Definition of depression
Depression is a state of mind with feelings of frustration, sadness, anger and a sense of loss experienced in day- to- day life. At some point in life, most of us must have gone through these feelings, usually termed as an emotional disorder. It’s tough to cope with depression than physical ailments encountered. Individuals end up with low self esteem and low confidence levels and the over all lifestyle is unhealthy with feelings of depression. It needs to be addressed in its nascent stage to avoid suffering from within which might otherwise eventually lead to suicide and other deep psychological problems.
Signs of Depression
- Feeling worthless, unwanted, sad and hopeless.
- Improper and poor decision making and concentration levels.
- Recurrent headaches and pains, sluggishness.
- Lack of appetite , low sex drive
- Suicidal thoughts
Tips to Overcome Depression
Yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic medication, healthy lifestyles practices, good diet, regular work out all work well for depression.
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnifera) tonic acts as an anti- anxiety agent and lessens restlessness and also enhances memory and concentration improving mental ability. Taking this tonic twice a day helps.
- Positive thinking helps fight depressing negative thoughts. Have a positive and healthy outlook towards life.
- Light work outs and exercises are great for depression, a peaceful small jog or a walk in the nearby park is another way to overcome those feelings of low self esteem.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine intake, these worsen the situation further with hangovers and bad health.
- Have healthy foods like fruits and vegetables; avoid fat foods, processed foods, intake of artificial flavors and foods high in cholesterol.
- Have natural sunlight coming into the house and brightly light up during night times, avoid staying in dull and dingy rooms.
- Have regular oil massages for the body and head with herbal oils. Feel relaxed and calm and avoid anxiety and impatience.
- Be in the company of friends and family who comfort you, try sharing your thoughts with them.
- Vitamin B1 supplements are essential in the food intake as these help overcome annoyance, loss of appetite, insomnia and memory lapse.
- Aswagandha (Withania somnifera) capsules, twice in a day between meals reduce depression, addiction to alcohol and mood swings.
- Tea is a great stress buster , add three to four pods of cardamom to boiling water , and make tea, similarly brahmi and aswagandha can be boiled in water and used in tea preparation.
- Going out to your favorite places is another way to bring in some change in everyday routine.
- Tulsi (Indian Basil) leaves can be used in tea too, drinking two to three times a day helps. Pamper yourself from time to time; going for beauty treatments, massages, pedicures and manicures makes you feel rejuvenated and fresh.