Dealing with Depression - Steps to safeguard you

Depression - the unseen affliction

Dealing with depression can be very difficult and I say this from ten years of experience with it. When times are good we look forward to what is to come. When we are positive we see the future as being full of good times and a life we will enjoy living with good circumstances… we think and see long term.

Depression however is the opposite. Depression is like fog in that we only see just in front of us and not into the future. We believe that the state of despair we feel at that exact point in time will superglue our lives into that moment so that we will feel this way forever. We lose our ability to think into the future.

WHY IS DEPRESSION LIKE FOG?

When fog is around us we see nothing past it. Fog also can seem to descend out of nowhere and with it the atmosphere changes. When sunny with blue sky you see sun, the brightness, people who are enjoying it, the heat and refreshing breeze. Yet with fog we forget the sun is there (even though it never goes anywhere) we are blocked from seeing people because of the fog, we feel cold and somewhat isolated and that cool refreshing summer breeze becomes chilling, making us want to hide.

If you imagine looking at fog for the first time, having no idea what is it thick fog can look like a solid moving grey concrete wall. Depression can seem the same, without sufficient education it can look like a solid, immovable object. This will naturally make us feel helpless and without hope. This, like literal fog is not the case however. Let’s fight the fog together!!!!

Just remember that like literal fog it will pass in an instant. Remember that things will get better and sometimes we all have to plan for those bad times. We will all at some point suffer from some form of depression but what is very important to remember is one of the laws of success which can help you deal more effectively with those days.

THE LAW OF MOMENTUM

The law of momentum states that when times are good you put in a serious of events and actions that put a momentum in place that will build up enough speed to carry you through the tough times when you lose power for some reason.

Consider these examples:

Example One: Would you say the best time to save money is when you earn a good bonus at work or when you lose your job? The answer is obvious! If you start thinking about saving money when you desperately need it you never will. Like depression the time to start dealing with it is not when you are in the moment it is when times are good and you are feeling at your most positive, when you have a ‘mental bonus period.’

Example Two: Would you say that the best time to take minerals and immune system boosting vitamins is when you are ill or when you are at your healthiest? Well taking the vitamins when your immune system is already at war may be too late although it might help a little. The best time to take it is when you are at your best because it then prevents it or will only leave you with a little sniffle that allows you to continue with your day with less symptoms.

The same is true with depression. It is generally too late to start dealing with it in the moment, this is why when in that moment that well meaning family member or work colleague tells you to “be positive” you want to throw something at them! Dealing with depression in the moment is a little like starting a marathon with no preparation and then deciding on the run that is your training time for it.

The best time to deal with depression is when times are good. Remember that how you feel and how you respond to pressure and stress is programmed. Angry people will get angry, stressed people will get stressed, anxious people will get anxious and so forth. How can you program yourself to respond differently?

Well first things first, you may never completely obliterate stress and depression from your life but knowing how to deal with it can help you massively. When times are good put into practice the laws of success and master them, once you do this it will anchor you for as long as you practice them.

This way when times get tough you have ‘the money in the bank to make a withdrawal without it putting you in the overdraft that is heavy depression.’ You may still feel under the weather but you will not feel it to the degree that it will paralyze you. You will also find yourself in the mental state that you know deep down in your heart tomorrow will be a better day.

IMMEDIATE STEPS!

So remember, get the right rituals, behaviours and associations in place when times are good with the following steps:

Step One – Talk to your family and friends about your depression when times are good! Tell them what to expect in detail and what triggers to notice which is a sign you will start to spiral. Also discuss what you need at that difficult point in time (don’t leave it until you are in an emotional turbulence of depression)

Step Two – Write down what you have told them is what you NEED and WHY at this time in an envelope and seal it. If you get into a depressed state and are not in a strong position to explain it to family or friend, hand them the envelope, give them the best smile you can manage, give them a hug and sit down.

Step Three – Get some powerful and positive rituals, habits and behaviours in place when you are in a ‘bonus mental state’ and times are good! Intense exercise purges stress from the body with a release of endorphin's or endo-morphine. It can numb stress and pressure and give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

This can help you experience less stressful days that lead to the emotional paralyzing of depression because your body is in a constant state of physiological positivity and reduced stress levels.

Step Four – When you start to feel depressed then please remember keep your routine. Depression is based on focusing on things that are afflicting you and that cause you to give up. This is a little like the toxin in a cobra bite, it starts in the mind and gradually works through your body causing physical effects as it spreads. Can you see the similarity? So keep your routine which will keep your focus in check and make sure that you get through the day with limited damage.

Step Five – This one is simple. Remember this day will pass and you get out of the other end stronger. Keep your routine, this will keep your focus and with time you will learn to diagnose the hard times from a distance and combat them more effectively each time.

In the meantime get this five step process in place today and remember, the sunshine always trumps the fog and will eventually burn through.

I relate, i understand, i appreciate your battles, i admire your courage, but now is the time to start fighting it starting on the good days. I hope you will let me help you by signing up for free online coaching at www.theinspirationalspeaker.co.uk

Simon D Campbell

The Inspirational Speaker