Depression....how to overcome....

Those in the early stages of depression can easily come out of it on their own.

Our scriptures discipline our daily routine. For example, though bathing is only to cleanse the body, our scriptures tell us when to and when not to bathe. And also bathing is described as a virtuous act. Similarly, though food is taken to appease hunger, our scriptures tell us when and what type of food to be had.

Having food and offering food to others (annadhana अन्नदान) are considered as worship. As never seen anywhere else it is only here in our land that scriptures have been made even for kaama कामा (Sex). All these only go to show that our feelings/emotions need to be properly channelized.

Depressed people yearn to be like the experts in various fields - to be like the good musician when they listen to a good music performance, to be like the cricketer when they watch a cricket match and so on. This trait is also a mental weakness and is sheer foolishness.

Mental strength and thinking capacity increases when one reduces talking. One should always be cheerful and pleasant. One should be in the company of good friends and saints. Good books also make good company. One should always be positive in thought, word and deed, as these have power.

One should have a concrete goal in life. Adoption of a child by childless couples is only to bring meaning into their lives. In spiritual life realization is the goal. At the same time one should put in constant effort.

Though festivals like Sri Ramanavami श्री रामनवमी, Vinayaka Chathurthi विनायक चतुर्थी, Krishna Jayanthi कृष्णा जयन्ती (Gokulashtami गोकुलाष्टमी), Navarathri नवरात्रि, etc. are basically religious in nature, they are also meant to overcome idleness, bring in cheerfulness and promote social interaction. Our religious concepts have sound logic as basis.

We should avoid the company of people who have negative attitude, who always find fault with others and who are idle because negative qualities are very contagious.

If we follow the mantra मंत्र 'ADJUST, ADAPT AND ACCOMMODATE' the world would be a better place to live in

Mind is both wonderful and dangerous. Reading the essay on 'DEPRESSION' would probably have made many people believe they, too, fit into the description of many symptoms of depression. It is not so. As long as the mind exists, such imaginations and thoughts are unavoidable. Only when such imaginations cross the threshold can we term it, 'DEPRESSION'.

To put it in a nutshell,

1.    One should have a definite purpose in life

2.    One should not waste a single moment

3.    One should talk less

4.    One should cultivate good thoughts and be in good company

5.    One should have a practical approach towards life, and

6.    One should believe in God

Observing these simple guidelines will enable us to lead a healthy life interpreting events based on scriptures...to be continued the second part...