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Four Sneaky Signs of Depression

4 sneaky signs of depression you might be overlooking Depression is a very common mental health issue. At any given time, estimates are that 5-6% of adults in the US have Depression or are in a Depressive Episode (which is a period of time that someone experiences Depression). The traditional and most obvious signs of depression are pretty well known, and those include: Feeling sad most of the day Crying spells Feeling ‘down’ and hopeless Suicidal thoughts (sometimes, some people do not experience this in Depression) But there are some other signs of Depression that are easy to miss, and may fly under-the-radar. Feeling ‘Slowed Down’ both Physically and Mentally A feeling of being ‘slowed down’ is really common for people experiencing Depression. Clients often say that they feel like are moving in slow motion, or feel like they are stuck in quicksand. It’s not only physical, but mental too. When you’re in a period of Depression, it feels like your brain is also slowed down. It’s common to feel not as ‘sharp’ as usual, or have difficulty remembering things. In cases of severe Depression, others might notice that ever your speech is a little slowed down. Sometimes it’s referred to as “brain fog” or people feel that they are perpetually in a haze. The good news is that, as Depression is treated, these symptoms go away and you begin to think and feel more like your normal self. Sleeping Too Much Sleep in great, and often we don’t get enough of it. But when in a Depressive episode, one sneaky sign is sleeping too much. This means sleeping much more than you usually would. If you notice yourself sleeping more, or taking naps when you never did before, it could be a sign of Depression. If you’re not sure whether your sleep is a sign of Depression, here are some helpful things to do: Keep a Sleep Log so you can notice trends in your sleep Evaluate your diet to make sure you are eating enough and eating well to give yourself energy; tiredness could be due to a poor diet Keep an alarm and get out of bed at the same time each day, to get your body into a healthy sleeping rhythm Consider cutting out alcohol for a few weeks to see if your sleep improves; alcohol can cause sleepiness and disrupt natural sleep patterns. If you do all these things and still are over-sleeping, get an evaluation by a therapist for Depression. Not Enjoying Things Anymore A very common sign of depression that is sometimes hard detect is call anhedonia. That’s the clinical term for losing interest and pleasure in every day activities. It’s a kind of grayness that settles over your whole life. Things you used to enjoy like your favorite foods, spending time with friends, activities and hobbies, even sex, just seem kind of ‘blah.’ You feel like you would take it or leave it. Researchers believe that a Depressed brain is not responding in the normal way to pleasurable stimuli. It’s a terrible feeling, to be in your life and simply not enjoying anything. The insidious thing about anhedonia is that is creates a vicious cycle in the Depressed person. Since you aren’t’ enjoying these things, you’re less likely to do them (which makes sense). But a result is that people in the grips of Depression begin to retreat from the world and from their lives. They lose friendships and lose touch with activities and hobbies that they used to care about. You get farther and farther from ‘who I am’ and Depression can become a kind of identity. This symptom does vastly improve with Depression treatment, and people re-enter their lives and do things again. But this sign is often overlooked. If you’re finding yourself feeling very ‘blah’ about your life, be curious about that and talk to a therapist about these feelings. Poor Attention Span Similar to the ‘slowed down’ feeling in your brain with depression, another cognitive effect is having a poor attention span. Depression affects the parts of your brain that control what’s called ‘executive functions.’ The executive functions of the brain are things like organizing information, prioritizing tasks, creating an order for doing things, and paying attention to important stimuli. For reasons that researchers don’t quite understand, these executive functions take a big hit during a Depressive episode. The one that’s easiest to ‘see’ on the outside is attention. We can all get distracted, and we live in an environment where is it very hard to concentrate. But if Depression is present, you may notice your attention space take a dive. It’s harder to complete tasks at work, or watch a movie, or even have a conversation without getting distracted or losing the thread of the plot or the conversation. If any of these sneaky Depression signs are creeping up on you, pay attention and check in with yourself. You may want to get an evaluate for clinical Depression. Depression is very treatable, and the sooner you catch it the easier it is to get back to being yourself. Contact Us anytime for a free consultation.

