Mind over matter.....helpful hints at managing depression

Mind over matter, easy to say isnt it? Much harder to do sometimes. I tried explaining to my 9 year old who is experiencing depression tonight that its something he needs to try to practice. I dont think much of what I said even made sense to him, its hard for myself at 36 to do when I'm really down.

But it is true that when you have a negative thought, if you immediately replace that thought with something positive, and continue to do that it causes a chain reaction in your thinking. Your thoughts become more positive over time. Its not an easy fix but it does aide in controlling your depression, or mood swings.

There is a quote from Mary Tyler Moore I really like - "Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave."

Looking back over my experiences in life, my mistakes I've made, and this quote really hits home for me. I tried to explain to my child that the feelings of doom and dispair dont last forever, even when you make a really bad mistake, or bad choices. The more you fight the depression, the braver and stronger you will become.

Right now I'm at a loss with words how to make him understand that its going to get better. Things in life could be so much worse, and those fears he has arent rational. Depressed people dont think or feel rationally and its just a fact. Though what they are feeling is VERY real to them. It breaks my heart that this is something Mommy cant fix with a kiss or a hug.

One thing that helped me when I was in my darkest hour of depression was mind relaxation. I have some CD's that I think I'm going to start my son on tomorrow. They relax the mind with visualization and soothing thoughts. It really helped me de-stress and quietened my anxiety. I think it will also be a helpful technique for my child as well.

The other thing that helped me I learned through cognitive therapy and it was so simple! I made a scrapbook with positive sayings, pictures of people I loved, things I liked to look at visually that calmed me. Poems that I enjoyed, etc. I believe that would be a worthwhile project for the two of us to do together. It may seem silly BUT IT REALLY WORKS! Anything to get your mind off your worries and think in a positive manner makes a difference in your state of mind.

Here are some helpful hints to manage your depression

Stay physically active: exercise, take a walk, ride a bike, go for a swim

Make time for pleasurable activities: Do or start a hobby, watch a happy movie, listen to music

Spend time with people who can support you: hugs help! or talk with a friend

Practice relaxing: take a warm bath, drink some warm milk or tea, mind visualization

Set simple goals and small steps: Acknowledge your accomplishments, set goals that you can obtain, dont try to solve the big problems all at once, break them down into smaller steps.

Eat balanced nutritious meals: Cut out junk food, include fruits and veggies, and avoid alcohol.

Practice makes perfect they say, and changing your way of thinking takes time, and...practice. It wont happen over night, but you'll be surprised at how quickly doing those 6 simple steps above will start to change YOUR mind - over - matter!!!

Happy and Healthy living, and prayers and postive thinking to you!

R