Depression:
de·pres·sion: Melancholy, sadness, sorrow, despair, misery, unhappiness.
In layman’s terms, it has been called the blackness, darkness and for the one experiencing, it is a debilitating despondent state.
Modern society sees it increasing at alarming rates especially amount teenagers thereby creating a billion dollar pharmaceutical industry. I’m not opposed to medication however all research studies show that mental health and nutrition are inherently tied together. Low Carbohydrate/ Keto diets having the most success in lifting ones mood. Tending to the Microbiome, gut brain axis to support immunity mood and nutrient absorption. Choosing foods that lower inflammation, a key driver of anxiety and depression. Nutrient density which is focusing on the quality of calories rather than the amount of calories
Throughout history many famous creatives, have been plagued with depression. It was often at these times of solitude that some of their best work was done. They had withdrawn from the outside world to their inner world. From the Ego to their inner senses, a different state of consciousness.
Our dark side/ shadow self is not to be feared. The mystics would tell you there is no night without day. Our whole life is a series of dichotomies, happy/ Sad, strong/weak, Success/ failure. Yin and Yang. We would not know sadness if we were happy all the time. It is the contrast that gives our life meaning and purpose. This is where the growth occurs if we can allow. Are we willing to sit with ourselves and learn? Imagine a life where there was only happiness, no change of seasons, no contrast no texture. It is part of the human experience here on the planet. What if we allowed the darkness to be there? Accepted it as part of our psyche. Not good or bad, just neutral, just is. It’s our labeling, non acceptance, wanting our lives to be a certain way, to be happy all the time that causes the judgement and despair. Wanting a perfect picture, success or failure with no in between.
What if we would accept our lives as a series of experiences or adventures?
Some good and some not so great. There is no constant in life such as change. Trusting and having faith knowing this dark time will end too. Making it work for us and asking us what we need more of in our lives? Is it more fun and play? more social relationships? more loving kindness towards ourselves? more creativity and expression of our true selves? Living in our authenticity and being true to our dreams and desires.
To come alive in ourselves and the world. To live as a kind individual who cares for fellow man and the planet. Less me and more we. Studies have shown that when people with darkness reach out of them selves to others, there is a elevation in mood.
It is not my intention to belittle depression as something trivial. I have experienced many dark periods in my own life and it has only by using loving kindness and compassion that the light was able to come in again.
I just want you to know that you will feel the light again. Light in your being.
Have hope and faith on your journey.
