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The point here is not to disparage or castigate people who are depressed, but rather to point out that depression is essentially and fundamentally a function of what we are doing; how we are living our lives. It is not an illness. It is the body’s natural feedback system.
It is nature’s way of trying to induce in us some motivation to make changes in our lifestyle – to eat better; to abstain from toxic substances; to get out in the fresh air and sunshine; to identify goals and pursue them and to talk to friends and family honestly and openly about the things that trouble us. If we do these things consistently and regularly– if we integrate these things into our daily routines, then we will start to feel good. If we don’t do these things, we will feel depressed. Or as Peter Breggin, MD, puts it in Antidepressants Cause Suicide and Violence in Soldiers: “The principles for overcoming depression are exactly the same principles required for living a good and happy life.” |
People who have been living functional and productive lifestyles, as described above, however, will normally come to terms with the loss in a reasonable time frame. They will talk about the loss to the people in whom they confide; they will continue to eat well and to exercise, and will continue with the various purposeful activities they have always pursued.
Gradually the sense of loss will recede and the ability to enjoy life will return. When it seems as if life is coming apart at the seams, it is our routines that save us; provided we have established good functional routines which incorporate the seven factors mentioned above. |
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