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Valentine’s day is here (in case you haven’t already noticed by the inundation of hearts, flowers, and candy in stores). For many people it is a day of celebrating with their spouse or partner and showing them extra love and attention. For others, Valentine’s Day is a depressing reminder that they are single or perhaps […]
Valentine’s day is here (in case you haven’t already noticed by the inundation of hearts, flowers, and candy in stores). For many people it is a day of celebrating with their spouse or partner and showing them extra love and attention. For others, Valentine’s Day is a depressing reminder that they are single or perhaps grieving the recent loss of a loved one.
If you are celebrating today alone this year, here are a few ways to have a fulfilling Valentine’s Day.
It’s bad enough to feel lonely, but it’s even worse to scold yourself for doing so. Loneliness is not an indication that you’re doing anything wrong or that there is something wrong and unlovable about you.
Even people that are in relationships can feel incredibly lonely. Loneliness affects everyone at some point in their life. It’s not a sin to feel this way, so stop scolding yourself.
Valentine’s Day is a holiday to show love. No one says that love must be shown in a romantic way.
This is a great time to show your affection and appreciation for the wonderful people in your life. Get your best friend a box of chocolates or your mom a bouquet of flowers. Put a card on your neighbor’s windshield and your coworker’s computer monitor. Buy your pet a new toy or treat. Give your child a special treat.
You can be filled with love by being loved, and you can be filled with love by loving others. The more love YOU show today, the more love you will feel inside. You will be amazed at how the loneliness quickly slips away when you are full of love.
Don’t let the commercialism of the holiday make you feel alone and isolated. You can have a lovely Valentine’s day if you love yourself and others.
How many times during the year do you make a real effort to show yourself love? If you’re like most people, you don’t really think much about how you treat yourself.
This Valentine’s Day, if you find yourself a party of one, try and make the best of it by focusing all of your love and attention on yourself. Take yourself out to a nice dinner. Or, if you don’t like the idea of sitting at a table alone surrounded by couples, then order in your favorite food and watch your favorite movie.
Take a nice long bath. Listen to your favorite band. Buy yourself a little gift on the way home from work. Use this Valentine’s Day to commit to showing yourself more love and kindness throughout the year.
Now, go out and snap up some of those delicious chocolates before they are gone!
With 322 million people suffering with depression worldwide, it’s not surprising to learn that in America, depression is among the most common mental disorders. The cause of depression is often simplified as a chemical imbalance in the brain, but the reality is that the disease is far more complicated. Scientific research has yet to completely […]
With 322 million people suffering with depression worldwide, it’s not surprising to learn that in America, depression is among the most common mental disorders. The cause of depression is often simplified as a chemical imbalance in the brain, but the reality is that the disease is far more complicated. Scientific research has yet to completely understand the biology of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors.
The disease of depression is the complicated combination previously described; this disease gives you the predisposition to fall into a depression after having experienced a negative external event. For example, getting fired from a job might send one person into a deep depression, while another simply bounces back after experiencing the initial sadness and disappointment.
Many experts in the cognitive behavioral field believe that depression is caused by, and worsens, with distorted negative thinking. The emotions you experience during an episode of depression are created by negative thoughts and perceptions. Your feelings will result from the meaning you attach to those thoughts. If you eliminate distorted, negative thoughts, you will find it easier to cope with the negative event that triggered your depression.
If you felt fine yesterday, but today feel depressed and hopeless, distorted thinking may be to blame. As an example, let’s say you woke up late and had to rush to work. This put you in a bad mood, and you started thinking distorted negative thoughts. “I’m always late. I’m a loser. My boss is going to be angry at me all day. He probably hates me anyway. I’m going to get fired.” As the day goes on, every event will be processed through this negative filter, causing you to feel worse.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps you challenge negative patterns of thought. By challenging these thoughts, you can improve your mood. For example, “I’m always late.” This is an overgeneralization. More than likely, you have not been late that often. If this is something you want to change, you can alter your schedule and habits to become more punctual.
