This Cures Depression
ijohn_001
Posts: 29 Member
Our mental state is such an important factor in accomplishing our goals and achieving success, whether it be in weight loss or any other area of our lives. That being the case, it's also important to know that as human beings, we were created to develop into patterns. You can easily see certain patterns that you have developed in your own life,if you look close enough. They can be either negative or positive, depending on your individual circumstances. Therefore, depression is simply the result of a developed, or developing pattern in one's life.
You may say, "Yeah, but I didn't develop the pattern of depression, it just sorta happened on its own."
The truth about the way we are built is this: our minds are like a garden. Some people are great gardeners; they take great lengths to keep their gardens clean and beautiful. Others are the opposite, leaving their garden to itself most of the time. As is the case with a natural garden, you may well be aware that no one ever has to plant weed seed in order to grow weeds in their garden. Quite the contrary, really. Weeds grow all by themselves, with absolutely no assistance needed. In fact, to keep a nice garden, the weeds must be extracted or somehow eradicated so that the things you actually desire to grow in your garden are not choked out by the weeds.
Depression is a weed that must be extracted from the garden of your mind.
Here's a powerful tool:
Our mental state is built to follow our physical state, to some degree. Since we're on the subject of depression, I'll limit myself to that subject here. Most people would think that when someone is depressed, then their head hangs low, their shoulders slump, their face droops, etc. While that can be true, there's something absolutely powerful you should see here. Those physical condition changes followed the emotional/mental state change. BUT, this works in reverse, too! Let me explain...
It's easy to see how our words can so easily create and dictate the condition of the atmosphere around us. If I were to tell my wife, "You're stupid! You never do anything right!" That would have an obvious, predetermined affect on both of our atmospheres... and it would be an extremely negative one, at that. However, if I were instead to say, "Honey, I love you, I forgive you, you are everything to me. I can't see myself ever being without you." Then, that would have an equal, but opposite affect. So, words are a powerful, physical tool that affect a person's emotional state. It works on other people, it will also work on yourself.
It takes a spoken word to change an unspoken thought. When these depression-causing thoughts begin to spring up in the garden of your mind, that's the time to eradicate them with spoken words that contradict those negative thoughts. Really, find something good to say to replace those bad, depressing thoughts.
A One-Two punch: In addition to speaking words of positive encouragement, try changing the physical state of your body at the same time. Depressed people don't smile or laugh. Therefore, a smiling or laughing person doesn't stay depressed for very long. Stand up, throw your arms in the air, put a big smile on your face and tell yourself how amazing things are going to happen to you, and then have a big laugh about it, and I guarantee that your depressing thoughts will not stay around to join the party. That's right! I'm telling you how to crash a pity-party.
Lastly, you've heard the old saying that "misery loves company"? Well, don't adopt that as your life's motto. In fact, this is a great place to mention that if you love and thrive on the attention that you get from being depressed, then it's not going to change for you. You must learn to hate every aspect of that depression. It is stealing your life away from you. Time to get the weeds out. But, don't associate with people who are going to give you pity and feel sorry for you. Get around people who are happy, vibrant and who will kick your butt for choosing to stay depressed. There's too much to live for and time is too precious to spend one moment entertaining such a negative condition. So, get around people who make you laugh. That might mean a real person, or a comedian or comedy show on t.v. But, get yourself into a healing, fun, laughing environment. Depression can't stand in that type of atmosphere.
All the best,
ijohn
You may say, "Yeah, but I didn't develop the pattern of depression, it just sorta happened on its own."
The truth about the way we are built is this: our minds are like a garden. Some people are great gardeners; they take great lengths to keep their gardens clean and beautiful. Others are the opposite, leaving their garden to itself most of the time. As is the case with a natural garden, you may well be aware that no one ever has to plant weed seed in order to grow weeds in their garden. Quite the contrary, really. Weeds grow all by themselves, with absolutely no assistance needed. In fact, to keep a nice garden, the weeds must be extracted or somehow eradicated so that the things you actually desire to grow in your garden are not choked out by the weeds.
