Here we are in MEXICO. You may be away from your family, as many expats in Mexico are. Even with the joys of electronic communication such as telephones, email, skype, and social media, being geographically distant from our loved ones can be saddening. We miss being able to be close and hold them in our arms.
On the other hand, because of the strong emotions involved, even periodic visits together with family can trigger feelings of agitation, unusual sadness, of a lack of meaningful connection, or a sense of regret in our capacity to mend broken relationships.
We can even suffer a markedly diminished sense of pleasure, like noticeably less interest in food or sex, and sleep. Some people become agitated, with an unexplained fatigue setting in. Such circumstances can even lead to anger, and when turned in on oneself, can become feelings of depression. Sometimes we go against our values for the sake of the family. Our sense of self-worth can be diminished, and we can even feel responsible for the unfortunate way things have developed.
Unfinished family business seems to come up whether we want it to or not. If we lose faith in ourselves, the stress of dealing with it becomes compounded by the internal stress we are already experiencing. These repeated stresses become well embedded in the patterns of our brain and mind functions. In fact, the brain starts to expect the same difficulty every time, and begins to function as if it will occur, independent of the circumstances. All that is required by then is an emotional or sensory trigger.
When the same feelings become frequent enough in our daily lives, the brain comes to function in a stuck manner, automatically, and unconsciously. We are then susceptible to becoming triggered by circumstances, without knowing why we feel this way. Unless we take steps to change our state, the trigger becomes a hair trigger, and almost anything can remind the mind and the brain to function in a depressed manner. A sense of helplessness and hopelessness become our partners. If these symptoms persist, seek professional help.
To regain flexibility, the brain and the mind merely need to re-set themselves, eliminating the emotional power of these automatic patterns. Brainwave Optimization (BWO) is an option that does not require medication. BWO is an effective and non-invasive way to help the brain and the mind to clear away patterns of the past and create not only new brain pathways, but new orientations to life. The brain becomes reset, with a new openness to experiences that would have been tainted before by old automatic perceptions and responses.
In combination with Brainwave Optimization, here are some things you can do to prevent depression becoming a habit:
- Engage in regular meditation, prayer, or mindfulness practices
- Read inspiring, devotional material regularly
- Live consciously connected with your Higher Power
- Get good sleep and rest
- Regular exercise
- Healthful food
- Adopt positive social contacts that your find supportive
- Most importantly, love and respect yourself in every way