| "It is a time when one's spirit is subdued and sad, one knows not why; when the |
| past seems a storm-swept desolation, life a vanity and a burden, |
| and the future but a way to death." |
| Mark Twain (1835-1910) |
| Depression is a dreadful disease without pity. It can capture our lives and enclose us with darkness. We need to ward off depression before it can take full control of our lives. I personally, have experienced depression and have continuously fought it for quite sometime now. Fortunately, with some help from friends and books, I have discovered some ways to deal with depression naturally. I like to share this information because it has helped me and I am sure it can help others who suffer from this disease. |
| Walking is one way to help relieve some of the feelings of depression. It is best to choose a quiet spot where there aren't many distractions. While walking, count from one to nine slowly and repetitively to clear your mind from unwelcome thoughts. Distance depends on each individual. Some people may find relief in just a small stroll around their yard, while others may have the desire to walk a mile or so. |
| Another useful way to cope with depression is by writing. Creating a gratitude list each day can be highly beneficial. This is simply a bundle of things that you are grateful for jotted down on a piece of paper. It can be anything from having toilet paper to being blessed with a caring family. Seeing our good fortune transcribed can help to remind us that not everything in our lives is negative. Keeping a journal is also an option. When talking about our problems becomes complicated, perhaps because of fear or embarrassment, we can get our aggressions out by writing. It is better to tell a piece of paper than no one at all. |
| In dealing with depression, meditation and personal time also helps. Both are ideal in relaxation and stress relief. An hour should be reserved each day for yourself, with the first fifteen minutes occupied by meditation. The first step is loosening up. Tightening, holding, and releasing your muscles starting with your toes and working upward can achieve this. Once some tension is disposed of, it is time for some 'so-hum' deep breathing. First, inhale slowly while whispering so. Then slowly exhale with a hum. This is only one form of meditation among others, but it is an effective one. |
| Along with these steps, giving thanks to God is likewise helpful. At any time you may be feeling depressed, just start thanking Him for every single thing you can think of. It is a bit like brainstorming for things in which you are grateful; only instead of writing it down, you are sharing it with God. After a short period of this, you are sure to feel better. |
| These steps do not cure depression. However, they do work quite well in helping to relieve it. All you have to do is try. |
| "Geez, if I could get through to you kiddo. That depression is not sobbing and |
| crying and giving vent. It is plain and simple reduction of feeling. Reduction, see? |
| Of all feeling. People who keep stiff upper lips find that it's damn hard to smile." |
| Judith Guest (1936- ) |
| Dealing With Depression |
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