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.

Depression with Bidirectional Illnesses

Depression with Bidirectional Illnesses I've said this before... depression doesn't walk alone in most cases. The importance of this cannot be emphasized enough because the coexistence of conditions often lead to worsening conditions. The constant exposure/experience of the simultaneous illnesses often end up in competition for attention which feed the cycle and make things worse for both (or multiple conditions). While I cannot list all combinations in this post, I'd like to illustrate the point with some common occurrences. Depression and Insomnia It has been proven by research that insomnia is a huge risk factor for depression as well as a consequence of depression. This is not hard to understand. In layman terms, those of us who don't get enough sleep often experience lack of energy, memory problems, and a host of other symptoms that make normal functioning of body and mind difficult on a daily basis. The frustration with not being able to do all the thing

Depression perpetuated by Guilt

Spurred by someone I care about, this post is for all those who battle the unending guilt experienced during depression periods. Guilt is a very real and debilitating but completely useless feeling. It stops us from moving forward by blocking rational thinking on options for and ability to act. Why I say perpetuating? Here is a typical chain of thoughts I lived through that rendered me completely unable to think or act. (Remember, by definition, depression is, among other things, the inability to carry out everyday tasks.) The kitchen needs cleaning up (stuff put away, dishes washed). It can wait. - the mind is trying to find a way out of doing I'm too tired to clean up the kitchen. - the mind is trying to rationalize why not to act This is such a small thing but I can't bring myself to do it. - I'm just lazy... GUILT sets in I should find something useful to do. - searching for a way to eliminate feeling lazy I just can't get myself moving. - what's wrong with me?

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 sh

Depression Road

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