I’m feeling down and depressed – get me out of here!

Mental health and nature

With the busy, treadmill, rat-race world we live in today anyone can get overwhelmed, and feel like everything is on top of them. It could be everyday stresses, or for circumstantial reasons like divorce, bereavement, or financial misfortune. Basically situations beyond our control. They can all get you down and depressed.

Just like many people in the world today I suffer from mental health issues. I have frequent bouts of anxiety and have in the past been diagnosed with depression. In my experience, having depression is something you won’t ever be cured of. Once you’ve had it, it’s as if you’re predisposed to a reoccurrence. With me, it can rear its ugly head anytime, completely out of the blue, sometimes for no apparent reason at all.

Down and depressed – is it junk food affecting your mental health?

Did you know that ultra-processed foods can increase feelings of depression? You can read about a study into this here. Shocking isn’t it? Especially when it’s hard to avoid processed food on our supermarket shelves. And it’s easy to get into that vicious circle of comfort eating because you feel down and just need a pick-me-up. I know I do this. But that can make you feel worse, with low mood and sluggishness, you feel fit for nothing. You probably won’t feel like cooking, especially healthy whole foods. Your choices are takeaway junk food, a shove-in-the-oven ready meal, or attacking that multipack bag of crisps that are screaming at you from the cupboard. (Or in my case, scoffing large bars of chocolate in one go.) Then the whole cycle starts again. Sound familiar? Easy options – or are they? This certainly won’t help your state of mind.

In my down and depressed experience…

The best way I can describe the feelings of depression creeping on is that it’s like having two bullies approach you, one called anxiety, the other depression. Anxiety starts on you first, trying to grind you down, making you feel worthless, vulnerable and small.  This gives depression the perfect opportunity to put the boot in, kicking you so far down you may not feel like facing the world.

There have been times in my life when I’ve been really deep in depression. For those who have experienced this you know what I’m talking about. It can feel like the world is better off without you, and no one can can convince you otherwise. People will tell you ‘You have so much to live for, so much going for you’, but you’re too deep to listen. It’s not what I wanted to hear. It always felt patronising.

Then, by chance, I read a brilliant self-help book on depression. Living With Depression: A guide from someone who knows by Joanne Wright is a great book, written from the point of view of a person who suffers from depression. (This book is available on Amazon, I make no money from this recommendation.) One of the best pieces of advice given in this book was that if you began to feel those dreaded feelings coming on, tell someone you trust. It really helps. They may not be able to give you the answers, but just telling them, and explaining as best you can, will help (not always easy, especially if you can’t explain why you feel so crap). Choose someone who’s not judgemental, is understanding, and someone who cares. Someone who will just listen.

My someone I trust when I’m down and depressed

The someone I trust is my husband, Jason. Vomity isn’t it! Seriously though, he has helped me so many times, and for that, I shall be forever indebted. He instinctively knows what to do. He doesn’t try to give answers, he listens, and he knows one of the best therapies going.

Outside in nature.

Looking up to the sky, watching as the tree tops sway in the breeze. Catching sight of a feeding deer or a swimming duck can be quite an escape, albeit for a couple of hours. Lie down in a field and look up at a blue sky. As well as blue being a very calming colour, watching clouds pass can be mesmerising, almost meditative. Even in the rain, hearing the drops of water hitting leaves can be relaxing. Sometimes we need that time just to reset and rest our minds.

You can read more about how nature can help with depression on the information and support organisation MIND website here.

Spending time with animals

Even stroking our pet cats, Fergal and Lulu, helps. Animals don’t judge you, they just be. They aren’t going to tell you to ‘pull yourself together’. They will just enjoy being fussed over, and will reward you with love.

You can read how animals can help with mental health here.

Now I’m not suggesting for one minute that depression can be cured with a walk in the woods or a cuddle with a cat, but before the onset of deep depression it can really help. Being at one with nature, animals and wildlife helps me clear my mind and refocus. Check out another post of mine ‘Who’s hiding in the garden?’ here. Of course, anyone who thinks they may be suffering from a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression should consult their doctor or mental health practitioner for help. You may need medication and specialist help.

I am not a doctor or mental health specialist. I am just sharing my own experiences of dealing with my own mental health.

Nature, wildlife, and animals can be a wonderful therapy and is free to use anytime we need it. When you feel down and depressed it might be something worth trying.