Depression: Beating the Down-and-Out Blues with A Little Action

I t just came out of no where. Hit you like a ton of bricks. And now you’re feeling blue.

Is it because the sun didn’t bother to come out yesterday?

Was it that small mistake you made at work that everyone seems to be blowing out of proportion?

Maybe its just been so long since you have had a real vacation…you know, a chance to relax, kick back and just get intimate with the sunshine and the sauna and the Jacuzzi….or the mountains or the trails or the overdue camping trip.

Whatever it is that has got you down, know that depression can come on us at any time of the year.

Sometimes holidays are the culprit, bringing on past memories of happier, easier times. Sometimes it is just too much stress that triggers that down-in-the-dumps feeling. And sometimes it’s just nothing
at all…or at least nothing that we can identify as the trigger.

Truth is … all of us experience depression at one time or another in our lives. It is universal and the blues are very much ingrained in our world. Music and movies are legendary in handling this subject. But if the feelings become too overwhelming, then talking to a friend and/or seeking professional help may be the right course of action.

Recognizing the feelings and finding little ways to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand is the key in the case of mild depression. Here are some simple actions that you can take 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 have 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.

And if you do not have the energy to do all that, maybe it might be easier for you just to go rent some comedy flicks from the video store or watch your favorite sitcom on the tube. Laughter is powerful medicine. Do what you have to and get your fix.

2. Listening to music is another way to overcome 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 start to feel better. Even as babies in the womb, we respond to music. If you find you want to get up and dance, there is nothing wrong with that - even without a partner! Just move to the beat and let all your stress flow from your head to your 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 small part of it. And if we are just a small part of it, then how large could our problems be…really.

4. Do something for someone else. Fulfilling a need that someone else has will take your mind off of your self and your problems. Volunteer to help out at your local church, Unity Center or at an area hospital. Or just go visit someone who may be home-bound and immobile. They will appreciate the company and you will feel better about yourself for being so thoughtful.

5. Make a list of all the things in your life that you have to be grateful for. You will find that when you
change you state of mind to one of total gratitude for all the wonderful things you have in your life, the world all of a sudden looks a whole lot better.

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 blues.

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!

If you caught my Healthy Servings blog on health humor (posted on 27 February), you already have the link to the page that gives Proof that Ice Cream Therapy Works.

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.