Wholistic Anti-Depression Plan

"Awaking to a new day with a feeling of unwanted sadness in my core
What's gotten under my skin?
Nothing seems to have changed drastically from yesterday.
Yet the feeling of doom and gloom sneaks in,
Staring me coldly in the face.
There, I know it, I feel it, it is this miserable depression that I despise more than anything else."

If you ever had a bout with depression, you may be able to relate to these words. Many people have found themselves at one time or another fighting depression. It's important to recognize when feelings are predominantly changing into sadness throughout the day. Depression can have a number of symptoms. Besides the feeling of sadness, depression may cause you to sleep too much or wake up too early, experience insomnia, thoughts of wanting to run from things, thoughts of not wanting to do anything, lack or increase of appetite, inertia, feeling unmotivated and hopeless, uncontrollable crying spells, and a number of other symptoms.

While a visit to your physician is recommended, from a wholistic point of view, if depression is or ever has been an issue for you, there is something else you can do. Depression is often anger and powerlessness turned inwards. In her book "Heal Your Body", Louise Hay states:"Depression is anger you feel you do not have a right to have. Hopelessness." Her affirmation to heal depression is: "I now go beyond other people's fears and limitations. I create my life."

Here is a wholistic anti-depression plan:

Emotional:

Talk to a counsellor, coach, friend. Get it out, verbalize your feelings. Don't be afraid. There's no shame in feeling blue.
Keep a journal. Write.
Pursue creative projects. Paint, draw, play music.
Find a private area, and scream on top of your lungs. What are you truly feeling? Allow yourself to get mad (constructively), not sad.
Amuse yourself. Laugh at yourself. Life is short. Find your humor again.

Physical:

Chinese herbalists say all emotion resides in the liver. Go talk to a nature path or herbalist and ask for a good liver cleanse. Cut out refined sugar, junk food, alcohol, caffeine and any other ingredients that cause your body unnecessary stress.
Eat anti-oxidant rich foods; visit your local health food store.
Be tough with yourself when it comes to giving in to sadness. While crying and sadness are natural, when it becomes a pattern, it can become debilitating and difficult to break. Feeling very sad for longer than a couple of days is probably too long. Every time you feel the doom creeping in, exercise. Physical movement is a natural way to boost your endorphins.
Use aroma therapy. Smell is one of our strongest senses and can do wonders for our whole body.
Seek human touch! Hug someone! Cuddle your pet!

Mental:

The most helpful, honest question you can ask yourself is: "What do you actually get out of feeling depressed?" Yes, we are creatures that prefer pleasure over pain. Whenever we take the power back and choose pleasure over pain, we would not choose pain unless we get something out of it. If self-pity, not moving forward, or being hard on yourself gives you an excuse to NOT do things you REALLY want, be very aware! A counsellor or coach help help you identify your true desires and work on a plan with you to get the spring back into your step.
Get rid of tolerations - tolerating too many things that drag you down can add to feeling hopeless and helpless. Remember, you are not the victim of your circumstance.
Goals are important! Set them into motion.

Social:

Visit with friends. Don't isolate yourself. Even short visits are better than none. Do it especially when you least feel like it.
Call up people. Ask them to support you. Ask how you can be helpful to them. Find a purpose and a cause to be involved.
Get out there, go see a funny movie, comedy theatre, listen to music, go to that party you've been invited to.

Spiritual:

Wear bright colors. Orange for power, uplifting, inspiring. Turquoise for highly energized personality. Yellow is the color of joy, freedom, non-attachment. Imagine your aura co lour to radiate these colors.
Meditate. Pray. Use positive affirmations.
Dance. Sing (especially if you aren't a singer, you'll crack yourself up!).
Try hypnosis with a qualified practitioner.
nd don't forget to breathe! Release sadness, anger, powerlessness with exhaling, and inhale empowerment, joy, peace and trust with each inhale.

There are of course a number of other things you can do - I hope that these words may have inspired you to be aware and start your "anti-depression plan" if depression is something you know you are dealing with.