Exploring Depression

What is depression?

Sadness or downswings in mood are normal reactions to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness.

Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all—they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or men in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless.

Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.

Are you depressed?

If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression.

• you can’t sleep or you sleep too much

• you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult

• you feel hopeless and helpless

• you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try

• you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating

• you are much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual

• you’re consuming more alcohol than normal or engaging in other reckless behavior

• you have thoughts that life is not worth living (seek help immediately if this is the case)

Supporting Loved Ones with Anxiety

Supporting loved ones with anxiety can be a significant aspect of helping them manage their mental health effectively. Here are some strategies to navigate and provide support to individuals dealing with anxiety:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about anxiety disorders, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Understanding the condition can help you offer informed support and empathy to your loved one.

2. Listen Without Judgment: Provide a non-judgmental space for your loved one to express their feelings and concerns. Practice active listening and show empathy towards their experiences.

3. Encourage Professional Help: Encourage your loved one to seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional who can provide appropriate treatment and support.

4. Offer Practical Support: Help your loved one with daily tasks or responsibilities that may feel overwhelming during times of heightened anxiety. Offer to accompany them to appointments or assist them in seeking resources for support.

5. Be Patient and Understanding: Understand that recovery from anxiety disorders is a gradual process and may involve setbacks. Be patient with your loved one and offer consistent support and reassurance.

6. Practice Self-Care: Remember to take care of your own mental health and well-being while supporting someone with anxiety. Set boundaries, seek support for yourself when needed, and prioritize self-care activities.

7. Encourage Healthy Coping Strategies: Encourage your loved one to engage in healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or hobbies that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.

8. Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge your loved one's feelings and experiences without trying to minimize or dismiss them. Validation can provide comfort and reassurance during times of distress.

9. Stay Connected: Stay connected with your loved one regularly, whether through in-person interactions, phone calls, or text messages. Let them know that you are there for them and they are not alone in their struggles.

By offering understanding, patience, and support to your loved one with anxiety, you can help them navigate their challenges more effectively and improve their overall well-being.

All about Anxiety

Do you worry excessively about things that are unlikely to happen, or feel tense and anxious all day long with no real reason? Everyone gets anxious sometimes, but if your worries and fears are constant and they interfere with your ability functioning then, you may deal with Anxiety. At times Anxiety is mentally and physically exhausting. It drains your energy, interferes with sleep, and wears your body out. But you can break free from worrying and learn to calm your anxious mind.

Sometimes Anxiety is beneficial 

Worries, doubts, and fears are a normal part of life. It’s natural to be anxious about your upcoming SAT test or to worry about your finances after being hit by unexpected bills. 
The difference between “normal” and debilitating anxiety is that is: excessive, intrusive, persistent, debilitating

Emotional symptoms of anxiety disorder

• Constant worries running through your head
• Feeling like your anxiety is uncontrollable; there is nothing you can do to stop the worrying
• Intrusive thoughts about things that make you anxious; you try to avoid thinking about them, but you can’t
• An inability to tolerate uncertainty; you need to know what’s going to happen in the future
• A pervasive feeling of apprehension or dread