Living with Depression

Depression is an unpleasant experience for most people, and for those who go undiagnosed it can be even worse.
 
It is a subject which in the past has not been spoken of openly, many people still fear acknowledging they have depression.
 
People may experience depression in a variety of ways, it can appear for short periods of time or for longer periods of time, depending on the individual and the circumstances which surround that individual.
 
It could appear in any one or more of these forms:
 
I feel inadequate and worthless
You may have no appetite or an over active appetite
I am not interested in being around other people
My energy levels are low
I have no outlook on life
My body has more aches and pains
I have lost my concentration levels
I always feel guilty about things
I have no motivation
I have feelings of being sad and empty
My sleep patterns are all over the place
I have been dwelling on really negative thoughts
I find it difficult to make decisions
 
The above symptoms only indicate that you are not feeling up to 100% your normal self.  Agreeing with one or two of the above does not necessarily mean that you are depressed, but the more that you agree with offers a greater concern for the possibility of depression.
 
If any all many of the above apply to you, please consider medical assistance as this is a treatable condition, it is nothing to be ashamed of although I have spoken with many who are ashamed to admit they are not able to cope etc.
 
Although this does not mean that you have to have anti depressants which for some may not be an holistic approach to your well being.
 
As we are all human, any one of us can experience the above and not when you expect it.  A lot of information is available to mental health issues.
 
I have found that St Johns Wort up to 1,000 mg a day (but check with the pharmacist or given directions) is really beneficial and now scientists have agreed that this is as good as any prozac but with less side effects and most definitely less withdrawal effects.
 
If you are a person who gets depression whether mild or severe then look at the following as ways to assist you and your wellbeing. Although always follow the guidance of your GP, offer them this information and other research which you may have undertaken  and ask for their advice.
 
Take a mineral test – magnesium deficiency has also been effective in “lifting” depression

St John Wort – assists as a mood enhancer
Australian Bush Flower Essences – Waratah for the feelings of darkness and despair
Vitamin B complex – to assist with calming the nervous system
Increase foods like – beetroot, nuts especially walnuts, grains and pulses as they all release serotonin a chemical which is responsible for the “feel good factor”
Using positive affirmations every day
Getting some CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy)
Counselling
Prayer is another good tool to use whether you are religious or not
Crystals for keeping you grounded and aligned to your soul
Have some reiki treatments or healing of some form
Listen to light uplifting music daily
 Take exercise as much as you are able to do as this releases endorphins
 
Always get help from another person, as trying to cope alone when you have depression is near on impossible or will appear to make the situation 10 x worse than it actually is, if you do it alone.
 
Some people find it is difficult to talk to someone else when they have depression, but please push through that fear and get yourself some support and assistance, even if that means going to your local church (of any form).
 
I could write forever on this topic as it is massive and appears to be never ending, but the one thing I have learnt is that you can get passed it and onto new ground.
 
Do not be afraid of depression, this is something else which helped me through it, negative thoughts are just thoughts and to acknowledge them as just thoughts assists with the process of coming out onto new ground.

 Acknowledge your feelings and listen to them, allowing yourself to be free from them, if you struggle just say over and over again “I surrender” soon the negative thoughts and feelings pass.

Acknowledge and accept where you are at,  now that you have acknowledged it you are able to do something about it.
 
That something is going to bring about positive change.

 Engage with your self and push yourself to take action as it will come good. It may take more time than you realised but it will come good, and giving up is never an option.