Overcoming Depression

Obviously, overcoming depression can be approached in as many ways as there are causes for depression.

I hope to show you here that causes CAN be easily conquered, once understood.

I just returned from a brisk, 30 minute walk which helped me to confirm my current thinking about depression. I had consciously chosen a high energy solution. I had decided to go with the Tao - the Big Flow of Energy.

So just what is depression? In behavioral terms, depression is when the gross (total) level of observable activity is low. Simple. So by this definition, a hibernating snake or bear would appear to be grossly depressed? Yes, and I still like the definition. Here's why:-

You can readily apply this to what you observe in human beings. We call it laziness. Slothful inactivity.

A 'lazy' person is constantly making 'low energy choices'. You know.. leave the dishes in the sink for three days. Collapse on the couch and watch two or three videos in a row. Never tidy the house or mow the lawn or pull out weeds in the garden.

These 'low energy habits' become the prime cause of depression. They lead to negative social feedback, and consequent poor self esteem. They lead to a downwards spiral of thought-action-feeling that feeds upon itself and leads to clinical and more chemically-involved depression.

However, the process is reversible.

'HIGH energy choices' send the spiral rocketing upwards again. You decide to turn on the hot water and you do all those dishes. You weed the garden, mow the lawn, and get moving! Only your actions by your choices can reverse the process, and start the building of 'high energy habits!' - and the flow of rewarding endorphins!

You get moving, motivated and stuck into a passionate project you had always dreamed about. You begin to unfold as a person as you work towards the fulfilment of your higher needs, expressing your uniqueness and aptitudes and rare abilities. You FOCUS on the positive.

A word about eating. Depressed people lose their appetite, or - - eat like crazy! Overeating leads to obesity, poor self esteem and yet another downwards spiral.. involving 'low energy choices'.

The same with sleeping. Depressed people don't sleep well, or - - sleep too much. Social avoidance then leads to poor self esteem and another downwards spiral.

So it appears that a balancing act is required. Gross ENERGY levels need to be kept high for many reasons. Reasons such as burning off carbohydrates and fats, ensuring tiredness and sleep patterns, and of course for behavioral achievements.

I hope this article helps you to see that you have the power of choice. You decide. You're the mini-god in charge of your moods and your life style of infinite possibilities. You are Energy and you live the electron dance.

Here are some excellent tips to conquer the despondent mood and get the most joy out of your daily activities.

1) Get Enough Light and Sunshine. Energize!

Lack of exposure to sunlight is responsible for your body�s secretion of the hormone melatonin, which could trigger a dispirited mood and a lethargic condition.

Melatonin is only produced in the dark. It lowers the body temperature and makes you feel sluggish. If you are always cooped up in your room (with the curtains closed), it would be difficult to restrain yourself from staying in bed.

This is the reason why many people are suffering from depression much more often in winter than in the other seasons. It's because the nights are longer, there are more dreary weather days, and we sometimes go several days without seeing the sun.

If you can't afford to get some sunshine, you can always lighten up your room with brighter lights. Have lunch outside the office. Take frequent walks instead of driving your car over short distances.

2) Get Busy. Get Inspired. Overcoming depressive feelings

You'll be more likely to overcome any feeling of depression if you are too busy to notice it. Live a life full of inspired activities.

Do the things you love. If you're a little short on cash, you could do simple things like taking a stroll in the park, participating in your favorite sports, reading books, or engaging in any activity that you have passion for and would love to pursue.

Set a goal - a meaningful purpose in life. No matter how difficult or discouraging life can be, remain firm and have an unshakable belief that you are capable of doing anything you desire. With this kind of positive attitude, you will attain a cheerful disposition to beat the blues.

3) Take a Break. Let it go!

Relax. Listen to soothing music. Soak in a nice warm bath. Ask one of your close friends to massage you. Take a break from your stressful workload and spend the day just goofing around. In other words, have some fun.

4) Eat Right and Exercise. Take Care.

Avoid foods with lots of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. Sugar and caffeine may give you a temporary burst of energy; but they later bring about anxiety, tension, and other problems. Alcohol is a depressant. Many people drink alcohol to "forget their problems." Again, this is just a temporary fix. Many times when the �high� wears off, you�ll feel even worse.

Exercising regularly is a very important depression beater because it allows your body to produce more endorphins than usual. Endorphins are sometimes called "the happy chemicals" because of their stress-reducing and happiness-inducing properties.

5) Get a Social Life. Integrate.

Your circle of friends are there to give you moral support. Spending time and engaging in activities with them will give you a very satisfying feeling. Nothing feels better than having group support.

Never underestimate the power of touch. Doesn't it feel so good when someone pats you on the back and gives you words of encouragement during your most challenging times? Hug or embrace someone today. You'll never know when you have saved another life.

Get intimate. Establish close ties with your family and friends. The love and care expressed by others could tremendously boost your immune system and fend off illnesses. Best of all, you'll live a more happy, secure and joyful life.

These are merely a few simple ways to help you or someone you love battle depression. For more information on how to conquer and treat depression to get relief, visit here: www.helpyouneednow.com/products/depression/help.html

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I trust this helps you with overcoming depression by finding some depression treatment options like the endorphins - right inside yourself! Your own body.

Geoff Dodd