I read some articles about environmental causes for depression in people's lives. If I can find them again I will share.
I went through a period of depression when I was off at college in Portland. It was when I re-signed up for this forum as Stratos. Life was rough for me at that time. I was struggling in school and dealing with some personal loses.
A lot of elements were involved in creating this environment. I worked graveyard shifts and struggled to sleep during the day. I ate a very unhealthy diet that counteracted any exercise attempts I made and eventually I gave up on exercise completely and became more lethargic. I was without a steady job for over a year and could not even land an interview during that time. I also turned away from my 'happier' friends because I hated myself more when I was around them. One of my long-time roommates and good friends was clinically depressed and struggled with self mutilation. Two other good friends 'turned on me' in my mind and things went down between us that felt like betrayals to me. Sometimes I would just cry for no reason and anytime I failed at even the most minor of tasks I turned into a wreck.
So I was in a bad spot. In some ways I've healed, I've grown strong and overcome those dark times. But a part of that darkness still holds a place inside of me. I use it to remember the bad times as a motivation to do what I can to stay out of the pit. I a way I feel much like the Hobbits Frodo and Sam at the end of the Lord of the Rings when they are back at the Shire. I went through a great ordeal and it has forever changed me. Things can never quite go back to they way they were, nor should they.
Some things I have learned that help:
1) Get some outdoors time. We are always in the dark, in our rooms with our digital screens in front of us. I know that was me 90% of the time and when I was out I was on my phone, laptop or other digital device. Get out and get some air, even in the city. Work in an office? Go out for an 'air break'. Smokers get a double reason to go outside
2) Get some sunlight. Similar to #1, but specifically this is a nutrient need. Our bodies use sunlight to synthesize vitamin D. No sun where you are? Supplement it!
3) Talk to people face-to-face. We are communal creatures and when we deprive ourselves too much of human contact. With forums and Facebook we trick our minds into thinking we are getting plenty of social time but without the end-game gratification. This goes for introverts too. I am one and I like my solitude but you still need to get out from time to time.
4) Sleep! Quality over quantity. I know I would sometimes sleep for 12-15 hours and still feel lethargic and tired. I then would get even more depressed because I wasted my off day not doing anything meaningful. Make sure the room is pitch dark because your body needs a dark place to produce the melatonin your body needs for a balanced brain chemistry. A lot of the drugs that doctors give people for clinical depression involve this and a few other brain chemicals that are out of balance in your brain to help them realign. Also, try to sync your sleep pattern with that of the sun. Not always easy but it sure does help the outlook of your day if you are up before noon. I always felt I had so little time in my day because of how late I would get up and then suddenly it was night in a few hours. I felt my existence on earth was a waste of air and space.
5) Eat a satisfying, limited number of meals a day. Sitting there grazing on snacks does not properly nourish your body. Eat good solid meals a few times a day. Do not be afraid of good tasty meat and fats. A lot of research is showing the value of what was once deemed unhealthy. You need good fats to support your body and without them you constantly get hungry and feel off balance. Get a good solid meal in your belly and limit your sugars, both real and fake. Diet change can play a big roll in recovering from depression and getting healthier can have the side benefit of getting you into better shape which leads to...
6) Improve your self image. You feel like a fat lazy slob? No wonder if you look in the mirror and see one like I did. I tried to work out but I ended up eating such a destructive diet that it was counterproductive and I eventually gave up or working out at all. As mentioned before, physical exertion can be great for the body as well as the mind and spirit. Don't focus on the outside alone though, but the inside. I was not bothered as much by my physical appearance as my mental one. I felt I was a nobody. Not having achieved anything of substantial merit or value. Read some books on a topic that interests you. Learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby. Take a community class on something like pottery or martial arts (hey, this also gets you in shape and gets you face-to-face with people! Mark a couple items off of this silly list I made at once). The important thing is to do something that makes you feel accomplished and of value. How do you do this...?
7) Set some goals and devise a plan to achieve those goals. Author and speaker Steven Covey speaks of how successful people write out 'to-do lists' and complete on average 70% or more of their tasks. Write what steps it will take to achieve your goals and plan how and when you will reach each milestone. Achieving personal milestones can greatly Improve Your Self-Image. Don't just make daily goals, but think broader. Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10 years? 20? then devise a plan to make sure you get there. Don't know how to get there or what steps to take? Google it!
Your attempts not working? See a professional. We are all human, and we all need help from time to time and there are instances where there is more going on than you realize. It may even be something like a chemical imbalance or serious medical condition where you need extra assistance from a professional. Go see a counselor, a therapist, doctor or pastor. There are places where you can go to get that stuff for free even if money is a concern. If you have health insurance some of those things are even covered by it. The important thing to know is that you are not alone.
So, that was a huge wall of text. I hope it was of help to those here who are in pain. I know what it was like for me to be in that dark place, but no one but yourself truly knows where you are.
Feel free to PM me if you need a listening ear (or...eye, since it is a forum we
read).
The TL:DR1) Get some outdoors time.2) Get some sunlight.3) Talk to people face-to-face.4) Sleep! Quality over quantity.5) Eat a satisfying, limited number of meals a day.6) Improve your self image.7) Set some goals and devise a plan to achieve those goals. Your attempts not working? See a professional.
Topic: Anyone else deal with depression or knows someone who does? (Read 35766 times)
