The Second of Four Practical Strategies for Lifting Depression
Depression is about feeling different than normal. Having jet lag after long flights, and even space flights by astronauts, also have something in common. It is not feeling balanced, or in harmony. The same goes for people with dyslexia or ADHD. There is one interesting resource called balancing music, and it can also be effective for depression.
Peak Performance Music, as it is called, was composed as smooth flowing music by a young musician on a hot summer weekend. He composed it in this balancing frequency, and it was scientifically fine tuned in a sound studio.
It has been tested and displayed many times on an EEG machine, to actually balance out all the brainwave patterns, while someone has earphones on, listening to this ppm.
– NASA uses the same frequency for all their astronauts, otherwise they come back very sick.
– Many students use it from kindergarten, right up to university, helping them to focus and increase lateral thinking.
– People with dyslexia are able to read normally when hearing this ppm in the background, or with headphones.
– ADHD children quickly normalise their behaviour.
This peak performance music, is therefore quite scientific, and pure music therapy. How it may possibly work with depression is that there are no extremes of brainwave patterns. Anyone showing any extreme emotion or feeling or thought, will usually display high amplitudes of Theta or Delta brainwave patterns. This is unbalanced if their alpha or Beta ones are much lower. ADHD children usually have very high delta and very low beta, in comparison. This presents as being over active and perhaps naughty, but they are just over sensitive, as high delta brainwaves indicate. Psychics, dolphins and animals such as cats, dogs, and horses also have high levels of Delta, indicating their high sensitivity and intuition. Brain damaged people, who can not communicate or reason with logic, usually have high delta and theta, and very low beta brainwaves.
Depression also will undoubtedly display some strong imbalance of brainwave patterns. This may be purely due to just having strong feelings or emotions. Normally brainwave patterns may balance out, but not if you are in a constant depressed mode. This is also why people take drugs, illicit or legal, and intense exercise and chocolates, to help rebalance.
While depression can have many medical issues involved, such as inflammation of brain cells, natural, complementary remedies can still be useful as a safe and cheap first aid. This ppm is very effective while you listen to it, so its best feature is probably to use it in conjunction with visualisation or deep memory programming. Its deep relaxation and balancing properties are perfect for putting positive, happy thoughts into deep memory, and so enhancing the release from depression.
Can Anger and Depression Really Trigger Your Lower Back Pain?
My most recent article addressed the challenge that arises with naming a condition and offering it as a diagnosis to a patient. When a person is labeled, they often feel they are sentenced to a field of pre-existing outcomes and a prognosis for recovery that is attached to such a diagnosis. This field is generated by what the person already has heard or knows about their condition, from what their friends or relatives have told them and what they have read about it in magazines; on the internet etc. It is as if they have stepped into a new constellation and things shift from a personal, intimate and unique relationship with what is happening in their body to being part of something much larger. It is as if they have been initiated into a special new club.
This field exists energetically around those that are in the disease club. Those that are new to the club, it is premised, can be influenced directly and indirectly by other members of the group by the development of a “morphic field” that surrounds it. This is the term coined by researcher Rupert Sheldrake, PhD., biochemist, plant physiologist and author of numerous books including Seven Experiments That Could Change the Worlds and The Sense of Being Stared At. His hypothesis is that a particular person, plant or animal that is belonging to a certain group, which has already established its (collective) morphic field, will tune into that morphic field. The particular form will read the collective information through the process of morphic resonance, using it to guide its own development. This development of the particular form will then provide feedback to the field of that group, thus strengthening it with its own experience, resulting in new information being added. This may explain how a collective of peoples’ thoughts and actions can affect others indirectly. Perhaps The more people that contribute to the field the greater its potential influence, which can be either encouraging or fear promoting.
What does all this have to do with back pain? First, it is important to understand the extent to which back affects us as a society. It has been reported that over 80% of adults in the US will suffer a debilitating episode of it. Back pain is the number one cause of absenteeism from work in the US and health care costs for it are well over 60 billion dollars per year. This is a big problem. In this article I am going to go out on a limb to discuss an extremely controversial point of view, that of John Sarno, MD, the author of Healing Back Pain and Mind Over Back Pain. I mentioned him briefly in my last article but found his work worthy of further exploration.
