At any time in our lives, we may feel blue, or a little sad. This is totally normal and nothing to worry about. Occasionally however, certain emotions seem to get a grip of us, and before we know it we have become depressed and our feelings of hopelessness and despair have taken hold of us and won’t let go. Once we find ourselves at that stage, it can be a long and complicated road to recovery, full of ups and downs, so as far as possible it is important to try to avoid depression in the first place.
People with depression find life tough and difficult to enjoy. They feel a huge disconnect with the world. On one level they can see that there is hope and beauty all around, but on the other, they just can’t stop feeling down. You can avoid this by noting the signs to look out for if there is a chance you could be sliding into depression, and act before it is too late.
1. Depression is different for every individual, so there is no chance that you will have all of these signs and symptoms. But you will probably find that your emotions will be particularly unstable and changeable. Do you recognise any of these, for example?
2. Do you struggle with everyday life? The things that you generally love to do don’t seem as pleasurable, or you can’t be bothered anymore. This might include hobbies, or social activities, sport or sex. You can’t seem to feel joy anymore.
3. Change in your appetite? With some people who are heading into depression, the appetite disappears and they lose weight. Others tend to comfort eat and put weight on. If you notice a loss or gain, you could be seeing the early stages of depression.
4. You may start to try and escape life. Playing computer games for hours and hours, or drinking more, taking drugs, watching TV endlessly: these are all classic escapism strategies that can indicate depression.
5. Trouble with your sleep patterns is a classic sign of depression. You may find that you suffer with insomnia. This can take the form of struggling to get to sleep, or trouble staying asleep. You may wake up several times in the night, or suffer with night panics.
6. This in turn can lead to a loss of energy. You may feel constantly tired and sluggish, with heavy limbs and head. You’ll have no interest in doing anything because you lack the energy.
7. A lack of sleep will also exacerbate any concentration problems you may be experiencing. If you struggle to stay focused and concentrate on a task in hand, this is a classic sign of depression.
8. Your tolerance levels may be lower than they normally are. You may find yourself in a bad mood more often, shouting or snapping more than usual. If everything and everyone is getting on your nerves, this can be a sign of depression.
9. You don’t particularly like yourself. You may not be able to put your finger on why, but all of a sudden you are experiencing feelings of self-loathing, worthlessness or guilt. You criticize yourself and judge yourself harshly.
10. You may have unexplained physical symptoms such as aches and pains, headaches, stomach aches etc.
If any of these signs and symptoms fit the bill for you, it is important that you discuss your issues with a professional and get the help you need, before things become worse.
Created by Tom Vermeersch
Tom Vermeersch is a certified Psychologist and Bach flower expert with more than 30 years of experience.
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At any time in our lives, we may feel blue, or a little sad. This is totally normal and nothing to worry about. Occasionally however, certain emotions seem to get a grip of us, and before we know it we have become depressed and our feelings of hopelessness and despair have taken hold of us and won’t let go. Once we find ourselves at that stage, it can be a long and complicated road to recovery, full of ups and downs, so as far as possible it is important to try to avoid depression in the first place.
People with depression find life tough and difficult to enjoy. They feel a huge disconnect with the world. On one level they can see that there is hope and beauty all around, but on the other, they just can’t stop feeling down. You can avoid this by noting the signs to look out for if there is a chance you could be sliding into depression, and act before it is too late.
1. Depression is different for every individual, so there is no chance that you will have all of these signs and symptoms. But you will probably find that your emotions will be particularly unstable and changeable. Do you recognise any of these, for example?
2. Do you struggle with everyday life? The things that you generally love to do don’t seem as pleasurable, or you can’t be bothered anymore. This might include hobbies, or social activities, sport or sex. You can’t seem to feel joy anymore.
3. Change in your appetite? With some people who are heading into depression, the appetite disappears and they lose weight. Others tend to comfort eat and put weight on. If you notice a loss or gain, you could be seeing the early stages of depression.
4. You may start to try and escape life. Playing computer games for hours and hours, or drinking more, taking drugs, watching TV endlessly: these are all classic escapism strategies that can indicate depression.
5. Trouble with your sleep patterns is a classic sign of depression. You may find that you suffer with insomnia. This can take the form of struggling to get to sleep, or trouble staying asleep. You may wake up several times in the night, or suffer with night panics.
6. This in turn can lead to a loss of energy. You may feel constantly tired and sluggish, with heavy limbs and head. You’ll have no interest in doing anything because you lack the energy.
7. A lack of sleep will also exacerbate any concentration problems you may be experiencing. If you struggle to stay focused and concentrate on a task in hand, this is a classic sign of depression.
8. Your tolerance levels may be lower than they normally are. You may find yourself in a bad mood more often, shouting or snapping more than usual. If everything and everyone is getting on your nerves, this can be a sign of depression.
9. You don’t particularly like yourself. You may not be able to put your finger on why, but all of a sudden you are experiencing feelings of self-loathing, worthlessness or guilt. You criticize yourself and judge yourself harshly.
10. You may have unexplained physical symptoms such as aches and pains, headaches, stomach aches etc.
If any of these signs and symptoms fit the bill for you, it is important that you discuss your issues with a professional and get the help you need, before things become worse.
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Read the complete article
Most people are disappointed when others don't meet their expectations. But when you always expect too much, it isn't healthy, either for yourself or for others. If you often find yourself feeling let down by your loved ones or even by strangers, could it be that you have unrealistic ideas of how people should act?
Read the complete article
You see the word "toxic" everywhere these days, but what does it really mean? You've almost certainly come across someone who fits the description. Dealing with difficult personalities can be challenging and emotionally exhausting, to say the least.
Do you suffer from a disorder known as "musturbation"? This term was first coined in the 1950s by psychotherapist Albert Ellis and described the way a negative inner voice rules our minds and bludgeons us with words such as "must", "should", and "ought".
Narcissism is a term we often see these days. But what does it mean? It's used to describe a person who is full of themselves or overly vain. However, it's not really about self-love.
Feel like everyone takes you for granted? Whether it's working late to prepare a presentation or cooking a special birthday meal for your partner, it's nice to be appreciated when you've made an extra effort. And if it seems as if people don't notice, you might feel as if no one values you.
Read the complete article
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As parents, we often worry about a poor school report as much, if not more, as our kids do! And if your child's grades are slipping, you'll be looking for reasons and if there's anything you can do to help.
Have you considered yoga? There are many advantages to practicing yoga. It is a holistic practice benefitting you physically, emotionally & mentally.
Bach Flowers are not medicinal but harmless plant extracts which are used to support health.
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