How to deal with Depression

Human mind and heart is a combination of various emotions and feelings. There is a constant fight between the two. When both find balance we feel happy. On the contrary, if mind overpowers heart, we feel deeply hurt – resulting in a behavioral change. We get angry, sad, frustrated, disappointed, and restless. This results in low self esteem, and a casual approach towards life. In medical term this is Depression.

The fast paced lifestyle, hunger for early success and unlimited access to technology has changed our lives drastically affecting everyone being children, youth or elders. The severely hit are youth and elders who easily give up instead of facing the realities of life. Lets look at how to deal with depression in these modern times

What causes depression?

Many factors that contribute to depression are:

• Low scores in exams and the over expectations of parents act as a catalyst

• Non-achievement of highly set goals

• Live-in relationships

• Aggression

• Failure in marriage or love affairs

• Intolerance

• Loneliness

• Disrespect shown by children towards parents or grandparents

• Financial dependence of parents on children in old age

• Illness

• Sudden demise of near or dear ones

People can be classified into 3 categories

1. one with practical approach towards life (they are slightly affected),

2. Second is people with emotional approach (they are severely affected).

3. The third category is the combination of the two (they are affected but mend themselves in a timely manner)

Nonetheless, all the three type of people have “dreams” as a common factor. Dreams, if not fulfilled to the expectation level, lead to depression.

Symptoms of depression

Depression is a kind of mental instability, if cured at an early stage, it does not turn serious.

Here are some symptoms of depression and if you answer “yes” to most of these questions, then you may be affected by depression and should seek help:

1. Feeling of helplessness

2. Feeling neglected or unwanted

3. Low confidence

4. Lack of interest towards routine activities

5. Mood swings

6. Trivial problems seems very large

7. Feeling of guilt, regret, self pity and insecurity

8. Having negative thoughts

9. Lack of sleep, loss of appetite, headache, body ache and acidity

10. Frightening dreams

11. Lack of sex drive

12. Not opening up easily with near and dear ones.

13. Lack of enjoyment in things you enjoyed the most

14. Getting annoyed at the slightest provocation

How to overcome depression?

So how to deal with depression? Depression not only causes mental agony but gravely affects the quality of life of the suffering person and their family. In this situation the family should play a sensible role by acting patiently. Here are few steps that will help in dealing with depression

#1. Family support

Love is the mantra. Showing endless love and affection, appreciation of efforts, and support during difficult times makes the depressed person realize that he/she is very important to you.

It will build their self confidence and help them to come out of their inferiority complex. This will show them the right path towards life and provide strength to fight all odds.

Family should help in uncovering the innermost feelings and make the person realize that most of the thoughts are imaginative and are adding to the problem. Open talk with the affected person will bring relief from the stressed out situation and will create a new positive vision towards life.

#2. Natural cure

Depression to a major extent can be cured by natural way.

- Exercise regularly and have a balanced diet. It will control mood swings.

- Practice meditation in a natural and peaceful environment.

- Take regular walks early in the morning at the time of sunrise and enjoy the beauty of nature.

- Praise the creations of God and appreciate what you have.

- Chant some mantras or sing devotional prayers, read motivational books and think positively.

#3. Medical help

In some cases counseling gets necessary, as medical help can work miracles. Counselors advise some simple steps to follow to cure depression. The person under depression needs to be closely monitored to prevent suicidal tendencies. The process might last a few months, depending on person’s state but the outcome is a confident personality.

Hopefully these tips help in dealing with depression. Lastly “Self help is the best help”. So stand up right now. Take pledge that you will help yourself and others to come out of this darkness and will move towards new horizon with a positive approach.

Article by Vandana Sehgal

Vandana has written 23 articles.

Vandana is a Personality Enhancement Trainer associated with various Corporate and Management Colleges..