In Denver and Colorado, the Suicide Rate is One of the Highest in the US

It’s been a building trend, but it’s definitely here. Colorado and Denver residents are not happy that we’re among the leaders in the nation for suicide. Overall, the Mountain States lead the entire country in suicide. According to the Colorado Health Institute, Colorado’s suicide rate reached an all-time high in 2016, and it hasn’t retreated much since then. In 2016 a record 1,156 people died tragically to suicide. Suicide is most common in the age group of 24-55 year-olds, and men are twice as likely to die by suicide as women are (although there is evidence that women feel suicidal at the same rate as men, and are just as likely to make an attempt or a gesture at suicide). What is really alarming is that the leading cause of death for Coloradans aged 10 to 24 is suicide. That’s right, suicide beats out illness and accidents as the leading cause of death. Colorado has the ninth-highest suicide rate in the entire country, coming in at 20.5 suicides per 100,000 residents. And how does Denver and the surrounding area stack up the with rest of the state? It’s about in the middle. The suicide rate for Denver county and the surrounding metro area ranges from 16.8-17.5 deaths per 100,000 residents. By contrast, the highest suicide rate is Mesa County, with 34.7 suicides per 100,000 residents. The Eastern part of the state and the Mountain counties like Eagle and Pitkin have a lower suicide rate than Denver. In our counseling office, clients speak openly about thoughts of suicide, and what is means to them. One very common factor in people that attempt suicide is that they feel incredibly alone and isolated. Many are scared to tell loved ones that they feel this way. They often feel embarrassed or ashamed of their feelings and thoughts, even though it’s very common to go through a period in your life of entertaining the thought of suicide, especially if you are dealing with depression, anxiety, loss or hopelessness. In counseling, often clients are able to open up for the first time about these thoughts and feelings, get real help, and move past these thoughts towards hope and feeling invested in their lives again. It’s amazing how just saying the words out loud of what you really think and feel can take away the loneliness, hopelessness, and shame of feeling suicidal. Since suicide is such an issue in Denver and Colorado, there are resources for anyone to access (counseling, hotlines, walk-in clinics, and other resources). Even if you feel like you might not be in a crisis, reaching out for help before you are in an emergency is important, and people are standing by to help. Here’s some resources for the Denver Area: If you are in crisis, call the Colorado Crisis & Support Line at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) to connect with a trained counselor in your area. Or reach the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential. There are Walk-In clinics scattered throughout the Denver Metro Area that are open 24/7 if you want to talk to someone in person. Find them at www.coloradocrisisservices.org. And as always, you can Contact Us here at Thrive Counseling. We’re here to listen.

Why Do People Cut Themselves?

What is Cutting and Self-Harm? Cutting, also called Self-Harm or Self-mutilation, is a relatively common behavior. There are many different kinds of Self-Harm: -cutting yourself with a knife or razor -Burning yourself with a lighter or match -Hitting yourself -Pulling your hair Any kind of behavior that causes yourself physical pain can be a kind of self-harm. Self-harm can be ritualistic, when someone does the same self-harm over and over like a daily habit. More often, self-harm is a response to a particular kind of stressor in your life. Who Do People Cut Themselves? Many of my clients who engage in self-harm describe the calming effect of the cutting. They say that the pain and the physical sensations of self-harm are calming, centering, or allow them to focus in a moment when they are in intense emotional pain, confusion, or internal chaos. One client who self-harms explains it this way: I first stumbled upon self-harm because I saw someone do it in a movie. When I first saw that, I thought ‘Why would anyone do that? That looks painful.’ But in a moment when I was reeling and in so much emotional pain, I punched the wall in a moment of anger, and the pain in my hand actually calmed me down. Instead of being overwhelmed by my own feelings, the only thing I could feel was the throbbing in my hand, and it felt good to be so focused on one thing. From there, I went to cutting my arm and although it hurts, it somehow helped me manage my own emotions. Although it’s counter-intuitive, cutting or self-harm is actually a coping tool. People trade emotional pain for physical pain. Some people also use self-harm as a form of self-punishment to relieve feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-worth. When someone feels badly about themselves, it can actually feel ‘right’ or correct to cause yourself pain. Do people cut themselves for attention? Although it can seem like an attention-grabbing technique, most people who self-harm do not do it for attention and never intend for their loved ones or friends to find out that they self-harm. People will hide their scars and wounds carefully, and often feel ashamed that they have fallen into this negative habit, but feel unable to stop. It’s a deeply personal thing for most. However, self-harm can be a cry for help, or a way to manifest emotional pain in a physical way, and to show to themselves and others that they suffer in ways that are hard to articulate. Most people who self-harm feel deeply alone and may believe that others can’t understand them or help them. What do I do if I find out my friend or loved one cuts themselves? If you find out someone you care about is self-harming, it’s important to express your caring and concern for that person. It’s helpful to focus on their emotional pain, rather than the cutting itself. Although it’s a very worrisome behavior, it’s a symptom of a deeper issue. Often, there is an underlying issue with psychological Trauma, Depression and Anxiety. You can say: I saw that you engage in self-harm. That must be very difficult for you. I bet there’s a lot of emotional pain tied up in that. I want you to know that I care about you and I’m here for you. I know you don’t do that to hurt anyone, but it pains me to see you in so much pain. Do you think the next time you feel like cutting yourself, you can call me and talk? How can I stop cutting when I’m upset? Be prepared for the fact that it can be difficult to stop self-harm. To stop, you need to find alternative coping tools and get the treatment that you may need for an underlying issue. The cutting or self-harm doesn’t mean you’re ‘crazy’ or broken, or that you actually want to hurt yourself. If you self-harm, it’s because it’s helping you cope. It’s not the best coping tool, but it may be the best one that you’ve had in the past to get through difficult moments. Counseling can be helpful in treating an underlying mental health issue and create a space to learn about positive coping tools. If you’d like a free consultation, contact us and we’d love to listen.