Depression is a weed that must be extracted from the garden of your mind.
Here's a powerful tool:
Our mental state is built to follow our physical state, to some degree. Since we're on the subject of depression, I'll limit myself to that subject here. Most people would think that when someone is depressed, then their head hangs low, their shoulders slump, their face droops, etc. While that can be true, there's something absolutely powerful you should see here. Those physical condition changes followed the emotional/mental state change. BUT, this works in reverse, too! Let me explain...
It's easy to see how our words can so easily create and dictate the condition of the atmosphere around us. If I were to tell my wife, "You're stupid! You never do anything right!" That would have an obvious, predetermined affect on both of our atmospheres... and it would be an extremely negative one, at that. However, if I were instead to say, "Honey, I love you, I forgive you, you are everything to me. I can't see myself ever being without you." Then, that would have an equal, but opposite affect. So, words are a powerful, physical tool that affect a person's emotional state. It works on other people, it will also work on yourself.
It takes a spoken word to change an unspoken thought. When these depression-causing thoughts begin to spring up in the garden of your mind, that's the time to eradicate them with spoken words that contradict those negative thoughts. Really, find something good to say to replace those bad, depressing thoughts.
A One-Two punch: In addition to speaking words of positive encouragement, try changing the physical state of your body at the same time. Depressed people don't smile or laugh. Therefore, a smiling or laughing person doesn't stay depressed for very long. Stand up, throw your arms in the air, put a big smile on your face and tell yourself how amazing things are going to happen to you, and then have a big laugh about it, and I guarantee that your depressing thoughts will not stay around to join the party. That's right! I'm telling you how to crash a pity-party.
Lastly, you've heard the old saying that "misery loves company"? Well, don't adopt that as your life's motto. In fact, this is a great place to mention that if you love and thrive on the attention that you get from being depressed, then it's not going to change for you. You must learn to hate every aspect of that depression. It is stealing your life away from you. Time to get the weeds out. But, don't associate with people who are going to give you pity and feel sorry for you. Get around people who are happy, vibrant and who will kick your butt for choosing to stay depressed. There's too much to live for and time is too precious to spend one moment entertaining such a negative condition. So, get around people who make you laugh. That might mean a real person, or a comedian or comedy show on t.v. But, get yourself into a healing, fun, laughing environment. Depression can't stand in that type of atmosphere.
All the best,
ijohn
0
Replies
-
~sighs deeply~
While what you suggest probably will relate to some people, it's complete nonsense for others.
Not all depression is circumstantial.0 -
Tell me more.0
-
"Just shake it off" ??? Ya ok :huh:0
-
I assume you're speaking of clinical depression.
This is a tricky subject, non-circumstantial depression. My post is not about the cause of depression. it's about the cure.
non-circumstantial depression, as I understand it, may be caused in some cases by chemical imbalances in the body's systems. If that is the case, then I am all for medicinal treatment to restore balance to the body's chemistry... or, other non-medicinal cures, including the pursuit of spiritual healing, depending on one's spiritual beliefs.
At the same time, my proposed remedy will certainly only help the process of healing. anyone snubbing the post, if they're honest with themselves, will have to admit that. Otherwise, it's like saying, "there's nothing that can be done. Just mope around then and stare at the floor." No! That will never aid the recover process now, will it?0 -
its not but all depression can be helped by alternative to drugs.......I don't advocate for any medication.~sighs deeply~
While what you suggest probably will relate to some people, it's complete nonsense for others.
Not all depression is circumstantial.
I'm sorry, I disagree with you, unless you mean 'helped' in a small not particularly noticeable way.0 -
this cures my depression
0 -
~sighs deeply~
While what you suggest probably will relate to some people, it's complete nonsense for others.
Not all depression is circumstantial.
Yah.