Dr. Sarno, after supervising a medical rehab hospital clinic for over twenty years, found, in his opinion, that the true cause of most back pain ultimately is the result of unexpressed emotions such as anxiety, anger and fear that result in the harmless condition that he named Tension Myositis Syndrome, or TMS. He explained that this underlying and often asymptomatic condition can be triggered by physical traumas or stressful life situations. It is his belief that rarely is back pain truly caused by well-known conditions such as herniated discs, strains, bursitis, arthritis, etc., but are instead really caused by this pre-existing tension in the body. He defines tension as the emotions that are generated in the unconscious mind and that, to a large extent, remain there silently just waiting to be triggered by some every day type stressful event.
The notion that unexpressed emotions can lead to physical symptoms is certainly not a new idea. It is well accepted that there is some causal relationship between stress and hypertension, tension headaches, many digestive and skin disorders, insomnia and many more. Sarno takes this idea much further than would be comfortable for even the most open minded physician or practitioner to accept. His “treatment” of a wide variety of chronic back pain patients (after ruling out the small percentage of patients requiring surgery) ultimately became a mandated four hour of instruction that included two things. First, the objective was to gain knowledge and understanding of the cause of the pain resulting from subconscious and repressed emotions. Second, it required taking the actions required to change the brain’s behavior.
This would mean changing the conversation one has in their brain about their pain and behaviors, finding ways of becoming aware of the underlying emotions, mandating a return to all previous physical activities and unlearning of all of what he calls the “medical mythology” of ideas about what causes back pain (everything from the idea that there is a wrong way to bend and lift, that a hard mattress is better than a soft one, that you should sit in a particular way, etc.).
He also reached a point where he recommended the abandonment of all physical treatments of any kind which would
further embed in the patient’s mind that the pain problem is a physical or structural issue that requires physical treatment. Therefore, no physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, medications, etc. were to be prescribed for his patients.
As I said at the beginning, this is a controversial and radical point of view, one that certainly threatens the existence of multiple established professions; including my own, that view back pain as a primarily physical entity. However, I find myself in agreement with Dr. Sarno on several of his hypothesis. I do find clinically that unresolved emotions often underlie pain episodes that I treat as a chiropractor. The metaphors are often so obvious, as when someone in their family is being a “pain in their neck” or a “pain in their derriere”. When patients come in feeling pressure at work and lower back pain, it’s as if they feel the weight of the world on their back.
I have seen the power of the metaphor and physical manifestation of emotional pain very personally, especially in the use of EFT, a powerful energy psychology technique that involves the use of stimulating certain acupuncture points through tapping. Several years ago I “strained” my back after heavy lifting in the garden and was in severe pain. My wife offered to work on my pain using EFT. I went along with it and begrudgingly I had to admit that my pain was gone after 15 minutes of working on a resentment issue that I had recently been stewing on prior to hurting myself. I refused to admit at first the possibility that this had even the remotest chance of being connected but I do know this connection to be true.
I also know that pain itself creates a host of emotions that serve to keep itself in place. Examples of these emotions are patients that feel anger towards their body because they feel that it has somehow betrayed them, are fearful of a recurrence of pain that arises when they begin to feel better, have anxiety and sadness over what they can and cannot do physically with their children, or stress over how their pain will affect their ability to work and possibly result in loss of income. All these feelings lead to a host of thoughts, beliefs and behaviors that create its own morphic field that make recurrent episodes of pain more likely.
On the flip side, research shows objective evidence of physical effects of things we do to our bodies that may promote lesser well-being, like prolonged sitting raising the pressure in discs, that bending, twisting and lifting creates significant torsion under which lumbar ligaments are under the greatest strain, and that scar tissue resulting from injury repair is stiffer and more vulnerable to injury than un-injured tissue. Research has shown the effectiveness of clinical treatments, including spinal manipulation, for acute lower back pain far exceed placebo. Many studies have shown physical treatments that have resulted in greater relief of symptoms when compared to placebos, so how does a doctor balance both perspectives? How do we promote health by educating a patient so that they are empowered to make choices supported by current research as well as not create a state of fear and anxiety that causes them to lead a diminished life of trying to avoid any situation that may cause them harm?
