Melancholy or Depression

Nowadays this "Depression" word has become so common that we humans are failing to understand what is lacking behind, and how to cope with it. According to current statistics 5.8% of men's population and 9.5% of women, population are suffering from this illness. I was totally devasted when heard about a superstar a humble human being ending his life. This year 2020 will be remembered in the times to come. 

He was a very positive person, full of energy, and had a great interest in Astronomy, Cosmos,  chanting of Sanskrit shlokas, coding, algorithm, philanthropist. He was a great thinker and a vivid reader. And he was a great follower of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Gurudev). Regular in his meditations. A wonderful actor and a great dancer. A self-made person. With no big tags behind his name. I used to adore his dance and acting skills. But we never know the stories and struggle behind those enchanting smiles. He tried hard but couldn't succeed. Don't know what lacked behind. Very hard to digest such a multi-talented soul is no more.

Why is dealing with depression so difficult and to discuss it? Why it's still a taboo in our so-called modernize  Indian society?

People going through this, completely drained out mental illness need some basic support, love and care to overcome and maintain mental hygiene. It completely drains out your energy, hope and drives to take that very first step. The things that help the most are the things that are very difficult to do.  However, between something that's difficult and something that's impossible we need to take those in-between steps. It's not easy to come out of this as quick and instant, but remember one thing you have more control over your mind than you think. One needs to start with those small baby steps.  First and foremost is to accept it.  That, yes I have some particular kind of issue which I need to fix it.  Acceptance is the key to step forward.

Secondly, reach out to people your loved one and stay connected. Getting support plays an essential role in overcoming depression. On your own, it would be a bit difficult to maintain a healthy perspective and sustain the effort required to beat this. One may feel too exhausted to talk or discuss and may feel guilty. Remember this is not you this is your depression who is making you think like this or act indifferently. Look out for support from people who love you and care for you. With whom you feel safe and happy.

Make face-time a priority. Like phone calls, social media, or texting a friend whom you would love to be with and discuss your good old days where you lived a carefree life. Try to keep yourself socially active. Even if you don't feel like doing it. Often it feels you more comfortable to be just with you in your own shell. But being around other people will make you feel less depressed.

Find ways to support others. It's nice to receive support,  but research shows you may get an even bigger mood boost from providing support yourself. So find ways both big and small to help others. Become a volunteer, a good listener for a friend. Or do something nice to somebody. Ask a loved one to check with you regularly. Do not feel shy in asking help or to just being with you holding your hand.

Call or email an old friend. Schedule a weekly dinner with a closed one. Meet new people by taking a class or joining a club. Learn art or something creative. Being with art is like being with divine. Aim for 8 hours of sleep. Keep stress in check. Be regular in your relaxation technique. Do some stretches, Yoga,  meditation. It has played a great role in maintaining good mental hygiene.

Watch a funny movie or a TV show. Keep a habit of reading book. List what you like about yourself.  Spend some good time with nature. Breathe some fresh air.  Listen to music, chanting prayers. Take care of a few small tasks. Do something spontaneous. Eat healthily. Don't skip meals, minimize refrained sugar and crabs. Boost your B vitamin. Have food rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Daily take sufficient amount of direct sunlight.

Amid this pandemic and lockdown, women are getting affected badly and going through mental trauma. As there are no schools and no offices more people tend to be working from home. Due to this workload has increased. Keep a check on your women in the family. Lend a helping hand, show her love and support. If you see her looking depress or exhausted talk to her.  Give her assurance that she is equally important and the entire family is with her. If a woman herself is weak, depress, unhappy she can't keep her family and kids happy.

Lastly, a big shout out to all of you who is fighting this battle, God has given this beautiful life. Let's not waste it or end up for a few failures. Your mind is bigger than your body. Train it in such a way that no failure or no success will ever make you feel small or big. It is you who has to take that very first step in coming out and beating this depression and maintain good mental hygiene. Let's lead a peaceful life with good ideologies, practises and experiences. And lead a remarkable life on this planet until our journey ends.

Few lines well said by my master:-

"Life is a combination of happiness and pain. Having a broad perspective on life gives you the strength to move forward through painful times. Know that you are very much needed in this world. With all its infinite possibilities, this life is a gift for it can become a fountain of joy and happiness not just for oneself but for many others as well."
~ Gurudev @srisriravishankar

Please take care and Be safe. You are here for a bigger cause. Don't let go waste of it. Om Shanti.