Prepper Depression: What It Is and How to Avoid It

Prepper Depression: What It Is and How to Avoid It

(SurvivalDaily.com) – Depression is a serious issue that often gets overlooked and ignored. About 60 percent of suicides are linked to depression, and around 47,000 people succeeded their in suicide attempts in 2017. That’s 28,200 lost lives linked with depression in 2017 in the U.S.

Preppers are known for preparing for the worst, but nothing can really prepare anyone for the mental issues that come with that type of mindset. People who want to be prepared for survival situations aren’t like what is portrayed on television; they’re everyday people, working-class people. The reality of it is they just want to keep themselves and the ones they care about safe, but this could also be another source of stress, then depression.

In part, this is because the mind is constantly focusing on what could go wrong, indeed, it almost has to be. But it isn’t just the thoughts. It’s the constant fight or flight physiological response that comes with it as well.

Depression’s Reach

Depression is more than just feeling down. It’s a chemical imbalance of hormones within the brain called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are natural chemicals that carry signals between your nerve cells. Certain signals sent repeatedly over time can cause your immune system to weaken, and even slow your reaction time. Neither are ideal in a survival situation, where you need to be on full alert.

Ways To Prevent Depression

It’s no surprise depression is so commonplace in society today, but there are many ways to prevent it or fight it off. A healthy diet and regular exercise are great ways to fight depression without any chemicals. There are always meds, but you’re not likely to find any after the SHTF, so it’s best to find alternatives now. Learning and practicing new tactics and techniques keeps the mind and body busy as well, helping dial back that depressive state.

Another big cause of depression is the feeling of being alone, it’s natural as humans are social animals. A good way to fight this is to join a group or form a group of your own, get a pet or even use any of the various ways to communicate with the outside world from home.

Plan for the worst but enjoy the best. Planning for survival is just that… and surviving isn’t necessarily living. Make sure to set aside some time for entertainment and living in the moment both for day to day living and as part of your survival plan. Figure out what really gives you pleasure, the simpler the better. For instance, if you’re a food lover, make sure to prepare some new and interesting dishes, and plan your survival set up so you can do that once a week or once a month. If you like music, invest some time in learning to play an instrument.

Depression may sound like a general term, but it’s a very personal experience. It takes focused efforts to come up with a preventative plan. If you make an effort to inject some personal enjoyment, or pleasure of some sort, into your world before and during a SHTF scenario, you’re already ahead of the game.

Remember depression is a silent killer. While some people have the ability to see that you’re depressed, it’s better to seek help before it’s too late. No one is truly alone in this world. Though you may feel lonely there is someone that cares about you. If you or someone you know has thought or is thinking about suicide please don’t be afraid to ask for help, or offer help to someone who needs it.

National Suicide Hotline- Call 1-800-273-8255

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