How to ease depression without drugs
If you're suffering from depression, the idea of a "happy pill" that will cure your symptoms might sound very appealing. But while there are a variety of drugs for treating depression, these antidepressant medications are not miracle cures. Many people respond only partially to antidepressants. Others are unable to tolerate the side effects. Drug treatment of depression can be beneficial, but there are other effective treatment approaches that can be taken in addition to or instead of medications. It's up to you to evaluate your options and decide what's best for you.
One of the most effective alternative treatments is the practice of meditation for the calming benefits that it brings. Through these changes individuals are more likely to understand the causes for depression and subsequently minimise any further attacks.
So what is it about meditation that reduces depression? Well to understand how meditation works we firstly have to look at our own awareness levels.
As depression is increasingly being diagnosed and prescribed could it be a condition created by the pressures and expectations of Western lifestyles? Amidst the hustle and bustle most individuals commence their day activating the thinking processes of the mind: what they have to do, whom they have to meet, where they have to go or what time they have to be there and so on?
These processes are all activities of the physical mind as they deal with schedules, needs or responsibilities. The physical mind is certainly functional on this level, yet extremely limited on other levels. Some of the limited qualities are depression, jealousy, fear, insecurity, stress, loneliness, hopelessness, confusion, doubt and frustration. If we spend most of our time in the limited levels of the mind's activities, then we ourselves shall be limited. Knowing this we should now try to look at ways of keeping our awareness in the non-limited parts of our existence. This is where meditation and its transforming benefits come to the fore.
By starting off our day with ten minutes of quiet meditative contemplation we can keep ourselves in the calm and peaceful realm of the aspiring heart, where the qualities of compassion, concern, love, joy, selflessness, tranquillity, clarity, confidence and poise emanate. A silent realm where the limited and negative realities of the physical mind cannot disturb us. Here within the spiritual heart we are able to witness ourselves as content and fulfilled, part of a greater whole, an integral part of a greater energy some call God. We begin to see life as a multifarious experience where we are simply the witnesses not the controllers, where everything around us is in a state of continual change.
As humans beings our moods and emotions are affected by the many changes within this impermanent world. People we know die, loved ones become ill, relationships can blossom then whither, happiness peaks then fades, loneliness is felt and desires are unattainable. All of these realities affect us in a very personal way where the emotions of despair, grief, shock and sadness can certainly be felt. Yet through the deeper nature of meditation these emotions will not override the practitioner's faith or awareness of their inherent calm self. As the witnesses we observe these changing conditions but continue to move forward in life's journey guided by our aspiring and confident heart.
Some ways in which we can remain focused - try to always enjoy and appreciate what you have and be inspired by others' achievements and dreams. Align yourself with their aspirations in your efforts to improve yourself. Realise that you are unique and strive to discover where your talents lie. Follow your own dreams understanding that everyone has the capacity for greatness. Be accepting of yourself, see your weaknesses as potential for growth. Realise that you can never possess anything, you have it on loan, God created everything! We are the players on the stage of life, how well we perform depends on our ability to remain inspired, positive, self-giving, happy and enthusiastic.
Ref: Sri Chinmoy's book - 'Meditation' - What is meditation?
Simple ways to keep inspired -
- Practice regular meditation.
- Keep physically fit either by walking, cycling, swimming, and weight training or running.
- Spend regular periods in the beauty, vastness and peacefulness of Mother Nature.
- Play inspiring music, music that lifts your spirits.
- Keep in contact with your good friends. Their happiness and support will keep you positive.
- Look for a creative outlet - painting, photography, ceramics, art, and flower arranging or playing a musical instrument.
- Commence some study in a subject that interests you.
- Travel
Biography - Sahayak Plowman by nature is a calm, positive and happy person. He attributes this to the growing experiences gained through his own meditation practice with the guidance given by his meditation teacher, Sri Chinmoy. He is a writer on spiritual topics, compiler of a published book of poetry Sri Chinmoy's Heart-Garden, meditation teacher and web master for Sri Chinmoy Books.com