Despondency & despair

• What are despair and despondency?

• Natural remedies

• Other ways to help

 
What are despair and despondency?

Feelings of despair are a common symptom of low mood or long term illness. Someone who is in despair feels that there is no light at the end of the tunnel and that there is no hope for them. People who feel despair generally do not try to seek help as they think it is pointless. They might try different treatments to please their loved ones but they do not believe they will work.

People usually become despondent for the same reasons that they experience feelings of despair. Sufferers of despondency are easily discouraged when things go wrong or when faced with difficulties or small setbacks.

Natural remedies

• Bach Original Flower Remedies can help:

  • Gorse can restore a sense of faith and hope to sufferers of physical or emotional problems. The patient can feel brighter and happier to use illness as a positive experience. In milder cases, he or she feels on the road to recovery.

  • Gentian can help with despondency.

  • Sweet Chestnut relieves the extreme mental anguish that sufferers of despair and despondency feel.

  • Wild Rose is of use to people who are resigned to an unpleasant situation and make no attempt to change their lives.

  • Rescue Remedy is a blend of five Bach flower essences especially designed to help people cope with daily stressful situations. (Always read the label.)

• Light therapy - during the winter when there is less sunlight, serotonin levels can drop, making us feel tired and prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Try spending more time outside or try using special lights that simulate natural daylight. Studies have found they are very effective in enhancing mood.

• The Alexander Technique could be beneficial in managing your emotions in a healthier way.

• Body balance work such as yoga and shaitsu can help your body and mind connect in a way that promotes general happiness and a sense of wellbeing.

• Aromatherapy can help relieve low mood. Try having and aromatherapy massage or try putting a few drops of citrus scents of orange, Bergamot and lemon verbena in your bath. These citrus oils have long been used in the treatment of depression related ailments.

Other ways to help

• Get as much exercise as you are physically able to. Exercise naturally boosts levels of serotonin, making you feel good, so do as much as you possibly can.

• Spend more time outdoors. Connecting with nature can be very beneficial for those in despair.

• Look for the positive. Even if there is a situation in your life that makes you feel bad, there are probably a lot of good things in your life that you are simply not appreciating. Think about all you have to be thankful for each night before you go to bed and when you wake up in the morning.

• Look at how you spend your time. Are you spending your free time brooding or are you getting out there and enjoying life as much as you possibly can? Make it your goal to laugh at least once every day.

• Watch your diet. Eating the right things can make you feel more positive.

• Look after yourself. Pay some more attention to your appearance and you’ll make yourself feel better.

• Ask for help if you need it. Don’t be afraid to tell your friends, family or family doctor if you are in despair. Improving your connections with family and friends can make you feel better.

• Don't hold your feelings in. Cry and get angry if you need to.