This Halloween, try something that genuinely scares you.
Apply for that job you really want. Go back to school. Go hang-gliding!
Then take in your accomplishments – you were able to do something you never thought you could. You conquered a major fear.
There's nothing you can't do!
Here's comedian Ray William Johnson's very funny take on his depression. They say laughter is the best medicine.
“So, the way it works for me, specifically, is depression, anger and anxiety are all kind of bundled into the same package, so if I'm feeling one of those feelings I'm feeling them all.”
Okay, that wasn't the funny part. Take a look at the video, HERE.
Is it ADHD, Depression, or Both?
Anxiety isn't just in your “mind,” it's in your body. That's why deep breathing, meditation and medication work, for example.
This wonderful MedCircle VIDEO explains the three levels of anxiety in an easy-to-understand discussion.
Healthline.com offers this informative article on 6 Pressure Points for Anxiety Relief.
“Depression is a chronic disease and you must consult a Psychologist for diagnosis and treatment. But Acupressure Points can help you to heal yourself and get out of Depression faster,” from The 9 Most Effective Acupressure Points for Depression Treatment, in Acupressure Points Guide.
Is it ADHD, Depression, or Both?
“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression are conditions that can and often do co-occur.
“Depression is estimated to be 2.7 times more prevalent among adults with ADHD than among the general adult population. Studies also show that about 30 percent of people with ADHD will experience a depressive episode or have a mood disorder in their lifetimes.”
Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 988
Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.
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For example, melatonin is likely ineffective, lavender is possibly effective, and lemon balm has insufficient evidence at this point.
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It can be a “letting go,” releasing worry to something vast and more powerful than yourself.
It's fresh air.
It's a change of environment.
It's all of these things and more. It is, in a word, magic.
So, go to the water – the ocean, a river, a lake, a fountain or a brook – and be refreshed and release your depression. If only for a little while.
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Make a “you”
section in your daily gratitude journal.
Before seeking
external validation, ask yourself, “What do I hope that person
tells me?” Then tell it to yourself.
Recognize when
you’re judging your feelings.
See yourself as
the parent to the child version of you.
Get in the habit
of asking yourself, “What do I need right now?”
For more detailed explanations, visit the tiny buddha website.
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It's a how-to for shifting your thoughts and easing depression.
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So, make a list of those you want to stay in touch with and every week call or email the next person on the list.
The people you depend on or who depend on you should be contacted most frequently, but the more people you stay in touch with the lighter your life will feel.
And you may be the guiding light in someone else's life – helping them more than you will ever know.
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Money problems are depressing. They stress you out, wreak havoc with your self-esteem, and make it hard to get the proper nutrition you need for your physical and mental health.
“Feeling overwhelmed by money worries? Whatever your circumstances, there are ways to get through these tough economic times, ease stress and anxiety, and regain control of your finances.”
Helpguide.org has an in-depth section on coping with financial stress.
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Realize that
loneliness is a feeling, not a fact.
Reach out because
loneliness is painful and can confuse you into thinking that you are
a loser, an outcast.
Notice your
self-deflating thoughts.
Make a plan to
fight the mental and emotional habits of loneliness.
Focus on the
needs and feelings of others, with less attention on your lonely
thoughts and feelings.
Find others like
you.
Always show up
when meeting with others.
Be curious, but
don't expect perfection or applause.
Kindness goes a
long way.
Be persistent.
Even if a particular group does seem like a dead end for you, try
another.
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HERE is a That's So Charlie video about his depression.
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Tips for Coping with Depression
“Alcohol use can cause or worsen symptoms of mood disorders. Depression may even cause people to begin consuming large amounts of alcohol.
“The good news is that treating both alcohol misuse and depression can make both conditions better. As one improves, symptoms of the other may improve, too.
“It isn’t, however, a quick and easy process. It’s often a lifelong commitment, but one that can improve your life, health, and well-being in the long term.”
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Tips for Coping with Depression
“In the past, researchers had shown that depressed patients had consistently higher heart rates and lower heart rate variability, but because of the time it takes to treat depression, it had been difficult to follow up and relate any improvement to heart rate. But when we realized that ketamine leads to a rapid improvement in mood, we knew that we might be able to use it to understand the link between depression and heart rate.”
