MY DEAREST
trol them.
Why? Because God has given each of us free will.
When we assume responsibility for other people’s decisions, we accept a burden that can depress us.
Do not be depressed by something we cannot control.
My dearest family and friends,
When you see signs of mental illness in family members and friends, seek out someone who can convince that person to seek medical help. Most people who are depressed or mentally ill do not realize they are sick, will not accept that they are ill, and usually refuse medical intervention.
Depressed persons have difficulty vocalizing their needs. Their relationship skills are significantly diminished and communication becomes a problem, as the person is embarrassed to say how he feels, anticipating judgment.
Let me add some helpful tips for those who may be encountering some forms of depression:
1. Sunshine Get plenty of sunshine. Exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s release of the hormone serotonin, which boosts mood and helps a person feel calm and focused
2. Sleep Get enough sleep and be rested. Lack of sleep and sleep problems are associated with some forms of depressive illnesses. It can negatively influence your outlook on life, energy level, motivation and emotions. Mood changes affect not only your individual mental health, but your relationships and family dynamics.
3. Support Reach out and accept support. Emotional support and understanding from family and friends help the patient on his recovery journey.
4. Exercise Protects us from physical ailments and releases the body’s feel good chemicals called endorphins. Exercise causes nerve cells to grow and make new connections which helps relieve depression.
5. Eat healthy foods Our bodies become what we eat. Healthy foods as diet for depression include: fatty fish, omega-3, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, canola, soybean and olive oils, fresh fruits and dark green leafy vegetables.
6. Medicines Religiously take medicines prescribed by your Psychiatrist.
7. Mindset Have a positive and proper perspective. Shift our thoughts away from negativity. Avoid being in the company of negativeminded persons, nagging and/or quarrelsome persons. Surround ourselves with optimistic, positive, God-fearing, and God-inspired people. Be with people who can influence us positively!
Romans 12:2 says: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
8. Pray Surrender our concerns and frustrations to the Lord. Let God be part of our lives, and let Him provide the solution to the problems that face us, in His time, and according to His will.
After we have done our part and given our best, let our singular prayer be:
“Thy will be done.”