Transform Depression into Joy

Depression can take many different forms, from mild to chronic, with many variations in-between. It doesn’t necessarily mean you are completely unable to function, curled up in bed with the covers over your head. Many people with depression put on a mask, so to speak, and pretend they are okay, even though they are not. This post focuses only on general depression and not other forms of mental health issues. I am not a healthcare professional, and this article is my opinion only.

Many times, general depression stems from feeling like life is not under your control and you experience a sense of helplessness; kind of like you’re floundering – trying to find some footing to keep your head above water, so to speak. When you feel like you don’t have much control in how your life is going, it has an impact on the quality of your life, your emotional as well as physical health, and your sense of safety and security.

It is important to begin making changes to take back control of your life. Don’t give away your power. Don’t sit back on autopilot while feeling that nothing you do matters, so why bother trying. And don’t fall into thinking that you’re not worthy of having the life you want, since it may seem that because things aren’t working out how you want them to, that it means it’s always going to be that way.

We are always creating. Every thought we have is laying the foundation for future experiences. So, with this in mind, it is important to create with intention. The minute you begin to think differently, to change negative based thinking to positive thinking, then life will start adapting to bring you more positive experiences. As this happens, you can begin to let go of the helpless feelings that depression brings and generate a happier, more satisfying life.

Now, this is not to say that just by thinking so-called ‘happier thoughts’ that suddenly everything is magically better. Saying or thinking something without really feeling it has no effect. What I am saying is that you must begin changing the direction and focus of your thoughts from what is keeping you down and constantly triggering more reasons to feel bad, to something that feels a little better. Bit by bit, focus on feeling a little better and choosing thoughts that are slightly more positive than the last, therefore giving them more and more power. You have to believe it, because if you don’t believe what you’re thinking then there will be no change.

As you continue to look for truer beliefs and thoughts, then you will begin to realize that you are creating an improved version of your life and that depression is not something you are doomed to managing forever. The key is to find something true in the improved thought, because what you believe is what you receive.  

Always strive to create something more in line with your ideals, rather than letting depression suck the joy out of your life. This way, your emotional health will improve, which impacts your physical health, and you will feel safer and more secure as you move forward, and it will be mirrored back to you in the form of improvement in your life.

Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality.

Earl Nightingale