Depression is something that many of us have experienced in our lives, and it can feel like a heavy weight that we can't seem to shake. It often leaves us feeling helpless and alone, but the truth is that depression isn't caused by an illness but rather by an inability to cope with environmental stressors. Stress plays a major role in depression because when we're under too much stress, our brains go into survival mode. In this state, all nonessential activities are shut down in order to conserve energy, which includes emotional responses and logical thinking. This means that our bodies will be unable to process emotional information properly or think logically about how best to deal with the situation at hand. Sometimes this inability to cope with the stress means having to put on a performance for others, day after day. This "mask" we wear can become so heavy that our minds are forced into “deep rest mode,” leaving us feeling incapable of doing anything other than what our brain needs - complete rest and disconnection from the world. But while depression may seem like a sickness, I see it as a call to re-evaluate ourselves and what we allow ourselves to, be exposed to each day.
Taking Control Over Your Life
The first step towards becoming more conscious of our lives is to recognize and acknowledge your own mental state. We need to be honest about how we're feeling and why so that we can start making changes in our lives. Acknowledge that you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or exhausted - these feelings can come from many sources, including work, relationships, or family issues. Once you have identified the source, it's important not to judge yourself for having these feelings but instead accept them as a sign that something needs to change in your life. If you want to break out of your habits, comfort zones, and the same old routine, there is one sure-fire way to do it: become uncomfortable. Trying something unfamiliar and different can feel like jumping into the unknown, but in order for new neurocircuitry to be established, it’s essential to pushing yourself beyond familiar boundaries. Pushing yourself doesn’t have to be a daunting experience; with an open mind and sense of adventure, it can instead be a liberating opportunity!
The second step is being able to take off the mask - let go of the pressure of trying to be perfect all the time and allow yourself moments of rest and relaxation. Allow yourself some time away from social media, turn off notifications on your phone, focus on deep breathing exercises or even try yoga or meditation. Taking a break will give your mind an opportunity to reset, helping you become more aware of the world around you and appreciate each moment without worrying about what others think or say.
Finally, it’s important not only to address how you are feeling but also how your environment is affecting you as well. Take stock of whom you’re surrounding yourself with - do they bring positive energy into your life, or do they drag you down? Are there any toxic relationships that need to be addressed? Are there any activities that are no longer serving you? Evaluating the people and places around us can help us make decisions about whom we want in our lives going forward.
Depression should be seen as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. It serves as a reminder that taking care of ourselves mentally is just as important as taking care of ourselves physically. We need to take control over our lives by acknowledging what stresses us out and actively trying to reduce those sources of stress when possible. By doing this, we can start living more balanced lives without feeling drained or overwhelmed by the demands placed upon us each day!
