in my mind's zen garden

5 Great Articles on Overcoming Depression

Conquering the War on Depression

I know that, for me, I can feel depressed at times, and even though I’m on a very healthy raw vegan diet, let’s face it… one can still feel depressed.
Depression, especially during these tough economic times, can be a very debilitating thing. We might feel a sense of hopelessness because we may be trying hard to succeed in life, but still fail to achieve our goals.

Or, we may have lost our job and are wondering how we’re going to make ends meet. Or, we are just worried about the thought of impending layoffs at our place of employment.

Some Causes of Depression

Depression can be brought on by a number of causes.
 
The loss of a loved one, failure in an exam, financial stress, rejection by a lover, can all lead to bouts of depression.
 
Whilst feeling down now and then is a normal part of living, existing in a state of morbid disposition is not.

Regardless, these are all legitimate reasons for feeling depressed. And sometimes, although we may know better, circumstances and events in our lives CAN get the better of us.

Today, I feature 5 great articles about overcoming depression. I was thinking of writing this whole big article on the topic, but I realize it’s been done several times before. So, I’ll just recap on some of the best articles online about overcoming depression:

• 1. ZenHabits.org
  6 Practical and Powerful Ways to Overcome Depression
  What I noticed too is that simply getting outside to breathe some fresh air and bask in the sunshine can do wonders. If you live in an area where sunshine and fresh air are a problem, then get out and socialize and workout or go for a long walk. And taking omega-3 fatty acids to overcome depression… that’s interesting.
• 2. GirlieGossip.com
  10 Ways to Overcome Depression and Those Winter Blues
  I agree that sometimes the best thing to do is keep busy and get some exercise. Also, making sure we get enough sleep is a good remedy, because sometimes we can feel a bit depressed simply because we lack sleep.
• 3. DepressionTreatmentHelp.org
  Top 4 Depression Hacks
  Okay, the previous articles have covered exercise, sleep and taking omega-3 fatty acids. But “brainswitching” therapy is a new one to me. Doing things to stimulate the intellectual, thinking side of the brain (which doesn’t feel emotion) in order to take attention away from the emotional side. That’s worthy of more research.
• 4. ThriftyFun.com
  Ways to Overcome Depression
  The Buddha has been known to have stated, “It’s all in the mind.”

  Yes, the more one thinks about that, you just might be depressed because your mind has set yourself up for depression. Surely, external factors in the environment can cause us to feel down and blue. It’s perfectly understandable. But, it’s how our minds deal with these external factors that will determine if we will feel depressed, or we are going to look positively and find ways to overcome our depression and our problems.

  And another thing… hmm… good advice. Do not let negative people influence your thoughts and feelings. Don’t let them control your thoughts.

• 5. Blog.WorldVillage.com
  Great Ways to Overcome Depression
  Ah, human contact! Sometimes is good to go and get a hug from someone, or find a shoulder to cry on. I know I feel much better getting “virtual” *hugs* from online friends. And, it’s definitely therapeutic to get it all out in the open and discuss feeling depressed with others.

Basically, most of the articles I’ve found have stressed the following ways to overcome depression:

• Get Outside
• Exercise
• Keep Busy
• Eat Better
• Get Sleep

Now, chronic depression is more than likely something that will need the help of psychologist or therapist. Someone qualified in the field. And, might require medication.

I don’t think I’m at that point. I’ve been depressed before, and have consulted with my doctor. And, she didn’t think I had chronic or clinical depression.

But, I think that depression is what most people feel every now and then. And if you are one of the lucky ones who never feel depressed then consider yourself blessed. I am always striving for a more “enlightened” state of being, and awareness.

The Dalai Lama maintains that all beings seek to be happy. It is in our nature to want to achieve happiness, and to be free from pain and suffering. It is in our nature.

Peace. Namaste. <3
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Tags: depression