Why Being in Nature is Good for your Brain

Everyone knows Denver loves the outdoors. For many, being outside in nature is calming, therapeutic, and acts as a ‘reset’ button after a stressful week. Recent studies suggest that being in nature is good for your brain. A Psychology Professor-and avid backpacker-at the University of Utah named David Strayer took 50 students on a 3-day Outward Bound camping trip and found they performed 50 percent better on cognitive tests than they did before they took the trip. So what might be happening? Strayer believes that being in nature allows important parts of the brain (notably the Prefrontal Cortex) to have the kind of rest they don’t normally get in our modern lives. The Prefrontal Cortex is the “command center” of the brain and it’s constantly evaluating and choosing actions, solving problems, and making decisions. If this sounds tiring, it’s because it is. The brain can get fatigued, and there’s something special about being in nature that gives it a chance to rest and rejuvenate. Another interesting study from researchers in England found that city dwellers who lived near open space (parks and open lands) reported less mental stress, even after adjusting for income, education level and physical health. A second study from the Netherlands found that people who lived within half a mile of green space had lower rates of 15 different diseases, including depression and anxiety. So getting out into nature actually does boost happiness. There’s a cultural knowledge about this. In Japan there is a term-shirin-yoku-that translates to Forest Bathing, which is an ancient practice of being near trees to boost health and wellness. We are lucky that living in Denver we are close to some of the most amazing nature in the country. If you need to find an amazing hiking spot, check out this list of 20 amazing day hikes near Denver. Get out and get some rejuvenation for your brain! all about wilderness therapy

Depression-Proof Your Lifestyle

Check out our new Infographic on how to Depression-Proof Your Lifestyle.

The Connection between Depression and Marijuana

Is there a connection between depression and Marijuana. Since weed is legal in Colorado, we get asked often about the effect of marijuana on depression, and if marijuana use can cause depression. We also get asked a lot if marijuana can help depression. Let’s look at each of these questions one at a time: Is there a connection between Depression and Marijuana? The short answer is yes, there is a connection between depression and marijuana, but it’s not clear yet if marijuana use can cause depression or make it worse. The research shows that people that smoke weed regularly have higher rates of depression than people who don’t partake. A recent study done on men showed a correlation between beginning to use marijuana early in life (early to mid-teens) and the likelihood of depression as an adult. However, a few other factors mediated this relationship. Meaning, these other things could also explain the connection: Martial status (if you’re single or coupled up) Employment status (being unemployed can lead to depression) Using other substances like tobacco and alcohol Education level (they found more education leads to less depression, probably due to better job prospects and higher income) Can using Marijuana cause Depression? The best answer from research is no, using marijuana by itself cannot cause depression. Depression is a mental health issue that’s extremely common, and usually comes and goes for people throughout their lifetime. While some people will struggle with depression throughout their lives, it’s much more common to have a depression episode due to a stressful life event, like losing a loved one, losing a job, feeling stagnant in your life or having a fallout with a close friend. Will smoking Marijuana help my Depression or make it worse? There’s some evidence that shows using marijuana can make depression worse, if you already feel depressed. This isn’t really due to the effects of weed on the brain, it’s more due to the fact that using any substance (weed, alcohol, you name it) to cope with problems can worsen depression. Using a substance to avoid uncomfortable feelings or to numb feelings tends to keep people stuck in the situation they are in, rather than help them change behaviors to feel better. Marijuana can be especially unhelpful for depression because it tends to sap people’s motivation to do much at all, and so they don’t work to change their relationships, get a better job, work on themselves, or resolve a past wound. There’s noting overtly harmful about using Marijuana if you are depressed, and occasional sue will probably not worsen depression, but doing other things like getting counseling, talking to a friend, or engaging in an activity will be much more helpful if you are struggling with depression.

