What are some ways of overcoming depression without medication?
Depression is a signal our mind send out seeking for help.
At some point we realize that something in our life is not working, and we feel alone and helpless.
There are different levels of depression ranging from minor ones when we wake up in a bad mood, to major and self-destructive ones. Major depression is like a black hole where our energy seems drained off, and we feel like our life has no purpose. Sometimes we hope someone could help, maybe without asking, or sometimes we just don't care anymore.
Those who have been there are probably more suitable to help others.
But the basic idea is that if something is broken, we can always try to fix it.
Although medical attention is required to treat major depression especially when self-harming, in all other forms, and in the long-term, the balance of our mental health can often be re-established without medications. There is a lot we can do to achieve that.
While everyone is different and depression should be assessed on a case by case, the ROD approach developed at Fempton Institute (Remove, Outcome, Deploy) could help [2] the young and the adult. ROD is based on the following principles:
1. Remove the obstacles that trigger mental imbalances. These can be complex to find, and sometimes hidden in the unconscious mind. That's where we usually need specialized advise. The sooner we understand the root cause of the problem, the better is. In this step Nutrition and Lifestyle play a crucial role. We usually know what is harming us. Don't judge others.
It will take some time, but try to do one step, and everything will come natural to you.
According to the Indian tradition, this is the way we'd navigate in this Samsara. [1]
Inspiration is available from many people that have been there before us.
Think of St. Francis, Lincoln, Mother Theresa, or Einstein who could not find a job before getting famous with his theories.
2. Outcome. Where you want to be when the issues are resolved?
This is usually how we express ourselves. For example, an artistic mind would try to express itself through some form of art like music, poetry, writing, painting, or cooking foods. Each one should have the opportunity to express themselves in a way that it satisfactory to the individual and the community. According to the ancient Indian philosophy we could say: help ever , hurt never. Human Values play a central role to achieve this outcome. [3]
3. Deploying our inner potential is the final step ,where we reach the intended purpose of our life. Sometimes this is where we get frustrated since we're unable to see our dreams come true. But fear not, don't despair, never give up. Instead, try to turn all difficulties to your advantage, try to use them to make you stronger. And more importantly stay positive.
We all make mistakes, no matter how hard we try not to. But here is the good news: mistakes are good, if we use them to improve. In that case, they're our true friends, so don't be afraid, fail fast, be happy, and move on.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saṃsāra
[2] https://youtu.be/xFJo1pB8Vno
[3] https://www.fempton.com/uxton/index.php/human-values
