Don’t Know Why You’re Depressed?—Try This!
Have you ever felt depressed and didn’t even know why? Feeling down in the dumps is bad enough, but add the burden of trying to figure out the cause for your blues, and it’s enough to drive you crazy!
Sometimes we become so obsessed with trying to figure out why we’re feeling upset that we begin to overthink the issue, and turning possible causes over and over in our heads just makes us feel more anxious, and ultimately more depressed.
Wanting to know why you’re feeling the signs of depression is a natural instinct, though. After all, if we don’t know what the problem is, how on Earth can we even begin to solve it?
Here’s what you need to know about depression, though. It’s not always a result of your circumstances. You could have the perfect job, be satisfied with your relationships, enjoy financial security, and still be depressed! It happens all the time. If you’re feeling the signs of depression despite having it pretty good, then you may even be feeling guilty for being depressed! Don’t worry, though. There are three key causes of depression that have little at all to do with your emotions:
Nutritional Deficits
Even if you’re not underweight, you could still be suffering from nutritional deficits. Feeding your body really does feed your soul, so you need to think about what you’re putting in there! If you’re eating convenience foods on the go, then there’s a good chance that your body’s not getting what it needs. Try cutting back on the junk and incorporating fresh fruits, fish, and brown rice into your diet in order to beat depression.
Lack of Exercise
Many of us are chained to our desks these days. If that sounds like you, then it’s likely you’re not getting enough exercise. Maybe you’re feeling lethargic and tired all the time. While it might seem counterintuitive to go out and exert yourself while you’re feeling tired, getting your heart rate up by working out on a regular basis can actually give you more energy throughout the day and help you feel mentally alert as well, so that you can cross all of those items off on that to-do list of yours.
Not Enough Sleep
When there’s not enough hours in the day to get everything done, we sometimes start cutting back on sleep just to keep up with our crazy schedules. Although this might sound like the practical (and even noble) thing to do, it can really take a toll on your mood. You know how it’s so much easier to snap at your kids or co-workers when you’re sleep-deprived? Well, that’s not the only consequences of not getting your “Z”s. You’ll also be less productive and have a hard time focusing the next day, so do yourself and those around you a favor by turning in early each night.
As you’re seeking out the cause of your depression, realize that depression isn’t always a bad thing. While it might be uncomfortable for a time, it’s also an important part of your personal and spiritual development. Just as physical pain is a sign that something is wrong with the body, emotional pain can help us realize that something is off kilter spiritually. Use this time to reflect on your life’s purpose and learn how to get in touch with the peace that lives within you.