In today’s world, many people find themselves depressed by circumstances beyond their control. The world can easily be perceived entirely as a terrifying place filled with horrors and mayhem. While these circumstances certainly do exist in abundance in the world at large, it’s important that we make choices in our everyday lives to counteract the negative impact these events can have on our minds and souls. If you dwell on the negative aspects of life, you will surely feel depressed and dejected. Read on to learn how to cope with depression and how to make choices that will infuse your life with joy and keep depression at bay.
Cope with depression | Enhancing Your Relationships and Lifestyle
Identify the things that you are really enthusiastic about and seek out other people who share your interests. If you love to read, join a reading group. If you love animals, volunteer at the local humane society or shelter. If you like gardening, join a local gardening society. You may not think of yourself as a joiner, but in this day and age we can’t really depend upon meeting kindred spirits in the course of our lives. People we know at work, school and even at church or other places of worship may have lives and interests that are sharply divergent from your own. It’s important to seek out the people who truly share your passions in order to build successful, happy and supportive relationships. This will go toward helping alleviate depression.
Be sure to make the most of lighthearted media. Enjoy music, movies and reading materials that lift your spirits and inspire you. Avoid sad, violent and negative media. If you enjoy playing computer games, choose games that will give you positive successes. Don’t become entrenched in games and activities that engender negative emotions and thoughts. When you choose uplifting forms of media, you will find your spirits lifted and your depression dispelled.
What Is the Difference Between Virtual Experience & Actual Experience
Shake things up. In today’s world, many people spend long hours in front of the computer and then in front of the television. All this virtual reality is bound to leave a person feeling empty and unsatisfied. The difference between virtual experience and actual experience is like the difference between junk food and whole food. You may attain a fleeting satisfaction from junk, but you attain true nourishment and growth from real, whole foods and experiences. Get out in the world and smell the flowers, breathe the air and get some real exercise every day, rain or shine. Experiencing reality will counteract the gloom that is often projected by virtual experiences.
Give of yourself. You will be surprised by how rich you can feel when you share what you have and know with others. If you are a good reader, find an adult reading program in need of your help. If you can cook, volunteer at the soup kitchen. If you find yourself alone on the holidays, volunteer at a homeless shelter. Your mere presence is a gift that many will delight in. This can only be good for your own feelings of self-worth and self-esteem. Additionally, when you take steps to make the world a better place in your immediate environment, you lighten the sorrows of the world and alter the negative perception that is often projected by the media.
By making positive choices to cope with depression, giving of yourself and being proactive in providing yourself with a positive experience of life, you can do a great deal to combat depression. If your depression becomes severe and you find yourself contemplating harming yourself for others, be sure to call a local crisis hotline to talk your thoughts through and receive referrals to valuable services that are sure to help you.