Ladies and gentlemen greetings from the theatre of life. Tonight we welcome on stage our most hated guest, Clinical Depression.

Behold the dark night, the dragger of chains through hollow chests and the destroyer of spirits.

Some individuals have lived with the Knight for so long that they have become one. So many amongst us live around him at home or walk with him and they have no clue.

Depression is an overused word to describe all shades of sadness, but clinical depression goes beyond all this. It is a lifestyle with high toxicity levels.

Look around you, look close at all these smiling faces who aren’t really smiling. See closely the avoidance of contact even with the self’s own feelings. Apathy is a powerful word that means the absence of feelings. This is the most dangerous level of depression. Do not be fooled and do not fear anger, do not fear tears but be on guard for apathy and the absence of motivation in daily life.

Am I giving you the shivers? Good. Does my article sound dark to you? It should. Clinical depression has no colours, it has no face, it is lifeless. People kill themselves leaving the closest family members in shock of the unexpected. However, and I insist on the HOWEVER here, Suicide is not the inevitable end to clinical depression. It could be avoided, it must obviously. Here comes the brighter side to my article so sit back, breathe again, and continue reading.

Depression is a normal reaction that all human beings go through following a major life event such a separation, a rejection, a disappointment, an illness and a death. It can last for few weeks, months and even years and it can become chronic. The factors deciding on this are family history (genetic predisposition), life history of traumatic memories, the support system that a person has established around them and the tools they use usually to heal their scars. THERE IS NO RECIPE to healing depression as each individual is different but there is efficient tools and strategies. Grab a paper and pen if you’re interested in some serious therapeutic advice.

–Listen and observe, be mindful of changes in behaviour in yourself and others during tough life events.

– Acknowledge sadness and welcome it as a natural process, do no deny it, do not fight it. Feel it, this will help you heal.

– Talk to yourself and to others. Silence is a killer. Outspoken words help the brain understand the turmoil of thoughts and calm down anxiety. Even if no helpful advices were given, talking is a healing process.

– Have a support system within you and around you and be part of the support system of others.

– Be patient and kind within your limits, do not overstretch yourself but remember that people are the least likable when they hit rock bottom.

– Move and say no to lying in bed and sitting on the couch. Movement, even if done at home is a fuel to keep your mechanisms going. It helps regulate the hormones to fight depression and all that biology jazz.

– Eat well and if you want to understand more about this, read my other article Who’s your gut https://astoryofthoughts.wordpress.com/2018/12/19/whos-your-gut/

– Be in the day light as much as possible. Day light is full of vitamins and it regulates the biological cycles of sleep and consciousness. People getting little amounts of day light are at high risk of insomnia, the cruelest symptom of depression.

The list is long and could be endless but be aware that rewiring the brain is no piece of cake. This process of applying strategies can last long, depending on the severity of the situation and the individual’s mental structure. Patience and daily repetition are a must.

The use of substances is advised and helpful depending on the situation and a professional can help you decide for this especially if you know you have addictive behaviours,be smart about this, if you want.

Take care of yourself or lose yourself. If you don’t love yourself or if you hold guilt in, it is highly likely that you will punish yourself with reckless behaviours. But what about trying something new : ask questions, be curious to understand the reasons underlying these behaviours. Knowing one’s self is a journey, a long and complex one but it is either this either chronic mental illness. You choose.