First the link to the article, for which I was paid five dollars upfront. That's a little depressing in itself as I think about it now, but at the time I wasn't think of the low amount I was being paid for the articles I that I was writing.
My thinking at the time, at least I was getting paid, and it was extremely easy. I was pretty depressed when I wrote this particular article, I would however become even more depressed as this year wore on, because this is the year my oldest son would be killed, my husband would lose his job, and we would face many difficulties.
http://voices.yahoo.com/why-depressed-151665.html?cat=72
Why Are You Depressed?
For some people depression can become a way of life, and quite frankly some things in life are depressing. It is depressing when you do not have the money to pay bills on time, or to buy things you want. It is also depressing when you look around and see others that seem to have everything, while you are struggling to even make it thru another day.
So what are some things you can do?
(First I want to state that this is meant only for those who realize that some types of depression can be worked thru. And for those who do not have medical problems causing their depression, and yes there are diseases that can cause depression, but this type of depression is usually best dealt with by a medical doctor, not someone who does not know you.)
Okay, I would like to go on to state that yes I do know what it means to be severely depressed, and to even know that I have just reason to be depressed.
I want to say that at the start so that I do not sound too harsh.
Depression is usually because someone does not have what they feel they are entitled too or because that they are not able to do something they want too.
In other words most depression is self centered behavior. As in "why me, why is it always me".
This type of depression can be treated by getting the focus of the depressed person off of themselves.
For some people they will have to make the decision to do this themselves. By making the decision to change your behavior you are already ahead.
One way you can change your behavior is to start getting outside in the sunshine. Take a daily walk, aim for at least 30 minutes but an hour of walking is not unreasonable provided your health does not prevent this.
Next if possible start volunteering to help at your local homeless shelters, or crisis centers. Or start visiting nursing homes, you may find someone that is really interested in how you are doing. Or who would at the least enjoy having someone to talk to each day. But do try to not be complaining or whining. Try to think of something good to say. If it is nothing other than the sun is shining and the birds are flying.
When you start to have a bout of depression; start counting your blessings. If you can't think of any, I will tell you at least one. Since you are possibly reading this article there is a high likelihood that you can read, this is a blessing because not everyone can. So go to the library and check out some old favorites from your childhood, or some new books to inspire and motivate you.
You can also possibly volunteer to help other adults learn to read; by doing something you are getting your focus off yourself and on to something else.
You can stay at home and keep your focus all on yourself or you can start getting out and enjoying life. Yes, you may have bad days. Nearly everyone does. But you can get thru it. Everyone has problems, so take a deep breathe and remember there is always another time another day. You can go on. Even if you loose a loved one life does go on, mourning and grieving for years on end and staying to yourself does not help the memory of your loved one. You need to grieve yes, but then you need to move on.
And yes, it will be hard, but as you go on with your life maybe you could do one small thing a week or a month in honor of your loved one. Perhaps you can find a shoebox and start filling it each week with an item or two, that when full you donate to an organization that sends these boxes to children or families that are in need, such as the Samaritan Purse ministries.
By getting out and walking everyday, and eating healthy foods in the right amounts you are going to help your health, and improve your mood. Also by helping others you are taking your thoughts off of yourself and using your time to be a blessing to others.
While the above mentioned things may not change what is wrong in your life, you can choose to not allow circumstances to rule your life. You can go on, so smile because the sun shines the brightest after the heaviest rainy night.
So have yourself a good cry, if that is what you need, and sometimes it is. Then get up get a shower get dressed and start moving.
Any chores can wait until after your walk, you will have more energy and you will feel better.
Depression is about self, so the best way to get un-depressed is to get the focus off of you.
(NOTE: some types of depression is not about self they are health related depression like a thyroid disorder, or something else, but these health related depression can be treated with medicine better than just taking a walk, although getting outside can help improve your mood even when you do have a health problem, Provided that the weather is conductive to getting outside. You won't feel better standing in an icy cold rain. )
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