For me, it means finding a way to include both perspectives. It is my responsibility to understand that there may be both physical and emotional components to every patient’s pain. It is always my intent to be skillful in addressing all potential causes with a patient. It is my vision to always create a path or program that is tailored to the individual that empowers them to expand their physical and emotional life expression as a result. Finally, it is my challenge to assist them in gaining greater perspective so that they can see the opportunity they have to make whatever behavioral and cognitive changes needed in order to facilitate true healing in their body which is much more than just having found relief from their pain.
I wish to end my thoughts with an offering of gratitude for the courage of Dr. Sarno, who was ahead of his time when he spoke out as an isolated voice in his era for the inseparable marriage of the mind and body. The idea that what we think and feel affects our body’s responses and vice versa is no longer a wild hypothesis; it has its own growing morphic field that is being supported by a large body of scientific data.
Guidelines to Vitamins That May Relieve Depression
The disabling condition commonly termed depression is often described by feelings of profound sadness and an intense sense of hopelessness. Like many common descriptions of illness, depression is an umbrella that covers a wide range of similar symptoms and underlying causes. It may be caused by stressful events, significant losses, chemical imbalances and a host of other things.
People suffering from depression tend to withdraw from the world, are often quite irritable, lose interest in things once enjoyed, suffer from a myriad of sleep disorders like insomnia or being unable to get out of bed. Often these symptoms are accompanied by thoughts of doing harm to self or others including suicide. Depression is a serious condition but it is not untreatable and today there are many options available to those that suffer.
Yes, there are a lot of ways to treat depression. Behavioral changes can be learned that may remove the source of the depression. Medication, talk therapy and changes in diet, especially removing sugar and starchy carbohydrates from the diet, along with exercise are often effective in helping to control depression. Adding vitamins to one’s daily routine may also have a profound impact on symptoms, especially when the underlying cause is related to vitamin deficiencies.
Vitamins have been shown to have an effect on one’s moods. The vitamins of the B-complex are known to balance emotional and mental response. Since these vitamins cannot be either stored or manufactured by our bodies, we are wholly dependent on our daily food intake and any supplemental vitamins we take to replenish our supply.
Vitamins are destroyed by alcohol which metabolizes into sugar, carbohydrates which also metabolize into sugar and refined sugar which is already sugar. Caffeine and nicotine may also have a negative impact on the destruction of vitamins. Is it any wonder that many people are vitamin deficient?
Thiamine or Vitamin B-1 is known to be used by the brain to convert blood sugar into “brain” food. Insufficient B-1 and fatigue, irritability and anxiety and other symptoms of depression are the result. In addition, memory problems, loss of appetite and constipation may also be present. Sugars and carbohydrates are the most serious depletion agents when it comes to vitamin B-1.
Vitamin B-3 or Niacin deficiency can produce psychosis, dementia and more. While many processed foods contain Niacin, an anti-depression diet suggests that one not eat anything that comes in a box. Supplemental Niacin is a must in your daily intake of food. An additional benefit of Niacin is that it is really good for your heart.
Vitamin B-5 or Pyridoxine, processes the amino acids which are the building blocks for all proteins. Additionally, B-5 is essential for the body to maintain proper levels of serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, all of which help maintain chemical balance in the brain.
Vitaman B-12 is critical for the formation of red blood cells and a deficiency leads to problems with oxygen transport causing pernicious anemia. If present mood swings, paranoia, dementia, irritability, confusion and other disorders are often reported.
Folic Acid is needed to facilitate the production of Sadenosyl Methionine as well as DNA synthesis and should be taken along with B-12.
Vitamin C is a powerful anti-stress supplement and when taken along with a strong B-complex regimen is a significant stress reliever.
In addition to vitamin deficiencies, some mineral deficiencies such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron can lead to symptoms of depression and should be considered as a component of any depression relief therapy undertaken.
Depression Cures – Natural Cures For Depression
Overcome depression by the natural means.
Depression is a mood disorder caused and carried on by several factors, mainly environmentally, psychologically, biologically and genetically. It affects the person’s thoughts and actions, usually negatively and may impact the physical condition ultimately.
However it can be treated with or without medication. The depressed should always seek help from their trusted family doctor and consult if medication is needed.
Medication however is advisable depending on the condition of the depressed patient. But what i can offer you through this article are tips on how to overcome depression through the natural ways. It is done through adjusting one’s life back on track and getting rid of their bad habits, so this is what we call the therapeutic lifestyle change.
