Depression comes in many forms. Some people are burdened with serious depression and others may have only had the occasional ‘bad day’. Sometimes depression can be a lifelong problem and for others they may only have had a short bout of depression on some occasion. So, when we talk about depression, it is good to remember that the spectrum is long and varied. |
Depression is often triggered by events. Of course, the death of a loved one, a close friend or a pet can cause depression. Break up of relationships and financial stresses are also common causes. Whether the situation causes short term or ongoing depression may be dependent on how we process the situation.
Our own ill health will likely be accompanied by a good dose of depression, doubling the challenge of getting well again. Worries about the environment and uncertainty about the future are becoming prevalent causes of depression.
Nowadays depression can be triggered by world events because we have the news coming at us all day long via the internet, on our computers and mobile phones. In addition, there is also the television, radio, newspapers and friends at the local café making sure we’ve heard the latest bad news that we had somehow managed to avoid for a few hours.
The nature of the current media is to bring us all the bad news at break neck speed. We barely have time to recover from the last shocking story before the next one is bearing down on us.
With all the conditions listed above, it is no wonder that depression and anxiety are now prevalent in men and women alike, at all ages, in all societies, in all countries.
Of course, some people have a medical condition causing the depression and they need to be cared for by professionals, medical and perhaps psychological.
However, for the majority of us, depression is something that comes and goes.
For those people who have experienced short term depression, you can usually pick up on the early signals that you are feeling a bit off kilter, you can sort of see it coming if you are attuned to yourself. Most of us then try to figure out how to avoid what’s coming. ‘What can I do to NOT go into depression?’
To what degree do we have any control of it coming and going? When we are feeling depressed, we don’t feel like we have any control over it at all. So, it is helpful if you can be alert to the early warning signs.
I’d like to share with you something that I heard at a presentation recently. I found it a valuable tool for dealing with those ‘down times.’
It is perhaps an over simplification to say there are two kinds of people. But hear me out and then do some experimenting on your own. There are people who like to be with other people and there are people who prefer to be by themselves.
As human beings, we tend to be creatures of habit. We have our patterns. It stands to reason that when the people who like to be with people, have the onset of depression, they quickly pick up the phone and call a friend to chat, organise a group luncheon, or call up people who might be up for a party. Get in and amongst people! That will surely be the way to chase away the blues. But does it?
For those people who prefer their own company, when the blues come knocking, they withdraw. They prefer to be home alone, they don’t answer the phone, they might even disconnect the doorbell, and sometimes a long run of DVDs, one after the other, might be sufficient distraction until that ‘down period’ passes. But does it?
Here’s a simple remedy that you can experiment with to avoid or ease depression. When you recognise that you are feeling blue, you need to do the opposite of your automatic response.
So, for people who normally prefer to be in a crowd of people, try spending some time alone. Go for a walk in nature, perhaps stroll in a park, go to the beach and take the time to really look at the sparkle on the water. It doesn’t matter what you do, but of course it is good to spend quality time with yourself. Perhaps you’d like to make yourself a beautiful lunch using the ‘good’ dishes. Do something to make yourself feel special, something that gives you the feeling of self-love. Or write someone you know an old-fashioned letter, telling them about your time in nature and post it. Spend time with YOU, connect to your soul.
For those people whose natural tendency is to be alone it may feel very challenging to pick up the phone and call a friend. Just start with a phone call. Connect. Then really branch out and suggest a get together. Maybe go to a movie or have lunch out. Invite them over for lunch. Again, it doesn’t matter what you do. What is important is that you connect with another person. Be open.
So, that’s my remedy for the blues. Just give it a try – experiment with breaking out of your well-worn pattern and try the opposite of what you would normally do when you feel the blues coming your way.
Gayle C., Australia
Our own ill health will likely be accompanied by a good dose of depression, doubling the challenge of getting well again. Worries about the environment and uncertainty about the future are becoming prevalent causes of depression.
Nowadays depression can be triggered by world events because we have the news coming at us all day long via the internet, on our computers and mobile phones. In addition, there is also the television, radio, newspapers and friends at the local café making sure we’ve heard the latest bad news that we had somehow managed to avoid for a few hours.
The nature of the current media is to bring us all the bad news at break neck speed. We barely have time to recover from the last shocking story before the next one is bearing down on us.
With all the conditions listed above, it is no wonder that depression and anxiety are now prevalent in men and women alike, at all ages, in all societies, in all countries.
Of course, some people have a medical condition causing the depression and they need to be cared for by professionals, medical and perhaps psychological.
However, for the majority of us, depression is something that comes and goes.
For those people who have experienced short term depression, you can usually pick up on the early signals that you are feeling a bit off kilter, you can sort of see it coming if you are attuned to yourself. Most of us then try to figure out how to avoid what’s coming. ‘What can I do to NOT go into depression?’
To what degree do we have any control of it coming and going? When we are feeling depressed, we don’t feel like we have any control over it at all. So, it is helpful if you can be alert to the early warning signs.
I’d like to share with you something that I heard at a presentation recently. I found it a valuable tool for dealing with those ‘down times.’
It is perhaps an over simplification to say there are two kinds of people. But hear me out and then do some experimenting on your own. There are people who like to be with other people and there are people who prefer to be by themselves.
As human beings, we tend to be creatures of habit. We have our patterns. It stands to reason that when the people who like to be with people, have the onset of depression, they quickly pick up the phone and call a friend to chat, organise a group luncheon, or call up people who might be up for a party. Get in and amongst people! That will surely be the way to chase away the blues. But does it?
For those people who prefer their own company, when the blues come knocking, they withdraw. They prefer to be home alone, they don’t answer the phone, they might even disconnect the doorbell, and sometimes a long run of DVDs, one after the other, might be sufficient distraction until that ‘down period’ passes. But does it?
Here’s a simple remedy that you can experiment with to avoid or ease depression. When you recognise that you are feeling blue, you need to do the opposite of your automatic response.
So, for people who normally prefer to be in a crowd of people, try spending some time alone. Go for a walk in nature, perhaps stroll in a park, go to the beach and take the time to really look at the sparkle on the water. It doesn’t matter what you do, but of course it is good to spend quality time with yourself. Perhaps you’d like to make yourself a beautiful lunch using the ‘good’ dishes. Do something to make yourself feel special, something that gives you the feeling of self-love. Or write someone you know an old-fashioned letter, telling them about your time in nature and post it. Spend time with YOU, connect to your soul.
For those people whose natural tendency is to be alone it may feel very challenging to pick up the phone and call a friend. Just start with a phone call. Connect. Then really branch out and suggest a get together. Maybe go to a movie or have lunch out. Invite them over for lunch. Again, it doesn’t matter what you do. What is important is that you connect with another person. Be open.
So, that’s my remedy for the blues. Just give it a try – experiment with breaking out of your well-worn pattern and try the opposite of what you would normally do when you feel the blues coming your way.
Gayle C., Australia