The following is a helpful overview of the subject:
http://www.upworthy.com/what-is-depression-let-this-animation-with-a-dog-shed-light-on-it0 -
While I believe depression takes more then this to cure. I do believe that this is an awesome write up. You never can go wrong with positivity and making conscience desicions to live better.0
-
Our mental state is such an important factor in accomplishing our goals and achieving success, whether it be in weight loss or any other area of our lives. That being the case, it's also important to know that as human beings, we were created to develop into patterns. You can easily see certain patterns that you have developed in your own life,if you look close enough. They can be either negative or positive, depending on your individual circumstances. Therefore, depression is simply the result of a developed, or developing pattern in one's life.
You may say, "Yeah, but I didn't develop the pattern of depression, it just sorta happened on its own."
The truth about the way we are built is this: our minds are like a garden. Some people are great gardeners; they take great lengths to keep their gardens clean and beautiful. Others are the opposite, leaving their garden to itself most of the time. As is the case with a natural garden, you may well be aware that no one ever has to plant weed seed in order to grow weeds in their garden. Quite the contrary, really. Weeds grow all by themselves, with absolutely no assistance needed. In fact, to keep a nice garden, the weeds must be extracted or somehow eradicated so that the things you actually desire to grow in your garden are not choked out by the weeds.
Depression is a weed that must be extracted from the garden of your mind.
Here's a powerful tool:
Our mental state is built to follow our physical state, to some degree. Since we're on the subject of depression, I'll limit myself to that subject here. Most people would think that when someone is depressed, then their head hangs low, their shoulders slump, their face droops, etc. While that can be true, there's something absolutely powerful you should see here. Those physical condition changes followed the emotional/mental state change. BUT, this works in reverse, too! Let me explain...
It's easy to see how our words can so easily create and dictate the condition of the atmosphere around us. If I were to tell my wife, "You're stupid! You never do anything right!" That would have an obvious, predetermined affect on both of our atmospheres... and it would be an extremely negative one, at that. However, if I were instead to say, "Honey, I love you, I forgive you, you are everything to me. I can't see myself ever being without you." Then, that would have an equal, but opposite affect. So, words are a powerful, physical tool that affect a person's emotional state. It works on other people, it will also work on yourself.
It takes a spoken word to change an unspoken thought. When these depression-causing thoughts begin to spring up in the garden of your mind, that's the time to eradicate them with spoken words that contradict those negative thoughts. Really, find something good to say to replace those bad, depressing thoughts.
A One-Two punch: In addition to speaking words of positive encouragement, try changing the physical state of your body at the same time. Depressed people don't smile or laugh. Therefore, a smiling or laughing person doesn't stay depressed for very long. Stand up, throw your arms in the air, put a big smile on your face and tell yourself how amazing things are going to happen to you, and then have a big laugh about it, and I guarantee that your depressing thoughts will not stay around to join the party. That's right! I'm telling you how to crash a pity-party.
Lastly, you've heard the old saying that "misery loves company"? Well, don't adopt that as your life's motto. In fact, this is a great place to mention that if you love and thrive on the attention that you get from being depressed, then it's not going to change for you. You must learn to hate every aspect of that depression. It is stealing your life away from you. Time to get the weeds out. But, don't associate with people who are going to give you pity and feel sorry for you. Get around people who are happy, vibrant and who will kick your butt for choosing to stay depressed. There's too much to live for and time is too precious to spend one moment entertaining such a negative condition. So, get around people who make you laugh. That might mean a real person, or a comedian or comedy show on t.v. But, get yourself into a healing, fun, laughing environment. Depression can't stand in that type of atmosphere.
All the best,
ijohn
Oh.0 -
I understand where you are coming from but as someone who has dealt with it for a long time now, it is like being between a rock and a hard place. What you are suggesting is much easier said than done. There is a lot more to depression than what you are making it out to be. It isn't like just having a bad day. Do you speak from personal experience?0
-
I think what OP is referring to is the kind of lower-grade "depression" that occurs in normal cycles in a normal person's life. That is NOT true depression. The word depression is thrown around much too liberally these days.
You certainly can't tell me that this would work with a soldier with PTSD-induced-depression that has a rope around his neck! PTSD-induced-depression is circumstantial.