So through Therapeutic lifestyle change, we aim to overcome depression naturally by adjusting one’s life. One of the most important steps is to ensure that you consume the right food.
By consuming the right food means to increase your intake on healthy food and foods that will give your brain its sufficient nutrients so that it will function properly! Brain food is what we call them- such as omega 3 in fishes, antioxidants in nuts and teas. Only by having such nutritious food would your brain function well and especially at such a crucial period, take note to have better foods!
Next, step 2,is to be connected with the world, that refers to being connected with someone or something- animal perhaps! Because that would allow you to open up emotionally so that you will not have any withdrawal symptoms. This is crucial in making the depressed patient feel better and having a higher self-esteem as they are involved in a relationship now.
Step 3, is to get healthy sleep! It is very important for the person to get sufficient quality sleep so that he/she’s daily mood will not be affected. Bad sleep may cause mood swings to a person as proven scientifically, thus ensure that you are taking care of your health by sleeping soundly with no disturbance!
Step 4, you can try light therapy and that simply means being exposed to bright light as it is proven that it will lighten up your mood. As compared to one who is exposed to darkness daily, the one who is exposed to bright light or sunlight would appear to be more cheerful.
Step 5 is to stop rumination. Do not let your imaginations run wild! Or else your mind will be in a twirl and you will get confused with your own emotions. You can prevent your rumination by transferring your thoughts to something you enjoy doing. For example, fishing, swimming or cooking! This will occupy your mind and prevent unnecessary thoughts.
Lastly, step 6 is to get yourself to exercise! By doing anti-depressant exercises, such as jogging, badminton or even yoga as this not only improves your ability to think, your ability to respond, it also improves your sleep at night. By exercising sufficiently, 3 times a week for 30 minutes each time, you will be able to think clearly and react rationally.
These are 6 recommended approaches to overcome depression naturally, by adjusting one’s lifestyle.
Whether or not you are suffering from depression, you can also follow the steps in therapeutic lifestyle change so as to have a more healthy life!
What Is Depression? Getting to the Root of Depression
Often clients will come through the door after suffering from depression for a large proportion of their adult lives. As we explore the depression and where the depression may have come from, many questions are thrown up.
Every thought, feeling and emotion arises for a reason and depression is no different. If a client can ask themselves what is depression? and work out the meaning of their depression, I believe they will be one step closer to coming to terms with the depression and subsequently will start to come through it.
It is important for a person to reflect on why they do what they do, why they think the way they think and why they feel the way they feel.
Useful questions to ask when experiencing a depressive episode are:
Where are the feelings coming from within me?
What are these feelings saying to me?
Where do my reactions come from?
What part of me is being triggered right now?
It can be useful within the therapeutic setting, for the client to question why they are feeling depressed at this point in time and to question what the depression is attempting to change in their life.
A person experiencing a depressive episode will often withdraw from their work, family and friends. Yet, depression can be functional and often serves a very important purpose. The person will retreat into solitude; give up their daily routines and interests whilst spending hours thinking about the depression. Days will go by as they lose themselves in the darkness and become consumed by their thoughts.
In this place, which at first may feel hopeless, a person can begin to ponder the deeper questions in life, and think about how they have lived and continue to live their life. If a person can sit with the questions, explore the possibilities and begin to generate answers, they can begin to make changes to the way they live their life and life may renew itself in a whole new way. This approach to depression initiates change, as the person relates to their depression in a completely accepting and positive way.
Depression may weave in and out of a person’s life, it may come as a reaction to a life event or it may always be a part of a person’s make-up. Whatever the root cause of the depression, you have a choice in how you approach it, what meaning you attach to it and how you go forward with it. You may not be able to change what is but you can change your attitude towards it.
The Influence of a Solid Support System on Clinical Depression
Think for a moment how you feel during a depressive episode. Do “helplessness”, “hopelessness”, and “loneliness” come to mind? If so, that also seems to be the consensus of many people in the depression forums where I spend some of my time.
Depression has a way of creating a psychological “catch-22.” Your negative feelings cause you to isolate yourself, yet the more you avoid others, the more depressed you feel and the more you withdraw. So what do you do?
Consider for a moment that as humans we are social animals. Our brains are hardwired for social interaction. Therefore, no matter how difficult it might be for you, having a personal connection to those who understand what you are going through and who will help or support you through depressive episodes can be extremely therapeutic. That dynamic is found in a strong or solid support system.
