How To Rise Above Depression
The number of depressed people in the world is at an all-time high. Many people –adults and adolescents alike have been hurled down the path of depression. It is quite sad to see these people secretly suffer from depression. A few are physically or emotionally bullied, some failed an exam, and others cannot afford the basic needs of life, pay their house rent, get a job, or pay off a loan.
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes a continuous feeling of sadness, low mood, and a loss of interest in activities and life. If untreated, depression could last for a very long time -slowly killing the person. Depressed people typically suffer from insecurity and have low self-esteem. It is next to impossible to excite depressed people about anything.
Several factors cause people to become depressed. Society is besotted with speed which is a little on the hard side to keep up with. Unemployment, peer pressure, parental negligence, addiction, illness, and social media influence are some of the dominant factors that contribute to the high number of depression cases in our society. Depression had made a lot of people full of despair, despondent, and suicidal.
Depression is dangerously real. However, it is not impossible to overcome it. Come along with me on ways to rise above depression.
- Know this, “It is not your fault”:
Depression is an ailment, just like the common cold or malaria. Having it doesn’t mean you are weak. Life happens, and you are in no way to be blamed for being depressed. Depression is also contagious. You can contract it if you stay too much around depressed people, be in places, or around things that could cause depression. A lot of powerful and influential people have been depressed and have risen above it. So, quit blaming yourself for something out of your control and focus your energy on how to climb out of the situation.
- Take a break:
A break is the time to reset and get refreshed. If you have been diagnosed or you feel a little bit depressed, it is high time you had a break. You should cut down your chores, task, and obligations that are not essential. It would help if you distanced yourself from anything that could stress you. Aside from your core responsibilities, every secondary activity can wait! You can use the time you have on your hands to do the things you want. Do things you enjoy doing. It is part of the process of getting better.
- Sleep:
Insomnia, habitual sleeplessness, and depression have a strong link. Depression can cause insomnia, and not having enough sleep can make you depressed. Inability to sleep is one of the common symptoms of depression. As depression worsens, so does the inability to sleep. A way out is to get healthy sleep and improve your sleep naturally. You can follow the tips of a healthy sleep such as going to bed and getting out of bed at the same time every day. Ensure you have a healthy sleeping pattern and avoid things that could make you sleepless such as alcohol, drugs, caffeine, and noise. Stay away from any source of disturbances such as phones, television, and other electronic devices.
- Exercise:
Exercise is one of the best natural treatments for depression. Physical exercise serves as an antidepressant, and it is encouraged by professionals. Though it might be hard to start exercising if you are depressed, inadequate exercise can worsen the symptoms of depression. One great thing about exercise is that it doesn’t have to be one particular activity. Your exercise can take various forms. It can be walking, jogging, running, or any other physical activity you enjoy. You do not even have to perform the exercise for too long. It should be just long enough to lift your mood a bit and consistent enough to ensure you rise above depression.
- Healthy diet:
Your meal has more than one way to affect you. It is your primary source of energy –energy for your body’s work and mood to be lifted. An adage says, “you are what you eat”. A healthy diet is a good way to boost your emotional and mental wellbeing. You can also prevent depression with a healthy diet. You are advised to steer clear of food such as canned foods, soda, sugary desserts, red meat, and premade baked foods. You can opt for healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, healthful oil, fish, whole-grain meals, and other food that help protect the body from cell damage and oxidative stress.
- Psychotherapy:
Psychological treatment is an easier way of rising above depression when compared with medical treatment. It does not only treat the symptoms of depression. It also helps identify the causes and ways to prevent depression in the future. Talking therapy includes counselling for specific issues, psychoanalysis, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Psychoanalysis looks into the past issues, while CBT can help you find new ways of thinking and acting. One of the perks of psychoanalysis is that it is flexible. It can be one-on-one, with partners or family members, or with a group of people.
- Prevention:
Prevention, they say, is better than cure. All efforts may prove futile if you do not prevent future occurrences. It would be best to guard yourself against anything that could trigger depression. Several factors can start depression, and it varies from one person to another. You must avoid or do your best to reduce your exposure to anything that could trigger depression. Triggers include stress, addiction, abuse of drugs and alcohol, sleeplessness, exposure to some news, and other cause of depression.
Dear friend, open up! Being open and honest about how we feel does not make us weak. It only reveals that we are human. A problem shared is half solved. On your way to rising above depression, you should:
- Ask people to help out. We all need help;
- Change something about you. It could be your routine, your workplace, rearranging your shift; and
- Join a support group. This way you should have someone to talk to whenever the need arises.
I know you are on the right path out of depression, and I believe you will rise above it.
See you on the bright side.
To speak with any of our counsellors at Light House Counselling, call or whatsapp +2348060286476.
We provide 5 different types of Counseling ranging from Marriage and Family Counselling, Educational Counselling, Rehabilitation Counselling, Mental Health Counselling, and Substance Abuse Counselling.
We have professionals and we provide affordable services.