Unlearn Depression

Everything can be learned. Even negative feelings are learned.  Fortunately, we can choose to unlearn depression. We have the power to choose how we should feel.  We can choose to be happy or we can choose to be depressed.  But why do a lot of people still end up in depression?  Did they choose to be depressed or they just didn’t know the steps to unlearn depression?

Actually being unhappy cannot be avoided.  There will certainly be times in your life that you will feel sad.  That is but natural; but to stay in that state for a long time is not healthy because this will lead to depression.  You must be able to manage sadness and not let it control you.

Single moms are one of the most likely candidates of depression.  Thus, I would like to share with you some tips on how to unlearn depression:

1. Commit to be happy.  Depression needs no effort, no work.  When something bad happens, you would feel sad and later if you continue to be in this situation, you will feel depressed.  It takes a lot of effort and commitment to look at the brighter things in life and to be happy.  Nevertheless, you need to commit yourself to happiness.  You need to choose to be happy and just shrug off all the things that cause sadness in your life.
2. Love yourself and other people.  Do not be too harsh with yourself.  Everyone makes mistakes, you are no different.  Forget your mistakes, embrace your failures and move on.  Do not put too much pressure on yourself.  Just do your best. Continue to love other people and you will find that the love your give returns to you and this will uplift you.
3. Keep your eyes on the good stuff.  Focus on the positive things.  When you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts, redirect your mind on the positive side of things.  When you catch yourself thinking of your financial issues; redirect your mind on the future.  All things will pass and soon your business or career will flourish.  Joy is not about your circumstances; it is about your attitude.
4. Eat the right food.  Indulge on antidepressant foods like spinach, oranges, red peppers, wheat bread and a lot more.  What you eat does not just go to your stomach but goes to your brain as well. Feel alive and happy by eating lots of vegetables and fruits – foods with color to add vitality to your face and mood.
5. Exercise.  Suppress that depressed mood with endorphins.  Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are produced during exercise.  They have the ability to make us feel well, comfortable, happy, contented and relaxed.

 

6. Count your blessings.  There are so many things to be thankful for – your children, friends, you are alive and well.  Sit down and write your blessings; you will be amazed at the number of blessings that you previously took for granted.

 

7. Dream and be creative.  There is nothing wrong with dreaming big!  To dream is free so you might as well dream and think big! Write your dreams and be as imaginative as possible.  You will find yourself laughing as you write your dreams and aspirations (I sure did J)

 

8. Closely related to above tip is to believe in yourself.  As you write down your aspirations, you will see opportunities.  Write down your thoughts and ideas to make them real.  Once on paper, you will have more drive to work on it. Read it every day and find ways to make it come true.  Believe that you can do it and you will! You can achieve your dream.

 

9. Stop comparing. We are unique individuals.  Do not compare yourself with other people. God has endowed you with unique qualities, do your best to use them.  That will be enough, stop comparing.

 

10. Read.  This helps me a lot.  Reading takes my mind off the things that make me sad.  Apart from that, reading will increase your knowledge and understanding.

 

11. Again related to above tip is to keep busy.  Get hold of any activity or hobby that will take your mind off to the things that depresses you. Depression borders on being idle and bored.  Therefore, keep yourself busy so that the feeling of depression will not have room in your heart and mind.

 

12. Chat with your friends or family.  This helps you express yourself, get sympathy, advice and motivation.

 

Depression is a learned behavior, unlearn depression and be free!