“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil — this is the gift of God.”- Ecclesiastes 3:12-13.
Enjoyment of life and its simple pleasures is a gift of God and fundamental to man’s ability to live a healthy and productive life. However, every living human at some point in life will inevitably encounter complex and stressful situations that will try to erode this gift on many fronts. The great news is that we all possess the innate ability to navigate these experiences successfully and maintain a healthy state of mind.
Regrettably, the demands, influences, and challenges of daily living in today’s world can sometimes seem so overwhelming that we can sometimes forget how to appreciate the joys of life. When this becomes a norm in any individual’s life, it can spiral into depression.
Depression can be described as a mental, emotional, and spiritual health disorder, characterised by a persistently dejected mood, disconnection, loss of interest in activities, severe prolonged lowering of enjoyment of life, and an inability to visualise a happy future.
Depression may include an indication of self-inflicted injury or suicide. Types of depression can range from major depression, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), psychotic depression, per partum (postpartum) depression, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), to situational depression.
Symptoms Of Depression
Some common indicators of depression include prolonged feelings of guilt, sadness, confusion, hopelessness, anxiety, anger, detachment from people and reality, insomnia, mood swings, loss or increase of appetite, fatigue, fearfulness, suicidal thoughts and more.
Ways To Prevent Depression
i. Trust God and stick to His word
No matter how financially or emotionally down and out, in debt, or afflicted someone might be, if the word of God can get into that person’s system, their perspective of life and its circumstances will change for the better eventually. It is advisable to turn away from the news and other enervating information on both social and news media that cause fear, depression, and distractions. Instead, feed your mind with God’s word which is capable of building you up and bringing you out of every contrary situation.
ii. Develop and Maintain a Positive Mindset
Your mind is the doorway to your spirit, and out of it are the issues of life. Train your mind to think in one direction – upward and forward only, and you will achieve success and prosperity with peace. The law of attraction will be compelled to work in your favour, bringing to reality all that your mind and thoughts are filled with.
Every one of God’s children can live life without anxiety, panic attacks, and fear; that is why He said for you not to be anxious about anything in Philippians 4:6. One of the benefits of adhering to this instruction is that His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind, increasing your confidence in your ability to handle any situation successfully.
iii. Make Exercising a Lifestyle
Regular physical activity is essential for good physical, mental, and spiritual health. By increasing your body temperature, exercising has a calming effect on your central nervous system. It prompts the release of endorphins in your brain, which reduces immune system responses that worsen depression. It also helps you sleep better. Schedule some gym time today or do exercises like sit-ups, jumping jacks, push-ups, walking, running, and more at home.
Other ways to deal with and prevent depression include:
iv. Building strong and healthy relationships that align with your values
v. Getting adequate sleep regularly
vi. Ending toxic relationships or behaviors,
vii. Reducing the time spent on social media,
viii. Eating balanced meals that include plenty of fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight
ix. Reducing or eliminating alcohol, drug use, and nicotine.
“Therefore, with joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
This quote from Isaiah 12:3 is a powerful reminder that focusing on the positives in life is key to building confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. Count your blessings one by one, and before you are done, you will be suffused with joy and gratitude.
