Relief from Depression
By
Dr. Christina Grant
You know those blue
moods characterized by gloom, feelings of inadequacy, sadness, loss of
interest in activities and pleasure, and lack of energy? They affect the
health and wellbeing of about 19 million Americans, following them like
dark clouds into their homes, workplaces, schools, and relationships.
Typically,
what we call depression is linked to our habitual mental states. The way
we think about the world, others, the self, and the conditions of life
including relationships, health, job, and finances affects our mental
balance. You might have heard that depression is a result of a chemical
imbalance in the brain. We women entering the rocky years of “the change
of life” can vouch for some kind of chemical imbalance taking place, but
our thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and emotions continually alter our
brain chemistry. Even air, water, electro-pollution, sugar,
chemical-laden processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and a lack
of protein absorption lead to chemical imbalances in the brain and the
entire body.
Depression
can also be caused by a loss, chronic illness, relationship problems,
work stress, family crises, financial worries, even unexpected change.
So many things in life can create the state of gloom! The good news is
it can be corrected and managed. It can be healed, which is slightly
different from treating it. Treating it likely involves the use of
anti-depressant drugs. There is nothing wrong with that in severe cases,
but in typical gloomy mood cases there are steps you can take on your
behalf to naturally shift your brain chemistry.
Dealing
with the source of depression is the key. Ideally we use imbalances in
the body or mind as messages to help us resolve underlying conflict
within ourselves. When we ignore these messages, we ignore the calls to
wake up further into life. In the case of depression, sometimes this
call is nothing more than to get your body moving. This alone often
dissipates the clouds.
Depression
arrives in your life with a meaning. Our task is to ask, “What is the
meaning or message?” Is it simply, “Get out and exercise,” or is it
something deeper? To misunderstand the message can be excruciating,
leading to feelings of futility and hopelessness. However, for those who
listen and begin to understand, life expands, lightens, and develops
more meaning. Delving into this deeper meaning is the path of healing.
Overcoming
depression might require personal change, sometimes a lifestyle change,
but in many cases a willingness to listen, hear, and then act on the
body’s messages is all the change that is needed. Fear is usually what
prevents people from taking this step. But with a little courage, a
whole new bright world can open up.
There
are many opportunities to help you become vital, strong, positive,
hopeful, and joyous: journaling, exercise, meditation, visualization,
being in nature, proper nutrition, the use of mood-lifting supplements
and essential oils, letting go of the unrealistic expectations of
others, fully becoming your authentic self, and altering your thoughts
toward the positive.
Joyful
people are creating their lives the way they want to live them. They
feel a bit of power over their own life. They have a core of
contentment. They shape their reality with their thoughts, hopes, and
attitudes. Anyone with that dark cloudy gloom can experience hope and
joy again. Harnessing the willingness to listen, hear, and act upon
depression’s messages is an important step. To uncover a more authentic
way of living is another step. Who among you can resist taking this
journey?
About the Author:
Dr. Christina Grant is a
holistic healer and counselor assisting people on their quest for
wellbeing, personal power, and deeper insight into life’s issues.
Contact her through
www.christinagrant.com
or call
831-236-1171.
