Depression prevention

Question: Can depression be prevented?

Answer: Yes, preventive strategies are inherent within the human psychological and mental makeup. However, we have observed an increase in cases of depression these days. This can be attributed to a series of consecutive events and sudden changes that burden the human mind. These events sow fear, stealing away dreams of security and peace, and lead to a rising tide of negative thoughts and future anxieties, increasing cases of depression and frustration. So, the question is, can depression be prevented?

Did you know that depression begins with a thought? A negative idea takes hold of the brain and gains complete control over emotions and thinking. The better a person can resist negative thoughts and emotions, the better their chances of escaping a bad mood and preventing depression. There are stages individuals may pass through before reaching depression, starting with negative thoughts attempting to control the brain and gradually progressing towards sadness, followed by a more profound depressive mood, and finally, chronic depression.

Individuals' reactions differ based on their psychological defense mechanisms when facing problems and pressures and reaching the moment of awareness that helps them escape a bad mood before it escalates to more difficult stages.

How does depression start? There are various factors that can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, or loss, making individuals perceive themselves differently as negative and discouraging thoughts invade their minds, driving some towards despair, boredom, and discouragement. This is normal at the beginning, and in this stage, it's not challenging to overcome these thoughts because the brain that generated or adopted these thoughts can produce alternatives.

However, if individuals fail to free themselves from these negative thoughts, they enter other circles of suffering that might lead to depression. They become dominated by thoughts of despair, experiencing a growing sense of surrender and frustration. This leads them to a more difficult phase, marked by sorrow and often accompanied by physical inertia and mental distraction. Even in this stage, individuals can still find a way out by using their willpower and altering their cultural and cognitive surroundings. If they fail to break free, they may enter a very difficult phase, the realm of dysthymic depression, where thoughts of hopelessness, helplessness, and self-loathing prevail. Here too, there are methods to escape, but unfortunately, some may proceed to chronic depression, which often requires medication.

So, what can we do to confront crises and difficulties without reaching this stage?

The truth is that each person has their psychological makeup and unique coping mechanisms. However, generally, monitoring one's thoughts and the ability to control them is the starting point. There are some helpful guidelines and activities that can aid in overcoming such hardships. I believe that your sharp minds will understand and expand upon them:

• First and foremost, it is essential to take control of these negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones (Life doesn't stop here, no matter what the cause is, as long as we are alive, there is always something we can do...).

• Your biggest enemy is idleness and lack of movement, as stagnation contributes to the colonization of negative thoughts in your mind. I recommend engaging in various forms of physical activity (even simple exercises at home or on the balcony, contributing to household chores, playing with children and having fun with them, trying different activities, laughter, walking, running, etc.).

• Try to spread positive energy as it spreads faster than a virus.

• Avoid isolation, and don't burden those around you too much.

• Talk to old and new positive friends.

• Engage in mental exercises, solve puzzles.

• Learn a new language.

• Practice Tai Chi or aerobics; try yoga.

• Find solace in music.

• Connect with nature.

• Use recreational games to amuse yourself: electronic or board games, chess, etc.

These strategies can help individuals confront and navigate difficulties without falling into the depths of depression.

تخلص من الأفكار السلبية والاكتئاب، ممثلة لمراحل الرفاهية العاطفية.