There are many, many factors that contribute to the quality of our mental health. One such factor involves the concept of social support. In the age of smartphones and social media, we might imagine we have more connections than ever. In reality — IRL — we need more than that.
The word “depression” has become an umbrella term for the full gamut of depressive disorders — major depressive, bipolar, seasonal affective, and more. Such conditions have become increasingly common. As a result, there are many potential treatment options available. Choosing the treatment that is most effective for you requires some background information.
When we're depressed, our thinking patterns are often negative and cyclical. Our negative emotions fuel negative thoughts, then our negative thoughts reinforce more negative emotions. On and on it goes as we sink deeper, ruminating and feeling worse as time goes on. How can you escape the misery and find relief? Interrupt your ruminating mind with mindfulness meditation.
Children are often emotional, cranky, and whiny. Maybe you think it's just a phase. You may be right. But if the moods last for weeks or months, consider the possibility that your child is more than moody.
Group work can be one of the most beneficial types of therapy for people dealing with depression. If you can overcome the urge to isolate completely, then a group can provide you with the support you need to get through depression.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression. However, it is cyclical or seasonal. In other words, it’s a depression that only happens during the winter months. Notably, there is a rarer form of the condition called Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder. In that case, the depression occurs during the summer.
The holidays are supposed to be a beautiful, cozy, wonderful time of year. However, many of us feel lonely during this season. Winter weather, family challenges, and holiday stress can all increase feelings of loneliness.
We often hear people say, “I’m so burned out.” We also hear people say, “I’m so depressed.” In other words, people commonly feel some of the symptoms of both burnout and depression.bHowever, these are two serious conditions. If you’re facing clinical depression or serious burnout, then you may need help to recover.
There are many effective ways to combat depression. You have probably tried the obvious solutions yourself. Sometimes, it takes unusual methods of depression treatment to manage the condition. It's almost as if you have to catch depression by surprise, just like it can catch you by surprise.
The inner critic is that voice inside that puts you down. People with depression have an especially persistent inner critic. It’s a vicious cycle. The inner critic deepens depression. Then depression makes it easier for the inner critic to pipe up.
