We all at some point or the other face challenges and run out of steam. Exercise, spiritual bent of mind and the old saying that dont compare yourself with richer folks but one should look at many down trodden people. In this context if one were to visit the emergency room of apublic hospital in the vicinity and observe I am sure you will walk out with a feeling of gratitude and thank almighty for his blessings and mercies. However, if this is case of chronic depression then one should follow proper professional advise.

Cheer up and thank god !

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Originally posted by paramhams03

Hello AV Canada,

Depression is characterised by a variety of factors and just feeling a little low at times or feeling sad and self pitied may not be depression at all. So, be careful before you diagnose it yourself. All of us feel low, sad, irritable, withdrawn and so on, sometime or other.

It is not a bad decision not to approach a psychiatrist, that is until such time, you do not feel desperate.

As a mental health professional and a community support worker who is actively engaged in counselling people with different mental illnesses, may I suggest the following measures, in general terms, to keep your condition under control.

Some of the suggestions made by our other members are all very relevant as well.

Try not to be alone (possibly against your natural inclinations) and find opportunities to interact with people, that is people who would not by their conduct, aggravate your condition and people who are prepared to empathise with you.

Engage in physical exercise on a regular basis. Walking in particular helps you to cheer up considerably. I would also strongly suggest it to you to become a member of Y.M.C.A where the environment is quite refreshing and cheerful. The advantage is that you are in the midst of people even as you have your own space.

Engage in activities that you normally like and enjoy, such as going to movies, playing games, or general reading, listening to music. Reading is a great help as it helps to distract your negative thoughts away.

If you are able to identify certain triggering factors, try to stay clear of them.

Try to stay clear of things which upset your peace and tranquility, for example, a work environment which you may find annoying (you could consider and try to change job), individuals whom you may find repulsive or such other.

Try to avoid situations where you are forced to make a lot of personal adjustments.

Do seek counselling support and make sure that the counsellor is indeed competent. Well, when counsellors complicate things and worsen the condition of the clients, seldom is it realised by the client himself. Counselling should be effective in helping the client to see things in the right perspective. Find a counsellor who is disarming and with whom you feel comfortable and to whom you naturally feel like revealing yourself without any prodding.

Well, the suggestions are all general in nature and obviously cannot be exhaustive at this stage. Please do feel free to PM me in case you think it is worthwhile.

Well, my concern is strictly in my personal capacity and not as a professional, let me assure you if at all, I need to.

I assure you the situation is not something to be seriously worried about, but something upon which some action needs to be initiated ASAP.

Best wishes

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