what Dex says makes much sense. If your focus is on the less...

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    what Dex says makes much sense. If your focus is on the less fortunate then it is not on yourself. Another completely different idea would be to encourage your s-i-l into regular rigorous physical exercise as it is known to release endorphins (endogenous morphine) into the brain which is the nature's own feel good drug. There is perhaps a little deeper truth to the term gym junkie than one might first think because after a while the body becomes addicted to feeling good and one is compelled to work out.

    I myself have never been a depressed person but I did change my whole life around starting 6 years ago and rigorous exercise, whether it is running 10k or a weights session or yoga is now a standard daily practice. I have to say my overall sense of well being has increased enormously. My brother works for a family company and one of the family members suffers terribly from depression and OCD. This chap is a middle aged man and since his youth he was coaxed into running as a sport to help deal with his condition and he is now an ultra marathon runner. While running has not completely cured him it has been the difference between being a functional human being and not.

    I would be a little concerned though that your s-i-l's condition may be a little more serious than simple depression if he believes his body and mind are being overtaken by another entity and professional help is obviously needed....but perhaps the exercise along with gathering up some self help/positive thinking material for him to listen to on a daily basis is something your family could do to help him while he is also being treated professionally. I am personally a great believer in the mind body connection and listening to and meditating on the right things is as important as the care for the body. I always think of that bible verse "whatsoever thing are good, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things of a good report think on these things". I don't believe they stuck that one in just for a laugh...I think it might be one of the keys to keeping healthy mind.
 
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