We know that depression can be caused by chemicals in the brain being out of whack. But, what sets that off? We also know that trauma impacts brain function and if the trauma is routine over time, that sets up ongoing trauma reactions as well that contribute to our routine thinking and being.

Being a child abuse and domestic violence survivor, I have had my share of depression in my life. I was burdened with overwhelming emotions my family burdened me with out of their rage and hatred. Being a little child, I had no idea how to manage that and almost my entire childhood is a complete blank. But for many years, I felt those emotions rising inside of me and I became an addict because I did not know how to productively manage the pain. I have been in and out of psychotherapy since 1990, which also helped me manage and understand why my family abused me and why I was consistently sabotaging myself. Plus, I know what mental health issues I need to work on and understand for my own life.

What I have done that makes it better for me has been to sit down and figure out what is bothering me. I figure that out, or try to, and work to accept it as my reality. If I cannot go back and change it, I have to accept it as a reality of my past. I am not approving of it, I am simply accepting that it occurred. Believe me, some of what was done to me blew my mind, but I kept at it, moving at my own pace and I got through it. Once I do that, I feel better. Then, I move on to the next issue and just keep working on getting them out of my head. There have been several issues that I began with a thought that made no sense to me. When I followed it into where it led me, it made sense.

The benefit for me has been that I can think more clearly in my day to day life and I don't have the despondence I used to have. I am much happier now that I have ever been, and my life has several BIG messes in it that I am working to resolve.

One very important habit I do daily is I post on my blog what I am grateful for, and have since February 12, 2013. My daily gratitude has rewired my brain, as will any consistent positive thoughts. By clearing the landscape, so to speak, by facing what hurt me, my emotional life now is easier for me to manage and live. My emotions were doing what they are supposed to do; alert me to danger or discomfort so I can do what I need to resolve them.

I hope this helps you! And, please, don't give up on finding the answers you need!