Depression- Having the Will Power to Beat It

We all deal with depression or anxiety at some point in our lives, it is human nature. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, job, stress or the general feeling of helplessness, it's something that has affected every individual.

In most circumstances depression and anxiety comes and goes at traumatic points in our lives, but for some of us, it is something we will battle on a daily basis. It can be a constant battle, but there are ways that can help you overcome these feelings.

Find some comfort in knowing that the feeling of "why me?" is the same thing everyone else is thinking when they battle depression.

You may be feeling run down or you may be on the brink of hurting yourself. The severity can range from one extreme to the other. NOTHING is ever worth hurting yourself or ending your life over. We are not given more than we can handle in this life and you WILL make it through!

Talking to a counselor or physician FIRST, is the first step to getting back to "normal." Some of us are not balanced in our serotonin levels so it is possible that anti-depressents or anti-anxiety medication could be something you will need to take for the rest of your life. Some of us can battle this with more natural alternatives or using these methods in addition to your medication.

It is important that you address your issue if are not living a quality life. There may be trials and errors when it comes to treating depression but eventually you will find what works best for you.

This may seem hard for some whose schedules are constantly changing but being in a routine is a way of training the mind.

Each day will ease into the next by waking up and going to bed around the same times. Try to cram less in to your day, at least in the beginning. You may be thinking "that's easier said than done" but your health is more important than anything. The uncertainty of every day schedules can contribute to depression because it causes stress. Depression can strip away the normal structure of life, so rebuilding structure is important. You may feel forced in the beginning but the fight will be worth it.

This seems to be something that doesn't quite sink in with a lot of people because we can't see what our food is doing to us on the inside. Too much caffeine and sugar can give you a temporary boost but you will quickly come down from that and feel worse than before a lot of times. They are also big contributors to anxiety. Cut back on your daily intake if you drink a lot or eat a lot of sugar, that doesn't mean you have to completely stop. Eating chicken, vegetables, and fish more often instead of red meat will give you a less "heavy" feeling and will be beneficial to your overall health.

For a majority of people stress is the number one cause of anxiety and depression. You may be so busy in life that you forgot every thing you like to do. Having your own outlet is very important to ease the mind. Instead of dwelling on your thoughts on what needs done next, take a little time and do what you actually WANT to do. Find a hobby, find things you enjoy, keeping your mind focused on what you love will get rid of that negative energy. Sometimes you have to worry about yourself instead of every thing and everyone else. Don't forget about what you enjoy doing, that's an important part of life.

Depression makes you want to pull back from every day life. Even the small things seem to be a difficult task to accomplish. Continue to do your responsibilities and obligations that you have at school or work. Falling behind will cause depression to get worse as every thing piles up around you. Keeping your responsibilities keeps you grounded in your routine and keeps your mind busy. In the end you'll still have a sense of accomplishment and even more so knowing you also beat down your depression.

Your mind might be wrapped around every thing that's wrong but you can't forget every thing that's right. Don't lose your sense of appreciation for the things around you such as nature's beauty, friends, family and the small things we tend to forget in every day life. Sit outside, breathe in some fresh air, listen to soothing music, get a massage to release tension, take a small trip, pray and meditate. Take your mind off all of the bad and remember what's good.

Your friends and family keep asking you to do things and you're too depressed to go. Is sitting at home making that depression worse? You're letting depression win when you stop enjoying life. Stop saying NO! Sometimes forcing yourself to do something you don't feel like doing will help beat that depression demon down. Have some fun, go out and laugh, enjoy your loved ones while they're still here. You'll always come home feeling better.

Getting enough sleep may sound like common sense but we are a society that runs on little sleep and getting enough sleep and REM sleep is very important. Getting 7-9 hours will improve your mood drastically. If you have to take a nap then do it. Your body functions poorly on lack of sleep causing irritation, health problems and of course depression.

Remember when you were a kid and had big dreams? Over the years your dreams get beat down. Don't forget to keep dreaming and setting goals for yourself. Those who dream big, do big. The only person stopping you from achieving anything, is YOU. Don't let people around you be the negative part of your feelings and your life. Remembering your capable of doing just about anything, will remind you you are not hopeless and YOU do have a purpose.

Whether it's an intense work-out, or just a brisk walk exercise makes you feel better and more healthy. Doing yoga is a great way to exercise and ease your mind and tension. You health contributes to depression. It also eases pain associated with depression, because release endorphins that are related to pleasure. Endorphins improve pain and improve your mood.

"It's never too late to be what you might have been"

"Positive thinking leads to positive outcomes"

"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get back up"

"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on"

"People that are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that do"

"Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination"

Create a list of every thing you have ever wanted to do. You've been wanting to go rock climbing or kayaking and haven't gotten around to it. Just do it. Give yourself goals to look forward to and things you want accomplish during this life. You'll begin to feel excited about doing things you have always wanted to do and you won't want to waste any more time being depressed!

Is having the courage to change. You're the only person who can beat this. Having the courage to read this is always a great start. Now, changing your way of life back to what it should be will be challenging but it will be worth it.

I do not write about things that I know nothing about. I have battled my own depression all of my life. It's never easy. Remembering that you have a place here and that life itself is beautiful, is something that overcomes this struggle. Remembering that there is always someone who has it worse off than you do, and is making it through, is something I tell myself every day. Many people do not understand true depression but all that matters is is that you understand and that you are going to change it. In the end you come out stronger.

There is a light to every darkness. The light has been there waiting for you all along.