Depression & Isolation

Depression & Isolation
by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE

I’m not sure what comes first, isolation or depression. I do know the two are twins, perhaps fraternal twins since they are not identical. However, isolation and depression share a common ground... separation. People separate from others for a variety of reasons. One cause may be not being the life of the party. Separating from oneself causes even more problems.
Depression runs in my family. When I look at the history of behavior, it’s been around a good long time. Although it was usually disguised, it was and is still alive. Famous quotes include, “ Oh, he’s just being a Turcich,” or “he’s in a mood.” That seemed to cover any and all poor actions. With people not speaking to one another and tensions running high, I wondered... “Is being a Turcich a good thing or not?” In some ways it gave people an excuse to be mean, in control, or dismissive.
Time and age has shown me how upsetting the behavior of my ancestors has been. It has left everyone scrambling to make things right, even when they have no idea what is wrong. People walk on eggshells so they don’t rock the boat! Presently, I say rock it, flip it, shake it, take it down the rapids... whatever it takes to get the culprit to show itself.
Recently, I have worked with some severe depression cases in my practice. I have heard words like... I don’t want to be here anymore, what’s the point, I don’t want to get out of bed, I have a good life but I feel so bad, the light has gone out and all I see is darkness.... on and on. I listen and pass out tissue. The truth is, they want to be here, they want to feel different, they want to feel and experience the light. Depression and isolation has led them to this place.
Isolation is not simply wanting to be alone, it is feeling completely ALONE. People tend to separate from everyone and everything... even themselves. Once that happens they rationalize that no-one understands them, no-one wants to be around them... especially themselves. But how do you escape?
Some people create a busy schedule, go on a vacation or they retreat to their beds. There are many ways to escape. To face what is happening takes an enormous amount of energy at a time when there is little to be had.
The mind has a way of tricking us into thinking these non-supportive thoughts. At least, that is the way I look at it... it feels like a trick. I mean on a normal day I don’t feel like the world is against me nor do I feel like I am a bad person or that I have a terrible life. However, if I isolate myself and if depression is nearby or connected to her twin I’m sunk.
I have taken to talking to myself out loud. I figure that is appropriate behavior these days since everyone has a phone or earpiece hanging off their face. When thoughts spin around my brain that go against my truth I tell myself “that’s a lie.” I must say, it seems to be working. Confronting the thought stops it in its track. It places a pause in the record.
In my therapy practice, I listen and do my best not to save anyone. I know that clients have the ability to rescue themselves. I am merely a friendly ear or a shoulder to cry on. And if I “TRY” to make things better I fail miserably.
So far, asking for guidance and being there for people has worked. Of course, it is a different matter when it comes to family, to Turcichs. Yet, even there I am discovering ways to just be with them. It doesn’t mean that I keep my mouth shut or that I call them on every little thing. It does mean that I understand their struggle and I shower them with as much love as possible because ultimately that is what they need.
Bodywork could really be written body – work, because it works to bring people into their body. Once people are in their body they get out of their head. They actually FEEL for the first time in a long time. Body sensations lead to healing and that is a change from the dark and scary places they have visited. Bodywork works! Maybe not for everyone, but it sure has given my clients a new lease on life.
Depression and isolation are almost like creatures from the black lagoon. They can suck the life out of you. If you are captured, I hope you seek help because it is not as far away as you think.

* Please refer to Nancy T’s books “One Of Eight–my perspective on our brother’s suicide” & "Finding My Way From Paralysis To A Rich, Full Life" for more details about her healing experiences.

Reproduction of articles are permitted by Nancy M. Turcich, NTS, RPP, RPE, author and holistic bodyworker, with acknowledgments and credentials included.

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For further information or questions, please contact Nancy T. @ Natural Massage Therapy at 928-717-1251, nmt1@naturalmassagetherapy.com.

All articles are for informational/educational purposes only. This information does not take the place of current treatment plans nor medications prescribed. Always consult your physician to determine the most beneficial course of treatment for your individual needs.