Depression and Solution
Stress and depression can darken even the brightest life. But when the outer world becomes too heavy, the inner world needs a deeper anchor. A true spiritual master does more than offer comforting words; he teaches us to rise above circumstances, strengthen our faith, discipline the mind, and discover the peace within
Persistent sadness, pessimism, and a loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities are hallmarks of depression, tension or stress. It is a frequent and significant mental health disease. It’s more than just the ups and downs of life, and it can seriously impair the regular functioning of life.
It is very easy to identify a person with this disease. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, inability to focus, suicidal ideation, and changes in eating and sleeping habits are only some of the signs of this disease. Depression affects people of all ages and all walks of life around the world. More than 264 million individuals around the world suffer from depression, according to estimates.
Indeterminate genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological variables are thought to contribute to the development of depression. It has far-reaching consequences, impacting not only a person’s mental health but also their physical health, their relationships, and their general quality of life. It can cause problems in one’s personal life, as well as in one’s professional and academic life.
We often believe that wealth, name and fame will free us from stress. However, in this modern era, the majority of wealthy people have the comfort and facilities and yet deep down they feel disturbed, stressed and frustrated. Of course, success sometimes brings even greater pressure when we are not vigilant. The more we achieve, the more carefully we must learn to handle its demands; otherwise, it causes imbalance in our lives.
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Known as the ‘King of Pop’, he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Michael Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards, including 8 for the album Thriller. Jackson was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice: in 1997 as a member of the Jackson 5 and in 2001 for his solo career. He had millions of fans around the world. He had a magnetic charisma that attracted men, women and children of all communities and classes. At a young age, he was at the top of his fame, record-selling albums, lavish living and success. But inside, he was alone, depressed and stressed. In his loneliness, that inner pain haunted him. As a result, he started to rely on drugs or surgery to kill the pain. But the depression won and the award winner lost. Michel Jackson took an overdose of drugs and killed himself.
In this way, individuals’ mental health has taken a hit due to the stress of keeping up with all of our achievements. In order to effectively treat and prevent depression, it is essential to understand the specific obstacles that modern life presents. We must foster a culture where true human connections, self-care, and a life well-lived are prioritized over material achievement. We can start combating the modern sickness of depression and making the world a happier and more compassionate place if we promote a culture that values emotional wellness.
Thus, the cause of depression is very clear; ‘we are chasing after physical wealth, neglecting our inner wealth. Moreover, our standard of happiness is based on these material things, which are unstable and perishable. So, how can they provide us with stability?’
Mahant Swami Maharaj states: “Not only the craving for present sense pleasures, but also overthinking about the future keeps us under constant stress. We pay too much attention to things that are beyond our control. Secondly, we think too much about other people and their opinions. All of these things can bring disaster into our lives.”
Swamiji further says, “Rather than thinking that we have got this human body to get a good job and earn lots of money, we should think that we are primarily here to attain inner peace, and the source of that peace is God.”
On 23 August 1988, Carlos Vega, a 62-year-old American, went to meet Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Los Angeles. On meeting Swamishri, Carlos said that you experience peace like no other. He then said that he had everything: cars, money and a beautiful home, but no inner peace. Swamishri interrupted him and said, “I have no money; I have God. When you have God, you have everything.”
Nonetheless, sometimes, even when we walk on the path of God, we may face difficulties and setbacks. But remember, God has his master plan. He knows where our destination is and will take us there. When we learn to see the bigger picture, we often realize that whatever happened to us ultimately had a purpose. Even the setbacks, failures, and disappointments that once seemed painful helped us grow, strengthened our character, and prepared us to face life with greater courage and wisdom.
Dr Swami Gyanananddas is a dedicated follower of the Swaminarayan tradition and has earned a PhD from MS University; Views presented are personal.