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It has been dark days for the NATION as a whole, consciously or unconsciously we are all involved in the loss, both far and near. We’ve all lost a loved one (Friend, father, mother, Brother or sister). I couldn’t but find myself sad, depressed and withdrawn from life and people in general. But the major significance of new born babies is a message from God telling us all that life is still beautiful and must continue. I can’t be in this state forever, I may not be the messiah or a preacher, but my words will go a long way helping somebody out there today. Remember one step at a time, baby steps. Depression drains your energy, hope and Zeal, impeding your need to feel better. Depression can be altered by some lifestyle changes: exercising every day, avoiding solitude, challenging the negative thoughts in your head, eating healthy, rest and relaxation. The road to recovery takes time, but one can get there with the help of positive choices on a daily and draw on the support of others. TIPS FOR DEALING WITH DEPRESSION 1. CULTIVATE SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS (Friends and Family) On your own, it can be difficult to maintain perspective and sustain the effort required to beat depression but the very nature of depression makes it difficult to reach out for help. Isolation and loneliness make depression even worse, so maintaining your close relationships and social activities are very important. You may be too exhausted to talk, or guilty for neglecting the relationship but your loved ones care about you and want to help. Turn to trusted friends and family members; share what you’re going through with the people you love and trust. Ask for the help and support you need 2. EAT HEALTHY (mood-boosting diet) What you eat has a direct impact on the way you feel. Aim for a balanced diet of protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Don’t skip meals. Going too long between meals can make you feel irritable and tired, so aim to eat something at least every 3-4 hours. Minimize sugar and refined carbs. Boost your B vitamins; deficiencies in B vitamins such as folic acid and B-12 can trigger depression 3. POSITIVE THOUGHTS (Challenge negative thinking) Depression puts a negative spin on everything, including the way you see yourself, the situations you encounter and your expectations for the future. You can’t break out of this pessimistic mind frame by “just thinking positive.” Happy thoughts or wishful thinking won’t cut it. Rather, the trick is to replace negative thoughts with more balanced thoughts. Socialize with positive people. Notice how people who always look on the bright side deal with challenges. Then consider how you would react in the same situation, try to adopt their optimism and persistence in the face of difficulty. 4. REGULAR EXERCISE WILL HELP (depression Therapy) When you’re depressed, exercising may be the last thing you feel like doing. But exercise is a powerful tool for dealing with depression.

To get the most benefit, aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Take the stairs rather than the elevator
Pair up with an exercise partner
Walk while you’re talking on the phone

As a next step, try incorporating walks or some other enjoyable, easy form of exercise into your daily routine. Find exercises that are continuous and rhythmic like walking, swimming, dancing and stationery biking. 5. HEALTHY LIFE STYLE (Take care of yourself) In order to overcome depression, you have to take care of yourself. This includes learning to manage stress, setting limits on what you’re able to do, adopting healthy habits and scheduling fun activities into your day. Also incorporate 8 hours of sleep into your routine. Depression typically involves sleep problems; whether you’re sleeping too little or too much, your mood suffers. Get on a better sleep schedule by learning healthy sleep habits. Expose yourself to a little sunlight every day. Lack of sunlight can make depression worse. Make sure you’re getting enough. Take a short walk outdoors. Express yourself creatively through music, art, or writing. Go out with friends. Push yourself to do things, even when you don’t feel like it. Even if your depression doesn’t lift immediately, you’ll gradually feel more upbeat. 6. PROFESSIONAL AID (Know when to get help) If you find your depression getting worse day by day, seek professional help. Needing additional help doesn’t mean you’re weak. Sometimes the negative thinking in depression can make you feel like you’re a lost cause, but depression can be treated and you can feel better! Life is bliss and beautiful for those who believe. Depression is just a negative state of mind that holds us back from the phase of reality which engulfs one in a state of denial, thwarting your will power and drive for a better you.

About the Author Eru Kobe Godwin is a poet, designer, and a writer at connectnigeria.com. He is also the CEO at Cypress Concepts: corporate and casual shirt designers and stylists.