Blue Monday name seems cool, although it is the term to describe the most sad day of the year...So let's talk about sadness and depressive disorder.
Science says that chemicals rule the mood, research have learnt so much about depression so they can even determine the genes responsible for the problem. The overactive amygdala part of the limbic system associated with emotions such as anger, pleasure, sorrow, fear and sexual arousal can cause depressive disorders. Thalamus is also participating in this hard ball game as reasearch suggests that the thalamus problems with sensory input linking to pleasant and unpleasant feelings might be the cause of bipolar disorder. Hippocampus and long term memory linked with bad experience recalls can describe the reaction as "once bitten, twice shy" basically some people once hurt avoid the situations which may result in painful experience. Others blame acetylcholine, serotonin , neurotransmitters and hormonal imbalance. Other people are linking it to weather conditions and lack of sun.
Eastern religions like Buddhism link suffering to three poisons ignorance(confusion), attachment (greed) and aversion (hatered). Being ignorant leads to incorrect decisions, and lack of understanding why they are incorrect... Greed leads to anxiety and restlessness, false assurance that upon gaining possession we will be put at ease and satisfied. Aversion can produce obsessivr thinking and paranoia.
Depression and addictions. Roughly 1/3 of adults who have substanve use disorder also suffer from depression. Alcohol is CNS depressant, as it triggers depression symptoms likr lethargy, safness and hopelessness. Moderate to high doses of anabolic steroids are also associated with major mood disorders such as mania, hypomania, major depressiin. Steroids can cause anxiety, paranoia and psychosis and lead to social and emotional problems as they affect brain neurotransmitter system.
Although depression results from many factors science and religion agree that it can be worked with and worked out. Yes - we hold the ability to train the brain to cope with the feeling of sadness and teach it to respond in our favour.
1. The more we change the way we perceive obstacles and bad experience, the happier we become. Change the perspective and everything will change.
2. Move, when u bad, move when u lazy, move when you sad. Physical activity can even out the chemicals. Get tired from exercise is a great way to calm down
3. Invest in experiences not in material things. Learn samba, book spa or get the tickets to cinema/ theatre have something you will wait for.
4. Mental factors that are identified as opposites of the poisons are wisdom, generosity and kindness. Learn, share and love to win your friends.
5. Learn to let go things and people that no longer serve you.
Ps. My day was brilliant by the way. No trace of sadness.
