We all love a good life hack – something simple, usually a list or ‘how to’ piece that gives us answers to everyday questions and that helps us know how to do or understand certain things better. The reality is that we live in trying times and many of us feel pressed from all sides. The average young person in Africa struggles to make real sense of life and, because the socio-economic climate on our continent is challenging, it’s not always easy to get by.
One of the silent killers of our time is depression – probably one of the most misunderstood conditions facing many people today. I wish I could say that this post is a straightforward life hack or list, detailing how depression can be overcome. Sadly, it’s not quite that simple. Still, we’d like to offer a few tips on how depression can be managed and, hopefully, overcome.
The first thing that needs to be said is that depression is not what most people think it to be. Sometimes, we come across people having a really bad day and we are quick to describe them as depressed. That’s not how it works. The reality, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), is that “everyone experiences sadness from time to time. But depression lasts longer, interferes with daily life and can cause physical pain”. Most people are unaware of the difference between sadness and depression. The APA site then goes on to say the following: “While everyone occasionally feels sad or ‘blue’, these feelings tend to pass rather quickly. By contrast, someone with depression experiences extreme sadness or despair that lasts for at least two weeks or longer. Depressed individuals tend to feel helpless and hopeless and blame themselves for having these feelings. Depression interferes with activities of daily living — such as working or concentrating on tasks, or even eating and sleeping. Other possible symptoms of depression include chronic pain, headaches or stomach aches. Some people may feel angry or restless for long periods.”
There’s no question about it. This is a serious matter. So, what are some of the things that one can do to overcome depression?
1. Don’t be in denial. This applies both to you if you are dealing with depression or to the friend, colleague or community around you. Many times in life, we sabotage ourselves by not taking stock of the reality of the mess we are in. When we downplay, ignore or sweep issues under the rug, we are less likely to actively look for solutions.
2. Get the facts. In order to overcome something, it’s important to get as much understanding about it as possible. A lot of articles written about overcoming depression tend to achieve the opposite of what they set out to do because they are clearly written by people who have not taken the time to get clued up about what they are talking about. If you are dealing with depression in your own life or know someone who is depressed, read up and do what’s necessary to know more. Information is power.
3. Do the work. Problems and challenges don’t just go away. It requires us to be courageous, diligent and do whatever it takes in order for us to beat them. If you are in a position to seek medical help or get the help of a relevant community group, do so. Don’t sit around and just think that things will get better on their own. Whenever great change happens, there is always an active agent.
4. Keep hope alive. The human soul withers and dies where there is no hope. If you are suffering from depression or know someone who is, don’t lose hope. Surround yourself with people who fill you with useful encouragement and, as much as possible, be in environments that are positive. The types of books you read and the material you consume and allow to affect your mind matter.
One encouraging thing to know in the spirit of keeping hope alive is that, even on the darkest of days, God has a plan for you and He has given His word that He will never leave us or forsake us. This applies also to the person living with depression. If you’ve never considered that a relationship with God could offer you hope in the midst of difficult times, we’d like to share our faith with you. God’s ways are never always a quick fix, as many would have us believe. Sometimes, He takes His time with us so that, as He helps us through specific challenges, He also molds our character. If you’d like to know more about beginning a relationship with God, please click on the banner below and watch the video that follows. We’d love to connect with you.