Most of us feel depressed, or "down" at some time in our lives but, fortunately, it's usually short lived. Some people, however, are unable to shake off their feelings of depression and are diagnosed as "Clinically Depressed".

Many types of drugs and pills are prescribed but they often lead to addiction in addition to depression, thus creating a never ending downward spiral. Thousands, and possibly millions, of patients are convinced they'll never recover which only adds to their sense of low-self esteem.

Today, people suffering from depression seek alternative remedies such as acupuncture and various therapies. Cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the most popular as it encourages people to view their problems from a different perspective. It is one of the most successful therapies but is not always easily available on a continuous basis which is essential if the patient is to benefit.

People who struggle financially can find this particular therapy difficult to obtain on an ongoing basis as their appointments may be weeks apart. Wealthier people, of course, don't encounter such problems as they have sufficient money for private treatment. Everybody would agree this is unjust but, regrettably, life is frequently unfair.

There are other methods of coping, such as self-help groups which some people find incredibly supportive. Friends and relatives can also provide a "shoulder to cry on" but very few are able to provide long term support because they are emotionally too close to the patient. The majority of friends and relatives find it hard to be objective, and some of them even go so far as to tell those suffering from depression "to snap out of it". This is fatal as this is exactly what they want to do but are unable to do so.

One of the best ways of coping with depression is to enrol on a Creative Writing Course. Not an obvious way of coping, it must be said, but one that can produce amazing results. People who enrol on these courses are not required to have any qualifications apart from, obviously, a desire to write. The reason these courses are so successful lies in the fact that people who attend them have to think about matters other than their problems for a couple of hours. This concentrates the mind wonderfully and allows people to perceive things in a different way which is reminiscent of the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy.

The courses cover story writing, poetry, stage, screen and radio plays plus the outlines of writing a novel. Topics include characterisation, plot, dialogue plus a host of other subjects. Each and every one can offer countless ways whereby people are able to release their innermost thoughts, desires and anxieties, so relieving considerable tension. Poetry offers one of the best methods of expressing emotion which in itself is extremely cathartic.

Listening to other people's views is also particularly therapeutic as, again, this distances people who are depressed from dwelling on their troubles, affording them a welcome respite. Creative Writing Courses really do expand the mind and leave it open to new experiences which are of tremendous benefit to any one suffering from low self-esteem. Writing, by it's very nature, depends on self expression which often helps people to understand their feelings which may have been repressed for years. This can result in a completely new outlook on life itself. It is simply a question of being receptive to new ideas but the rewards can be huge. In a nutshell, minds become focused on looking outwards, rather than inwards, when involved in the process of writing. In accomplishing such an achievement, creative writing must count as one of the best treatments in helping people to overcome depression. Enrol on that course today! You'll find it can change your life.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Depression