The English dictionary defined depression as a state of mind producing serious, long-term lowering of enjoyment of life or inability to visualize a happy future.

Many people experience this daily. Depression sucks out the joy and life of an individual, even when the person is still living. Honestly, I think being sad is the youngest brother to depression. So we must watch it when we feel sad. For sadness may grow into greater grief, which is a doorway to depression. We must also watch what makes us sad. What we consume, the people we let around us, and the places we go to. Most times, this depression is caused by the activities happening in our environment, and other times it may be internal. One fact remains glaring: it is not a good thing to be depressed. When someone is depressed, they lose the vitality of life. The world becomes so blanked out that the person feels nothing. If care is not taken to remedy the situation, it may lead to suicide.

I have few suggestions which I believe may help combat depression. These are my thoughts which had helped me overcome sadness.

First, talk to someone. If you ever feel overwhelmed or like the world is moving so fast. Hold your horses. Try to ride with someone else. Reach out to someone for help, advice, or companionship.

Avoid competition/toxic people. One way to do this is to reduce your time on social media. Social media has contributed to unhealthy competition. You may think your peers are doing better and that you’re not doing well when you see people’s posts about vacations, marriages, career success, etc. Unfortunately, social media has made some people egotistical and narcissistic.

Be Kind: Do you ever feel good helping others? If so, this is a great sadness/depression killer. If you are compassionate to others, chances are slim that you will be sad.

Find a job you love: It is easier to get worked up working in an environment that limits you. If you love what you do, at least you know something gives you joy. For instance, I write poems when I feel down. Then the poetry lights me up. Such a feeling; you must have something you do that gives you joy. Hold on to it.

Develop skill(s)/talent(s): I will tell you a story from my life soon. How this writing talent has changed the way I see life.

Keep close contact with Family and good/real friends: Is it not said, sometimes things change, but we begin and end with the family”? Come on, review your relationships and make them even sweeter. Drop toxic people. Be humble with life. Do not look down on anyone. Enjoy the love, people, and resources God blessed you with.

Water, water, water/Stay fit: And food! Haha, my favorite part. Drink loads of water, eat good food. Exercise mentally, physically, spiritually. Take a walk alone or with someone special; enjoy nature. Watch and listen to birds sing; help the weak. Sometimes, turn off your phone and sit in the garden or a green park. Make yourself happy, and try to make others happy too, if you can.

Love God: I know some people may not believe in an Almighty God, but to be truthful, having faith helps. If you are a Christian, then you can relate more. This is where believers find the courage and resilience—in Jesus Christ!

I hope this helps. If you have more suggestions, please feel free to share them. Drop them in my comments section. Will be glad to read and learn from you. Thanks, and remember to be kind today.

©Oke Iroegbu