessed, we are going to be talking about Trauma Dumping.

Articles that were very helpful and made this episode;