Bringing Balance to Life: Defeating Depression

Severe depression characterized by sleep distur­bance, changes in appetite, decreased libido, feelings of hopelessness and suicidal ideation requires medication and clinical treatment. Milder forms of depression can be handled by a change in our attitudes and actions. Here are some tips:

Think and talk positively. Instead of seeing life half-empty, pour yourself into life and, as water in a glass, fill it up. Don't waste time ruminating and criti­cizing. Stop blaming. Be alert to your negative thoughts and words and replace them immediately with some­thing positive. Talk like a happy person and you'll become a happy person. Pretend you're happy and you'll be amazed at the difference this assumption will make. The power of positive thinking packs a pleasant punch.

Do your best. Give up the quest for perfection and appreciate your best effort. Know your capabilities and feel good about your attempt. Just do your best. That's all anyone can do.

Cultivate optimism. Optimism creates energy that allows you to find a way to succeed. Remember your successes, forget your failures. Visualize good things happening to you each day. Concentrate on the things you like about yourself and your life.

Rid yourself of negative talk. Expunge "should," "ought," and "must" from your vocabulary.

Exercise. Vigorous exercise enhances a sense of well being. Exercise increases brain neurotransmitters that help boost ener­gy and enthusiasm. The exhaustion that depressed peo­ple experience is caused by mental fatigue, not physical fatigue. Physical exercise enhances mental alertness.

Eat right. Fruits and vegetables stimulates the production of brain serotonin, a neurotransmit­ter that improves mood. Chicken, fish, and lean beef improves alertness and mental energy.

Rest. Overwork contributes to a depressed mood. Take time to rest and relax.

Don't take yourself too seriously. A cosmic sense of humor, the ability to laugh at yourself and your mis­takes relieves tension and diminishes the quest for perfection. A good belly laugh builds endorphins.

Stay active. Abraham Lincoln said, "I must lose myself in action, lest I wither in despair." Activity is the antidote for depression. We can remind ourselves of Churchill's axiom, "Most of the world's work is done by people who do not feel very well." Work cures misery.

Confront problems. When a conflict occurs, deal with the difficulty immediately. Avoiding a problem increases depression and frustration. Speak up. Don't bottle your feelings or nurse grudges.

Walk with a zip in your step. Skip. Smile. Snap your fingers. Superman/Superwoman pose. Shoulders back. Don't let 'em know you're feeling down. 

Wear brightly colored clothes. Reds, yellows, oranges enhance mood. 

Change. Life is too short to be miserable. Be receptive to new ideas. Take risks. Step out and step up. Find a job that you enjoy. Follow your bliss.

What the Bible says about depression:

A joyful heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:30

Shout for joy all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, and the sound of singing. Psalm 98

Some peppy music to lift the spirits:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcxYwwIL5zQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhl4llWn8NE
Have a belly laugh or several to cheer you up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIqofVwYi4I