Tackling Depression Your Way

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In our last post we saw a few people share their feelings and stories on depression, now I think it's right we look at ways of tackling this menace, depression, after all it's not to be taken lightly.

There has been countless incidence, especially since the dawn of the 21st century of people committing suicides and self-harming as a result of depression and so depression is an issue that should be taking very seriously, we should spend time talking about it and creating awareness about it as much as we can.(see wikipedia for more on Self-harm )

Its also important not to forget that sadness and despair are normal feeling's anyone can have, and so should not always be associated with depression. Prolonged feelings of sadness due to stress, loss of a loved one, disappointment or major life changes can bring about such normal feelings.

We are only human after all.

As long as you have times when you experience and truly enjoy things, and you can still see hope and light in the things around you, then sadness and despair are not necessarily signs of depression.

Depression as has been reiterated has no definite cure, and there isn't some packaged over the counter medication you'll take to make it disappear, so beware of fraudsters.

Worst still is thinking you can get rid of feelings of depression by, abusing drugs, over-eating, drinking, self-medicating, illicit sexual adventures and other vices. And though they might offer temporary relief or happiness, they are only temporary and will only make the symptoms of depression worse in the long run.

Speaking on the symptoms of depression- although using the word symptom makes it feel like its a grave disease, which by the way it is, we still wont like to give depression a bigger name than it already has and further glorify it,

Nevertheless the Symptoms of Depression include:

Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness or self hate/low self esteem.
loss of interest in life and things you loved doing.
Fatigue and sleep problems.
Anxiety or excessive worrying.
Changes in appetite, loss of weight, irritability.
uncontrollable and sometimes spontaneous emotions.
self harm and suicidal thoughts.

This symptoms are not confined to the aforementioned. Visit Healthline for more content on recognizing symptoms.

According to Thiswayup,org,

"Depression is common. One in three people will experience a major depressive episode at some stage in their lives. While most cases of depression are mild, about one person in ten will have a moderate or severe episode.''

It is also important to note that every human is unique and in so speaking, is unique in the way they choose to or can tackle depression. So do whats best for you and always seek the advice of professionals before you undertake any intensive medication concerning depression.

So lets get into some effective ways you can tackle depression on your own,

And it's with deep trust in God that we hope you'd find this post helpful, and a definite answer to tackling depression.

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How then do we tackle Depression?

I think it's safe to group the various ways into, physical, mental and spiritual areas of tackling depression.

Tackling Depression Physically,

Researchers have shown that physical activities such as regular walking, biking as well as formal exercises can help reduce the symptoms of depression. And although Physical activity and formal exercise aren't the same thing, they both work hand in hand not only in reducing depression but in keeping you healthy, all round.

Research has shown that regular exercise is the equivalent or even better than certain antidepressant drugs commonly used to treat depression.

So are you feeling depressed? then engage in a number of physical activities, walk, run, go biking, the list is endless.

More so- enroll in a gym, to expensive or inconvenient? Then you can engage in home workouts and exercises. Combine your workout with a relaxation activity by trying exercises such as yoga and Pilates, also learn to practice meditation and deep breathes.

When feeling depressed, a good exercise or workout can make a big difference, cause it leaves you feeling renewed and motivated and most importantly make a goal for yourself before hand and stick to it. (more content on mayoclinic.org)

In addition; keep yourself busy, never be idle, start a new hobby, or keep at previous ones, cook, travel, sport, read and write, whatever it is you can do to keep yourself focused on positive things, do it.

Focus on things that give meaning and purpose to your life.

A routine like life can also trigger depressive feelings, so from time to time do some thing different, reward yourself with treats and visits to places you've always wanted to see.

Do not underestimate the advantage of a healthy diet and adequate sleep, they might seem ordinary but you should eat right, and eating right doesn't necessarily mean an expensive meal plan or cutting down on your food intake, you should focus more on eating food as natural as possible, simply put, cut down on processed foods, also try mixing up food types in your meal plan. (more on healthy-eating).

So on a last note, exercise and workout, get busy, eat right and sleep right and most importantly, avoid things that might trigger feelings of depression.

Tackling Depression Socially

You might have heard that humans are social creatures, but this isn't usually the case for people with depression, in fact there are times you'd hate any form of social interactions cause you just want to be left alone.

Despite this you still need people, staying away from the love and support of people who genuinely care about you can trigger and let depression fester.

So what should yo do? spend time with family, friends, partners and people who care about you, if you are far from each other, try calls, video calls, and texting and most importantly, as hard as it seems, try talking to them about how you truly feel.

Meet new people and get into healthy relationships, learn to have more fun, do things that will get you laughing and will put a real smile on your face.

Also focus on building yourself up, you might have been through terrible relationships in the past, take a break from starting romantic relationships and instead build yourself up, let go of pass hurts, know your worth and value, and invest in yourself.

Some of the most important ways of tackling depression are usually overlooked because of how trivial they seem but you should know that helping others, showing true acts of kindness and volunteering for humanitarian services no matter how small can give you a sense of gratitude and accomplishment about and for life.

