by Peter Harris

Created on: March 22, 2010

Depression is a mental illness – a very worrying fact on its own as no one wants to admit to having experienced anything resembling issues with their mental health. It is more common in women, but affects many individuals at various stages in their lives. I think that it is a hard thing to face up to simply because it is something hidden, not physical, and it carries a stigma so it is rarely spoken about.

TALK ABOUT IT:

This is a mistake. Depression necessitates conversation, which in my opinion is probably the best medicine for anyone suffering from depression (alongside appropriate medication, of course). Once the realisation sets in that one is suffering from depression, it's time to take action. But action is often moving at such a slow, laborious pace that one may feel as if they are making little or no progress over a period of time. This is normal as it is the nature of the illness. Speaking to others frankly, no matter how the words sound in ones head, is important as it provides a structure to your thought processes and allows you to apply logic to the inner turmoil you may be experiencing. Talking with people is unusually difficult for anyone suffering from depression, but you should aim to speak to someone – a friend on the phone, a spouse, brother, sister, parents – anyone you feel you are close to.

EXERCISE:

This is of paramount importance if one is to feel better. Exercise does not have to be excessive, either. In fact, I would recommend yoga sessions, pilates especially. Failing that, some gentle stretching or use of a gym ball are sound alternatives, as is walking. All of these things are designed, not merely to take your mind off the issues filling your mind, but also will benefit your physical health. By its very nature, a healthy body does transform into a healthy mind in time as one accompanies the other. This is no quick fix to your depression, but should at least provide you with some form of focus, helping to shift attention from the daily grind of life into something, hopefully more pleasant, if only for a few minutes each week. Walking your dog, is ideal, as you can wander along the streets, parks, beaches – any place where you may not have to confront other people. You may feel as if exercise is the last thing you want to perform, but I know from prior experience, that it is designed to enrich our lives in some way – both mentally and physically. There is no pressure, no competition – just you

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