Depression – how to come out of it

To a friend who sent me a SMS – “Owing to domestic reasons, I am depressed and have developed suicidal tendency ...”

First thing to understand is that depression is not caused by the circumstances but it manifests in us when our life energy (Pran Urja) is low – we wrongly attribute it to circumstances.

If we blame it on circumstances – changing circumstances not being solely in our hands – there will be no way out – one would be a helpless victim.
But fortunately, it is not so.  Even the word 'depression' is synonym with 'low level' of life energy.

If we understand that depression is a consequence of 'low level' of our 'energies', we can do something to 'raise' them.

This can be done by any activity involving fast and deep breathing – brisk walk (jogging by the young ones) for at least 40 minutes, Kapal Bati for about 10 minutes or any other similar activity. If we can do them twice a day, it will be still better.

Another thing to understand is that if we continue to brood over our circumstances – continue blaming persons concerned – it triggers feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, guilt etc. in us.  More we brood over the circumstances or blame others, these feelings are strengthened by the nourishment they get from our attention to them.

One has, therefore, to take off one's mind from them by engaging it in some kind of spiritual practice such as reading autobiographies of saints, reading spiritual texts like Ramcharitra Manas, Shrimadbhagwat etc.; doing japa of some mantras like "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare; Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare" or "Shri Rama Jai Rama Jai Jai Rama".

One needs to devote as much time on these activities (physical as also mental activities described above) as possible – one has to force oneself in doing them and not to give up if one does not feel like doing them – mun ko buddhi se control karane ki zarurat hai (mind has to be controlled through intellect).

And most important of all – Satsang, being with the Gurus and the Sadhakas, helps a lot in remaining on the path – it helps us to persevere (create and maintain motivation and continuity of efforts in us).

One may also consult a person practicing Batch Flower Remedies or refer to books on the subject (Google search will help find books).  These medicines available at big Homoeopathic Shops are very effective in dealing with such conditions.