What can you do about your depression?
Greetings Readers,
This weeks Got Insight section is about…
This weeks seemed to be a week were I noticed that others talked about being depressed or stated that they were depressed So I thought I might talk about what can help besides your medication if you have been diagnosed with depression.
Everyone gets sad know, then and again, but clinical depression is more than just feeling sad or grieving for the loss or lack of something or someone. More often than not depression as a word is over used. It has become a catchall for simply not identifying what is wrong at the base of who you are. In other words, it is the new excuse for not taking action and making choices that will make you feel better by simply doing them. Let me be clear here, I am not talking about the person who is diagnosed with depression in one of its many forms. And you should never forgo diagnosis if feelings of sadness, desperation and helplessness persist for long periods of time over a few weeks.
I am not a doctor of medicine, but I have seen plenty of diagnosable depression in my family and the families of those I treat as a hypnotherapist. Often what the general public considers depression starts with a traumatic event or loss, but more often depression is a wearing down of ones resilience.
The medical field sees depression as: A feeling of sadness, futility, unworthiness, and or despair that may make you feel unable to cope with normal life. Stemming from or lead to physical pain, sleeplessness, spiraling thoughts, lack of energy, listlessness, eating issues, extreme uncontrollable mood swings. Major depression is a disabling condition that adversely affects a person’s family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health. So how do you know if what you are feeling is a clinical type of depression?
Ask your-self how long have you felt this way? Have I experienced a recent trauma or loss, given birth, been physically injured. Then ask yourself the tough question… Do I feel like hurting myself or others? If the answer is yes, you must seek medical attention immediately. If you have a plan to harm yourself or others that is a very good sign this is not just a run of the mill sadness that will pass without you getting some help. No one knows how you feel inside, so you must take responsibility for asking for help or even demanding it when you don’t feel heard.
When a client comes to me and uses the description, “I am so depressed.” I will often ask the questions above. If there has been a trauma we go there and clear the event or events, if the issue is grief then I will explain the stages of grief and give them some tools to use when feeling sad, lonely or helpless. I will very often suggest that they see thier family doctor to be sure they are not dealing with blood sugar issues, or hormonal imbalances. Note: If you been diagnosed with clinically depression and are prescribed medication, take your medication and have a 3rd party to monitor your state of well-being. A family member you trust or a friend you can depend on is a good choice. It is very common that those who should be on medication take it for a time and then begin to feel better at which point they say, I feel great and stop taking their meds. Causing the disorder to flair and a spiraling down fall to follow.
So let’s talk about what you can do to help with these types of feelings, if you are on medication or not. Exercise will create a natural release of endorphins and sense of euphoria that can really help. Meditation is an excellent way to release sadness and find peace within yourself. Yoga can open the charkas and also bring a sense of balance. But if you haven’t identified the reason for the blues, sadness and other feelings, than you really are doing yourself an injustice. Hypnosis can help with that. There are many different techniques in which hypnosis can elevate common depression and even clinical depression in conjunction with medication and psychiatric care from a professional.
So what happens if your one of the people who has had their resilience worn down. A great example is if you have sick people in your home that you care for. You can start out strong and determined. But honestly, if you do not take care of you, than you can not take care of anyone else. This is something I learned the hard way after my husband’s heart attack and lately I have had to have my mind on this subject and do what makes me happy and whole in order to continue to take care of the people in my home. I practice this wonderful exercise for releasing stress and replenishing my energy so I can go on with what I love.
I take this to someplace outside. That works for me and means I am honoring myself by taking time for me. Sit with your feet flat on the ground, hands limp in your lap or at your side touching the ground. I like to have my back against a tree, it seems to assist me in feeling rounded. Take several deep breaths and allow your eyes to close. Then focus your mind on your breathing only, imagine of feel the air moving into and out of your body. You can even imagine colors leaving your body. Example: breathing in clean fresh air and exhaling a gray mist. Then have your mantra ready: a short positive statement that addresses the issues at hand and repeat it in sets of three. Three is a very powerful number. Mine of late has been. “The universe is supply and we are the recipients of that supply. The universe is supply and we are the recipients of that supply. The universe is supply and we are the recipients of that supply. And so it is.” I repeat this until I feel better, until I can’t stop smiling. I have had this excise bring me to tears and the release of fear and frustration. I have had this exercise simply make me feel safe. But what ever comes up as I do this mantra I let come. I don’t edit analyze or judge the information. It just is in that moment what it needs to be and I allow it. I am alone so who cares if I cry, or scream, or laugh out loud.
I invite you to honor your spirit with hope and calm and see what happens for you. I would love to hear about it. Please remember that there is a free audio library on http://www.lifefirst.com/library.htm it is there to use enjoy!
Your comments and questions are always welcome. And if you have a blog subject you think would be interesting send me a note at info@lifefirst.com.
Announcement!!! The Mark of a Druid my first in this series of fantasy fiction novels is now available in print and e-book form and yes it is also the free audio version of The Mark of a Druid is out on www.podiobooks.com, iTunes.com, Podcatpickle.com, Amigofish.com and www.themarkofadruid.com Hear it for yourself and stay tuned for the contest that will kick off the New Year and the New website. My authors blog is located at http://www.rhondacarpenter.com/openbook/
May We All Be As One!
Rhonda R. Carpenter
Posted: November 16th, 2008 under Weekly Blog.
Comments: 1
