What is depression?

Most explanations of depression merely rephrase its symptoms without addressing the root of the problem. However, one thing is clear: depression is fundamentally a mental phenomenon.

While certain physical ailments may share symptoms with depression, it cannot be cured solely with medication. Since depression originates in the mind, we must examine what exactly happens there.

The mind encompasses more than just our brains. It is a vast collection of thoughts, memories, emotions, and desires. These elements constitute the mind.

Depression often stems from the unknown—uncertainty about how situations will unfold, confusion about why things happen as they do, and feelings of losing control over one’s life. It is characterized by an uncontrolled thought process that typically dwells on past events.

We cannot change the past; it’s gone. While we can learn from past experiences, it’s crucial to learn to let go and live in the present moment. There’s a saying, “If you’re stressed, you’re living in the future; if you’re depressed, you are living in the past.” This statement rings true, doesn’t it?

The signs, symptoms, and effects of stress and depression are very similar, with many manifesting physically. However, the root cause of both conditions lies in the mind. This is actually good news because it means that you have the power to address and manage it.

Some symptoms of depression manifest in the body. To determine if what you are experiencing might indeed be depression, consider these signs, symptoms, and effects.

It’s not necessary to experience all the symptoms listed. Regularly encountering a combination of two or three of these symptoms could indicate depression that requires attention.

Signs

Loss of Interest

Fatigue

Feeling Guilty

Extreme Negativity

Feeling Bored

Constant Fidgeting

Agitation

Lack of Energy

symptoms

Chronic Pain

Frequent Sickness

Insomnia

Lack of Appetite

Digestion Problems

Stomach Ache

Headache

Loss of Sexual Desire

Effects

Confusion

Emotional Imbalance

Erratic Decisions

Forgetfulness

Anger

Persistent Sadness

Hopelessness

Loneliness

How to go beyond depression

Let’s explore 10 quick and effective ways to move beyond depression:

1) Spend time with a friend and focus on discussing positive topics. Avoid indulging in mutual commiseration or a “pity party.”

2) Engage in creative activities. Create something beautiful or do something enjoyable and novel. This can divert your mind from repetitive, negative thought patterns.

3) Monitor the language of your internal dialogue during moments of depression. Make a conscious effort to steer clear of negative self-talk. If you begin to feel down, think of a color—say “red.” Repeat the word “red, red, red” in your mind, envision the color, and continue until your mind is filled with red, displacing depressive thoughts. It may sound odd, but it’s effective!

4) Address minor irritations in your life, such as a table you frequently bump your toe on, a squeaky door, or a broken lid. Fixing these small annoyances can significantly reduce negative background noise in your thoughts. Organizing and cleaning your living space can also significantly uplift a depressed mood.

5) Surround yourself with pets and immerse yourself in nature. The natural world has a profound healing effect on depression. Fresh air, in particular, can foster positive mental states.

6) Listen to pleasant and uplifting instrumental music, or tune into the sounds of nature and birds. While you listen, enjoy a cup of tea. Make sure to use a nice cup—you deserve that bit of elegance and comfort!

7) Don’t worry about things beyond your control. Fretting over such matters only fuels the negative mental roller coaster.

8) Cultivate love, compassion, and forgiveness. Avoid holding onto negative emotions like anger, resentment, or jealousy, as they only exacerbate feelings of depression.

9) Recognize that your emotional state influences your thought processes, which in turn impact your levels of stress and depression. Learning to identify and manage your emotions can significantly alter your experience of depression.

10) Practice mindfulness in your daily actions. Stay present and engaged in the moment. Avoid ruminating on the past since it cannot be changed. Understand that everything unfolds as it should, and you have the power to effect change only in the present moment. If there’s something you can do right now to improve your life, seize the opportunity. Act today, not tomorrow or yesterday.

Books By Nirvana

The Silent Path

Even some of the most generally accepted realities of life, such as society, religion, family, politics, success and failure, are all, at the end of the day, just ideas. If there is anything real to life, it emanates from within us. Growing up is simply a process of discovering how much of what we call life is shaped by our own unique individuality.