My clinical depression is a part of who I am. After therapy and medication, I realize that. And part of my problem that made it worse was that I was trying to convince myself I was ok - put on a smile and surround myself with happy people. Guess what - it didn't work! *gasp*. Even after trying to "shake it off', I still found myself with my hands around my colicky daughter's neck because she wouldn't stop crying (no worries I didn't do anything, but it scared the living *kitten* out of me and I got help; she is now 8 and a beatiful wonderful girl).
This kind of 'advice' actually adds to the stigma surrounding mental health. 'Don't worry be happy' does not work
Sorry OP, I'm sure your heart was in the right place, but you missed it on this one. Have a great day though :flowerforyou:0 -
Depressed people don't smile or laugh. Therefore, a smiling or laughing person doesn't stay depressed for very long. Stand up, throw your arms in the air, put a big smile on your face and tell yourself how amazing things are going to happen to you, and then have a big laugh about it, and I guarantee that your depressing thoughts will not stay around to join the party. That's right! I'm telling you how to crash a pity-party.
If you don't think depressed people smile or laugh, you probably don't have a clear picture of the breadth and scope of how depression actually manifests in people.
Clinically depressed people usually still have the full range of feelings and emotions. Depression is an odd combination of despair/hopelessness/indifference/numbness, but amid all that sadness there are still moments of laughter and levity. They're just not enough to pull you out of the 'sad pit'.
And, if only it were so simple to 'just cheer up' or let positive people/activities change your mood and rub off on you, then there probably wouldn't be so many people struggling with depression.
You've oversimplified.0 -
*smacks forhead* Oh gee, if I just think happy thoughts I'll be cured!!! Why didn't I ever think of that before!!!
:huh: :grumble: :noway:
Seriously dude, I'm the happiest depressed person you'll ever know. There's this little thing called a chemical imbalance. But nice happy thoughts try for you!0 -
Wow thanks, I'm cured now. Over a decade of clinical depression and it was this simple :huh:0
-
its not but all depression can be helped by alternative to drugs.......I don't advocate for any medication.~sighs deeply~
While what you suggest probably will relate to some people, it's complete nonsense for others.
Not all depression is circumstantial.
I'm sorry, I disagree with you, unless you mean 'helped' in a small not particularly noticeable way.
Non-circumstantial depression can be "helped" through means other than medication. Positive thinking, exercise, time with my loved ones, hobbies . . . all "help" with my depression/anxiety/overall crazy.
Sometimes (often) those things just aren't enough to correct/fix the root of the problem. No amount of external "help" can correct a chemical imbalance.0 -
Just FYI when someone who has never experienced depression tells me to "just cheer up", I seriously consider punching them in the face.0
-
I really wish it was just a choice for me to have depression! If I could so easily say, "Okay, no more depression! I'm done!", I most certainly would. ;-)
Depression does, actually, often develop on its own. It may have precursors, but in most cases, I think you'll find the brain chemistry is out of whack - and that's from whence it comes. Certain situations may well exacerbate it, but for the most part, they're just adding to what is already an existing issue.
Unfortunately, you're oversimplifying something that is DEFINITELY not simple. I am sure I'm not alone in saying that I really wish it was as easy as perking myself up and refusing to be sad. I appreciate the "weeds in the garden" analogy...but removing those weeds is more difficult than just pulling them out or whacking weed-killer on them.
As to medication...well, I can categorically say that without it, I'd not be here replying to this post. Between that and seeing psychiatrists and psychologists, I'm still standing. But all the positive thinking in the world didn't make a difference - and trying desperately to "shake it off" did me no good. Seeing my specialists, taking my medication, eating well and exercising...that's the program that keeps me here. Without the first two, the latter two likely wouldn't even happen.
Just wanted to throw my many, many years worth of personal experience into the equation. I think the answer - if you can call it that - to managing depression (and I'm not sure "cure" is really ever the word to use, though it may apply in some cases) will vary for every single person. Our brains are all different and the chemistry will be too. :-)0 -
this is the most ridiculous post i've ever read. period. :noway:0
-
"Get around people who are happy, vibrant and who will kick your butt for choosing to stay depressed"
:huh: Having seen clinical depression in family members, I can tell you there is NO WAY they chose to be that miserable.
