Depression

Embrace the storm within, for it is in the darkness that the strongest light emerges. 

Disclaimer

This website provides general psychological ideas on dealing with depression. Please consult your psychologist for your specific case.

Overview

In this page we will deal with the following topics.

• What is Depression?

• Which kind of people are more prone to depression?

• Why is it such a big problem in today's world?

• Feeling Hopeless

What is Depression?

Imagine when you last time saw a movie and got completely engrossed in it. That is because the movie makers created a tiny fragment for you to see and your imagination filled rest of the details. Shown below is the ship sinking scene from Titanic; we all know it.

Yes, Titanic did sink, but in 1912, not in 1997 or, afterwards, when you saw the movie. Until you saw the movie you did not spare a thought about the unfortunate fate of people from the Titanic tragedy of 1912. You started feeling all emotions only when you watched the movie. That is what is the power of movies; they take you inside itself and make you feel part of it. 

Shown below is how Titanic movie makers shot the ship sinking scene. Now after seeing this image you may not get so emotional about it.

The next few lines may not be true for all but in most cases they apply. 

Exactly same is the case with you and your emotions when you are depressed. The life has engulfed you into its drama. Life showed you only a tiny part of sorrow and your overthinking brain created a huge mountain of it, and you are getting crushed under its burden. Life is like a movie, many of the things are lies and once you start believing the lie as a truth you get sadder and sadder. This is the reason people who do not think much never get depressed.

Believe me life is much more beautiful than what depressed people see it as. If you are wearing black sunglasses then you will see everything dark; so its important for you to learn the art of removing this black sunglasses from your eyes and adopt a new positive perspective to life. Depression like many other diseases is completely curable. 

If it still do not make sense how Depression has engulfed you in a downward spiral then Follow IFLC and learn more.

Which people are more likely to get depressed?

Depression happens to people who think a lot. Many people go about their lives like headless chickens; these people never encounter depression. Its the people who try hard to make meaning out of the world; who try to hang everything in this world hang together; people who try to build a mental model of the world and try to fit themselves into it. When you find the world constantly changing and not aligning with your mental model you come across things like: relationship breakup, getting deceived, loneliness, body-image problems, abuse, financial stress, encountering loss of loved one etc. These situations happen to every one; even to those headless people; but its only the thinkers who get trapped under depression.

We need to appreciate that life goes up and down like the spokes of a wheel; time changes. If its bad time now then good time will be around soon. And if its good time now then get yourself ready for troubles. 

A better strategy to get out of depression is to accept the challenge you have in life; and try to focus your mind on something more interesting. Allowing your mind to sit in the depression quagmire is going to drown you. Its only you who has to make slow movements and try get out of this state of mind. 

Time heals all pains.

Eventually in life everything is boring; its we who needs to make our life interesting, by entangling it in petty activities, hobbies etc. This is what all the non-depressed people do and which is what keeps them chirpy and happy.

Why is it such a big problem in today's world?

Depression has become a significant issue in today's world due to a complex interplay of societal, technological, and personal factors. The relentless pace of modern life, fueled by constant connectivity and the pressure to perform, leaves little room for rest and introspection. Social media amplifies feelings of inadequacy as curated images of success and happiness dominate online spaces, creating unrealistic comparisons. Additionally, urbanization and changing social structures have weakened traditional support systems like close-knit communities and extended families, increasing feelings of isolation. Economic stressors, such as job insecurity and rising costs of living, further compound mental health challenges. On a personal level, many people struggle with emotional regulation in the face of life's unpredictability, often resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Moreover, stigma around mental illness discourages many from seeking help, while systemic issues, such as insufficient mental health resources, delay or prevent treatment. Advances in neuroscience suggest that while some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to depression, environmental triggers often play a decisive role. Together, these factors create a perfect storm that makes depression pervasive in the modern world. Recognizing and addressing these root causes is vital to reversing this trend. 

Feeling Hopeless

Watch this three shell game fraudsters setup  on streets to fleece money off people. They ask you to bet on where the ball is placed under a shell and you are asked to bet. You bet on it and you loose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pHE0PRyKfk This game is designed to make you lose. 

This exactly is the game, the life is playing with you. its fooling you around and the more you try to understand it the more you will loose. And then when you get tired to loosing in life; loosing hope and loosing confidence in people, system, world you start feeling hopeless, you feel lonely. Instead life is like a bunch of people travelling on a train; the hustle, bustle and noise and movements; and everyone is travelling towards their destination. One day or the other every one will complete their journey. The movement of people is completely random and if you try to guess stuff here and predict and try to make your moves it may not work that easily. The same is the case with life. 

You have to decide inside your mind what your goal is and keep an eye on the surroundings but do not get overwhelmed by the things around you. Soon or later everything will change, life is like the spokes of a wheel; it will go up (good time) and go down (bad times) many times during your life time. If you develop solid value-system then you can easily navigate the ups and downs of life.  People who feel hopeless and pointless; its because they tried playing a fair game and lost many time; very much like a gambler in the shell game. You are mired by  the psychedelics around us. Once you understand life is playing trick on you, you will change your tactics. You are more aware and alert; you will not easily give into life's drama yet keep your focus on your target. This is the reason people who have an aim, mission in life do not feel hopeless. Its because their mind is occupied with their target so they have less time to be consumed by the drama happening in the world.

Eventually everything is a zero. 100 years from now no one will remember your or even care for you. Whether you feel hopeless or hopeful, doesn't matter to anyone today or tomorrow. The only difference being sad today makes is that you accumulate the baggage of sad memories that you will retain in your mind. And 5 years down the line you will repent why you were so sad on this day and why you wasted your time; and for who and for what purpose. Apart from spoiling your day, your dreams, your hopes, your bright future this feeling of hopelessness and loneliness does nothing else.

 In fact, even today no one cares for you as much as you care for yourself. So be a bit selfish here, keep yourself before the world. Say in your mind "Do hell with the World, I am going to enjoy my day today. i am going to give my best today, I will work hard, play hard and I am going make the best of today all while enjoying whatever i am doing (work, play, laugh, fun, service, plan)." Say to yourself this line 5 times in a day; close your eyes, sit in a silent room, if you are alone at home say it out loud and if you are with others then just speak to yourself in mind.  Do this for 10 days and you will start feel more hopeful, positive about life. 

Of course there are many more strategies to handle this situation, which is a topic for another day.