Emotions and Your Health

Cheryl Sarmiento, MD • February 16, 2021

DEPRESSION IS PAINFUL: HOW TO OVERCOME IT?

The effects of depression may extend beyond a person’s emotions and mental health. It can also affect a person’s physical health. On certain days we have all been sad, days when we feel helpless or hopeless that it weighs us down and

makes it difficult to interact with others.

These are the physical symptoms of depression – chronic pain, weight changes, a worsening of chronic health conditions and increased inflammation. Sleep is affected, low energy, poor concentration, and loss of pleasure in previously

enjoyed activities. If it’s prolonged and lasts more than 2 weeks, it can be a sign of serious disorder.

Is there a trick for overcoming depression and sadness and recovering our smile?

The first remedy is granting ourselves something we like. There's nothing like good food or good wine that can make you happy. They said that “chocolate is an antidepressant” and also no one would deny that a tough day can end well with a good beer. We are social people and for some, happiness is centered around the table with family and friends. It’s hard to refute this since all of us took part joyfully in banquets and feasts, and enjoyed the noble and good things in life. Truly the wine gladdens the human heart (although some people also clearly condemns getting drunk and mindless eating).
The second remedy is weeping. Someone said that “certain truths in life can only be seen with eyes cleansed by tears." Our melancholy gets worse if we have no way to vent. Weeping is the soul’s way to release a sorrow that can become paralyzing.
The third remedy is sharing our sorrow with a friend. Grieving a loss of a love one or something valuable can be devastating, but speaking about these things with a friend is a great help. When we are sad, we tend to see everything in tints of grey. A very effective antidote is opening our heart to a friend. Sometimes a brief message or phone call is enough to get another person’s perspective and for our outlook to once again be filled with light.
The fourth remedy against sadness is meditation and contemplating the truth. The truth will set you free. Look out, you are surrounded by beauty - sunset or sunrise, go for a nature walk or the beach; appreciate a work of art or music, these can be an effective balm against sadness. Speaking about beautiful things to other people is, for me, a real consolation.
The fifth remedy is bathing and sleeping. It’s natural that in order to alleviate an emotional condition one will sometimes have to resort to a bodily remedy such as any activity that is relaxing and soothing. There is something symbolic about water – water is use for cleansing and is refreshing. Likewise, with sleep, sleep is your brain in a bath. Cleansing your body of toxins and negative thoughts, gives the brain respite and recovery.

The body and soul are so closely intertwined, that a physical illness puts a toll on you both emotionally and mentally.

Depression is treatable. At Doctor for Life we recommend a combined approach, using medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. With the right support, a person can manage both physical and mental health effects of depression.

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