When I experienced it myself? I had NO idea I was depressed. Being around my 'happy' friends did nothing more than make me more depressed. Only when I took a medication for a medical issue, that also worked on depression, did I 'wake up'.
To just say we need to Be Happy is almost a slap in the face. :flowerforyou:0 -
Don't take it the wrong way but you don't know what you're talking about and for the sake of not spreading non-sense, please stop.
I do appreciate you trying to help though but posts like these which suggest "just snap out of it!" does more harm than good.0 -
Depressed people don't smile or laugh. Therefore, a smiling or laughing person doesn't stay depressed for very long. Stand up, throw your arms in the air, put a big smile on your face and tell yourself how amazing things are going to happen to you, and then have a big laugh about it, and I guarantee that your depressing thoughts will not stay around to join the party. That's right! I'm telling you how to crash a pity-party.
If you don't think depressed people smile or laugh, you probably don't have a clear picture of the breadth and scope of how depression actually manifests in people.
Clinically depressed people usually still have the full range of feelings and emotions. Depression is an odd combination of despair/hopelessness/indifference/numbness, but amid all that sadness there are still moments of laughter and levity. They're just not enough to pull you out of the 'sad pit'.
And, if only it were so simple to 'just cheer up' or let positive people/activities change your mood and rub off on you, then there probably wouldn't be so many people struggling with depression.
You've oversimplified.
EXACTLY!!!! Very well said! Thanks:)0 -
This is a tricky subject, non-circumstantial depression. My post is not about the cause of depression. it's about the cure.
non-circumstantial depression, as I understand it, may be caused in some cases by chemical imbalances in the body's systems. If that is the case, then I am all for medicinal treatment to restore balance to the body's chemistry... or, other non-medicinal cures, including the pursuit of spiritual healing, depending on one's spiritual beliefs.
At the same time, my proposed remedy will certainly only help the process of healing. anyone snubbing the post, if they're honest with themselves, will have to admit that. Otherwise, it's like saying, "there's nothing that can be done. Just mope around then and stare at the floor." No! That will never aid the recover process now, will it?0 -
Just FYI when someone who has never experienced depression tells me to "just cheer up", I seriously consider punching them in the face.
^ this.0 -
I assume you're speaking of clinical depression.
This is a tricky subject, non-circumstantial depression. My post is not about the cause of depression. it's about the cure.
non-circumstantial depression, as I understand it, may be caused in some cases by chemical imbalances in the body's systems. If that is the case, then I am all for medicinal treatment to restore balance to the body's chemistry... or, other non-medicinal cures, including the pursuit of spiritual healing, depending on one's spiritual beliefs.
At the same time, my proposed remedy will certainly only help the process of healing. anyone snubbing the post, if they're honest with themselves, will have to admit that.
This now, I agree with.
I believe that there are many routes in dealing with depression, even with non-circumstantial depression. From CBT to formal medicines. The trick is in finding what is right for what the person experiences.
I think part of the problem these days is that people turn to medication far too quickly, and they see it as a solution, instead of a tool.
I'm one who is medicated, and have been, on and off for the last 30 years. I've tried everything from self medication with alcohol to attempting to 'think positive' to alternative medicines, to formal medicines. And it's only in the last two years that I've gotten on a cocktail of prescriptions that allows me to effectively use the other positive methods of dealing with depression. Prior to this set of scripts, they were just another thing that I failed at over and over again.
What your initial post suggests is something that can help. It'll help some people right up front, it won't be able to help others until they are in a place where they can work with it, so to suggest that it 'cures depression' is deeply frustrating to people like myself. Because alone, for all people, it can't.0 -
its not but all depression can be helped by alternative to drugs.......I don't advocate for any medication.~sighs deeply~
While what you suggest probably will relate to some people, it's complete nonsense for others.
Not all depression is circumstantial.
I'm sorry, I disagree with you, unless you mean 'helped' in a small not particularly noticeable way.
