Friends Indeed

Believe it or not, this is absolutely true. Most often the first signs of depression are a result of overworked, overstressed lives. This could also be the direct effect of the difficulties that arise between achieving one's goals and the obstacles that come in the way.

Deep-seated depression is quite another story.

Every individual has his/her own ways to tackle stress. But, the most common and one of the most effective stress busters and darkening depression is the presence of friends. Problems, of course, may vary. But, close friends, who understand where we come from, are also the ones who are willing to lend a helping hand, or rather ear.

All the lonely people

Depression usually results from the lonely lives we lead. It seems confusing that in our populous environment constantly inundated by people and problems, we tend to feel lonely in a crowd. At the end of a long day in a room full of people, we feel drained out. It is precisely in times like these that depression tends to hit the hardest.

Over a period of time, when pressures mount and it becomes increasingly difficult to continue to do what we are doing, we are already caught in a whirlpool from where talking to friends seems an option too far to consider, or put together. Be it saving a job, or relationship, small matters fetter and, in the absence of a sounding board, we tend to get warped in our own lives and sometimes subjective perspectives which actually perpetuate our depressive tendencies. What's more, reaching out to anti-depressants prematurely and without the proper diagnosis of a psychiatrist can be a perilous proposition.

Confide and heal

Combating depression is much easier than most imagine. It is when times appear to be more stressful, confiding in a close friend is not a bad idea. It gives us the opportunity to release some of the nagging thoughts in our head, emit the emotions that are holding us back, and lighten the weight on the heart considerably. It also provides us a perspective into understanding if our thinking is in the right direction.

There are a few things that you need to ponder over before you embark on your healing journey. Make sure that the friend you confide in has your best interests in mind. Be wary that your friend is not unduly burdened, that it is weight s/he can handle talking about. Do not let it become a habit to hold a one-way conversation. Sometimes listening to another can be amazingly therapeutic. It provides the feeling that despite the problems, we are not entirely alone and that each has his/her share.

If discussing the issues in complete detail seems uncomfortable, intermix the time spent with the friend to help channel your emotions to a brighter side. Share a few laughs, catch up on a movie, or spend time at a favourite hang-out.

If you find your depression too deep and incomprehensible to friends and/or family to help, do not hesitate to seek the help of a professional psychiatrist or therapist.

It is all relevant to celebrating a better you!