What is depression?
Every person has times during which he or she feels sad, down in the dumps and miserable. These moods are perfectly normal, especially during difficult or stressful times. Depression, however, is diagnosed if feelings of negativity and despair come far too easily and stay for too long.  They make you lose interest in the things you like. Life starts losing its purpose and fun seems hard to find.

How does depression develop?
Reactive depression develops after an upsetting event, for example, the loss of a loved one, retrenchment, financial loss, relationship problems, etc.  This type of mood is a natural reaction to a sad or traumatic event. It is a normal part of life and we humans have had to deal with hardship and sorrow for centuries. Fortunately, we have all been programmed to recover with time. There is usually no quick-fix approach and it will require patience and self-discipline to move forward.

Endogenous depression comes from within, often without a clear cause, usually as a result of a chemical imbalance within your brain. In many cases this form of depression will require prescription medication.

What can I do to improve my mood?

Step 1
Cultivate a mindset of hope and optimism.
Do not focus on the negative things in your life and the world around you. This can easily become a preoccupation that will enhance the feeling that you are a victim, rather than the master of your destiny. Start by counting all your many blessings, however minor they may be. We tend to take so much for granted without really appreciating what we’ve got. Do not compare yourself with people who seem to have more than you. Look at those who are far worse off than you. Practise regular acts of kindness. Besides rewarding you with many uplifting emotions in return, these will also reassure you that you are a capable and valuable member of society, someone who is needed and with a duty to fulfil. Rely on your inner strength and core values such as integrity, honesty and courage to guide you. Do not allow yourself to become distracted or influenced by silly nonsense that is melodramatic and over-reactive.

Step 2
Cultivate supportive relationships.
It is sometimes difficult to maintain an accurate perspective of your situation on your own, or sustain the effort required to keep your spirit high. Do not associate with negative and pessimistic people. They will criticise your efforts, belittle your accomplishments and lower your self-confidence. Happy, self-confident and positive people, on the other hand, can make the world of difference to your mood. Actively seek their company and make it easy for them to communicate with you by being a pleasant, positive person.

Step 3
Give your brain a competitive edge.
NeuroVance enhances separate but interconnected components of brain function, thereby giving your brain an improved physiological advantage. Besides providing the essential agents required for brain cell development, it also supplies natural agents that neutralise the by-products of brain metabolism, improve blood flow to the brain, stimulate nerve transmission and regulate mood.

NeuroVance can be taken in conjunction with tranquillisers, sleeping tablets and antidepressants, and can be used by adults and children. No prescription is required. [Read more about NeuroVance]

Step 4
Go for therapy.
Psychotherapy helps people explore the roots of depression and anxiety. These may stem from unresolved conflict situations with family members or relations, for example, or because of long-standing defensive patterns developed because of a tendency to avoid conflict situations, rather than confront them. Cumulatively, these unresolved issues may lead to unsatisfied needs and emotions of despair and worthlessness.

Psychotherapy tends to work best with those who are curious to learn more about themselves and want to develop insight into the unconscious factors that contribute to their problems. Cognitive behavioural therapy, one of the many forms of psychotherapy, focuses on changing specific thought and behaviour patterns. Generally, the therapist and client will explore the issues which affect the client’s mood.

Step 5
Consult your doctor for an opinion on medication.
There are several highly effective pharmacological treatments for depression that your doctor can recommend. Since everyone responds differently to medication, you will need to keep your doctor informed of your progress so that he/she can monitor your response and adjust your dosage or product.