Depression is broken down into many categories in these troubled times by doctors and researchers, but the sad truth is that regular old rainy day depression can hit anyone at just about anytime.
Nothing can ruin a good day faster than some bad news that throws you for a loop.
Anger and frustration can also trigger bouts of anxiety and depression and one of the best ways to battle this type of malaise is through some form of spiritual encouragement.
Spiritual encouragement does not have to be religious, though that is perhaps the most common kind.
We as human beings seem to get great comfort in traditional establishments and institutions such as churches and denominations.
Whatever brings you closer to spiritual enlightenment and gives you spiritual encouragement is alright.
Remember that faith and spirituality is a deeply personal and emotional thing and no one has the right to tell you where to go to find your solace.
Many people find spiritual encouragement during a religious service attended by many people of like thinking such as Sunday Mass for Catholics, or Temple for those of the Jewish faith.
And it does not have to be a happy occasion.
Sometimes we find spiritual encouragement and enlightenment during a funeral service.
Being together with loved ones usually helps but sometimes it is the tenderness and surprising kindness of total strangers that is the most impactful.
We see the best characteristics of people when they are peacefully trying to comfort someone else or when they are praising their God or when they are praying together for a common good.
Sometimes we don't believe in ourselves and especially in this hyper-competitive world that we live in we donS always get the type of encouragement that we need in order to protect our fragile egos.
Even when we do a great job or have a unique talent, which we all do have, we can end up doubting ourselves and that can be one of the most frustrating, confusing, and depressing things we can do.
Spiritual encouragement could be just the right solution for someone with low self esteem.
Buddhists swear that chanting can and will transform your life in incredible and positive ways.
"Nam myoho renge kyo" is the preferred chant for millions of devotees around the world and one of the strongest forms of spiritual encouragement known to man.
But if you ask a Buddhist they will tell you that Buddhism is not a religion, but a philosophy and a way of life.
My Buddhist friends are all very positive individuals with very successful lives in general and they all say that chanting for many years has been the key to their success in all aspects of life.
Whether it is chanting, we need to have the quiet time to for reflection and give ourselves a chance to block out the constant chattering dialogue of the mind.
When you are able to do this on a consistent basis you will feel closer to your own spirituality than you have ever been.