Saturday, August 28, 2010

Gratitude Helps Depression

Depression is the opposite of elation – it is a feeling of despondency that can be caused by inactivity, unemployment, a deteriorating economic state, sickness (your own or that of a loved one) or even hormones. In other words, depression is what exuberance isn't.

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~W.T. Purkiser

Depression first strangulates and then, if unheeded, goes on to absolutelydestroy positive thought. It sends the positive thouts and attitude process sinking fast, and places the depressed person in a zombie-like stupor. A depressed person slows down at work, becomes counter-productive, ignores or avoids his friends and relations and remains in a condition of persistant dissatisfaction. That was the emotional state – a depressed person suffers on the physical front too because negative thinking depresses the immune system. Additionally, a depressed person suffers from fatigue and keeps thinking that he is affected by various illnesses.

Depression has to be recognized and finished off as quickly as possible. The first thing that a depressed man may do is to reach out for anti-depressant pills, which give a temporary relief from depression. But, depression normally stems out of a negative thought process and the best way to battle it is a positive mental attitude. Yes, a depressed person needs to start thinking positively to ward off depression, and one of the greatest factors that can usher in positive thought is the feeling of gratitude.

Gratitude, or thankfulness, is an appreciation of a benefit received. Expressing gratitude makes one feel good and also tanks him up with positive vibes, and he begins to feel upbeat and full of encouraging energy. The body will be energized and actually healthier. The big question, however, is what to be grateful for and to whom to express our thanks.

Well, the answer to that question lies inside all of us. If we take a look at our own lives, we will find innumerable instances that we can be grateful for. For instance:

We can thank the lord for giving us a good night's rest, for a great sunny day and for the birds chirping in our backyard. If we have a good and caring spouse, we must thank him/her for being our partner for life. If we have friends to fall back on, we must thank them for just being there for us. If we are healthy, we can thank nature for giving us a robust body constitution; if we are unwell, we can thank the doctors for bringing us out of our condition.

These were just a few examples – and, you will find tens of reasons to feel thankful towards Nature and towards your family/friends once you start meditating on your life. So, go right ahead and do that, and when you discover the little things that add that sparkle to your existence, humbly express your gratitude to them.

The gratitude you express will promote positive thinking, which in turn will drive away the darkness that depression has hammered into mind. Gratitude will drive away the fears planted by depression and sprinkle your mind with good cheer, and once you are cheerful, the world will be wonderful. Forever.

To Do: 1) Make a list of 10 things that you are thankful for "right now". 2) Put up a sign reminding you to make another list every day. 3) Add to your list during the day every time you start having any negative thought. 4) Save your lists in a scrapbook. 5) Read your scrapbook if you are having trouble remembering anything you are thankful for.

Anxiety Depression Help is yours at http://anxietydepression.endlessfreeplr.com

Internet marketers must come to http://endlessfreeplr.com right away for your own 100% unique version of this article.

No comments:

Post a Comment