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By Dr. Isaac Schumann
Depression can come on us at any time of the year. Sometimes,
holidays are the worst times for those that feel this
down-in-the-dumps fear and worry and things just seem to
happen
to make us feel gloomy and sad. Note that this feeling happens
to all of us at one time or another. How to recognize the
feeling and know what to do about it is the purpose of this
article.
No one can or should ignore this feeling. It is universal and
the blues are very much ingrained in our world. Music and
movies are legendary in handling this subject. If the feeling
is too overwhelming, then sometimes professional help is the
desired action. We will just talk here about the funk of
depression, the knotted thinking that nothing is right and it
will only get worse. The following things are suggested to
help:
1. Laughing is the best medicine is an old adage, but so true.
It is amazing how when you are depressed, just laughing about
something and releasing the stress, can make you feel better.
If you are having trouble finding something to laugh about,
maybe you can find some people to keep close that cheer you
up,
that you can call when you feel bad, those who you know will
let
you apply the "strength in numbers" theory. Invite a few good
friends over just to talk and have an appetizer and you will
see how much better you feel afterwards.
2. Listening to music is another key to overcoming depression.
If you can just relax and let the type of music you love drift
over you and enter your senses, you will find that you calm
down and feel better. Even as babies in the womb, we respond
to
music. Maybe you will find you want to get up and dance and
there is nothing wrong with that - even without a partner!
Just
move to the beat and let all your stress flow out of your
fingertips and toes.
3. Do some work and you will find you feel less depressed.
There is something about a clean bathroom, living room, or
kitchen that gives most women a sense of pride and order and
joy. Men sometimes enjoy doing some of the same work and
experiencing the same attitudes. The point is you just need to
get out and do something that moves your body. Maybe you can
shoot hoops in the driveway, ride a bicycle through the
neighborhood and say "HI" to a few of your neighbors. There is
something to be said for just watching a sunset and realizing
how mighty the world is and how we are just one part of it.
That sometimes seems to put our troubles more in perspective.
4. While we are on that thought, why not try prayer when you
feel depressed? Try helping out someone less fortunate. Think
of hospital patients and know that they most likely have
things
worse than you. Yet, you see happier children and adults in
some
of the worst settings in the hospital. Count your blessings.
Hug
someone or maybe go through some old pictures of happy times
with your family.
Doing productive activities will always perk you up. Think
positively about your life and the things you have been given
and do not dwell on the problems. Take your dog for a walk and
relish in the animal's unending enjoyment at seeing you and
being with you. Sometimes simple undemanding love is all we
need to overcome the blue feeling.
The last suggestion may sound unusual, but here it is. EAT ICE
CREAM! Yes, just swirling that cold stuff around on your
tongue
and all the different flavors can make you feel good! The idea
is to eat something that you totally enjoy and see how hard it
is to be depressed when you have your favorite food and are
enjoying it. The world just seems a little better!
Of course, all the suggestions given above may not apply to
everyone. But give them a try and who knows...maybe they can
help just a little. Keep this list handy and the next time you
are feeling a little down, find something that triggers the
best response to get you to feel happy again. Be aware that
when depression creeps in, you need to take action and beat
the
depression back to the corner where it belongs.
We all have more important things to do in life than feel blue
and depressed. Keep this thought in-mind and may your life be
filled with joy.
About The Author: Dr. Isaac Schumann brings to you a life time
of experience in the mental health field
www.depressionhelpguides.com
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