“I need help with depression!” While on my service mission to Colorado I heard this call for help many, many times.
The world is highly active and energizing these days. We can’t go one minute without texting, watching TV, talking on the phone or being stimulated in some way. This causes discontent and a lost connection between our minds and our own spirits. We forget to relate with our own self – and those around us.
Below are a few things you can do – to get out of the depression rut. If you have any others to share, please do.
Smile
Smiling, simply, is contagious.
When we smile we’re telling the world that we love life. We want good energy. We want to be happy.
For humans smiling is the facial expression that denotes happiness, content & pleasure. A way to communicate our to the world our joy. When your smile is genuine, your entire presence illuminates, pushing away any symptoms of depression.
Everyone has a different smile. There are billions in this world. Yours – is unique.
Breathe
When depression looms near; breathe.
For centuries breathing has been known to reduce stress. Breathing is practiced in nearly every form of human-movement art. Yoga. Karate. You name it.
If you are discouraged and have forgotten your purpose in life, breathe. It will remind you about how precious life is, and that each breath in this life is a gift you need to appreciate. Make the most of this gift. -Leo Babauta
Breathing is essential for our bodies. We need oxygen to exist. When we feel pent up energy, nervousness or pain – breathing can often reduce those nuisances.
Don’t let depression win. Let it go. Breathe.
Laugh
Laughing is my favorite. It’s usually everyone’s favorite.
Pop in a comedy. Laugh with ones you love. Laughing is a sign of happiness – and doctors even tell us it’s good for our hearts and bodies. I’m quite positive the beneficial effects of laughing aren’t even completely known to human kind.
Depression can’t win when there’s more then enough laughing to go around.
Exercise
When the body isn’t cared for, it begins to suffer. Even the mental capacities of our brain begin to falter.
We’ve long been told it’s important to exercise. Whatever it may be, get out there and do something for your body. It may be something as simple as a walk. Some enjoy the benefits of yoga (I sure do!). Others find quality exercise in doing the sports they love. Tennis, snowboarding, running, etc.
Exercise stimulates your physical body and overall health and wellness. It’s important. So do it!
Serve Others
I don’t fully understand why – but a life of service brings happiness.
We have thousands of examples of service in our own lives and throughout history. Christ. Mother Teresa. Gandhi. Our own friends and family. Their lives exemplified service, and they were blessed for it.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. -Mohandas Gandhi
Your service need not be extraordinary to help heal yourself of depression. Here are just a few ideas.
- Tell someone you love them.
- Bake a tray of cookies for an elderly neighbor.
- Pay for the person behind you at a toll booth.
- Send a thank you note to a friend.
I know the power of service is phenomenal. When I serve others – I’m happy. When I forget to serve – there’s something lacking in my life. Get out into this grand world, where there are billions more, and serve.
Ponder & Meditate
Life has many questions. How do I find happiness? What is my purpose? How do I remove depression from my life? How can I be a help to this world?
These questions are ones that I, or others, cannot answer for you. They are questions you must search and ponder for yourself. For this reason it’s important to take the time to meditate and ponder.
Many of the greatest minds throughout history spent ample time each day to meditate. A few minutes in the morning of peace and quiet – do much for the soul throughout the day.
Battle depression, by meditating.
Conclusion
There are many ways to find help in battling depression. These are just a few. Share with us ways you keep happy – and help the lives of others.
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
When we hear about “depression” we associate this word with mental illness. However, contrary to what the drug peddling psychiatrists say about it, depression is not an illness; it’s a human condition. It’s the opposite of joy, so it is part of an emotional spectrum with extremes at both ends. Morever, when we look at the buzz words dealing with depression in the realm of popular psychology such as, “self esteem”, “self worth”, “self image”, “self love”, “self Loathing”, etc., we can get that this entire area of study is about ego-centrism. There is no room in this private domain for anyone else. Moreover, the way our society deals with this subject as a whole even encourages narcissism. Therefore, barring any chemical or hormonal imbalances which doctors can correct, the person suffering from chronic bouts of depression needs to focus on the needs of others. The best therapy is a program that encourages people to be more altruistic and less self-centered.
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March 12, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Really love your thoughts there. Depression isn’t reserved for a select few individuals. Like you mentioned – it’s a part of all our lives. I’ve gone through bouts of sadness (depression), whatever you may call it. We all have. The best therapy for me, as you suggested, has always been helping others. Focusing on others before myself. That’s the only time when the sadness has left my life completely.
As someone who has experience severe depression (it is actually a chemical imbalance in the brain! – I have a science degree so look at these things). For anyone who has never had depression it is very difficult to understand it, yes sadness is a normal emotion, true depression is extended sadness, lack of energy and a lack of being able to enjoy life usually for two weeks or more – I am getting over mine (caused by stress) after ten years -having beaten my emotional demons from earlier in my life.) While your above suggestions are nice they may not really help someone with true depression, there are a lot of ways it can be treated and drugs are not the only way but can be helpful in getting chemical imbalances in the brain correct. Lets face it over 25% percent of the population has this illness, it is just like appendicitis or any other illness, ironically my depression was in part caused by focusing on everyone elses needs not my own (but I am not selfish and do a lot of things for those around me when I can).
Twitter: smartboydesigns
March 13, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Great thoughts LOTR. Scientifically, my thoughts can’t “cure” clinical depression. For those in a saddened or depressed rut, I believe some of these ideas would help. Not necessarily for a chemical imbalance.
Good tips! Depression is unfortunately becoming part of everyday life but it really does help me to know that I’m not alone and that it’s ok not to be ok sometimes too.
Thank you for writing about it!! Raising discussion and awareness is a vital part of helping to change the stigma around depression and even suicide.
Also: you might want to check out this global organization called Don’t Lose Your Grip started by Chrisselle Mowatt (19 years old) to fight depression, stigma and eating disorders after our friend committed suicide. Charity concerts combined with fashion shows will help raise money for charities and more importantly awareness (hopefully discussion too).
Twitter: smartboydesigns
May 9, 2011 at 11:23 am
Really do appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment Anelene. I think it’s important for everyone to remember that depression, sadness, and low valleys do come to everyone in life. Nobody is alone.
excellent post. I dont suffer from depression, but those tips are a part of my everyday life. Good work- I will be following!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
May 18, 2011 at 7:20 am
Thanks for stopping by David. Appreciate the follow and thoughts. Checking out your blog now.