The undeniable feeling of loneliness that hijacks the mind, eat away the personality and snuffs out our lives; depression is spreading its poisonous tentacles quite vigorously in the modern times.
World Health Organization, in the year 2012, provided a fact sheet that says that worldwide 350 million people are suffering from depression of all ages. This fact sheet also disclosed that this inner unexplainable feeling of isolation can lead to suicide, and that there are treatments that can help an individual to beat this demon.
In the current scenario, the ever growing peer pressure, unresolved emotional problems, the feeling of being at a peculiar spot, and anything else can lead to this feeling of depression. Age, gender, nationality, social status, monetary security has nothing to do with it. Depression is a state of mind and anyone can be a victim of it.
But, there is hope as depression is treatable and there are effective medicines that can cure. Apart from medicines, there are few more things that can actually help to deal with depression.
1. Sleep Well: More than luxury, sleep is a necessity for good health. A well-rested body helps in keeping a positive frame of mind and encourages to think right. In fact, research says physical illness can also lead to depression, so follow the basics and sleep well for good rest.
2. Stop The Negative Self Talk: Self-loathing is a bad feeling to hold on to. No matter what, a single person can not be the reason of all the miseries around. Doing away with self-blaming, accepting the inner self and others as they are, and adopting a positive way of thinking can help. Tough, but not impossible.
3. Watch Funny, Inspirational Movies: Laughter is the best way to heal any sorrow. It is a drug free antidepressant that can heal the soul. Own a collection of funny movies and watch them whenever the feeling of sadness comes crawling in. Similarly, there are many inspirational movies that bring a smile on the face and shows that every cloud has a silver lining. Give the soul a real healing treat with such movies.
Watch Funny Movies4. Add Brighter Colours To Life: Lighter and brighter colours will add positivity to life. Using better light and adopting brightness can help to overcome depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) symptoms. Sleeping, anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, apathy are common symptoms of SAD.
5. Include Omega 3 Fatty Acids In Your Diet: Research has shown that depressed people often lack a fatty acid known as EPA. Omega-3 fatty acids can also lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health. You can get omega-3 through walnuts, flaxseed and oily fish like salmon or tuna.
6. Get Regular Exercise: Exercise not only leads to a better body but also can help to improve mental health. Outdoor activities and spending time in the open can bring a difference in the way thought process works in every individual.
7. Avoid Drugs And Alcohol: These two never bring anything but more complications in life. Though, these seem like a temporary escape but have permanent negative repercussions. In fact, alcohols can be dangerous when combined with some antidepressants.
8. Reconnect With Lost Friends: Try to be close to people who can make you laugh. Though it feels that, it is better to cut off from everyone and hide in isolation but being around people actually lifts the soul. Isolation can aggravate depressing thoughts. So, go out, meet friends and try to have fun!
Reconnect With Friends9. Distract Yourself: Distracting self will help in preventing the tendency to over think. Maybe a small walk or playing with pet can add the right zing to mood which can eventually turn into a positive approach towards life.
10. Maintain A Journal: Pen down every feeling and emotion. From sorrows to the things that make one smile, writing is the most powerful weapon to unfold, understand, and deal any vulnerable situations of life.
P.S: We all have bad days, but one thing is true; no cloud is so dark that the sun can’t shine through. – Miranda Kerr, American Model