A happy family is a sadness killer
The English dictionary defines depression as a state of mind that causes a severe and long-lasting decrease in enjoyment of life or the inability to envision a happy future.
Many people experience this daily. Depression drains the joy and vitality from a person, even when they are still alive. Honestly, I believe sadness is the younger sibling of depression. So, we must be mindful when we feel sad because unchecked sorrow can escalate into tremendous grief, which can lead to depression. We should also pay attention to what causes our sadness—what we consume, the people around us, and the places we visit. Often, depression results from activities in our environment, but sometimes it stems from within. One thing remains clear: being depressed is not a good thing. When someone is depressed, they lose their zest for life. The world feels completely blank to them, and they feel nothing. If not addressed, depression can even lead to suicide.
I have some tips that helped me fight sadness. These are my thoughts that helped me overcome depression:
1. The first step is to talk to someone. If you ever feel overwhelmed or like the world is moving too fast, take a moment to pause. Try to go through it with someone else—reach out for help, advice, or companionship. I often talk with my family members and check in with friends when I feel overwhelmed.
2. Stay away from toxic people and unnecessary competition. Reducing time on social media can help with this. Social media has fostered unhealthy competition among the youth. You might think your peers are doing better when you see their posts about vacations, marriages, or career successes.
3. Be kind: Do you ever feel good when helping others? If so, that’s a powerful way to combat sadness or depression. Being compassionate towards others makes it less likely for you to feel sad. Remember, you can’t give what you don’t have.
4. Find and connect with a job or people you love. It’s hard to thrive in environments that limit you. If you love what you do, it brings you joy. For example, I write poems when I’m down. It makes me feel unstoppable, and the lyrics lift my spirits. I also enjoy making others smile by offering a helping hand. Discover what activities or relationships bring you happiness. If you love someone, try to stay close—they bring you joy. Hold on to the job or people you care about.
5. Develop a skill or talent: Cultivating talents or skills to a high level can also help reduce sadness. I’ve seen firsthand how talent and skills can be sources of happiness. I’ll share a story in another blog post about how my writing talent has contributed to my joy, my journey to becoming a better person, and my perspective on life.
6. Keep close contact with family and good friends: Isn’t it said that while everything changes, we begin and end with family? A happy family is a great antidote to sadness. Review your relationships with friends and let go of toxic influences. Some people are naturally sad or downcast—they tend to emit negative vibes, which can affect you. It’s wise to keep your distance from them. If you’re the toxic one, address that behavior. Humility is a virtue that fosters contentment and friendliness. Be mindful of the company you keep; following unhappy people can make you unhappy too. Never look down on anyone. Cherish the love, people, and resources you’ve been blessed with.
7. Drink plenty of water, stay active, and eat well: And enjoy good food! This is rooted in psychological science more than art. Staying hydrated, eating nutritious food, and exercising—mentally, physically, and spiritually—can help reduce sadness. Take a walk alone or with someone special, and appreciate natural beauty. Every day, I exercise and feel ready to work, study, connect, or complete tasks. Do you enjoy watching birds sing or helping others? If so, sadness probably won’t take hold of you because you value life’s simple pleasures. Sometimes, turn off your phone, sit in a garden or park, and spend quality time with pets or animals. Do something fun alone, buy yourself something nice, and focus on making yourself happy. And if you can, spread happiness to others.
Lastly, love God: I realize that some people may not believe in an Almighty God, but honestly, faith can help a lot. As a religious person, I can say that faith is often the best way to fight sadness, sorrow, or depression. If you’re religious, you understand this well.
These tips can be helpful when facing depression. If you’d like to share your thoughts, let’s discuss in the comments. I’d be happy to learn from you. Thanks, and remember to love and be kind today and always.
©Oke Iroegbu
