One of the most important facts about depression is that it can be a recurring condition. The likelihood of recurring depression increases with each episode, and the length of the episodes increase.
Depression creates a pattern in our cells. With each occurrence, the pattern deepens. The good news is that, with awareness and a little effort, the pattern can be released.
The reason why anti-depressants work for some people is that they mask the pattern, allowing the patient to change their thinking habits. However, it is often the case that when people taper off the medication they find that the symptoms are even worse than they were prior to medication - the energy pattern has not been addressed. Anti-depressants don’t work for everyone, and there are side-effects for everyone who takes them.
Many people want to avoid a pharmaceutical approach to solving personal problems. They dislike the side effects of medications, or perhaps they view the human experience as a special challenge and opportunity. Recognizing the potential for growth and learning in every situation is a huge step towards ongoing wholeness and well-being.
There are many ways to contract depression. You can get it from your family, either as a genetic predisposition, or by having your energy field impacted by the mood disorders of other family members. Seasonal Affective Disorder (being affected by the lack of light in the winter) can set up a harmful pattern. Eating incorrectly contributes to depression. (See http://www.mercola.com/nutritionplan/index.htm for information about feeding yourself according to nutritional type - the link to the Free Nutritional Typing Test is on the lower left section of the page.) (While you’re there sign up for the newsletter - the more people who sign up at mercola.com and similar sites, the more influence alternative health advocates will have on health-related legislation.)
Loss can lead to depression. Grief and sadness are normal emotions. Sometimes there is too much grief on top of too much sadness - your girlfriend breaks up with you, your dog dies, and then you lose your job. It is easy to sink into helplessness and hopelessness.
There are many symptoms of depression, all of which are unpleasant. Irritability, being quick to anger, pain in your chest and throat, no motivation, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of uselessness, a “What’s the point? Who cares?” outlook on life.
In a way, self-pity can feel good! You are sympathizing, giving comfort, when you feel sorry for yourself. “Poor baby,” you say, “It’s so hard!”
But there is a higher and healthier way to take care of yourself. Rediscover your inner light which radiates love and compassion, first to you, and then to those with whom you share your life.
Start with the Brain Glow: Closing your eyes, relaxing as you take in a nice, deep inhalation, releasing it with a sigh. Imagine a gently pulsating light in the middle of your brain, warm and soothing. Waves of well-being radiate out from the center of your brain. As you inhale, gather energy and light in the center of your brain. As you exhale, feel it spread throughout your brain. Inhale, gathering energy. Exhale, the energy opens and expands.
Inhale, the light grows and brightens.
Exhale, the warm soothing glow spreads through your brain.
The benefits of Brain Glow are usually felt at once. However, it needs to be practiced on a daily basis. The patterns that created mood disorders are deeply ingrained; it takes time over time to change.
The Connect the Dots meditation, which is on the flash player on this site, is the next step, helping you connect with the inner resource of peace, calm, and well-being. As with the Brain Glow, you can draw light to all of the energy centers in your being, and radiate it throughout your energy field (Being Glow).
With regular practice, these exercises help you loosen, open and release seemingly petrified layers of habitual maladapted coping mechanisms. Our families and culture teach us survival techniques. If we are going to evolve, personally and as a race, we will need to discover, practice and develop techniques which support thriving, in alignment with the highest good of all beings. We can begin by finding the care, love, compassion and peace which is intact in the core of our being, and gently shine that out into our lives.
If you are taking antidepressants or other medications to treat a mood disorder, please consult your physician before discontinuing the medication. Stopping these medications abruptly can cause dangerous side-effects. Connect the Dots and the Glow exercises can be practiced along with the use of medication.