Depression

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 grieve 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 he/she loses the vitality of life. The world becomes so blanked out from the person that he/she 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 is talk to someone. If you ever feel overwhelmed or that the world is moving so fast. Hold your horses. Try to ride with someone else. Reach out to someone for help, for an advice or for companionship.

Avoid competition/toxic people. One of the ways to do this is reducing your time on social media. Social media has contributed to unhealthy competitions. You may think your peers are doing better and you are not doing well when you see people’s posts of vacation, marriages, career success etc

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 a skill/talent: I will tell you a story of my life soon. How this talent of writing has contributed to changes in the way I see life.

Keep close contact with Family and good 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 Providence 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 by yourself or with someone special, enjoy Natural things. Watch birds sing, help the weak. Sometimes keep your phone off and sit in the garden or green park. Just make yourself happy and try to make others happy as well, 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.

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

©Oke Iroegbu