Self Expression
Depression is a serious health concern in today’s world. Studies show that people experience some kind of depression at one time or another. The causes of depression can be anything from personal issues to the side effects of certain medicines taken for a disease. Finding the reason behind depression is a crucial factor in dealing with this condition. While some severe cases of depression may require medication, most of the minor cases of feeling down could be treated with some kind of mental stimulation that will help the sufferer to come out of the depressing situation. Most of the doctors and researchers involved in mental health issues agree that self expression is the most primary solution for fighting depression. Self expression can be in any form; talking, writing, creative work, following a routine, etc. are all different modes of self expression to fight depression.
The first and the most important method of self expression is talking to others about the situations or reasons behind depression. It could be your family or friends or even the person who caused the depression. Talking things over could be an excellent way to release stress. It opens up the mind for an objective analysis of the reasons for depression and prepares the individual to avoid such situations in future. If you cannot find any confidant to share your blues, you may write them down. Journaling provides a strong outlet for most of the pent up feelings. Today, with the endless possibilities of Internet, you can chat with friends or even strangers, and actively participate in forums where you can discuss your problems and get a lot of suggestions to overcome the depressing situations. You will see amazingly positive results once you let out your thoughts.
Another effective way of self expression to fight depression is to take up interesting and creative activities like painting, gardening, cooking, dancing, singing, sculpting, sewing, etc. All of these activities help you to minimize your negative thoughts by diverting your attention to a productive endeavor that requires imagination and positive involvement from the individual. As you focus more on finishing an activity successfully, you feel your spirits being lifted from the abyss of depression. A few minutes spent with a dear friend or pet, watching feel-good movies, or even window shopping can help to take away much of the stress.
The problem with most people suffering from depression is that they do not have an orderly life where every activity of the day-to-day life falls in its time and place. When people experience depression, it becomes difficult to follow a routine that they usually did and they isolate themselves from the outside world in an effort to deal with depression. As they lose interest in personal cleanliness and food, they may withdraw more from meeting others. Setting up a routine that can take them back to normal life not only gives them control over their lives, it also gives them an opportunity to express themselves through the daily actions that once defined their personality.
No matter what mode of self expression you use to overcome the bouts of depression, it all helps to channelize your positive thoughts and attitudes and takes you away from the negative feelings that make you unhappy.