Non-circumstantial depression can be "helped" through means other than medication. Positive thinking, exercise, time with my loved ones, hobbies . . . all "help" with my depression/anxiety/overall crazy.
Sometimes (often) those things just aren't enough to correct/fix the root of the problem. No amount of external "help" can correct a chemical imbalance.
Yep, I totally agree, that is called Sadness. I learned the difference this year. Sadness is a natural part of life and we need to work through it. Depression is something completely different, and should never be trivialized.0 -
its not but all depression can be helped by alternative to drugs.......I don't advocate for any medication.~sighs deeply~
While what you suggest probably will relate to some people, it's complete nonsense for others.
Not all depression is circumstantial.
I don't advocate for medicine all time, but sometimes it is unavoidable. There are medical conditions which through your dopamine and serotonin levels out of whack and no amount of sheer will or "shaking it off" will cure those imbalances. I had a minor problem with depression and my cure is faith and prayer. But there are plenty of people who have severe problems with depression that cannot be handled without medication.0 -
Things like this drive me crazy.
I have had my doctor tell me endless times to just "do something I enjoy" or to "think positively". The problem is that when I'm in the deepest parts of my depression... I don't enjoy anything, except staying in bed. Looking in the mirror and smiling at myself isn't going to help anything, and realistically, when I sit there and think "this is silly, there's no reason to be this depressed, look at the sunshine and rainbows" it makes me feel worse.
also this:Just FYI when someone who has never experienced depression tells me to "just cheer up", I seriously consider punching them in the face.0 -
I think people throw around the term "depression" too freely. Clinical depression isn't as simple as "I smiled and laughed and now I feel better!" It's a true illness, a chemical imbalance that can't just be ignored. It has to be treated. I'm no doctor, but seriously you can't just shrug off a condition like depression. There are also cases of depression as a symptom of a larger health issue. In my case, I had depression as one of many symptoms of fibromyalgia. In my own journey, I have eliminated all symptoms of fibro, including depression. But not by laughing and smiling (although I do that often). By HARD WORK, clean eating, and a complete lifestyle change. But that was NOT clinical depression. That's very different.
One of my biggest pet peeves is people that don't have or understand a condition saying "hey, do this and you'll be all better". How many times has someone told me how to get over fibro through the years? A zillion. How many times were their suggestions completely ridiculous and insulting? Every. Single. Time.0 -
There is a difference between clinical depression and "the blues". Clinical depression cannot be cured by positive thinking and exercise. I have seen depression in family members and I can tell you that there is no simple cure. Sometimes medication can't even work. It's a terrible struggle.
The blues, which is feeling sad and depressed, but not clinically depressed, is certainly something one can manage through things like exercise, positive thinking, etc. When we feel ourselves getting sad or feeling badly, we can often "fake it until we make it". When I feel myself feeling blue, I immediately shun all slow songs on the radio and force myself to take long walks while listening to happy music, increase outdoor activity and exercise, and talk to positive, happy people. It works! But to say that would help somebody with Major Depression is simply not true, unfortunately.0 -
I think what OP is referring to is the kind of lower-grade "depression" that occurs in normal cycles in a normal person's life. That is NOT true depression. The word depression is thrown around much too liberally these days.
You certainly can't tell me that this would work with a soldier with PTSD-induced-depression that has a rope around his neck! PTSD-induced-depression is circumstantial.
My clinical depression is a part of who I am. After therapy and medication, I realize that. And part of my problem that made it worse was that I was trying to convince myself I was ok - put on a smile and surround myself with happy people. Guess what - it didn't work! *gasp*. Even after trying to "shake it off', I still found myself with my hands around my colicky daughter's neck because she wouldn't stop crying (no worries I didn't do anything, but it scared the living *kitten* out of me and I got help; she is now 8 and a beatiful wonderful girl).
This kind of 'advice' actually adds to the stigma surrounding mental health. 'Don't worry be happy' does not work
Sorry OP, I'm sure your heart was in the right place, but you missed it on this one. Have a great day though :flowerforyou:
YES. Same story here girly.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions