According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety/depression disorders currently affect about 18% of the US population. That’s 57.2 million Americans.
While depression can be effectively treated with proper medical care, many people do not seek help due to the stigma that still surrounds mental disorders. In this article, we will take a look at some ways you or a loved one can combat depression with knowledge.
Meditation
Although you can learn a great deal from books, perhaps the best place to start your journey towards recovery is by studying your own mind. An enormous amount of scientific research is available online touting the amazing benefits of daily meditation.
For example, the Journal of American Medical Association Internal Medicine published a study in 2014 showing how meditation rivals anti-depressants for combatting stress and promoting overall well-being. If you cannot find a meditation retreat center in your area, you can always just sit down for a few minutes and meditate on your own.
Hop over to Twitter and search #GlobalMeditationScope and you’ll find dozens of free meditations from an amazing community of meditation leaders on Periscope.
No matter what meditation technique you are comfortable with (e.g. watching the breath, chanting a mantra, praying, etc.) you can expect to see great benefits in your mental health if you practice every day.
Educate Yourself
One of the main reasons why people do not get over their depression is due to a lack of education. A great way to learn more about depression, and what you could do to help others, is to find online msw programs that work for you.
Not only can studying this field help you understand the ways depression is professionally diagnosed and treated, this degree can also lead you to a fulfilling career. People who study Social Work generally can find great careers as counselors, therapists, or social workers in schools or businesses.
Study Herbs
Herbs have helped humanity for thousands of years. Luckily for us, we can use the internet to research various herbs and pick them up at our local supermarkets.
Some popular herbs and supplements people use to combat depression include St. John’s Wort, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Ashwagandha Root. But do your research because some can interact with medications and other supplements, and you need to make sure you are not going to cause yourself any harm. If possible, see if you can visit a registered herbalist.
Depression can be a crippling condition without the right help. However, we live in an age where knowledge is readily available to us through the internet. Be sure to look at these strategies, have patience, and see what helps you in your valiant battle to conquer the black dog of depression.