Depression

Statistically speaking, one of them has depression. Perhaps you are that one.

Countless studies have asked the question, "Why are so many people so depressed nowadays? It didn't use to be like this."

There is cultural confusion about what happiness, success, and wealth all really mean. We get materialism mixed up with contentment and think that the more things we have, the wealthier and safer we must be (even if we end up swimming in debt). In our desire to do more things and produce more works to prove our worth, we cut off relationships and give ourselves less time to enjoy the weather, our health, the beauty in life, etc. Is it any wonder that we’re dissatisfied and unhappy as a nation?

What are you looking for to make you happy? Will you only be happy if you get more money, a significant other, a nice new car, more free time? Happiness isn't an object that you can acquire and that other people can take away. Happiness is a state of mind, an attitude, a choice to appreciate things that come our way and get back up when we fall down. Even if you obtained all the cool things you ever wanted to own, even if you did everything you ever wanted to do, you would not be happy if your mindset is always focused on the negatives, the should-have-beens, or how much you still don’t have and still haven’t done.

Sadness, grief, anger, and frustration are natural emotions that happen due to circumstances (losing a job, abusive relationship, lack of resources, death of a loved one, etc.). It is healthy to express and address these emotions. However, when those negative feelings persist and become chronic, that's when a problem arises. If your environment, relationships, and/or habits are fostering discomfort, dysfunction, dissatisfaction, etc. then you need to start changing those things. You can't just sew your mouth into a smile and hope that your feelings will follow. At the same time, don't wallow in the pit of despair. Take action, start looking for little things that YOU can do and think and say every day that will have a positive impact on your life and help move you out of the fog of depression. A lot of people can't do it on their own, or maybe they can’t see any way but further down. This is why it's recommended to see doctors, therapists, counselors, or other professionals to assist with the healing process.

We aren't meant to suppress our emotions. You can't just shut up and smile and hope that everything gets better somehow. If no one knows that you're unhappy or you're hurting, what can we do to help? How will we even know you need help? Before you can get better, you have to realize that depression is something you can handle and change. It's slow and hard and takes time, but it's possible and millions of people have done it and continue to do so.

At the same time, keep in mind that rumination and constantly going over your woes and misery will only make you more upset and hopeless. There needs to be movement in a forward direction, accepting the hurt and trauma, making notes of why and how it happened, and getting past it to the next phase of life. Learn from it, and take a step in a new direction. Sheer force of will-- just hoping it will all get better if you wish really hard-- isn't enough. It takes a steady flow of small actions performed each day that lead to recovery over time. 

I can't stress enough that it's vital to address and work through the underlying causes of your depression; not just taking a pill to make the pain go away temporarily. It's all the difference between pulling the rotten tooth versus taking a painkiller every day. Which hurts more/is more traumatic? Of course, the tooth being pulled. But what makes the more effective environment for your body to heal? Addressing the root problem and going after the source. (Disclaimer: Your doctor will know the best course of action here, as the underlying cause may in fact be physical—where a pill would do the best work. For your safety, discuss any doubts or concerns with your medical practitioner and do not self-medicate.)

I understand that money is a big problem for most people. When finances are scarce it feels impossible to do anything. However, even lack of money is something which can be changed for the better with perseverance, a good plan, and mindful management. Here are some resources that can help get you started:

www.cheatsheet.com/personal-fi…

twocents.lifehacker.com/how-to…

www.vice.com/read/this-is-how-…

There’s always something you can do.

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Research and Resources:

www.eatmovesleep.org/

www.naturalnews.com/043150_dep…

www.everydayhealth.com/columns…

www.psychologytoday.com/blog/s…

www.psychologytoday.com/blog/e…

www.utne.com/mind-and-body/ame…

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