Dealing with Depression

As stated in other posts, I am not a healthcare professional; this article is not intended to offer medical advice or anything else other than expressing my opinion and personal observations.

Depression is a nasty monster. Sometimes it sneaks up almost without one realizing what has happened, other times we know the underlying reason for it, such as hormonal imbalances, grief, or after a trauma. Depression is incredibly complex, difficult to describe to people who have never gone through it, and not easily overcome and it is not something that happens because one is weak or defective. There are varying levels of depression, and people experience symptoms of depression in diverse ways, such as apathy, hopelessness, lethargy, anger, irritability, sleep issues, and trouble concentrating, just to name a few, which for some people can lead to resorting to substance abuse, reckless behavior, and even thoughts of harming oneself.

When feelings of depression take over and we find ourselves in that joyless state, in can be incredibly difficult to bring ourselves out of that black hole and into the light, so to speak, and it is not something one can just ‘snap out of’ and ‘get over’. It doesn’t work like that. However, there are ways we can bolster our mood, especially if the depression is relatively mild and we have not settled into it for long. The problem is that people who are experiencing depression often hide their feelings and pretend that everything is fine, which is so exhausting. And this only leads to a delay in getting help and finding relief. The longer it goes on, though, the harder it is to make the effort to find and accept help. For some, finding the right combination of management techniques to relieve depression is a long-term commitment, while for others relief can be relatively quick.

Go to the place inside that hurts. The part that’s lonely or sad. Your broken heart. Your bruised ego. The part of you that worries it will always be this way. Go there now and silently repeat: May you be happy. May you be safe. May you be filled with love. You’re not alone.

Jason Garner

Often, when we implement slight changes in our lives, it will make all the difference. The best natural way to help get back into the groove and engage with the world is to exercise because it releases chemicals in the brain that makes one feel better and enhances the sense of well-being – plus it can help lower blood pressure, improve quality of sleep, and increase fitness. Even as little as 15 minutes a day can be effective, but ideally try for 30 minutes 4 days a week for the most impact on mood. Other ways include getting fresh air and sunshine, actively looking for reasons to be grateful and focusing on them for a little while, seeking out a friend or confidante and talking with them and spending time with them, and eating a healthier diet.

In other cases, it may be necessary to see a doctor or healthcare professional who may recommend, among other things, therapy, lifestyle changes, and/or medication to help manage symptoms. There are OTC supplements that may help relieve depression, such as SAMe, 5HTP, or St. John’s Wort, but they require research as they may have side effects and should not be used if taking prescription antidepressants, nor by people who are bipolar.

It is important to understand that depression exaggerates feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and helplessness but we do not have to accept the unhealthy and bleak perspective that depression leaves us with. Regardless of whether we try one or all the suggestions listed above to improve our mood, we must remember that we are not alone. Many people experience depression; it can be treated. Take that first step toward recovery – it will take time, but the sooner we begin the better.

Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

A. A. Milne