Depression in Plain English

Depression, mild or sever, is on the rise worldwide. Why? Contribution from pressure from work, speed of life, finances, family issues, and societal/technological changes add to our ability to cope with and effectively process the mental, emotional, physical, and psychological demands on us. The good news is that these are triggers that can be eliminated.

The purpose of this blog is to share the techniques and tips that have worked for me and others I know who live with depression and their loved ones who support them.

Exercise is Natural Medicine for Depression

I know what some will say... I just can't get myself moving. If you need motivation, here is a reason why. Exercise increases neurotransmitters, the stuff in the brain responsible for regulating physical and mental well being. Here is some research you can read.

For my money, you don't have to be an athlete or exhaust yourself to get some benefit from exercise. Start slow and small, then increase intensity as you get better. The most important thing is to do something every day so you body develops a 'need' for moving. I'd say you'll feel that 'need' in about 3 weeks at which point it becomes easier to get going. Developing this healthy habit will help with your depression.

Many will also say that exercise takes time which they don't have. As my mother said, "you have time for what you make time for". You can do something just about anywhere!

If you think that exercising requires money, I'll show you how you can get in shape fo…

Functional but Blue

Many of us with depression are highly functional which makes it even more difficult to decide on getting help.

You don't have to go very far to see what I mean. Michael Phelps is arguably the greatest swimmer in history and also a spokesperson for talkspace, an online platform that offers convenient and affordable therapy.

Functional doesn't mean healthy! Finding joy in our everyday activities, looking forward to the next hour and things that are coming, waking up with drive, and feeling no dread/fear/anxiety about what's coming is where your life could be... so start walking the depression road one step at the time.

Tip: Put yourself to the test!
1. Ask yourself each evening what portion of the day you spent feeling that you did chores (this is not the activity but the general feeling of having to do rather than wanting to do).
2. Keep tabs for two week.
3. If you spend more than half of your time this way, it is time to change something and feel better.

Only you can sta…

Music Helps Depression

It's been well known that music helps people with depression.

You can read research and a lot more about how music can help at the American Music Therapy Association's website.

I won't bore you with the musical theory behind my choices (being a violinist I know a bit about it), just let it suffice that the most constructive pieces for depression (in my opinion) are written in a variation of major keys.

Here are a few of my suggestions:

Uplifting
Classical: Liszt - Les Preludes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDEem_aEttE
Pop: Bette Middler - Wind beneath my wings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iAzMRKFX3c

Motivating
Classical: Dvorak's 8th Symphony https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfP29uN33L8
Pop: Whitney Houston - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27Lf9gEioxI

Productive
Classical: J.S. Bach - Brandenburg concertos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCPM8DEsvmc
Pop: Queen - Don't stop me now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgzGwKwLmgM

Calming
Classical: Debussy - Clair d…

Depression Road

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