During these difficult financial times, many persons are experiencing higher levels or stress, worry, and anxiety. The following six anxiety reducing tips could help you overcoming stress and live a better life, even if your financial budget is in “crisis.” 1) STAY CONNECTED. We often withdraw when we become stressed or depressed. Instead, turn to your social support – Be around friends and family – Don’t isolate. Let those close to you help you through the hard times. 2) GET OUT OF YOUR MIND. It is good to Be concerned about finances, but worrying all the time is not helpful. Schedule a specific time to worry--20 minutes a day. If you find yourself worrying outside that designated time, tell yourself “I’ve scheduled a time for this.” Then, immediately refocus on something else. The human mind is bad at focusing on more than one thing at a time, so focus on something good. 3) Don't lie to yourself. When we experience an upsetting event, such as losing a job, we can (and often do) … [Read more...]
Depression In Adolescence: Depression Risk Factors, Depression Effects, Depression Treatment
By, Laura P. Naylor Abstract Depression is very common in adolescence and if not treated properly it can produce long-term negative consequences, such as alcohol and drug abuse, criminal behavior, and even suicide. It is imperative that parents, educators, mental health workers, and the entire society better understand the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and behavior problems associated with depression in adolescence. This paper attempts to provide society with a better understanding of adolescent depression by reviewing the current literature on adolescent depression. This paper defines depression and reviews its symptoms, as well as the genetic, environmental, and social influences of adolescent depression. It also examines gender and racial differences among adolescents with depression and examines treatment options available to depressed adolescents. Introduction Everyone has most likely experienced a sad mood at one time or another in their lives. A short period of … [Read more...]
Beating the End of Summer Blues: Tips for Preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder
Who doesn’t love fall? As soon as we feel the chill in the air and smell the unmistakable scent of burning leaves, we know that pumpkin-carving, football games, and holidays are right around the corner. Still, in the middle of all—in the middle of all the fun times with family and friends—fall does have its downside for some of us. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) begins its onset around this time of year for millions of Americans. Do any of these statements describe you during the fall or winter months? If they do, you may be suffering from SAD: “I have no energy.” “All I want to do is sleep.” “I feel so sad and I don’t know why.” “I am so frustrated all the time!” “I want comfort food, and lots of it.” “I don’t really feel like seeing my family and friends. I’d rather just stay home alone.” “I have all these new aches and pains, and I don’t know why.” There’s bad news and good news about SAD. The bad news is that it’s a cyclical condition—it comes back … [Read more...]
Suicide: Information on Suicide and Counseling for Suicidal Individuals
PORTRAITS Nicole got extremely drunk at a party and made a fool of herself in front of her entire high school. She left the party, humiliated, and began thinking about each of the other stupid things she had done lately. When she saw the glow of headlights coming up behind her, she decided to run out into the middle of the road. Tony had severe diabetes and his only hope was to have his leg amputated. The day before the surgery, he wrote a note to his family and overdosed on his pain medications. Carly drove off of a bridge two days before her college graduation. Not long after, her parents found out that she had failed all of her classes and was told that she would not be able to graduate. DEFINITIONS & KEY THOUGHTS Suicide is the tragic and fatal culmination of a psychological process caused by unresolved events that lead to hopelessness and depression. An individual who is considering suicidal is unable to see any hope that their future will be any better than their … [Read more...]
Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation in Boston: 7 Strategies for Making Friends and Building Relationships
“The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.” —Mother Teresa Today’s world appears more connected than ever, and yet many people feel lonely and isolated. Everyone keeps their friends up-to-date with Snapchat and Instagram. Smart phones mean communicating with people across the world can happen in an instant. Through technology, people are rarely alone, and yet, loneliness in the age of social media is a well-documented phenomenon. Being around people is a very different experience than being connected to people. People often share their pictures or their status, but are they sharing their fears, their happiness, their concerns, or their delight? And are they listening as their loved ones open up about their own experiences and feeling? Even though many people are rarely alone, they are not experiencing these healthy connections. Instead, they often feel isolated. Loneliness involves a deep sense of isolation and disconnection from others, … [Read more...]