Optimistic Nihilism May Help If You're Tired of Being Depressed

 There are precious few things to be optimistic about when one is depressed, so you must be thinking I'm cuckoo. Well, allow me to explain. The way I see it, nihilism is a school of thought which believes that life is meaningless. Needless to say, that's a depressing point of view. Optimistic nihilism is, therefore, a brighter outlook than mere nihilism as it proposes that since life is meaningless, we are free to give it whatever meaning we choose.

Why Optimistic Nihilism Can Help Depression

Why does an attitude of optimistic nihilism help someone with depression? I believe there are two reasons behind this: one, depression not only makes one lose interest in goals and hobbies, but it can also make that person experience an existential crisis. Speaking from personal experience, an existential crisis occurs when you question the meaning and purpose of your life.

The duration, intensity, and recurrence of the crisis vary from person to person, but the result is typically the same: despair, depression, anxiety, and stress. This is because many of us are not living life on our own terms, or we are setting unrealistic expectations owing to social conditioning. Existential crises make depression worse, and depression worsens existential crises. This is a vicious cycle that can be broken when one rejects rigid social norms regarding what makes your existence meaningful.

Constantly Redefine Your Purpose 

To keep depression at bay, it is important to find purpose in the things that matter to you. This is where optimistic nihilism can help you. Watch the video below to get an idea of how I incorporate this philosophy in my life. 

Seeking Professional Help for Optimistic Nihilism

Optimistic nihilism seems easy to execute in theory, but in reality, it can be quite challenging. I have found myself gravitating towards full-blown nihilism at times. In fact, as recently as two days back, I was tempted to shave off my eyebrows. I was tweezing my eyebrows and suddenly got the urge to get rid of them, because everything is pointless, right? I stopped myself in the nick of time somehow.

Of course, this was a low-stakes situation, but you can imagine how it can escalate to something life-threatening. It's easy to remove the optimism from nihilism. Plus, optimistic nihilism is not a cure for depression, it's not a replacement for therapy, and it's definitely not a stand-in for psychiatric medication. If you find yourself depressed and/or suicidal, please consult a mental health professional.  

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The Depression Roller Coaster Won't Let You Enjoy the Ride

 It’s surprising how quickly depression's ups and downs can get you. It’s almost as if, you’re going along feeling pretty good and then WHAM, depression slams into you and says, “Now, now… you have chronic depression, remember? You’re not allowed to feel too good.” That’s the depression roller coaster.

The Depression Roller Coaster Gives No Advance Warning

I’ve been feeling pretty good lately so imagine my surprise and confusion when after a light, afternoon nap, I woke up feeling acutely negative and sad and I could feel the depression on me like a mound of heavy dirt. Clinically, it’s not supposed to happen that way, I suppose. It's like a roller coaster sometimes. Up one hour, down the next. But I know the darkness of depression all too well so when I’m in it, I know I’m in it.

I knew enough to be honest with my husband about it; no sense in trying to candy-coat it. He knows me too well anyway. I explained that I was confused by this sudden drop and that I’d be better off alone in my room where I hoped it would pass. He was probably hoping the same thing. Lord only knows what the poor man feels when I’m at the start of a downhill drop.

I also knew that in order to prevent this chemical spill (of the brain) from drowning me in its ooze, I had to practice my CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).

What to Do When the Depression Roller Coaster Drops

All you can do when the major depression roller coaster plummets you to the ground is to take care of yourself and practice your cognitive behavioral therapy skills.

It was the evening already so I:

• Took a calming shower – stopped to appreciate how lucky I am to have hot water (gratitude)
• Got into bed under the warm covers – felt the soft flannel sheets envelope me and reminded myself that I am not drowning in ooze (positive reinforcement)
• Watched distraction television – sitcoms can work wonders if you let them (trying to focus on something other than my thoughts)

The next day, I:

• Slept in – but not too late (there is a fine line between extra rest and too much rest)
• Stayed home from work – did some work from home (which was a real challenge but I felt good after it was done)
• Ate good, wholesome foods (even though I really, REALLY wanted junk food)
• Got some exercise – walked the dog (she kept looking at me in that “you know you need it more than I do” way of hers when she senses my depression)
• Watched more television – in the fetal position (accepting the pain as a part of who I am)

I started to feel better.

Testing the Roller Coaster of Depression's Resolve

The day after that I went back to work, the depression having lifted somewhat – enough for me to at least test the ride to see if I was on my way back up. Thankfully, I was though who knows how long it will be before I hit the peak again, then sail screaming down the other side.

Regardless of how long I have battled depression, it still surprises me how it can just appear out of nowhere and knock me off my feet. It’s a few days later now and while I still don’t feel as good as I did before this roller coaster of depression began, I can at least function almost normally . . . and go on.

Tags: depression roller coaster

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Farewell Post as a 'Coping with Depression' Blogger

 

Over a year ago, you welcomed me to the Coping with Depression blog. Since then, I have had the opportunity to write specifically about postpartum depression and how it impacted my life. As I write this final post, my hope is that you've found help and encouragement through reading about my experiences with postpartum depression. 

Why I Am Grateful

I want to thank HealthyPlace for the opportunity to write, grow, and reflect through this blog. Many mothers suffer postpartum depression in silence, shame, or solitude. It should not be so. The Coping with Depression blog offers human connection through open communication, empathy, and education. HealthyPlace is where people can say, "Really? Me, too! It's nice to know I'm not the only one."

This connection happens between people of all backgrounds and beliefs because mental illness does not know ethnic, socioeconomic, or cultural boundaries. 

I also want to thank you, readers, for being here. You are the reason I wrote each month. 

Postpartum depression was not something I wanted. It's not something I always handled well. But I learned valuable lessons from it that have helped me draw closer to my husband and children. As a result of postpartum depression, I became more patient, emotionally responsive, and humble. I don't take a good relationship with my children for granted. And while I would never wish mental illness on either of my children, I know that if they were to experience it, I would be better prepared to support them. For that, I am filled with gratitude. 

Looking Forward

While I am moving on to pursue other opportunities, I will still be around to root for you and connect with you. If you are going through postpartum depression, know that you are not alone. You have an army of women who have been through it and come out stronger on the other side. Postpartum depression is not weakness or failure; it's an illness that can make you a better parent in the long run. Seek treatment, give yourself grace, and take it one day at a time. There are easier days ahead. I wish you nothing but the very best, dear friends. 

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The Quick-Fix Mediterranean Diet

 The Quick-Fix Mediterranean Diet

By Michael Gollust

Adding international flair to your diet could quickly lead to a healthier heart.

After only 3 months of eating a Mediterranean diet, study participants reduced their risk of cardiovascular disease by approximately 15%. A Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, low-fat dairy, and olive oil. Planning your meals around these items may be even better for your heart than a low-fat diet.

In a recent study, two groups of participants with moderate risk factors for cardiovascular disease were placed on a Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet for 3 months. By the end of the study, members of both groups experienced improvements in body mass index (BMI), blood lipids, and other risk factors. While those in the low-fat diet group reduced their risk for cardiovascular disease by an estimated 9%, participants in the Mediterranean-diet group lowered their disease risk by approximately 15%.

The abundant disease-fighting nutrients found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, and fish make a Mediterranean diet one of the healthiest around. Whole grains are rich in fiber, magnesium, and B-vitamins; fruits and vegetables are filled with heart-healthy antioxidants; and olive oil, fish, and nuts provide artery-friendly mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Make these delicious and healthful foods the foundation of your diet. In a few short months, you'll be on your way to reaping the long-term benefits.

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