Hello Friends!
Merry Christmas! I know you’re all feeling jinglely jolly and totally in the Christmas spirit right? What–you’re not??? This is the most joyful time of the year isn’t it? Aren’t we all supposed to be singing Christmas carols and running around all merry and bright? Well, unless you’re one of Santa’s elves or are in a Hallmark movie, chances are you may not be feelin’ it. In fact, you may be feeling sad, depressed, lonely, or just plain blue.
Everybody gets the blues sometimes
What Makes Us Sad?
These feelings are quite normal for a lot of folks. As holidays approach, we tend to think of the past, loved ones who are no longer with us, how things used to be, and of course we begin to feel sadness. However, holidays are not the only time we can become depressed. Lots of things can cause us to get the blues. You may not be in a good place in your life right now, maybe you’re having relationship issues, family, financial or health problems, you don’t feel good about yourself or you may be stuck living in the past, not willing to let go.
You may be doing ok, then the simplest thing can trigger those emotions and send you spiraling downward into that funk that may last a few hours, a day, a week, or longer. The weather can greatly affect our mood–this is a big one for me. If it’s rainy, gray, dark, gloomy, cloudy or cold, it evokes a much different feeling than if it is sunny, bright, and warm. Another big trigger for me is music. I can be fine–then hear a song, or even just a melody, and it stops me in my tracks–taking me to somewhere in the past, remembering a person, place or a time that was so special and knowing it can never be that way again. Suddenly, I become very sad, depressed, and unmotivated.
Sometimes, you may not even know why you’re feeling blue. Nothing has happened, everything is ok, nothing has changed, yet you still feel depressed. Unlike some of the external factors mentioned above that can make us feel that way, sometimes it may be a chemical imbalance in our brain or simply the devil trying to bring us down and steal our joy.
Life That Society Dictates
Another big reason I think, is life–the one society has programmed us to live. The so-called ‘normal’ way of life generally looks like this: You grow up, go to school, get a job, work towards a career that can make you more money–so you can be what society has deemed ‘successful’. To the world that means having nice things such as the big house, the best car, designer clothes, all the trinkets, toys, and latest gadgets. You don’t have the newest IPhone? OMG! You HAVE to get it! Really–do I?
Don’t Fall Into The Trap!
This is the trap that so many people fall into. I am going to be writing and discussing more on this subject in the future, so I don’t want to get very deep into it now. The point is, when people don’t feel like they’re living up to society’s expectations, then they can become depressed. They then begin to ask the question: “Is this all there is?” Be sure and stay tuned–I think you will find it an interesting read.
10 Tips To Beat The Blues Video–YouTube
So, I’ve listed some reasons and triggers that can make us feel depressed. I discuss these and offer 10 TIPS that have helped me get out of the blues not only around holidays but throughout the year– on the Gal Gone Camping YouTube Channel. Click here: https://youtu.be/VwzDcVQzzNk to find out what those are!
Follow Up Thoughts On Facebook Page
I had a few follow up thoughts after I filmed that video, so I mention those in a short little clip on the Gal Gone Camping Facebook Page. You can view that here: https://www.facebook.com/CatrinaVargo66/videos/406023577182209
Clarifying Two Points
I want to clear up a couple points: (1) When I suggest that you surround yourself with upbeat positive people, that does not mean that you can’t still be a friend to someone who is also down or depressed. We certainly have to lift each other up and be there for those friends or family who need someone to listen. I’m talking about day in-day out, dealing with a severely depressed person who needs professional help. There’s only so much you, as a loved one, can do.
(2) When I say I believe in astronomy/astrology…I mean in regards to how the earth works in relation to the moon and solar system. It has an effect on our moods and plays a part in our personalities. According to what time of year your were born, it stands to reason that you would inherit traits of that season and those elements. God designed us and made us from the earth, so of course there’s going to be a connection! Take the Farmer’s Almanac for example, and how our ancestors used signs to plant crops, navigate the sea, hunt, etc….still being used today.
I DO NOT believe in the man made fortune telling side of astrology. I mean fortune cookie fortunes and that kind of thing is pure entertainment. Trying to seek your future from a ‘fortune teller’ is something entirely different. You can believe what you want, but there’s only ONE who knows our future and that is Almighty God. That’s who I seek and serve.
For Severe Depression, See a Doctor!
Please remember–these are just my suggestions; things that have helped me. As I say in the video, if you’re in a severe, ongoing depression, it’s time to see a doctor. There is no shame in asking for help for any kind of mental illness. Our brain is a part of our body; it gets sick just like any other part of us. I’m talking about the kind of depression that comes and goes; the general blues that we all get sometimes.
I hope you all are happy and well. When you do get the blues, I hope some of the ideas on the video will help you as they have me. Please list any tips you have for beating the blues in the comment section below and on the YouTube channel. Lets help each other! Stay safe and be happy my friends.
Until next time, remember...DON’T WAIT TO LIVE!
See ya down the road,
Catrina