Feeling blue? You are not the only one. All of us go through phases of being down, that is a part of life. But in most cases the feeling passes, the sun shines and we go back to being ourselves. Sometimes this can linger, causing it to infect our minds and our spirit.
‘Clinical depression’ is a fairly modern term, Hippocrates had described it as ‘melancholia’. The terms used may change but the symptoms remain the same down the ages. Depression can lead to emotional and physical problems. The constant feeling of sadness and lack of interest. It impacts our day to day life, interfering with normal activities, and in extreme cases patients can also feel life is not worth living at all. Despondency, anger, fear, a general sense of
helplessness, dejection and delusions all take turns to invade us. It is up to us to fight.
The first step is to identify the problem in ourselves or our loved ones. In most cases the symptoms are brushed off as a ‘phase’. But it is important to note if it is truly temporary or if it is more serious problem. Depression changes the way people feel about themselves. The energy levels drop, sleep patterns might change. They lose interest in work or other activities which they once enjoyed. Pay attention and recognise the signs and only then we can begin to overcome it.
What causes depression? No one knows for sure. There are certain common factors that might trigger it - life changing event like death,loss of employment, divorce etc. It could be genetic, some personality types are more prone to it than others. Drug or alcohol use can both lead to and result in depression. Youth are susceptible to it, middle aged are under life stress, and old age can be lonely. Everyone can be affected. It is a complex problem. Although much research is being done, the area is not fully understood.
Of all the known common illness that afflicts mankind, depression is probably the hardest to subdue. Yes, there is medication that can help, but studies have shown that the effect is limited.
So how can we fight it? The answer is simple, we need to help ourselves. That is the most effective way to beat this insidious disease. Medical science may not have all the answers, so look within
to find it.
Yes there are many reasons to be sad, but then there are reasons to be happy too. Focus on those. Yes there are many things we cannot change,but then there are others which we can. So take charge. There is so much we dislike about ourselves, but then there is so much that is wonderful too. Love yourself.
It is easier said than done. But let us at least begin to try. We need to be strong so we can control our depression, and not allow it to control us. Reiki , meditation etc can be of great help to fight depression.
Courtesy : Reiki Kendra
www.reikikendra.com
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