Control the Damaging Power of Depression
by JS Anandrahi

Bouts of depression is a common phenomenon. Even very happy persons and great saints have to pass through the tides of depression. Static state of anything thing or emotion can be very boring in life. If there is no night how can you enjoy the day? If there is no sorrow in life how can you enjoy fun? So these things are as interrelated as hope and depression. Depression becomes a problem when the period of depression is so long that it starts damaging us physically and mentally. Therefore it is necessary to learn to ride over depression successfully. If an innocent person is kept in the prison for long he may become emotionally shattered. But if he learns to live there he may be able to come out in a very healthy and enlightened state even after ten or twenty years. See the example of Nelson Mandella and scores of others prisoners who spent the golden years of their life in jail but nothing could break them. In the similar way depression can never break you if you learn to manage it well.

1. TRAKE VIGOROUS EXERCISE

Whenever you are depressed you must make yourself physically active to use the excess energy of your mind. Feeling of depression releases a negative energy in your mind that weakens your enthusiasm and hope regarding life and work. It also weakens the immune system of your body making it a breeding ground of many diseases. This energy can best be used by some vigorous physical exercise. Do the exercise you like. You may play music or your favourite songs along with it.

2. WANDER WITHOUT AIM

Another way to use the negative energy and divert your mind is to wander aimlessly any where. Sit in any local bus or train and go to any direction. Roam in the markets. Sit in any restaurant and eat or drink anything you want. Don’t return to home till you are absolutely tired. Be sure that your wallet contains some money.

3. EXPRESS TO A CLOSE FRIEND

Discuss your problems to a close friend. Whatever is there in your heart try to bring it out. Sharing a problem to a close friend loses the intensity of negative force. Good friends are able to bring you out of depression. They understand your psychology and your problems. They may come up with some good ideas to help you face your depression in a positive way.

4. TRY TO WRITE RUBBISH

Switch on your computer, create a personal file with a password and start writing your feelings. Express the actual feeling, don’t hide anything. With a friend you have to be cautious sometimes so that you don’t annoy him even unintentionally. But you can pour out your whole heart to the computer and it will never get angry or tired. When you are able to shed away some of your repressed feelings you will feel somewhat relieved.

5. BEGINNING OF A NEW IDEA

Never think that every wave of depression is harmful. Sometimes it is the beginning of a big idea or creation. Your mind is busy in finding or creating something new and marvellous. When that period passes the depression starts melting. Your mind starts creating something fantastic which brings new zest and hope. So have confidence that something much better will happen after the tide of depression.

Anandrahi (Prominent Writer, Editor and Teacher of English language in India) He has trained thousands of persons to get great jobs, improve personality and achieve goals in business.

Director: • WNN-India (Media Network) • LSE-India (for Communication Skills and Personality Development) • World Academy of Business Solutions • Winners' Delhi News (most famous fortnightly of West Delhi)

Books: 1. Fire of Success in Your Mind, 2. Think Your Way to Wealth and Power, 3.Speak English and Influence People For Articles, Books, and expert guidance in Communication Skills or Personality Development write an e.mail:

Email: 1. anandrahi@yahoo.co.in 2. anandrahi@hotmail.com

JS Anandrahi may be contacted at or anandrahi@yahoo.co.in

A REVIEW OF TECHNIQUES IN MANAGING YOUR DEPRESSION
by Stan Popovich

Some people have a difficult time in managing their depression. Sometimes, their depression and fears can get best of them. As a result, here is a short list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their depression.

I was told by a counselor that one of the ways to manage depression is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense. For example, your afraid that if you do not get that job promotion then you will be stuck at your job forever. This depresses you, however your thinking in this situation is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is that there all are kinds of jobs available and just because you don’t get this job promotion doesn’t mean that you will never get one. In addition, people change jobs all the time, and you always have that option of going elsewhere if you are unhappy at your present location.

Some people get depressed and have a difficult time getting out of bed in the mornings. When this happens, a person should take a deep breathe and try to find something to do to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Doing something will get your mind off of the problem and give you confidence to do other things.

Sometimes, we can get depressed over a task that we will have to perform in the near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you and your team have to play in the championship volleyball game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. Imagine that your playing in front of a large audience. By playing the game in your mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time comes. Self Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation.

Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that make us feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed, open up your small notebook and read those statements.

As a Layman and author of an anxiety book, I have done many interviews with various counselors in how to manage fear, anxiety and depression. The techniques that I have just covered are some basic ways to manage your depression, however your best bet is to get some help from a professional.

Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com/ For free articles on managing fear please go to: http://www.managingfear.com/

Stan Popovich may be contacted at or SPOPOVICH@MANAGINGFEAR.COM