How to Cope with Shame and Develop Shame Resilience

*Today’s post is a Guest Post from the wonderful folks at Lincoln Park Therapy Group in Chicago. Check them out here. “Ugh, I can’t believe I did that! I’m so dumb!” Have you ever said that to yourself? If so, you were probably feeling something called shame. Whether we like to admit it or not, shame is a universal human emotions – it’s something we all experience. Sometimes we feel it for only a moment and it leaves us like an unpleasant thought. Other times it stays for much longer, inching into our minds until it completely twists how we see the world and how we believe the world sees us. But what is shame? Basically shame is the icky feeling we get when we perceive that our actions are deficient in light of certain standards, and consequently we extend this perception to ourselves. It can be a physical sensation, like a rock in your stomach, and an emotion you feel in your soul at the same time. In both cases, it is important to acknowledge feelings of shame and develop strategies for managing it. How to Cope With Shame Let me start by saying something important: Shame is a normal and common human emotion. Nobody likes feeling shame, but nobody should ever think that something is wrong with them for feeling it either. The problem that arises with shame is that it can overwhelm and cause us to act in ways we normally wouldn’t… especially when we’re trying to ignore it. There are some typical reactions to shame that we all tend to do, including: withdrawal, aggression, and approval seeking behavior. Research has even shown that “shame can be experienced as such a negative, intense emotion of self-loathing that it can lead one to disown it, and, in the case of one who acts like a bully, give it away by evoking that emotion in others.” In cases such as this, the person feeling shame uses that emotion as a weapon – he or she actually makes others feel shame as well to make themselves feel better. It’s important to understand that these reactions are actually defense mechanisms, or skills that we’ve developed to help us cope with shame. In the center of these defenses lies a fight-or-flight instinct to separate us from others or ourselves and ultimately the cause of our shame. This can often lead to emotional isolation, which can bring about deeper feelings of shame. But, what if there was a better way to deal with these feelings? Try Shame Reslience! We can’t inoculate ourselves from feeling shame – but, there are ways of managing it. Shame researcher Brené Brown found during her research that acknowledging our shame and developing empathy for ourselves actually helps to lower the negative effects that shame can bring. By using empathy, we can learn to connect with ourselves to overcome shame, instead of continuing with isolating defense tactics. Brené Brown calls this strategy Shame Resilience and helps us use empathetic practices to overcome shame. At its core, it means learning how to be vulnerable enough to share with someone you trust what you’re feeling instead of keeping it a secret. More importantly, it involves changing how you to talk to yourself. Negative self-talk and secrecy feed the belly of the “shame” shark. Speaking kindly about yourself and telling your story to people whom you trust removes the veil of secrecy and leaves shame has no place to lurk. If you’re interested in learning more about shame resiliency, this article gives an excellent overview of Shame Resilience Therapy and how it developed. You can also check out this video for some quick tips from Brené Brown on how to work through shame.