In “The Silent Path”, enlightened teacher Nirvana (Avi) gives us a hard-hitting message of finding our own individual path to freedom. He strips life down to its bare essentials, providing a systematic and scientific approach to self-transformation. Even at the risk of stepping on the toes of certain deeply held institutional beliefs, he answers the questions of seekers with unmatched honesty and openness.

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The Greatest Love Story Never Told

Truth has infinite patience. It can quietly wait for centuries looking for the right opportunity to reveal itself. More than two thousand years in the making, this is the revolutionary book we have been waiting for – one that can remove the shroud of misunderstanding hanging over the magnificent lives of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, to reveal, for the first time, their true human story.

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In Search of I

Are you curious about the practice of meditation, but unsure about where to begin? Look no further than “In Search of I – The Alchemy of Meditation”, a guidebook that demystifies meditation and shows you how to make it an integral part of your life.

In this book, enlightened teacher Nirvana (Avi) takes you on a magical journey through the labyrinth of meditation, answering some of the most important questions you may have about this ancient practice. Avi uses simple, easy-to-understand language to explain the benefits of meditation, as well as what it can and cannot do for you.

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The Ocean in a Drop

Imagine a reality where life deviates completely from our current experience. Throughout countless generations, we have entered this world bound by family, religion, and society, passively absorbing the teachings of our predecessors without question.

In this captivating work, Nirvana (Avi) leads us on an enlightening expedition across various paradigms of human existence – the mind, knowledge, reality, religion, society, and evolution. He masterfully reveals the illusions, entrapments, deceptions, and manipulations that have held us captive, preventing us from embracing our genuine nature. By liberating ourselves from preconceived notions, we open the gateway to the ultimate encounter with life – an awakening to our authentic selves.

With awakened vision, Nirvana serves as our guide, unveiling the barriers hindering us from experiencing life in its purest essence. The profound insights within this book will expand your consciousness, deepening your comprehension of the true fabric of reality and propelling you forward in your quest for self-discovery.

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The Whirling Dervish

Step into a world beyond time, where the verses of Rumi dance in eternal silence, revealing the essence of a mystical vision that has captivated our imagination for over seven centuries. Hidden within the words of this wise Persian sage, you’ll find a priceless treasure trove of wisdom that transcends all cultural and religious boundaries to open a playful path to self-discovery.

In this enchanting, witty and thought-provoking interpretation of Rumi’s poetic verses, enlightened teacher Nirvana (Avi) uncovers a hidden path to joy and contentment – the path of love. Prepare to be captivated by the fascinating exploration of Rumi’s longing heart – a journey that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

“The Whirling Dervish” is not merely a book – it is a sacred pilgrimage through the hidden corridors of the heart. So, dear seeker of truth, take that first step into the mystical embrace of Rumi’s poetry. The path of love awaits, and with it, the revelation of your highest nature – a transformation that will illuminate your soul and set it aglow with the eternal flame of divine love.

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Where The Hell Are You Going?

The present is not just a moment. It is a reality of its own that does not belong to time. It is next to impossible for the human mind to understand the present, for it dwells only in the past or the future. Perhaps this is why, as human beings – creatures bound to the mind – we struggle to comprehend the sheer magnanimity of mindfulness, the subtle art of being here and now.

In this fascinating deep dive into the world of the “Now,” enlightened teacher Nirvana (Avi) takes us on a magical journey through the labyrinth of the mind – its fears and afflictions, desires and disappointments – to a place pulsing with pure peace, bliss, and aliveness: the eternal now.

The reason we often miss the magic of the present moment is that it seems like too simple a solution for life’s complex problems. Yet, many times, it is the simplest things that are the hardest to understand. Navigating the mysterious realm of the now takes knowledge and skill. Who better to guide us on this magnificent journey than a realized teacher whose dwelling is the present moment?

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*Disclaimer: This page offers suggestions for handling depression. We do not guarantee specific results and the results can vary.

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