Depression is a harsh condition. I have been caring for someone over the past few weeks who has been experiencing the hard end of low feelings and deep depression. We can’t just persuade someone to feel better and lighten up. It doesn’t work like that. It’s something that is deep inside and real. It can be very frightening for the person and the people around them. In those dark times its hard for that person to figure out what to do next.
One of the things that comes up from talking to many people who have experienced this and come out the other side, is that it needs the seed of discomfort inside to be acknowledged and witnessed.
Depression seems to rise up from a deep feeling of something that isn’t right in life. It needs attention and noticing. By putting some awareness onto the deep intuition around the problem, relief can come.
One technique is to go quietly inside, ask yourself deep inside what is it that needs acknowledgment and noticing. In adults, this is easier than for young teenagers and children who often don’t have the tools to know how to do this.
Inward reflection is so useful. The power of meditation comes into force. The other aspects that work well in this situation is exercise, good food and plenty of rest. These are all positive things that can support low moods.
Daily Programme of support
Meditation and visualisation
Exercise like walking or swimming
Fresh health foody with colourful vegetables, fruit and nuts
Extra vitamin and mineral supplements
Watching comedy
Meeting with friends who uplift you and avoiding those who drain your energy
Walk in nature
Deep breathing
Resting
Naps
Avoidance of stress
Some find that supplements such as St Johns Wort and H516 are also useful and some research shows these have good to significant effects. Take professional advice before you try. Finding the correct dosage takes time and careful monitoring.
We need to find out more about this growing problem and how to treat it. It’s affecting so many people so widely and a lot of very young people are experiencing difficulties through stress, marriage breakdowns and parent’s troubled relationships. A major problem of our time.
Speak out, get help, support from those around you. Talking and being honest with people close by about how you are feeling is a great first step.
Seek professional guidance for support and an appropriate programme.
