depression help is here
Depression can affect us at many stages of life. There is help when you are feeling hopeless.
Nature is needed to find peace. Study after study shows that time outside is very healthy for us physically and emotionally. Put the phone away (look up ‘digital detox’ at itstimetologoff.com) and find activities outdoors that bring you joy. A walk in the evening, the park with the kids, gardening, a hike in a state park, laying on a blanket in your yard to watch the clouds and find all the shapes they make. The outdoors is a force that makes us to remember that we are all connected, we are dust (Psalm 103:14- 16). There is beauty in the harsh facts in nature that we relate to instinctively. If you are not religious you can reflect on how the organisms are all a part of a puzzle, each one necessary for the ecosystem to thrive.
PRACTICE: GROUNDING
Grounding is researched in small studies to have shown to improve heart health and boost the immune system (Oschman, et al., 2013 & 2015). Energy is running through our bodies, that energy can be grounded in nature. This means literally walking barefoot in the grass, sand, or even mud. Connecting with nature deeper could mean lying in the grass with your eyes closed praying, meditating, or repeating words or phrases such as “relax” or “life is good” as you pay attention to your breath and 5 senses.
Humor means seeking the silly, or the ridiculous and allowing yourself to appreciate the world through laughter. The greatest comedians know it, psychologists know it. Laughter is the best medicine because it is contagious and can lift you up when you need it most. It lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, triggers the release of endorphins, and boosts the immune system (Kramer & Leitao, 2023). When we make a choice to listen to a comedian that we love, watch a movie that makes us laugh, or surround ourselves with people that do not take themselves too seriously, it affects us in a positive way. If you force a smile it will help to make you smile even if it is not genuine at first. When you smile at others, it is contagious and they will often smile back. If you are a parent you could play with your child, or you could remember things that brought you joy as a child. We can revisit those activities we used to enjoy and incorporate them into our lives. Some examples would be: adult coloring books, learning the guitar, painting, or sports recreation teams.
PRACTICE: MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness practices help you stay present and focused. This can help you find humor in the moment rather than focusing on a problem. Over time you will l earn what makes you laugh and do more of that! Mindfulness can be through yoga, a walk outside listening to the birds, or stopping to close your eyes while washing your hands to appreciate the feel of the water. Another alternative is to start with stretching your arms out and back, your neck side to side, and taking deep breaths. Then begin to laugh even if it is fake at first, you will eventually start to laugh authentic laughs at this silly exercise!
Be Happy Find Peace.pdf by Kelli Redd, LPC
National Institute of mental Health: Depression
