Depression is as a term that sounds dark and grey. It feels dark and grey and the mind can’t seem to spark a change of mood. But we can when we just find a way that suits us – one that works.
Some of us are reminded of the prod that children used to get from parents when they would not eat up their meal “…just think of all the starving children in Asia!” but that doesn’t work at least for many of us. We have to find an idea that feels right and is easy to let some light into our minds – not an artificial light – a real bit of sunshine that will inspire us to go forward into life, not only by doing the correct thing but by enjoying the adventure.
So we must be patient, but also sincere in searching for a way to see and feel the sunshine and the reality of life beyond the grey clouds of an unhappy mood.
It is not correct to believe that there is nothing you can do to alter depression. It is also true that many people take drugs and medicinal ones too, in order to use outside influences and not have to find the secret, the inner secret of how to let the light in again. But outside assistance will generally prove temporary and if you get caught in addiction to whatever it is, then matters become much darker.
In fact most of us are a little careless about our use of the word ‘depression’. It is certainly a negative state and usually passes in a short time. Only some of us who get depressed require serious medical attention. So consider that mild depression or unhappiness is easy to overcome, once you are honest in recognizing the underlying cause.
If we suffer from feelings of hopelessness, we must take time to counsel ourselves and to perhaps write down what it is that concerns us deeply. Think about what you have written on this private listing before you seek professional counselling. We usually find nothing is hopeless if we can change ourselves or our circumstances.
When we get depressed it can be because we have undertaken too much with too much activity and not enough time to cope with all our responsibilities. Then life may seem difficult and our problems seem ‘too much” for us. Then we must simply modify our activities-refresh our energies and find time to look after ourselves.
If you are depressed because of the pressures and hurts inflicted physically or mentally by others, it needs only courage to be free of it all. None of us have an improved self image if we realise that we are playing victim to a person or situation. Assert your freedom.
Doing something we really enjoy will bring a smile to our face again. When we smile it is impossible to feel depressed! Smile at yourself in the mirror- smile at others in the street-smile when you see something beautiful- smile when you go for a walk in the sunlight.
Sally Janssen’s wonderful book Mental Fitness: A Simple Self-Help Guide, offers simple and timely solutions.
