Depression is the feeling of sadness and helplessness. Feeling sad after an unpleasant experience is a typical reaction of grieving. The intense sadness and anxiety are not considered as a standard response to any situation. Social and personal experiences can trigger these responses. According to Prof. Dr. Ahsana Dar of Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular and Drug Research (PCMD) Karachi University (KU), around 34 percent of people are affected by depression in Pakistan. That’s why it is high time to know the solutions for depression.
10 Effective Solutions for Depression
1. Workout
After working out, the body releases endorphins, which is a chemical that reacts with the brain receptors and decreases pain. Reduced pain helps in reducing depression and stress. Regular and optimal exercise plays a significant role in reducing anxiety as well. Moreover, cardio also helps in regulating blood flow and pumping appropriate oxygen to the brain.
2. Pressure Points (Acupuncture)
It is a traditional Chinese practice, in which tiny needles are delicately pinned on the pressure points of the body. Recently, it is considered to be an effective way to release stress and anxiety. The idea of acupuncture is that the body can be tempered with by releasing pressure manually. Pushing pressure points helps in improving blood flow and moderating the supply of oxygen to the brain, which helps in decreasing stress.
3. Prayer and Meditation
Meditation is focusing one’s mind on achieving peace and calmness at a particular time. It is an ancient practice that was used to achieve the highest level of zen. Zen is a trance or a state of peace and calmness created in your head. It helps in prioritizing one’s thoughts and anxieties in order. So, inducing the state of peace increases control over one’s ideas.
4. Yoga Therapy
Yoga is a physical and spiritual practice in which a particular set of rituals are followed to manage mood. It stretches the body, mind, and soul to achieve tranquility. It resembles meditation, but posing and stretching is an advanced inclusion that stimulates the body and helps in dealing with depression.
5. Sea Food
Fish oil contains Omega 3 fatty acids; they help in curing moderate or mild depression. People in depression have a decreased blood sugar level, but eating fish can assist in recovering the levels. Doctors prescribe fish oil supplements to depression patients in some cases.
6. Saffron (zaffran)
Due to the risk of side effects and health hazards of antidepressants, herbal medication is being preferred by the patients. Saffron works as an antidepressant; it helps in balancing the mood by maintaining the serotonin and dopamine levels. It is a herbal remedy for depression, which means there are no side effects. So, you can use it for your anxiety and depression problems.
7. Therapy
Anxiety and depression cannot be solved by homemade remedies in some extreme cases. Instead, it is important to visit a therapist for an extensive check-up. Clinical depression is a severe kind of depression that can be very problematic if not diagnosed in time. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an elaborate examination of the patient, which helps to prevent abnormal responses and anxiety.
8. Writing Down Your Feelings
Writing your feelings sometimes becomes very therapeutic. Many people fighting with depression find catharsis in this habit. That’s why, if you are trying to cope with your depression or anxiety, make a diary in which you can write your feelings and emotions. Additionally, this will also help you to figure out the solutions to your problems.
9. Set Goals
Fighting with depression is not easy. Usually, people cant figure out how to keep themselves busy and productive. In this situation, you can assign small tasks to yourself and set goals on a daily or weekly basis. So that you can stay busy in fulfilling your tasks and this will also give you the feeling of accomplishment. You can start knitting, gardening, painting, etc.
10. Challenge Yourself
You can make a list of tasks that you think you cant do or you don’t want to do. Then challenge yourself to complete that list in a month or two. For example, you can learn driving, any computer course, learn to stitch, baking or any creative and productive work. So, this will increase your self-confidence and boost your self-esteem.
These are some of the important solutions for depression. But expert advice is always better than self-treatment. That’s why it is important to consult health specialists when it comes to mental health. Can also consult with the best acupuncturist in Lahore for best possible solution. Moreover, If you have any suicidal thoughts or a history of suicide attempts, you can consult the best psychologists in Pakistan through Marham for complete treatment.