A solid support system consists of a mix of people whose common objective is to offer positive support to the person battling depressive episodes. Your support system can include family, friends, co-workers, spiritual workers, people in the mental health field such as therapists, support groups, and even your doctor. Every person within your support system should be trustworthy, loyal, understand your depression and offer unconditional positive regard relative to your situation.
The support that they can offer includes but is not limited to encouraging you to take your medication, exercise, maintain a healthy diet, keep your therapy appointments, and maintain a daily schedule.
The benefits of a strong support system include:
1. Significantly reduces stress – Your stress will begin to subside when you find that you can confide in people who care about you as they listen to what you have to say and offer suggestions or ideas about dealing with your depression. So go ahead and vent without fear of being judged.
2. Increases self confidence and self esteem – If you are part of a support group, you will be given the opportunity to listen to the issues that other people face with their depression. You will also be given the chance to offer any ideas you may have on how they can overcome their issues. As you progress, you’ll feel more valued, important, and loved.
3. Reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness – One of the most important benefits of a support system is that you will always have someone to talk to and participate with in social activities.
Keep in mind that establishing a support system will take some time. So in order for you not to feel so overwhelmed, which could intensify your depression, you may want to start building your support system one person at a time. Make sure to ask your doctor or therapist for help to get you started. Also remember that while you need support, you do not need to be enabled. Never expect anyone within your support system to do something for you that you need to do for yourself otherwise your recovery will be hindered, perhaps significantly.
Treat Depression With Herbs
Each year large numbers of Individuals are impacted by depression. Given that depression can not be seen the individuals typically experience added preconception going along with this situation. Significant depressive disorders really are different compared with the emotion of “being down” that most people experience on occasion. Signs or symptoms of cronic depressive disorders include things like lose of interest in favored activities, problems resting, joint pains and in some cases suicidal thoughts.
Although depression is a severe health issue you can still find a number of herbs that can decrease its ailments. When considering any medical health supplement it is best to seek your health professionals approval. A number of these herbal products could hinder or have serious reaction with prescriptions so if you are using any medication you must talk to a medical professional before starting a natural herb supplement.
St Johns Wort is probably the most frequent and the most successful plant based depression treatments. This botanical herb grows wild and it has tiny yellowish flowers that the dietary supplement is made from. This supplement has proved as successful as many prescription antidepressant medications in several studies, and possesses significantly lower unwanted effects. Nearly all health food stores will carry St Johns Wort supplement in the capsule form. One of the most well documented complication of taking St Johns Wort can be an increased sensitivity to light, referred to as photosensitivity.
Valerian root enables you to treat depression however is more commonly known as a natural sleep aid. It’s got small purple blossoms and a powerful odor that most individuals find pungent. The primary result of using this herb is a calm mind and restful rest. It’s best used to combat depression with other herbal supplements. There are almost no unwanted effects, and most experts regard Valerian root to generally be very safe.
Licorice flavoring is derived from a powerful herbal called licorice root. The flower has oblong shaped leaves and tiny bean like pods. It’s been used for many years in Chinese medicine for many various conditions. For depression licorice is useful because it reduces the stress hormone, cortisol, enabling a user to relax. Licorice could have negative unwanted effects such as increased hypertension and upset digestive system when utilized in large amounts.
Passion flower is yet another herbal health supplement that can help combat the symptoms of depression. This particular herb is a sedative and thus allows users to loosen up and can help promote heavy sleeping when used just before bedtime. Passion flower is a sedative therefore it should not be taken when driving a vehicle, but other than drowsiness there won’t be any frequent negative effects.
Ginkgo biloba is a well-known herbal dietary supplement for increasing blood circulation to the brain and strengthening memory. Due to the fact it helps thinking processes it is thought to reestablish chemical imbalances that can cause depression. Possible side effects can be dizziness and abdominal pains. Additionally it is important to consult a doctor if you are using anti coagulants since there could be an unfavorable effect using Ginkgo.
Kava Kava is a well-known herbal health supplement from the South Pacific. It advances a total mind and body calming effect when used in small amounts. In significant doses Kava kava root powder can approximate the properties of alcohol so it is vital that you use within a suggested serving. There are not many adverse reactions but if used in substantial amounts it can hinder common sense, therefore it is preferred never to drive your car for anyone who is consuming Kava kava.