Depression Therapy in Denver for Men and Women

How Depression Looks Different in Men and Women

Unfortunately, depression has become a very prevailing part of our day-to-day lives. The stress of work and finances builds up on top of personal matters, like family crisis, low self-esteem, and other disturbances. Thankfully, psychologists and mental health professionals have gone in-depth into the study of depression and its symptoms, and if you’re currently facing a time of heartache, apathy, or struggle, you could likely benefit from visiting a therapist. What can a therapist do for me? People of all backgrounds and life circumstances find themselves in need of a therapist every day. The act of seeking out help is not something to be frowned upon, and it is the only surefire way to successfully work through whatever problems you find yourself facing currently. If you’re suffering any of the below symptoms of depression, you could most certainly benefit from speaking with a professional who will be able to help you work through personal issues and re-gain your sense of happiness. What Depression Looks Like Depression looks differently in men and women. While it shares some common symptoms between the two genders, it usually makes itself known in slightly different ways. Men Women Apathy (lack of enthusiasm and/or concern for activities or people) Persistently sad, anxious, or “empty” mood Loss of appetite or changes in eating habits Loss of appetite or tendency to overeat Fatigue, feeling tired and drowsy consistently Fatigue, decreased energy, feeling “slowed down” Loss of interest in activities Loss of interest in activities Low self-esteem Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, pessimism, and hopelessness Sexual problems, including reduced sex drive Reduced sex drive Sleep disturbances Sleeping too much or too little, waking early Thoughts of death or suicide Thoughts of death or suicide Self-destructive behavior such as binge eating, drinking, etc. Physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, like headaches, chronic pain, and digestive disorders For women, depression tends to make them act sad and emotional whereas, in men, they will typically be irritable, aggressive, and even hostile. How to Handle Depression If you or a loved one appears to be struggling with symptoms of depression, there is no good reason to delay action. Depression is something that often makes people feel as if they are being swallowed whole. The lack of sleep and energy leads to a daily to-dos building up, with the list of stresses looming above the person, feeling bigger each day. This further wears the person out, often lowering their self-esteem even more as they struggle to find joy in pleasurable activities and continue feeling as though they are facing issue after issue in their life. Sleeping problems will begin contributing to physical health issues, and so will the change in eating habits and activities. This can lead to excessive weight loss or gain, and will put a significant amount of added stress on the person, both inside and out. This unfortunate “snowballing” pattern of depression is what leads many to bouts of depression that last for weeks, months, or even years. Without treatment, depression is unlikely to simply disappear on its own. Those facing it will continuously feel powerless and unconfident, and when in a deep state of depression, it is difficult to see things clearly, think rationally, or remind oneself of the “silver lining” of tragedy and inconveniences. The effect is a depression cycle that gets worse and worse. Rather than trying to tackle the issue yourself, the absolute best option is to seek assistance from someone who specializes in helping people overcome such hurdles in their life. Male depression is incredibly common, and more and more people each day are overcoming it by having the courage to ask for help. By choosing to start depression therapy, you can begin getting back to your old self again and feeling better than ever before. What To Expect Depression treatment rarely needs to involve medication. If you are wondering what to expect, there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed by the potential treatment plans. You likely have a few misconceptions about what therapists are like and what exactly they’ll do to help you, but this short list of treatment facts will begin to help clear it up: At the first session and every one there after, you and your therapist will simply be having a conversation. There is nothing to feel anxious or stressed about, and you’ll likely find the time passing by without even thinking about it. Your therapist will never force you to talk about something if you don’t want to share, but the benefit of starting depression therapy is that you have someone there to talk to about anything. As a professional, your therapist will help you see things in a different light and start working through the issues you find yourself facing. As you and your therapist begin to build a trusting relationship, you’ll find yourself opening up with ease. With time, you’ll be able to use the skills and tools your therapist teaches you to start working through your stress and troubles independently. Your therapist’s main goal when you enter into a treatment plan is to help you recover in as little or as much time as it takes. You’ll be able to move at your own pace through therapy, and when you feel you’re ready, you’re free to end your treatment plan. Since it is such a personal issue, the length of time it takes to recover from depression varies. No matter how quickly it happens, however, starting today will put you on the right track. If you are searching for a trusted and professional Denver Therapist, give our office a call today or stop by. We look forward to assisting you on your path to recovery.

Can Volunteering Improve Your Physical and Mental Health?

