Five ways you can save yourself from bouts of depression

World Health Organisation reports 350 million people worldwide are afflicted with depression

In the super polarised society we inhabit today, torn between too conservative and too liberal, mental illnesses are held in unanimous contempt. Snubbed for the fear of emasculation, depression receives no different treatment on either side of this societal schism, often forcing people suffering from it to battle it out alone from the fear of being ostracized. This relentless persecution of the hapless victims has caused global burden of depression to be blown out of proportions, as World Health Organisation reports 350 million people worldwide are afflicted, forcing roughly 800,000 of them to the brink of suicide every year.



In layman terms, depression is the inability to feel happiness. Contrary to the old wives’ tale of depression lasting generations, it is perfectly normal for individuals to suffer short bouts of melancholic dejection, mostly associated to their current situation such as new birth (post-partum depression), loss of a loved one, or trauma (PTSD). Therefore in cases where the patient’s temporary situation is the cause, emotional ailments such as depression, stress and anxiety do not need medication. They need a nod in their direction, a sense of purpose and lots of willpower. Readjusting one’s lifestyle offers the much needed emotional catharsis. In the long run, it keeps the need of medication at bay, which, not only is tricky affair of trial and error, it also runs a potential risk of drug addiction.

Therefore, should you find yourself on throes of constant blues; here are happy concoctions for your woes:

Take up a hobby – Writing, painting, reading, calligraphy or gardening, have your pick and practice it. Not only will it give you a sense of purpose, you will attain an overwhelming sense of accomplishment by mastering a new trick that will drown out the blues. You can look to Pinterest and Facebook to take on DIY style projects. You can even invest in adult colouring books. Super detailed designs and fantastical themes serve as meditation, allowing you to break free of anxiety for the duration of the task.



Do what you love – Throw yourself head first into the activities that light up your pleasure centre. Cook up a feast, write up a storm, throw a party, whatever gets you energised. Or do nothing at all if that's your guilty pleasure. Dedicate a day, shell out some cash and pamper yourself by eating out, or dabble in a little bit of retail therapy. Bear in mind it won't dispel the gloom right away but over time and with gradual effort you will feel more upbeat as your energy levels surge. Some days it may feel as if you are moving mountains but regularly scheduling time for fun activities, even when you feel numb will re-wire your pleasure centre to start enjoying things again.

Get moving – Don't sit ducks all day, drowning yourself in pools of self-pity. Getting out and about does wonders to lighten the mood. Take a walk, teach the compound kids your bowling trick, work out at a gym or spend sometime in the park. In fact, the more sun soaking you do the better, because research shows low Vitamin D levels are associated with sudden spells of sadness and longer depressive episodes. Being under the sun regularly for at least 30 minutes has been associated with lower chances of relapse and positive body image, which in turn affects dietetic patterns and over all mental wellbeing.



De-clutter – A clean tidy home is a reflection of our self as it gives our thought process some semblance of organisation. Mounds and mounds of clutter, on the other hand, put our senses in overdrive that cause our thoughts to run amuck from all unneeded visual, tactile and olfactory stimulation. A messy home stops the brain from relaxing and triggers anxiety about chores to be done around the house. And since it can't be tended to right away, it grows and multiplies, and so does your stress and anxiety.

De-cluttering, alternatively, is therapeutic because our minds equate organisation with peace and chaos with distress. So eliminate the clutter. Don't bin everything away from sight. Recycle the useless stuff, break out the freshest linen and have your way with the steam mop. It may be hard in the beginning but you will find every small accomplishment will have a ripple effect on your mood and mental satisfaction. The house will feel lighter and so will you.

Surround yourself with people – Do not let depression push you into seclusion of your rampant overestimation and vicious negativity. Do not be a recluse, get out, mingle and seek closure from people near and dear to you. You'd find venting not only helps you get rid of the confusion and pessimism; it offers you solutions vicariously through other people's experiences. Finally, realising you have a shoulder to cry on and a set of attentive ears will free you from emotional insecurity.