Skullcap impacts the central nervous system and it is a mild sedative. By itself it has hardly any therapeutic benefit for depression patients, but when combined with St Johns Wort people who have moderate depression can have clearness as well as improved feeling of self esteem. Skullcap may cause allergic reactions in certain people that bring about difficulty breathing and break outs.
As you have seen there are many herbal medicines to choose from to deal with depression. It will always be wise to meet with a doctor before taking any supplements and if you have intense depression you may want other kinds of treatment also. In the event you encounter any kind of negative unintended effects quit taking a health supplement at once and only use the recommended dosage.
Is It Just A Bad Day Or Not?
Everyone goes through off days occasionally. It just cannot be helped as much as everyone wants to stay on top of the wheel instead of at the bottom. The dangerous thing about this is being commonplace, the experience blinds most to the possibility that they might be falling into depression.
Depression is a real danger everyone can face in his or her life. It is a silent and pervasive threat that can upend all the care put into a life led and relegate it to a gray existence where everything is heavy and each step is uphill. Knowing what to look for and more importantly, acknowledging that there might be a problem guarantees the best way of saving oneself early on.
Telltale Signs
What makes depression hard to detect is that it shares many similarities to the bad day experiences. When people are in that state of mind, they are unaware of how much time they spend in it and do not usually dwell on it when things turn for the better.
Depression happens when prolonged feelings of negativity and its consequences happen over a substantial period. A safe period to observe is a course of two weeks. Symptoms may include:
Types of Depression
Unfortunately, depression does not come in only one shape. Studies have classified depression in these categories:
Major depression – This is probably the most known form hence the designation of clinical depression. Experts characterize major depression by how it erodes a person’s ability to function properly, disrupting activities such as eating, sleeping, working, and deriving pleasure from activities.
Chronic depression – Less severe than major depression, chronic depression affects a person over a period of years (two or more). People suffering from chronic depression typically maintain function and the depression does not disable them.
Atypical depression – Cases that lack the usual symptoms of depression are classified under atypical depression. What differentiates atypical depression is its reactivity. Mood swings frequently occur according to experiences, even positive ones. Other forms of depression, people suffering from them will not react at all to these stimuli.
Bipolar or Manic depression – This is characterized by mood swinging from periods of depression to times of extreme elation or mania.
Seasonal depression – Sometimes called seasonal affective disorder or SAD. This depression occurs at the same time every year. Scientists attribute it to hormonal changes that are affected by the environmental factors that change with the seasons.
Postpartum depression – Motherhood brings much joy but 75% of new mothers experience feelings of sadness all the same. What is more serious is 1 in 10 will suffer from postpartum depression.
Psychotic depression – This happens when a severe case of depression is accompanied by co-existing form of psychosis, be it in the form of hallucinations, delusions or other separations from reality.
Regardless of what you actually feel, always be open to help. It is likely that it is just a bad day if you keep people that care about you near you and lean on their support when you are down. If not, help is but an arm’s length away so reach out.
Depression: Ten Things to Do
By definition, depression causes us to lose energy, engagement, and activity. Depression often feels like a gray, unmovable lump that’s going nowhere. Whether you’re working by yourself or with a therapist, it can be hard to find a starting point.
The good news is that any time you can find something worthwhile to do, you start to feel better. So here are ten suggestions for doing something about those dark and hopeless feelings. Is there an idea or two here that would work for you?
1. Look for images that describe what you’re feeling. Is your depression wet or dry, rock-hard or drenched in seawater? Do you picture yourself as a depleted battery, an out-of-control tractor trailer, or a piercing arrow? Do you see yourself wrecking, tumbling, falling, or drowning? Images can help you get in touch with what your psyche is experiencing and trying to share with you.
2. Identify a feeling and follow it as far as it will let you go. If it’s sadness, for example, what have you lost, and how is that loss changing your life? Do you feel like a victim, an alien, an avenger, a lover?
3. Draw pictures. Create characters, sketch them, and put dialogue into balloons. Paint landscapes, buildings, animals, and people and places from your dreams and daydreams.
4. Keep a journal. If the writing doesn’t flow, try again without capital letters and punctuation: Editing can block your thinking. If you’re having relationship issues, draw stick figures and get them to talk on paper. Find a picture that moves you, paste it onto a piece of paper, and write about it.
