Depression Road

So you've been depressed for months or years... and no matter what you tried, you hover on the bottom with a few periods of somewhat better times. There is no one answer to why YOU are stuck in the vicious cycle but chances are, it falls into one or more of the below categories. You may have a genetic disposition to depression (I wrote about this before). Truthfully, if you have it, then depression will always be a part of your life. BUT, it is not a reason to always feel bad or give up on having a relatively peaceful mental state. However, you need to look at it as a condition like any other (like ADD, diabetes, whatever) that you can manage. So, shift your mindset from curing to managing! You've tried therapy, medication, behavioral changes (good or damaging), mind over matter tactics, coping mechanisms, self-medication, environmental and social changes, and everything you could think of... but nothing gave permanent relief. Why? Because your efforts focused on relieving/elim...

Depression and food Not everyone with depression has a weight issue but most will encounter food issues like cravings, upset stomach, cramps, nausea, irregular eating pattern, mood eating, and so forth. Weight gain Here is the first picture to ponder... If you struggle keeping your weight down, you are probably in the depression-obesity cycle. Cravings People with depression often have cravings, especially carbohydrates. Sugar is actually hindering the management of depression. Stayed tuned for added materials.

Part of why depression is so debilitating is the vicious circle of negative thinking.  It goes something like this: I feel down > I'm lazy > I don't deserve ______ > I feel guilty/anxious/stressed/pain/paranoid/whatever > I should _____ > I'm tired > I don't care > leave me alone > REPEAT Here are some techniques I used to break this cycle: Listen to comedy - not the sarcastic type but pure funny stuff Search for quotes on life wisdom - ponder its truth and how (if at all) you can apply it Clean something - it is amazing how focusing on a simple task can give your mind a break Write a note of appreciation - like smiling, using positive language raises your spirit/mood Breath - if you don't know how, look up yoga/meditation/mindfulness The possibilities are endless.  The main idea I am highlighting is to FOCUS on something for a little while (15 minutes) to give your mind a break from negative thinking.  This will allow you to s...