Tackling Depression Emotionally

Depression and the feeling that comes with it, stems from our emotions.

Having negative thoughts and feelings make you focus on things you don't like about yourself or your situation in life. So in truth the more you focus on such thoughts the worse you'd really feel.

Being depressed makes you blind to every single good thing about you, you tend to self hate, have feelings of guilt and hopelessness.

So how do you change this? you should first understand that know one controls your emotions but you, no one has the power to make you feel anyway except you let them. So take control of your feelings.

Be more positive, have gratitude for life's little joys, and yes there are things to be grateful for. Be more content, most people get depressed due to feelings of inadequacy or inferiority, learn to be content with who you are, how you are and what you are. Yes you can strive to be better, just don't loose yourself doing it.

And learn to hope more, because what is life without hope?

Tackling Depression Mentally.

Depression comes with a view of the world that is seen from a negative angle, your thinking is focused on nothing but a worthless and hopeless life.

You find yourself always in the habit of blaming yourself, and thinking you aren't worth the good things you sometimes experience. When you're depressed, appreciating good things that happen to and around you is hard, instead you become tuned to sad and bad events.

You worry, you over think, your thought are always in a dark plays never seeing the light of a positive future or outcome.

Buddha taught,

''The mind is everything, what you think, you become''

So think positively, its everything.

In addition spend time reading motivational books, watch challenging movies and videos, change your circle of friends if they don't make you a better person.

Listen to good music, write if you have a talent for it, dance, sing, pour your being into that thing you love. Channel your thoughts into something beautiful and creative.

And know matter what you think there is something you can do, there is something you love, that isn't some social vice.

Tackling Depression Spiritually

And we save the best for last,

No matter what you think, God is and will always remain the source of pure joy, peace and love.

So meditate in his presence, listen to gospel songs, pray, be more committed to helping others, see his light in every person and in yourself and watch as he heals you body, spirit and soul.

Here are a few individuals sharing their personal opinions on ways of tackling depression;

There is a Magical Union which most people tend to mismanage and belittle. It does really follow the code of conduct of real assurance or satisfaction. It is a treasure that will forever last when you're with the right one(s).
This Magic is called Friendship. This ship is built in togetherness, monumental motions and trust. Friendship is a great treasure, it is not about making but gaining. Making is based on random selections but Gaining is based on things you can lean on when the foundation isn't right.
Depression is an issue, it happens and it's difficult to tackle but the right circle around you, can be of help.
Gain the friendship that got your back and stick's closer than a brother.
In times of depression, it can be difficult to lean on Your family than your friends.
Surround yourself with positivity and a moving train that thinks highly and expect more from you.
Learn to have conversations, don't keep silent, speak out.
Let your Voice be heard.
-Joseph-cjc

The first step of tackling depression is, knowing that pain is inevitable. Having it in mind that people might not listen or help out. Knowing that there are certain things you just don't have control of. Most times we expect too much, ignore the pain and think it's unnatural to find yourself in sorrow
Depression is a mood so real to be unreal.
-John West
Often times in my life I've been depressed but I've always looked for how to pull off the depressing cloak.
There were times I turn to food and soda drinks. I turn to candies, bubble gums and anything that exists with sugar.
However, this method made me gain so much weight that I feared for my body on the mirror.
So I subscribed to pulling away; I learned to separate myself from everything that wore me into depression.
I blocked humans, I stopped going for events, I talked less to people who made me loose myself.
I slept. I married my phone, I read articles that interested me, I played music, I sang, I smiled, I felt the air, the moment, I talked to people who knew nothing about what I was going through, I prayed.

Gently and slowly, I became mentally healthy again.

-Anonymous

First I believe depression doesn't just come. It is as a result of dwelling on passed bad events, allowing yourself to wallow in thought of things that happened that didn't go down well with you forgetting you also once had very bright days. Almost anybody can get depressed. For me the first is ensure you have people you can talk to when you're in such a situation. Surround yourself with people who remind you of good times. This will keep your mind busy.
Depression deals with your mind so therefore find ways to keep it busy rather than allow it stay idle.
Thirdly, the Bible is one very essential tool that could help anyone overcome depression. Romans 12:1-3 talks about you renewing your mind and transforming your lives. Also 2Cor.10.5 - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and *bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.* The Bible helps you bring your mind at rest.
Lastly is prayers. You and I know how important prayers is...
-penspeak

That brings us to the end of today's post, don't forget that suicide victims leave a permanent space that cannot be filled in the heart of their loved ones.

Also and more importantly talk to some one see a therapist, talk to professionals and although we did not focus on them in this post, they are still important and efficient.

Hope you found this educative and inspiring, we hope you'd put some of our words into reality.

We'd like to specially thank everyone who contributed to making this post a success, the people who responded when we reached out to them o depression and the many who contributed in shaping this post, on behalf of all at Talkish, we say a special thank you.

The following sites were a source of reference and great content, so please check them out;

we hoped you liked our small post, please don't forget to notify us if there's any opinion, question or interest you'd like to share.