Depression is more than just feeling sad or low. It impacts one physically and mentally. It is not something one can wish away. It could be described as a weight on your shoulders that weighs you down and causes emotional paralysis, making you feel hopeless. It could also be described as being stuck in a dark deep pit with no sight of light and no way out?Depression can be hard to understand, especially when you have not gone through it. Have you ever been depressed and felt that it is crippling your life? Have you ever wondered how to overcome depression? This is to let you know that it might not be easy, but it is not impossible to overcome. You are stronger than you think. You are a warrior! And you are designed to live your life to the fullest.
According to the WHO, more than 264 million million people of all ages suffer from depression worldwide. However, 76%-85% of people in low-income and middle-income countries receive no treatment for depression. According to the National Mental Health Survey 2015-2016, one in 20 Indians suffers from depression.
“You were never created to live depressed, defeated, guilty, condemned, ashamed or unworthy. You were created to be victorious.”
-Joel Osteen
Overcoming the emotional paralysis and negative thoughts that encompass depression may seem like an uphill climb, but it is not impossible. Even if you feel that it is easier said than done, remember that you are a fighter. We have all gone through situations that should have destroyed us, but we have come out of them all. This too shall pass. Here are 5 ways that can help you overcome depression.
1. Shift your focus
Depression encompasses repeated negative thoughts that drain one’s energy. If you ever catch yourself in thoughts that drown you and make you feel unimportant, unworthy, or failure, shift your focus.
Shifting your focus from the negative or unpleasant thoughts from past to the simple happy memories can give you relief. When the traumas from the past are weighing you down, lift your head, take some time, and think of the happy moments of your life—the moments that made you proud, the moments you felt loved and special, the times you still cherish.
2. Look into yourself
When you feel insignificant, unimportant, unworthy of love, and guilty, look into yourself. Dive deeper. See the beautiful person you are. You are a wonderful son, a responsible brother, a caring wife, a loving dad, a strong mother, a beloved daughter. You are special and extraordinary. You are important. You are loved more than you can imagine. You are not average. You have been custom-made. You are a masterpiece. Of all His creations, God is most proud of you. You are a masterpiece, a prized possession. Hold your head up high, you were created in His very own image.
3. Maintain sleep hygiene
Improve the quality of rest. Clinical studies show that depression can cause sleep problems. In turn, sleepless nights can feed depression. Hence, it is important to maintain healthy sleep hygiene and avoid depriving your body of sleep. Getting a good night’s rest gives you clarity. Avoid staying up late one night and compensating for the sleep the next day. Stay away from any bright screens 2 to 3 hours before sleep. If your work demands you to stay up late, consider using blue-blocking glasses or use apps that filter blue light. Follow the bedtime routine. If you face problems falling asleep, try conscious relaxation to calm your mind. And if you have difficulty calming your mind, focus on your body with the use of breathing techniques to relax.
4. Be around people who lift your soul
Don’t isolate yourself. A study conducted by University College Dublin on 100 adults with depression revealed that increased social interaction helps rebuild self-esteem, which in turn helps maintain and develop positive relationships and friendships. The study showed that social activities such as meeting for a coffee, going to a movie or concert, or enjoying a conversation help people feel less isolated, less stigmatized and less anxious. However, if you find strength in spending time alone, spend the time offline to relax and for self-reflection.
5. Take one day at a time
We are not designed to carry yesterday’s weight, nor the burden of the future. Take one day at a time. In times when you feel like you are in the deep, dark pit with no way out and no sight of light and when you are wondering how to overcome depression, God is able to lift you out of that pit, set your feet on a rock. Remember, you have been armed with strength for every battle. The forces that are working for you are greater than the forces. working against you.
Every unpleasant memory or trauma that we go through teaches us life lessons. And no pain that we have been through goes in vain, for God is able to give beauty for ashes. Your story will not end in ashes, for Christ came so you can live life in its abundance and to the fullest.
Wonderful advice to people who are depressed oppressed suppressed and put faith in God and god alone .congratulations from Appa
Thank you, Appa!