The journey of life isn’t always fun and mirth, there are hard times too. Such times when it just feels like you are alone, journeying on life’s path; times when no one seems to understand what you are going through.
It’s tough then but how tougher can it be?
At such times, it’s normal to experience depression, which is an indication that you are tired of everything happening at the same time. Even when push comes to shove, you might be feeling like a danger to yourself. That is how bad it can get.
But you know what?
No one can pick you up other than yourself. At times like this when times are difficult, only you can rescue yourself. This is why I’ve compiled natural ways you can deal with depression without resorting to the use of anti-depressants, which can as well be detrimental to your wellness and healthy living.
Let’s see what dep
ression is all about
Depression is a state of persistent sadness of the mind. It’s a state of being overwhelmed by circumstances to such extent that one becomes tired of everyone and everything.
Symptoms of depression include:
- excessive guilt
- behavioral changes
- poor self-care
- loss of interest
- changes in appetite
- excessive anxiety and worry
- intense fear
- decline in concentration
- suicidal thoughts and inflicting of pain on self
When all these are happening to you, the only thing you have to do at this point is to “realize” that you still have a life that can actually count for something. Remember you have a goal and purpose for living, remind yourself that you can make the best out of your life once again and that everything that has happened or is happening to you is not the end of the world. It’s only then when you are ready to put up a fight against depression that these natural methods can work for you. It’s only when there is a will that there can be a way.
However, I want to emphasize that you must not quit your antidepressants without the prior knowledge and express permission of your caregiver or doctor.
Here are natural ways to deal with depression
Be of service to others
This is your first point of call as you are largely disinterested in doing anything for yourself. So, begin by helping others. There are people in the community who help. For instance, the elderly, widows, and orphans around you. Volunteer to render help to these categories of people. As you do so, you would be able to give happiness to others. This feeling is enough to make you find happiness in yourself later. When you start, you’d realize that helping people around you is just like helping yourself; in the same way, lifting people from sadness is just like lifting yourself up from sadness.
Distract yourself by setting goals
This is another natural pill that works like magic for depression. Achieving goals helps us as humans to be happy with ourselves. So when you set a goal and achieve such, you are elated. By continuously indulging in this, you will be lifting yourself out of depression gradually. However, use the SMART technique when setting your goals – meaning set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Accurate, Realistic, and Time-bound.
Spend time with people who lift your mood
Relationships matter in life as we are a reflection of the people we spend our time with. Depression tends to isolate you as you’d always desire to bask in your solitude. Consequently, you break away from people gradually. Consciously, highjack yourself out of this situation by spending time with people who influence your mood positively and not people whose talk and appearance reduces your self-esteem.
Sleep well
Don’t stay up late at night brooding over things. At this point, when you think on those things, you might send yourself back into depression. So, try as much as possible to sleep on time. If you’re finding it difficult to sleep, read an inspiring book, or listen to some soul-lifting music as this will keep your mind of vain and toxic thoughts.
Exercise and feed well too
Don’t just binge on carbs and junks, ensure you’re on a healthy diet such that is nutritious for your body. Exercise well too as this helps to improve your metabolism, burn fat, and also boost your blood circulation. You need all the energy you can get, to fly out of this sad state.