Priyanka Bhattacharya (Sub Editor)
Let us begin by discussing how solitary sadness is. It is comparable to being in a room without any windows or doors, and the ensuing darkness can be oppressive. One in every twenty Indians, or 5.3% of the population, reported having had depressive illnesses at some time in their lives, according to the 2015 NHMS survey. And here’s an important fact to understand: isolation amplifies the gloom. It’s a con our thoughts use to fool us. Imagine this: a strong network of friends, family, or a mental health professional who is there for you in times of need. They serve as your storm-aiding beacons. Seek assistance when you’re experiencing loneliness. Now let’s dive into 5 things you should avoid if you’re suffering from depression.
1. Escaping the Sun and Nature
Let’s now enter nature’s healing embrace. Imagine yourself strolling in a local park for a little while. Feel the warmth and vitality of the sun shining on your face. There’s something special about nature that may lift your spirits. While it may not be a perfect solution, it is a positive start. Think of it as a medication straight from Mother Nature. Allow nature to play a role in your healing process, even if it’s only for a little while. Making this tiny effort will pay off big time in terms of your mental health.
What happens when you do so?
When depressed, staying out of the sun and the outdoors can result in vitamin D deficiency, which can interfere with circadian cycles and affect sleep. Since sunshine is associated with lowered stress levels, a lack of natural light may affect mood. Lack of the soothing influence of nature can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and impede social interactions.
2. Relentlessly Reminiscing
Now, let’s explore the unending loop of unpleasant notions; it sounds like a damaged tape that plays repeatedly, escalating the internal cyclone. The issue is, though, that you can alter that melody. Refute your thoughts. Reinterpret them, and dare to concentrate on your life’s joys. It’s a small change, but believe me when I say that it may have a profound effect on your mental health. Recall that your ideas do not define you; you are the author of your own story.
What happens when you do so?
It intensifies depressing emotions and starts an endless loop of unfavorable thinking. The emotional upheaval gets worse the more one concentrates on the negative. It takes questioning and rephrasing these ideas to end this loop.
3. Self-Comparison with Other People:
The enduring risk in the era of social media is comparability. Imagine this: while you read through feeds of people who appear to have the ideal life, your path starts to feel inadequate. A false reality is frequently portrayed in what you see online. Everybody’s path is different, including yours, it is like comparing two distinct but equally useful things. Prioritize your development, advancement, and journey. Accept the individuality of your path and never forget that your value is not established by the outstanding moments of another person’s life.
What happens when you do so?
Comparing oneself to others while depressed makes feelings of inadequacy worse. The flawed prism of comparison, every scroll amplifies a feeling of not measuring up to expectations in life, which causes more self-criticism and low self-esteem. It gets difficult to acknowledge that each person’s path is unique.
4. Repressing Feelings
It’s alright for any of us to have phases when we’re not okay. See your feelings as visitors to your home; they may not always be likable, but they do deserve to be welcomed. Suppressing them is similar to closing the door on undesirable guests, but they wind up raising tension. Let yourself feel instead. Accept those feelings. Write them down, talk to someone, or just listen to someone you love and trust as you express yourself constructively. This indicates your resilience in overcoming internal challenges rather than a sign of weakness. As we move into the light of spiritual development, let’s end the quiet and reach out to our friends.
What happens when you do so?
Stress builds up when those with depression suppress their emotions. Every emotion that is repressed weighs heavily and exacerbates the internal conflict. Emotional repression heightens anxiety and increases feelings of solitude, much like an imminent threat.
5. Disregarding Physical Health
Let’s now discuss the complex relationship that occurs between your bodily and mental well-being. They move in sync, much like best friends. Just make sure you’re not missing anything. Consider your body to be an altar and yourself as its guardian. Is your sleep quality adequate? Are you nurturing yourself? Do you work out as part of your daily routine? Your mind may be greatly impacted by a healthy body. It’s more important to feel good on the inside than it is to appear pleasant. Your body will become an invaluable resource for your intellect if you take good care of it.
What happens when you do so?
Neglecting one’s physical well-being when depressed makes mental illness worse. Disregarding one’s physical health contributes to the effects of depression. Sleep issues are a contributing factor to unstable emotions.
Maybe you’re too tired to have a conversation or feel guilty about avoiding your friends. But trust me, this is just sadness screaming. Remember these self-help strategies. These suggestions may accelerate your recovery and prevent depression from reappearing.