This is a Guest Post from the wonderful folks at Project Helping, a non-profit that connects volunteers with opportunities to help the community, all in the name of improving mental health and well-being. Check them out at www.projecthelping.org Can volunteering improve your physical and mental health? Many would assume that giving our time or monetary support is inherently rewarding. But do peer- reviewed studies reflect this notion? Over the past century, there have been countless studies done on the effects volunteering has on people. By building on the knowledge of their predecessors, researchers have found some casual relationships between giving and happiness. Though each study had different controls, methods, and hypotheses, nearly each has resulted in the conclusion that volunteering may have more health benefits than we ever imagined. The World Health Organization estimates that depression is the third leading cause of disease, projected to be the second cause world-wide by 2020, and will rank first in high-income nations by 2030- making it a major public health issue. In fact, one in four Americans, over 60 million people, experience mental illness in a year. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, depression can exacerbate effects of chronic conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Not only does altruism improve your psychological well being, many studies indicate there is a positive relationship between volunteering and cardiovascular disease, disability, mortality, and life satisfaction. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that when coupled with supportive relationships and counseling, one of the best strategies to prevent depression and suicide in young persons is extra curricular activities, such as sports and voluntary community service. Parenting experts agree that increased autonomy, encouragement, conflict resolution, optimism, understanding, and goal-setting may help improve your childʼs mood. Volunteerism can tackle a myriad of these positive influences simultaneously. And by volunteering with your child, you can set a non-stigmatizing, proactive example in a social, compassionate environment. Volunteering has also been shown to inhibit anti-social behavior in adolescents and may have rehabilitative effects for all ages. In Taiwan, researchers conducted an 18-year longitudinal analysis (1989-2007) of adults over the aged 60-64, studying the relationship between social participation, which included volunteer groups, and depressive symptoms. Their results indicated that participation is “globally beneficial” to the psychological health of older adults and mitigates depressive symptoms. According to a similar British study conducted on all ages of adults between 1996 to 2008, the General Health Questionnaire score was best among those who had volunteered and worst among those who had never volunteered. Though the study indicates adults over 40 often reported mental wellness from volunteerism, evidence also suggests people under 40 who volunteered frequently had much more positive GHQ scores. Isen and Levin (1972) investigated the “positive affective state on his or her subsequent helpfulness to others.” Their results indicate people who feel good themselves are more inclined to help others. Dunn, Aknin, and Norton (2008) found that even when controlling for income, individuals who devoted more prosocial spending, or money spent to aid others, were happier. Harbaugh, Mayr, and Burghart (2007) established that giving money to charity leads to brain activity in regions associated with pleasure and reward. Depression can cause disaffection with family, work, and personal goals- leading many to delay rejoining or contributing to society. Higher rates of depression and suicide are seen in individuals experiencing obesity, heart disease, stroke, sleep disorders, lack of education, lack of access to medical care, unemployment, and divorce- motivating some governments to take action. In fact, the economic impact of suicide death in the United States is estimated near $34 billion annually and another $8 billion in non-fatal injuries and indirect costs, such as lost wages. Because of the growing evidence that volunteering contributes skills, energy, public health and knowledge to communities across the globe, many countries are beginning to regard it as a national resource. In 1997, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers. This idea stemmed from talks between international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the growing recognition that voluntary service makes an essential contribution to societal well being. Prior to 2001, few countries had policies that specifically addressed volunteerism. Now, hundreds of laws and policies throughout the world exist to promote and enable the benefits of volunteering. Dialogue about prosocial behavior and its link to wellbeing dates as far back as ancient Greece. Aristotle asserted that “eudaemonia,” which roughly translates as “human flourishing,” is the goal of life. More than just the pursuit of happiness, it reflects the state in which an individual experiences happiness from successful attendance to their moral and ethical duties. Extensive results demonstrate volunteering’s pro-health qualities. Whether it is sharing your resources, time, or positive attitude, even self-interested giving causes the same effects. No matter your motivations, volunteering is a great first step to creating a real difference in your community and yourself. When you give, you start a chain reaction. You help someone in need, you improve your mood, and you continue to give to receive that productive, connected feeling. Since many studies have found this to be true, shouldnʼt we start educating ourselves and others about the positive feedback loop? Maybe Aristotle was correct- we can flourish when we acknowledge our connectedness and attend to our needs through the needs of others.

Where Can You Get Therapy for Depression?

