A mental disorder as difficult as ‘depression’ is very hard to understand and even harder to cure. It is a perpetual state of emptiness and sadness that one cannot move away from. Unfortunately, mental disorders cannot be cured in a matter of few days or even weeks. If it persists for a longer period of time then it can even lead to physical disorders.
Though, seeking help of a therapist is inevitable but one must also resort to alternate methods to come out of this state. This can be indulging yourself in hobbies, reconnecting with friends and family or going for a vacation. Remember one thing; what might work for one person may not work for you.
As far as traveling is concerned, there is no scientific study that backs the fact that travelling can cure depression but many patients have claimed that it has worked really well for them. We all are somewhere aware of the fact that feeling close to Mother Nature can cure mind, body, and soul, which is why traveling is a great remedy for depression patients.
Let’s delve a little deeper into the subject to know about it.
Spending some time in solitude
One of the major characteristics of depression is that your mind is stuck at one thought from which the person cannot move ahead. Traveling opens up the mind and makes you reconnect with nature and relax your nerve cells. For instance, a stay at some lovely Homestay in Uttarakhand can help you reconnect with yourself. Most depression patients find solitude deafening but a stay at one of the resorts or homestays can help them enjoy sometime in silence and give break to a state of despondency they feel in their life.
An opportunity to meet people
Social anxiety is a part of clinical depression and it is very hard for people suffering from this disorder to reconnect with people. Travelling gives you a chance to meet new people and even make friends with them. You might feel a little awkward to talk to them initially but as the journey continues, you will eventually open up and make friends. After all, travelling is all about creating lovely memories.
Seeing things from a larger perspective
There are some places in Himalayan region that will transport you in a state of deep introspection. Maybe, you will finally get some answers to questions that you have been searching for so long. A positive environment always instills positive emotions and thoughts into a person and this could be your first step towards a better and normal life.
Indulging in adventure sports
Depression patients usually feel physically drained and do not indulge into physical activities. This is because they suffer from a high-level of mental activity. Indulging in adventure sports like bungy-jumping, river-rafting, and paragliding is a great remedy for people suffering from mental disorders. It gives them an adrenaline rush that helps them feel good about themselves. In fact, there have been depression patients who have become adventure coaches because they got a sense of belongingness by indulging in these activities.
Yoga retreats and meditation
It won’t be wrong if we say that going for Yoga retreats and meditations is better than taking medications for depression. Pranayams and Yoga heavily benefit depression patients and it is a scientifically proven fact. The science of Yoga is to bring breath, mind, and body in harmony and it is extremely healthy exercise for a depression patient.