Fight Depression With Body, Mind, Spirit Medicine

I looked into the mirror. Leaning closer and looking into my eyes, I found myself repeating, "You ain't so bad! You ain't so bad! You ain't so bad!"

My wife peered around the corner, "What are you doing?" “I'm taking an ‘emotional pill’." What I did not tell her was that I had quoted Sylvester Stallone in the movie Rocky III!

If you feel depressed, you are not alone. I know what it is like. Drug companies would like you to think that taking their pills will make you feel better. But drugs can not really turn your mind around. Only you can do that! I recommend taking a whole cocktail of body, mind, and spirit "pills".

In my experience, when you are depressed the first 30 minutes of the day are the most difficult. No matter what dark thoughts may cross your mind, ignore them. Put yourself on automatic pilot.

First, take the bitter medicine. Set your alarm clock and get up when it rings. Then take two body pills. Take a steaming hot shower. Wash your hair. But remember to take a cold rinse before you step out. This will cool off your skin, sealing in the warmth and making the air around you feel warm. The last thing you want is to start swearing to yourself because you feel cold and shivery when you are trying to get dressed. Second, do a few toe touching and stretching exercises. This does not take much effort, but it will refresh you and relieve some of the pain you woke up with, so you feel like you can take on the day. Next, give yourself a mental pill. Look at yourself in the mirror and give yourself a pep talk. Quote your favorite song, book or movie characters. If you feel silly, laugh at yourself, or make faces. Then take two spiritual pills. Quote a Bible verse like, "This is the day that the Lord has made" or "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Then pray in your own words. Ask God to help you be curious about the day and to see light and hope in your situation.

All this may sound simple minded and childish. But within all of us there is a child. And, if you are depressed, my advise is to do whatever you can do to be encouraging to that inner child as soon as you wake up. Following these prescriptions may not cure you, but they will put you on a brighter path for the rest of the day.

Dr. Greene is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ and a resident of Richmond, IN. He is also the author of Benjamin's Dog Joseph, Feeling Better: The Wisdom of the Doc, You Can Feel Better: How to cope with chronic pain and physical disabilities, and co-author of Walking Free: the Nellie Zimmerman Story.

For further information about his books, please visit www.densmorereid.com

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