Sad and Empty

Are you still grieving over a loved one who passed away? Are you still nursing a broken heart after the person you love the most left you for someone else? Are you experiencing sleepless nights over a huge problem that has been bothering you for too long?

Do you feel like your world suddenly stopped turning? Do you feel like you just want to disappear to end all your worries?

You may be depressed for a reason, but life has to go on. Here are some tips to help you conquer depression and move on with your life:

• Open up to your family and friends. Often, people who are depressed tend to shut other people out of their lives. They deal with their troubles alone, thinking that no one can help them. What you may not know is that there actually are people who are willing and able to help you. You just have to open up and tell them you need them. Sometimes, all they have to do is listen to you to help make you feel better. A hug also makes wonders. A gentle touch soothes tired muscles and helps a person feel loved and cared for.
• Channel your grief toward useful endeavors. Filipino journalist Cathy Babao-Guballa lost her son Migi to a congenital heart defect in 2000. Instead of wallowing in depression, Cathy decided to channel her grief toward helping make sick children smile. She founded the Migi’s Corner Foundation and embarked on the project of building playrooms for sick children in government hospitals. Today, there are 11 Migi’s Corners across the Philippines. Cathy says she is very happy because through the Migi’s Corners, the memory of her son lives on.
• Don’t forget to pray. Praying or just simply talking to the One up there helps clear one’s mind of unhealthy thoughts that usually come to depressed people. Talk to Him. Ask for the much-needed guidance. You know that He’s listening to you.
• Live for others. Just because someone died or someone decided to go away does not mean you have to stop living. There are other people who will get hurt knowing that you are living a life full of grief, emptiness, and depression. Try to overcome depression by thinking of the other people who love and care for you.

Put a smile on your face. There are people who have experienced worse challenges, but have overcome them with grace. You certainly can do the same. Conquer your depression and continue appreciating the beauty of life.