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Overcoming Depression

By Wily Elder

One side effect of the newly soured economy of the world is depression. You could say that the economic depression is causing mental depression. Suicides similar to the depression of the 1930's are beginning to occur as people realize the new reality they are faced with.

However, personal depression can be dealt with in a direct way. Self-help is the first approach that should be attempted before going for other solutions.

Vanity is a contributor to depression. Unfortunately we live in a society that promotes vanity in the extreme. Too often people are seeking the approval of others or going to the other extreme and rebelling without having a real direction to their rebellion.

First one must admit to being depressed. Without the acknowledgment one cannot begin the steps toward therapy.

In our lives, we need to cope with both the ups and the downs of our life. It is important to be ready for the extremes that are unavoidable.

It is important that we know what our limitations are. If we are depressed we need to acknowledge it, not deny it. Once we acknowledge, realize our limitations, and take the first look at the road ahead it is imperative that we identify the barriers that exist to a solution.

For example, if you have alienated your mate, then the barrier is the wall of indifference between the two of you. If you are to blame you need to admit it and be the first to take steps to reconcile and come back together. Only then is the barrier (the wall of indifference) removed. In situations like this it is always a good idea to have empathy for the other person (realize how you would feel if the situation was reversed).

After identifying the barriers, move on to beginning the process of working through a solution. The least intrusive solution is always the best solution. That is, the solution that involves the least amount of help and interference from others is the best solution.

There are two basic types of depression: systemic depression and depression with cause. Systemic depression is generally more serious than depression with cause and is more likely to require help from others.

Depression with cause involves depression that has an easily- defined specific cause that exists as the source of the depression. We all react differently to negative events that impact our lives. Some are stronger than others. It is important to realize that there is a certain cerebral inertia involved in both depression and exuberance. In both cases once the ball starts rolling it tends to keep rolling in the same direction unless some one or some event causes a change.

Settling for the status quo is fine, if you are happy. If you are depressed, it is a totally different story.

Never change a winning game.

Always change a losing game.

This rule of thumb works in any arena, but is particularly helpful in the area of mood elevation. Lifting your mood through behavioral means is always superior to doing it through drugs.

Systemic depression is the most serious form of depression because there is usually no perceived obvious cause to focus on. This depression may be so severe that other people may need to help with the problem. Unfortunately, people in this condition tend to have the attitude of wanting to isolate themselves. What can we do if we have this type of depression? We need to acknowledge we have the problem. That is a first step in solving the problem. Next we may have to realize that the solution requires other people to help us. A trusted friend or relative may be able to provide help and guidance. Or a counselor, psychologist, or behaviorist may be able to help.

In this age of instant solutions, many will be too willing to turn to drugs to solve the problem. In some cases, drugs may be the solution. However, here too we should try options that are the least intrusive. For example, St. John's Wort is an herb that is a natural SSRI (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor). After taking this herb for at least 3 weeks, many people find they are relieved of the feeling of depression. And there is the added benefit of having no bad side effects -- something that cannot be said of most drugs.

We live on a planet that symbolically is getting smaller and smaller. We need to live at peace with everyone we know, as much as such a thing is possible. Being at peace with others will generally cause us to have a tendency to be at peace with ourselves.

In getting free from depression, be sure to take note of what the key was for finding a solution. That same key may be needed again at a later date.

-- wilyelder

Overcoming Depression: The Spiritual Perspective

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