3 Tips To Conquer Depression
by: Lucille Uttermohlen

Anyone who has ever felt alone or hopeless knows that feelings of sadness and depression are real, and not imaginary. When you feel lonely, your pain can be magnified because of the things that go on in your mind.

We used to have a next door neighbor who lived in her big house by herself. She didn't drive, and she never went anywhere. I don't know how she got her groceries or did anything she had to do with the outside world. I saw her in her back yard occasionally, but other than those rare sightings, she spent most of her life in her living room.

She wasn't unfriendly. She bought our Girl Scout cookies and contributed to school fund drives. She pointed out interesting plants in her yard. The life she imagined was much more dangerous and exciting than anything that ever could have happened to her or anyone else in our small town..

"I wish those boys across the street would quit harassing me," she would complain to my mother.

"Have you ever heard so much fighting?" she would ask, pointing to our neighbor's house on the other side.

The Stanton boys were in their 30s at the time, and hadn't lived in our neighborhood for years. The Robertsons lived as close to us as they did to her, but we never heard them. To our neighbor, however, the things she complained about were as real as the blue sky above was to the rest of us.

Fortunately, most of us don't get paranoid when we're blue. However, prolonged states of sadness can make the world seem a lot more hostile than it is. This is why it is so important to learn how to deal with occasional bouts of depression effectively before they develop into long term mental health issues. Here are some suggestions that might help:

1. Don't stay alone. Join church groups, clubs or civic groups so that you are in contact with other humans. It may be awhile before strong enough bonds are created to become satisfying friendships, but getting out of the house will lend you perspective on the world, and give you a chance to see your life in a new, and hopefully brighter light. If you give yourself and the other people you meet a chance, you will find that relationships develop, and that eventually you will have friends to keep your thoughts warm and happy.

2. Adopt a dog or cat. Your pet won't share your taste in music and poetry, but you couldn't ask for a more loving companion. Animals are not two faced about their affections. They appreciate food and attention, and will reciprocate your love with a warm enthusiasm that is bound to chase your blues away. Besides, a dog or cat isn't going to fight you for the last piece of pizza if you keep it out of their reach, or argue about what to watch on TV.

3. Expand your knowledge. Read a book or take a class on a subject you've always wanted to explore. Surf the net, and read information that you've always wanted to have. Maybe there is a class in your area that you would enjoy. If you fill your brain with new thoughts, it won't have room to aggravate you about the things that make you unhappy.,

If your sadness is more than the blues, or temporary depression, don't hesitate to go for professional help. A person trained in mental health issues can help you deal with your sadness, even if you know what is causing it. Depression is no more shameful than diabetes or cancer are. You should always feel free to get the help you need. You are entitled to a happy life, and should never accept it when your peace of mind is being destroyed by feelings of hopelessness.

Copyright (c) 2010 Lucille Uttermohlen

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