| "It is a time when one's spirit is subdued and sad, one knows not why; when the |
| past seems a storm-swept desolation, life a vanity and a burden, |
| and the future but a way to death." |
| Mark Twain (1835-1910) |
| ����������� Depression is a dreadful disease without pity.� It can capture our lives and enclose us with darkness.� We need to ward off depression before it can take full control of our lives.� I personally, have experienced depression and have continuously fought it for quite sometime now.� Fortunately, with some help from friends and books, I have discovered some ways to deal with depression naturally.� I like to share this information because it has helped me and I am sure it can help others who suffer from this disease.� |
| Walking is one way to help relieve some of the feelings of depression.� It is best to choose a quiet spot where there aren't many distractions.� While walking, count from one to nine slowly and repetitively to clear your mind from unwelcome thoughts.� Distance depends on each individual. �Some people may find relief in just a small stroll around their yard, while others may have the desire to walk a mile or so.� |
| ����������� Another useful way to cope with depression is by writing.� Creating a gratitude list each day can be highly beneficial.� This is simply a bundle of things that you are grateful for jotted down on a piece of paper.� It can be anything from having toilet paper to being blessed with a caring family. Seeing our good fortune transcribed can help to remind us that not everything in our lives is negative.� Keeping a journal is also an option. When talking about our problems becomes complicated, perhaps because of fear or embarrassment, we can get our aggressions out by writing.� It is better to tell a piece of paper than no one at all. |
| ����������� In dealing with depression, meditation and personal time also helps.� Both are ideal in relaxation and stress relief.� An hour should be reserved each day for yourself, with the first fifteen minutes occupied by meditation.� The first step is loosening up. �Tightening, holding, and releasing your muscles starting with your toes and working upward can achieve this.� Once some tension is disposed of, it is time for some 'so-hum' deep breathing.� First, inhale slowly while whispering so. Then slowly exhale with a hum.� This is only one form of meditation among others, but it is an effective one. |
| ����������� Along with these steps, giving thanks to God is likewise helpful.� At any time you may be feeling depressed, just start thanking Him for every single thing you can think of.� It is a bit like brainstorming for things in which you are grateful; only instead of writing it down, you are sharing it with God.� After a short period of this, you are sure to feel better. |
| ����������� These steps do not cure depression. However, they do work quite well in helping to relieve it.� All you have to do is try. |
| "Geez, if I could get through to you kiddo.� That depression is not sobbing and |
| �crying and giving vent.� It is plain and simple reduction of feeling.� Reduction, see? |
| �Of all feeling. ��People who keep stiff upper lips find that it's damn hard to smile." |
| ����������� Judith Guest (1936-���� ) |
| Dealing With Depression |
 |