When you break a leg, you see an orthopedist. When you have a cavity, you see the dentist. These are all standard actions for standard issues, but unfortunately the same can’t always be said when it comes to mental health. Mental health issues are also known as “silent killers” because a large percentage of those who suffer from common mental health issues such as depression never get the help they need. If you’re ready to finally move your life forward and help get yourself on the path out of depression, you will need professional help for the best outcome. For most this is in the form of therapy. If you’re finally ready to seek a therapist to help you with depression, you need to know where to start, but let’s help you on that end. So, Where Can You Get Therapy for Depression? Hospital If you live in a small town, you may not have the therapy resources that larger cities do, but if you have a hospital, you should be able to find help. It’s difficult to make that first move but if you’re having trouble finding therapy for your depression, take that step and call your local hospital for therapy and depression resources. Psychologist/Psychiatrist Office Not all psychologists and psychiatry offices are created equally. You want to find a therapist who specializes in depression. Not all therapy is good therapy either so take your time, look up reviews and ratings, and talk to any prospective doctors or therapists before setting up any sessions. Therapists/Counselors A therapist doesn’t have to have a Ph.D. to be able to help you, so keep your options open. There are many independent therapy and counseling offices across the country that can provide help without having an MD or Ph.D. attached to their last name. In/Out Patient Mental Health Facility We get it, it can be difficult to swallow your pride and call a mental health facility, but they are there to help you and those like you. A mental health facility can help get you set up with therapy and can make other recommendations to help you get better. Therapy for depression is out there and available, but its’ up to you to get started. Use the list above to find depression and therapy resources, and start getting the help you not only need but deserve, today.

3 Things to Know About National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week

There’s a reason that mental illnesses have the nickname “silent killers.” There is still a stigma associated with mental illness, so many people suffer alone, and never seek the help they need. Some of the most common forms of unspoken mental illness in the country are anxiety and depression. No one is immune to these mental health issues, yet many suffer silently. To cut through misunderstanding and to give the voiceless a voice, we observe National Anxiety and Awareness Week, which is observed May 7th through 13th in 2017. Let’s learn more about the National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week and what it’s all about. What to Know About National Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week Anxiety and Depression Affect More People than You Think Studies and surveys show that anxiety is the most diagnosed mental illness in the country at around 40 million Americans or 18 percent of the general population. Out of that number, half of those are dual-diagnosed with depression. Even though those numbers are high, most people stay quiet about their anxiety and depression. National Anxiety and Depression Week is a Great Time to Find Help National Anxiety and Depression Week is not only about awareness, but finding sufferers the help they need. If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety or depression, take advantage of the week. Many mental health websites that offer free literature and more during National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week. The Major Goal of National Anxiety and Depression Week is to Destroy Stigma As stated earlier, many people suffer from anxiety and depression due to the social stigma, despite the fact these illnesses affect a sizable part of the population. One of the major goals of National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week is to create more awareness to help eliminate stigma. When the stigma surrounding these illnesses is gone, you’ll find much more people getting the help they need. Even though thousands of Americans suffer from anxiety and depression, many do not seek the help they need. National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week educates people to let them know they’re not alone, to help stamp out the social stigma surrounding anxiety and depression, and to finally get people the help they need.

How to Deal with Relatives During the Holidays

For some, the holidays are a wonderful time of the year where they get to see distant relatives, hang out around the hearth, and trade stories with your family. For others, though, the holidays can be a time where you must listen to a racist uncle, deal with a mother that’s panicking to get the Christmas spread ready, and a grandfather who’s sitting in the corner getting drunk. This type of holiday pressure can be rough on anyone, but it can be worse if you have mental health issues of your own such as anxiety or depression. You likely have your own personal ways of coping with relatives over the holidays, but they not be the healthiest ways to cope. Let’s view this from a mental health standpoint and look at healthy ways to deal with your family over the holiday season. Dealing with Relatives over the Holidays Set Boundaries/Have a Plan Set boundaries for yourself before you go into a family event. Make rules to yourself including who you shouldn’t talk, controversial topics that you should stay away from, where you should sit, and even how to get out if things get rough. It also helps to give yourself time parameters to make you feel more comfortable, e.g. limit yourself to only 3-4 hours at a certain event. Don’t Make Things Personal When you have rough relatives it’s easy to take things personally. Most of the time any criticisms or arguments lobbed after you aren’t even meant to be personal. Remember the holidays are not all about you and don’t take things too personally. Try to go in with a happy, open spirit and remember that the holidays are for the entire family. Have Realistic Expectations It’s easy to think, “This year will be different,” and it may be, but try to go to any family functions with realistic expectations. Your grandmother is still likely to ask if you’ve met anyone, and your aunt is likely going to disparage an entire race of people, so keep your head up! The holidays can be tough on people, especially if there are mental health issues in the mix. Before going to any holiday event set boundaries, plan, don’t take things personally and have realistic expectations. With these tips and more, you may be able to enjoy yourself this holiday season.