advice
Advice and tips on managing mental health, maintaining a positive outlook and becoming your happiest self.
How to Lead a 'Normal' Life With Depression and Anxiety
A few years ago, before I was "allowed" to speak about my mental health, things were at their worst. I was 17, going through college and just learning about the world. I was severely anxious and at the time I'd only just learned what anxiety was. The thing about depression is that it's not just sadness, it can be a symptom for some people, but it can manifest in rage, antisocial behaviour, sleeping or not sleeping, eating too much or not eating at all, it's a really subjective illness and it's different for a lot of people. I had trouble coping with friendships and relationships, jealousy, fear and anger consumed my mind. Amidst all the episodes you can have it can be hard to navigate through everyday life, I remember it being like a thick fog with no chance of clearing. So I've compiled a list of things that helped me and hopefully will help you.
By Ruby-Jessica Smith8 years ago in Psyche
5 Practices That Can Improve Your Mental Health
After being diagnosed with a major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern, my therapist suggested scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist to explore the possibility of going on medication. I reflected on the struggles of everyone I knew personally who had taken medication for depression and decided to try every possible treatment before embarking on the long and sometimes very difficult journey that is finding the correct antidepressant.
By Leticia Gabbi9 years ago in Psyche
Inside the Deep Hold of the Mind
My mind it's a rather curious thing. Constant interactions with myself. This might make me sound crazy. Don't ponder on it too much, because I am crazy. I've come to terms with my mental illness these past few years. Just because I have a better grasp on how to control my mental illness does not mean I'm not crazy. If you were to look inside my mind and see the thousands of things that I think about on a daily basis, you too would agree with me. One good thing I can say about having these mental illnesses is that it has made me the person I am today. If anything it is made me become a stronger human being and much more patient and understanding.
By Jude Augustine9 years ago in Psyche
Breaking Through Depression: Give Yourself Credit
Sometimes when we are feeling depressed, we only tend to focus on the bad things or what went wrong. For instance, say the first half of your day went brilliantly, you got the things you wanted to do done and you went for a super walk. But when the second half of your day comes, the only thing you can do is go back to bed and do nothing. You will only focus on the second part of the day that did not go well and disregard the first part of the day that did go well. Another example, the majority of your day goes very well, you do positive things and talk to lots of people. But then someone says something which annoys or upsets you. So you only focus on that tiny bit that went wrong and ignore the rest of the day that went brilliantly.
By Chloe Urquhart9 years ago in Psyche
A Society in Need of Physical Touch
Have you ever been standing on a bus and someone accidentally brushes your hand with theirs, and you just get a sudden euphoric rush, simply from having another person touch you. You may be touch starved. I never thought there would be a term for it, I always just thought I was lonely and couldn't figure out why. This has helped me realize a few very important things that are helping me, albeit slowly, turn my life around.
By Andrew Bryant9 years ago in Psyche
5 Things To Do in a Mental Health Crisis
A mental health crisis may consist of extreme anxiety, depression or feeling suicidal. For me, it's generally a mix of all three. This results in a rush of energy, feeling like I can't keep still or think straight, feeling like I can't breathe or am drowning and just utter terror that this is the beginning and things are about to get so, so much worse.
By The 'A' Girl9 years ago in Psyche
Anxiety
Anxiety is the name we give to our feelings of worry, fear, apprehension, and nervousness. It is not a mental illness. It is the appropriate nervous reaction that human beings developed when we first evolved to tell us when we were in a dangerous situation. Many of our fears and worries a justified. We may be worried about taking an exam or that a person we love is suffering. Anxiety may, however, occur without cause or it may be that we are more worried about a difficult situation that it warrants. People who suffer from severe anxiety find it can have a serious impact on their daily lives.
By Clare Scanlan9 years ago in Psyche
The Hole
I was there against my will, and I knew it was the place that I needed to be. See, I asked for help and protection from myself. I didn't trust myself anymore because I had a plan, a workable plan, and I intended to put that plan into motion three days ago. My plan consisted of a wooded area, a hose, a car exhaust and a sunny final day of my life.
By Rachael Merrick9 years ago in Psyche
Going in the Deep End
I was asked one time on how my anxiety started. When having anxiety and dealing with it for many years, that answer was nearly impossible to answer. Before you know it, days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and on and on and on and on. Then you start asking yourself questions to determine the answer to the first question. Your brain takes you to the deaths of loved ones. Then the memories and emotions start flowing of the wonderful times you had with them. Before you know it, there are things rapidly stemming off in every direction like a chaotic flow chart without any end. Your anxiety that was only playing with you like a cat chasing a string has now become thoughts of regrets and what if's to take total control of all mental functions. Answers? Answers don't come easy when dealing with anxiety.
By Son Of A Fitch9 years ago in Psyche
Signs That You Need To Switch Therapists
As many people can tell you, getting therapy as a way to cope with mental illness, tough times, and trauma is a brilliant move. The right therapist can help you see problems in your relationships from a new perspective, help you learn life-saving coping mechanisms, and also give you the tools you need in order to heal.
By James Porterson9 years ago in Psyche
Think Good Thoughts. Top Story - August 2017.
I remember thinking that I was a pretty positive person and that circumstances just got in the way of the real progress I wanted in my life. Growing up I kept a diary of things that I was dealing with and the questions I had regarding the way things would go. Life would present challenges and I kept my chin up and made sure that I spoke optimistically.
By Marilen Crump9 years ago in Psyche