5. Submit to the inner process. The soul has its own wisdom, its own pace, and its own agenda, if only we can learn to accept it. When life goes wrong or we’re crawling back from a loss or a mistake, we naturally want the process to be over as quickly as possible. But worrying about being stuck in an old hurt or loss doesn’t help. Say yes to the healing, and stop thinking that you’re sick and wrong because it’s going slowly. Mysteries and secrets are unfolding inside you: Give them time.
6. If you’re having trouble with a relationship, ask whether substance abuse is involved, and don’t limit your survey to romantic relationships: It could be a family member, co-worker, boss, minister, or friend. Many substance abusers are masters at creating confusion, manipulation, and guilt. Often depression is the result. If all your relationships are healthy except one, suspect substance abuse, and consider a few visits with an Al-Anon group.
7. Have fun, especially if it involves physical activity, which can be a powerful antidote to depression. This suggestion probably sounds counterintuitive: During depression, who wants to have fun? But it’s worth the effort to find something you enjoy doing, especially if it involves other people. You quickly discover that the depression is only one part of you, even if it often seems overwhelming. Other parts of you are healthy and hungry for life. What can you do to support and strengthen them?
8. Listen to music. If you don’t have any favorite pieces, begin with the music you listened to in your teens. Strive to rediscover parts of you that have drifted into the past and been forgotten. Even sad music (for example, a song that evokes a past love affair) can sometimes help you travel around the rock of depression to see what else life has in store for you.
9. Connect. When you’re depressed, it’s tempting to either avoid other people or load them up with your problems. Look for other ways to relate. Volunteering in a setting you enjoy (or used to enjoy) can have enormous healing power: You’ll be affirmed for gifts you’d forgotten you had–or never knew about.
10. Love yourself. In depression, we often feel that no one cares and no one is there for us. Remember that the first person whose love and care you need so desperately is you. If others are causing you to feel that you’re worthless and wrong, start asking if something is amiss with them. (Therapy can be helpful here.)
Depression is such a hideous experience that no one would ever choose to go there, even for a minute. But sometimes it is the only way our souls can get our attention: Our manic pace stops, our usual activities seem dry and meaningless, and we start looking elsewhere for a reason to live. In the end, is it possible that’s exactly what our souls are asking us to do?
A Far Infrared Sauna and Alleviating Stress
You’re tired. Your mental, physical, and emotional energy is spent. All day supervisors, co-workers, employees, and even family members have been vying for your attention leaving you with little time to think, let alone breathe. It’s been a long day and there’s more to do at home.
Put it all aside. Stop what you’re doing because now is the perfect time to relax. If you have a portable Far Infrared Sauna at home, now is a great time to turn it on. While it heats up, you can put on your bath robe and prepare to sweat, but more importantly, get ready to relax and unwind.
If a day like today is typical – a two page to-do list, a pile of phone messages to return, and projects due yesterday – then you’re not unlike most people. Today, stress has consistently been the second most commonly reported type of work-related illness. Though the body can handle certain amounts of stress, too much stress can lead to disease and a number of stress-related disorders. Stress, unfortunately, is the most common experience that the physical body must endure in our fast-paced, technologically driven world. But it doesn’t have to be.
Fortunately, someone invented the sauna – a tool to give both the body and mind relaxation. When you’re in the sauna, there’s nowhere to go and nothing to do. Simply melt in the heat and let those stress filled muscles unwind. Imagine feeling this kind of relaxation regularly. The very shape of your muscles might change from feeling like tight rubber bands to feeling like soft, supple fruit. Recent research indicates that relaxation can improve quality of life and reduce stress hormones. As such, many individuals who are choosing healthier lives are also making the choice to purchase portable Infrared Saunas in order to have a relaxation experience on a regular basis.
In fact, with consistent use of a Far Infrared Sauna, your entire life could change. It’s why they call it Far Infrared Sauna therapy. For instance, Far Infrared Sauna therapy has even been used to treat those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. If you’re ready for relaxed muscles, softer skin, a healthier body, and a way of life that is calm think about purchasing a portable Far Infrared Sauna. They are convenient to have in your home for regular daily use and alleviating the symptoms related to disorders resulting from stress.