Depression is a common illness that produces severe, prolonged sadness or sorrow. It is profoundly painful and disabling. Depression effects all aspects of the mind and body. When we are depressed, we feel sad, anxious, and often irritable. Our thoughts about ourselves, others, the world, and the future become unrealistically negative. We feel alone, hopeless, worthless, and helpless. Often, we are agitated and restless. Insomnia and fatigue are common. Our body and mind seem to slow, and it is difficult to focus, concentrate and remember. We lose interest, our appetite is altered, and we become withdrawn.
Sorrow is a normal human emotion that we experience when there is loss. We feel sad when a friend moves away, or we have a disagreement. We feel sorrow when others suffer. Like all emotions sorrow flows between people. When we are with a person or creature who is suffering, we feel the pain and distress in our own body and mind. This is especially strong when a family member or close friend is hurting. This sharing of emotions bonds people and groups and enables us to respond together and support each other in times of trouble.
Our evolutionary past was very dangerous, food and resources were scarce. During warfare, famine, and plague when family and friends died, we were plunged into deep grief. In the depths of grief, we withdraw from others, we lose our appetite, we weep for hours until we collapse into sleep. We stop moving and our mind slows, we descend into a black empty void of pain.
This torturous state of suspended animation conserves energy reduces transmission of infection and keeps us in our caves safe from danger for several months. In the past this state would have made it more likely that members of our group survived. As we emerge from grief, we are desperate to avoid its ravages and this motivates us to protect the people and creatures we love, to store food for winter and defend ourselves against other groups who may kill us or bring infection.
Today we are fortunate to live in a much safer environment with abundant food, most people have secure shelter so periods of prolonged withdrawal and slowing of body and mind are not needed for our survival.
Emotions emerge from a highly complex interaction of body and mind processes. Like instruments in a vast orchestra the movement of chemicals in nerve cells, the hormones in our tissues, the chemicals made by the microbes in our gut, sensory information from the present, our memories, thoughts, and so much more, produce an emotional state – the ‘music’ of the mind. This state changes moment by moment and resonates in the people around us. Emotions literally move us. When we are frightened our group runs, anger activates us to fight, and when we are happy, we laugh, sing and rest.
Things that reduce the health of our body, and events that make us sad or distressed, increase the risk of depression. Examples include a low nutrition diet, eating food full of inflammatory chemicals such as saturated fats and sugars, sleep deprivation, reduced exercise, chronic infections, and autoimmune conditions.
Suffering abuse and being treated in a cruel or derogatory manner, especially when we are in a vulnerable situation such as being poor, sick, or elderly is highly stressful, and often results in depression. People who have been psychologically, physically or sexually abused in childhood can find it very difficult to connect with and trust others and can often become chronically depressed.
When we witness other people and creatures suffering, we feel sorrow and distress. Today we can see and talk with others across the globe. We are like nerve cells connecting across vast distances thinking and feeling together. We are forming something like a global brain. This allows us to collaborate, co-operate and be far more creative and innovative than in the past.
We are literally able to see and hear the suffering of people in real time across the world, this expands our circle of compassion exponentially. This is essential if we are to break through our instinctual fear of other people or creatures who seem different to us. This connection exposes us to immense suffering and pain and can be overwhelming. Spending time with a group of people can share the load of distress and lift our spirits. This is difficult if we live alone or with only one or two people. Our goal must be to do what we can to reduce the suffering of others, but because this situation has only developed recently, the structures in society that allow us to provide safety, shelter, healthy food, comfort and care to all people and creatures are just starting to be built.
The task of providing safety and abundance for everyone, while also addressing global warming and protecting and restoring nature seems impossible. Fortunately, the connections between us also allow us to innovate and problem solve at an exponentially faster rate. If we can push through the pain, confusion and fear and keep working together the transformations that are already happening in the information, energy, transport, materials, and food systems will make it possible to provide abundant, cheap, clean energy, affordable housing, and healthy food for everyone. These new technologies are sustainable and use orders of magnitude less water and land, making it possible to protect and restore huge areas of natural ecosystems. These technologies provide many advantages and are rapidly becoming cheaper and more accessible. Just as when the car replaced the horse, and the smart phone replaced the landline, the typewriter, and the hardcopy encyclopaedia these changes will occur rapidly within a ten-to-fifteen-year period. Rapid change can be confusing and frightening, and it is essential that we are kind, patient and supportive of each other.
Depression is diagnosed when we experience persistent deep sadness for more than two weeks. We can all become depressed if we suffer too much illness, stress, or loss. People who are more prone to anxiety tend to think about what could go wrong and often plan and avoid difficulties, they can be more prepared and better able to cope when problems occur. Unfortunately, in times of change and uncertainty anxiety can become overwhelming and we can drop into a state of depression and despair. Highly compassionate and sensitive people are very aware of the suffering of others. These loving, kind people feel the distress of others deeply, and can often become depressed. It is important to treat yourself with kindness and care. We can only help others if we are ok. The happier, healthier, and calmer we are the more we can help others.
To reduce depression, we must maximise the health of our body and mind. We need to look after the physical health of our body with clean air, water, and nutritious food. We need to move our body regularly, so it is strong and fit. Safety, acceptance, and support from others is essential. Meaning, purpose, and fun enhance our well-being.
If you are experiencing depression, if possible, talk to family, friends, and your Doctor (GP). If you don’t have a GP book into a local medical clinic as soon as possible. Depression is treatable and support from others helps reduce the suffering and loneliness. Sometimes the pain is overwhelming, and depression often produces feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. We can lose perspective and become unrealistically negative and thoughts of wanting to die can often occur in depression. If you have suicidal thoughts or urges, please reach out for help urgently. There are many support services available including online telephone and 24-hour services.
Lifeline 13 1114
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue
The Black Dog Institute
Head To Health
