“I’m Fighting Depression”

Her words didn’t register in my mind until she said it again. “I’m fighting depression”. She repeated it with more emphasis on the word depression.

This time I turned and saw helplessness in her face. She continued to talk as we walked up the mountain. I just listened, trying to understand.

After all, she was the one other people went to for advice. She was the professional who helps people unravel and release their negativism and adopt a healthy, positive life attitude.

As we continued up the path, my friend described her feelings of depression – no motivation, no challenge, a sort of listlessness.

I was able to hide my growing concern while I listened to her describe her lack of enthusiasm and low self confidence. By the time she finished describing her feelings, I had gathered my thoughts and was able to respond from my heart as well as my mind.

Learned Helplessness

It sounded like my friend wasn’t just fighting depression. It sounded as if she was expressing a behavior called learned helplessness – a result of Pavlovian conditioning that most of us grew up believing was real. 

Powerlessness is a large part of dealing with depression. It feels overwhelming and can sometimes be too much to bear with feelings of no way out. 

My friend had enough professional experience to know how difficult it is, if not impossible, to move out of the negative energy of depression without making a conscious choice to do so.

When she looked at me for help, I could see she was in real emotional pain and confusion so I asked her what she would say to a client who came to her with the same complaint. 

Stepping out of the role of victim and into the role of healer gave her the perspective she needed to shift her energy and thoughts.

Dealing with Depression Naturally

The key to happiness is a choice and can be found within ourselves without the use of drugs. Antidepressants are generally the remedy of choice for mainstream medical professionals when dealing with depression. But drugs are not a long-term answer since they actually cause depression and more serious consequences, like suicide.

According to a July 2011 study published in the journal Frontiers of Psychology, CBS News reports “depressed people who use antidepressants are far more likely to suffer a relapse of major depression than those who avoid antidepressants.” In other words, drugs that doctors prescribe to alleviate depression actually cause it to recur! 

Some of the best natural cures for mild-to-moderate depression are the most obvious such as regular exercise, a healthy diet of fresh foods and restorative rest. But the best cure is exercising choice over your thoughts.

Fighting Depression with Choice

Choosing a new response to an old situation is the biggest step toward dealing with depression naturally. It opens us to a new mindset to find solutions that weren’t available to us before when we were thinking of doom and gloom.

My friend knew that she had gotten stuck thinking she had no choice. She only needed a reminder to get unstuck.

If you’re not dealing with depression naturally, fighting depression can seem like a losing battle. Change your focus and your feelings change.

Being helpless is a learned condition. It can be unlearned with practice and patience.

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