Depression –
it’s no joking matter. Even mild cases can have a dramatic impact on a person,
and there could be people in your life right now who are struggling without
your knowledge. They may seem just fine on the outside but hurting terribly on
the inside. My Mom has suffered from it for years, and in watching what she’s
gone through, I’ve learned a lot – I’ve even had bouts of depression myself
over the years. Here are 3 things that I’ve observed or experienced that can
help beat it:
#3: Surround
yourself with positive friends
This is
something that really helps my Mom. Unless she’s had a really bad night, she
gets up most mornings to drive to town for coffee with her friends in the café.
She says that she ALWAYS feels better afterward and is ready to take on the
day. You may not be able to meet with people daily, but you can certainly
connect with people – build a support network – positive people who support,
edify, and encourage you, whether it’s in person, on the phone, via e-mail or
social media. I’ve developed a support network that spans the globe thanks to
Facebook, with trusted friends as far away as England and Australia. If I need
a little pick-me-up, I know I can turn to them for an encouraging word, and
vice-versa.
#2 Counselling & Medication
If your
depression worsens and/or persists, please consider seeking medical advice.
Depression can have a medical cause that’s treatable through medication, or life circumstances can play a factor - grief over the loss of a loved one, unexpected job loss, breakup of a marriage or relationship, etc.
Seeking help doesn’t mean you’re crazy or that there’s anything wrong with you or
that you’re a failure – resist those thoughts, because they’re NOT true. Seek counselling or talk
to your doc - they can help!
#1 Get
active!
Exercise is a mood enhancer thanks to endorphins
released into the system. I have yet to regret a workout, even during some of
the most stressful times when I’d bawl through the whole thing while Leslie
took me through the moves. I still felt better afterward and was glad I did it –
exercise is therapeutic.
Now let's take this a step further – take your medication (if applicable) and continue with counselling as needed,
and exercise in a group setting with people like those described in #3 above!
If you combine your support network with a good workout where you’re all
working toward similar goals, lifting each other up, and releasing endorphins
into your bloodstream, you’ve got a powerful combination for success! Gina
nailed it in my promotional video when she talked about getting together with
people she loves to meet, making new friends, and getting a good workout at the
same time. It’s a super formula! Beat
depression hands down… or in our case feet down… sign up for
"Move What God Gave You!" coming in September!
Nancy Ehle
Certified WALK Leader