– Carmen Schiweck, Ph.D.
“A new pilot study has found that depression can be predicted with a 90% accuracy by analyzing a person’s heart rate over 24 hours.
“The research, presented virtually at the 33rd European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress, may be valuable in diagnosing depression and determining the most effective types of treatment.”
Stay tuned!
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Tips for Coping with Depression
Be disciplined about self-care. Wash your face and brush your teeth every day. Take a shower at least every few days. Change your underwear once in a while.
Believe it or not these small steps are essential for managing depression.
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Tips for Coping with Depression
This website and YouTube channel are a treasure trove of inspiration. A dose of Goalcast is one prescription to help ease depression.
HERE is one moving and inspiring video – a tribute to the late John Lewis.
HERE is the Goalcast website.
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Tips for Coping with Depression
You may be exhausted and think that's why you're feeling down.
But when you are depressed, you're possibly not the best person to judge why you're depressed.
Seek help from a qualified professional if you're feeling particularly stressed or shaky.
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Tips for Coping with Depression
Before starting this exercise, pay attention to your breathing. Slow, deep, long breaths can help you maintain a sense of calm or help you return to a calmer state. Once you find your breath, go through the following steps to help ground yourself:
5: Acknowledge FIVE things you see around you.
4: Acknowledge FOUR things you can touch around you.
3: Acknowledge THREE things you hear.
2: Acknowledge TWO things you can smell.
1: Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste.
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Tips for Coping with Depression
Petula Clark –
Downtown
This is a
fantastically cheesy video – sure to make you smile.
Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk
Three Dog Night – Shambala
Here's a whole playlist: 20 Happy Songs to Play When You Just Want to Feel Good
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Tips for Coping with Depression
Numerous studies have been done, but they contradict each other. Some say caffeine is a great anti-depressant, while others say it's a placebo and others say it sends you crashing after the lift.
Split the difference. Limit your caffeine to 1 – 2 cups/servings a day. That's coffee, tea, chocolate and most sodas. When in doubt, moderation is usually the best way to go!
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Tips for Coping with Depression
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Tips for Coping with Depression
“Standing naked under running warm water can be extremely healing and can help to clear away not just germs but also stagnant energy.
“Shower Meditation #1 – As you soap yourself, repeat the following mantra – “I cleanse myself so I may feel light, peaceful and at ease.” Keep repeating this mantra as you scrub your body all over. As you rinse off the soap, imagine all of the negative energy or energy that is no longer yours to keep going down the drain.
“Next, take your hand and make a flicking motion around the entire outside of your body, cleansing away any final lingering energy.
“Stand under the water one more time, close your eyes and visualize the water forming a protective golden white light all around your body. See the white light in your mind’s eye and take three deep breaths before opening your eyes.”
Click HERE for 3 shower meditations.
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Tips for Coping with Depression
“Symptoms of depression and weight management issues are linked, and the relationship is a two-way street. In fact, a study done in the Netherlands found that obesity increases the risk for depression in initially non-depressed people by 55 percent, and depression increases the risk for obesity in initially normal-weight people by 58 percent.”
HERE are some helpful tips to try to manage weight gain and weight loss in depression:
Examine
the relationship between your depression symptoms and food.
Take
it slow.
Turn
the TV off and get moving.
Ask
your doctor if your medications are interfering with your
weight-management efforts.
Consult
with a registered dietitian.
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Tips for Coping with Depression
Get help: College Resources
“This national mental health nonprofit has chapters on college campuses throughout the country that empower students to speak openly about their challenges and seek appropriate support...
“Active Minds is powered by more than 550 chapters. Our chapters are located at high schools and colleges nationwide and also internationally...
“Active Minds is saving lives. Active minds is a change maker.”
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Tips for Coping with Depression
“Gerbera daisies are bright, cheerful, friendly flowers that bring a smile to your day and a warm welcome to guests...
“Gerbera daisies have an irresistible charm. Symbolic of innocence, purity, and cheerfulness, a handful of gerbera daisies creates an instant centerpiece or bouquet!...
“A few stems of gerbera daisies in rich reds, hot pinks, vibrant oranges, or a riot of bright colors radiate positive energy. A bouquet of soft creams or blushes whispers innocence. A single bloom on a nightstand or side table defines simple pleasures.”
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