subject: The Mystery of Depression Plus Five Depression Busting Tips [print this page] The Mystery of Depression Plus Five Depression Busting Tips
While many other serious conditions are on the decline the number of reported cases of depression continues to grow. This has surprised both scientist and researchers who only a few years ago thought they were on the verge of cracking this dangerous condition by determining that depression was caused by an imbalance in brain chemical messengers.
Drugs like Zoloft were formulated, and widely prescribed, with high expectations of seeing the total number of depression cases decline. But this hasn't proven to be the reality, and in some ways the drugs used to treat depression have raised more questions than solutions.
Most experts will tell you that the best way to beat depression is through slow and steady progress. While this may seem counter intuitive, tackling depression head-on at full speed can cause unexpected problems.
Going too fast set's you up for unrealistic expectations. Focus on small successes. If you happen to experience a big breakthrough, look upon it as an unexpected gift. Savor the moment and then pause for just a little while to plot your next step forward.
Remember most experts believe that your best chance of sending depression packing is by taking a gradual steady approach rather than trying to knock the ball out of the park in the first few, days, months, or even years.
This slow steady approach is also helpful in keeping you from feeling overwhelmed by the monumental task at hand.
Don't expect your progress to be smooth and always upward
Depression is a rollercoaster of emotions with many peaks and valleys to cross along the way. If you are going to eventually slay this beast don't expect your efforts to continually show improvement. You will still have your good days and your bad days.
Surprisingly there is some evidence to suggest that the inevitable downswings in the process of your mental evolution has its advantages. The reason for this is because with each decline, though unpleasant, you will collecting valuable information about the events that set our depressive moods in motion. The key to handling these downturns is embracing them as part of the process and not beating yourself up for experiencing the inevitable ups and downs in your battle against depression.
Next let's change gears a bit and look at a five proven mood boosters that just might help when that unexpected downturn strikes.
*Put on your bakers hat and fire up the oven: A recent study found that the smell of freshly baked garlic bread caused a family to make 23 percent fewer negative comments at the dinner table. Additionally, you chocolate lovers can rejoice because chocolate chip cookies had a similar success rate.
*Go to the light: Not getting enough sunlight is common for depressed people. After all the natural instinct is to withdraw. But by not getting enough light you are suppressing your body's ability to produce the feel good hormone serotonin.
*Just a little exercise will do: When you exercise your body secretes feel good endorphins and burns off the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
*Listen to some grooving tunes: According to a recent study listening to music, not the lyrics, decreased stress hormone levels up to 40 percent.
*Consider a natural remedy if needed: Sometimes you may just need a little help to get over that investable downturn but don't want to take a chance on prescription medications. There are some excellent safe and effective herbal and homeopathic remedies for depressiondesigned to do just that.