Depression is a complicated illness, and as such is best managed by comprehensive treatment. If you’re suffering from depression, a licensed therapist can help you understand your mood disorder and develop strategies to cope with and improve your symptoms. Together, we can develop a plan for you to create the life you want to live. Give our office a call today, and let’s schedule an appointment. 801.399.1818
Many parents experience clinical depression each year. As if the disease weren’t enough, recognizing its effects on your children can be quite painful. Studies have shown that children of depressed parents are at greater risk of not only developing depression themselves, but also of poor physical health, problems bonding, anxiety, poor self-esteem and aggressive behavior. Of […]
Many parents experience clinical depression each year. As if the disease weren’t enough, recognizing its effects on your children can be quite painful.
Studies have shown that children of depressed parents are at greater risk of not only developing depression themselves, but also of poor physical health, problems bonding, anxiety, poor self-esteem and aggressive behavior. Of course, different things will determine the severity of any potential issues the child may face down the road, such as the quality of the relationship between the parent and child, and how quickly the parent can recover and maintain a healthy mental and emotional state.
Though it is not possible to completely protect children from the effects of a parent’s depression, there are some things you can do to help your child understand and cope. While it will be difficult, children cope unusually well if their parent is honest, able to communicate what’s going on, and offer support as much as possible.
As communication is critical, here are some things children of depressed parents need to hear.
It’s Not Your Fault
From a child’s point of view, the world really does revolve around them. Translation: Children of depressed parents will naturally assume they did something to make mommy or daddy sad and angry. In order to help your child develop a positive self-esteem, make it clear that what is going on is not their fault.
You are Not Responsible for Taking Care of Me
Even if a child is convinced they are not the cause of the depression, they will naturally feel compelled to make their parent well. When nothing they do eradicates the sadness, they will feel as though they failed. It’s important you clearly communicate that getting better is your responsibility and not theirs.
I Love You
Let your child know how much you love them and that your goal is to get well so you can take care of them. Also, it’s important to articulate that if you feel you cannot take care of their needs properly, you will find another adult who can. Be sure to be as specific as possible about what need (driving them to practice) and who will help them (Aunt Sarah will take you and pick you up).
It’s Okay to Feel Your Feelings
Children will feel guilty for having bad feelings toward their sick parent. Though they love their parent, when their needs aren’t being met, they will naturally feel anger, sadness and perhaps resentment.
Be sure to let them know whatever they feel is okay, and help them find outlets and express these feelings. Drawing is a great outlet as is physical activity.
If you are experiencing clinical depression, the most important thing you can do to support your children is to take care of yourself. You are the most important person in your child’s life so taking care of yourself is critical to their well-being.
If you or a loved one is interested in exploring treatment, please contact Aloha Behavioral today at 801.399.1818.
During this time of year, online ads and TV commercials would have us believe we should all feel merry and bright. Sadly, that’s not always the case. According to the National Institute of Health, many people experience depression during the holiday season. Some of the most common reasons people experience depression during this time of year are: […]
During this time of year, online ads and TV commercials would have us believe we should all feel merry and bright. Sadly, that’s not always the case. According to the National Institute of Health, many people experience depression during the holiday season.
Some of the most common reasons people experience depression during this time of year are:
If you can relate and are looking for some relief, here are ways you can cope with your depression this holiday season:
Feel Your Feelings
If you are grieving a loss, it’s important that you’re honest about your feelings. Your instinct may be to put on a brave face for friends and family, but forcing yourself to be happy for the sake of others will only make matters worse. Sadness and grief are a part of life, no matter the season, and it is 100% okay for you to feel your feelings. Ignoring your feelings or numbing them with alcohol or other substances will only make things worse in the long run.
Give Something Besides Money
If a lack of finances is the primary source of your mood, look for other ways you can give to others. Are you a good cook? Offer to cook for friends and family. If your talent is writing, write your kids a bedtime story or, if it’s painting, paint a beautiful mural on their wall. Shovel a friend’s driveway, babysit for a family member, write a heartfelt letter to a loved one. At the end of the day, thoughtful gifts from your heart will leave the greatest lasting impression.
Focus on Self Care
It’s important that you care for yourself during the holiday season. Eat right, drink water, exercise, and get plenty of rest. While these steps are important for everyone throughout the entire year, they are particularly important for those suffering from depression during the holidays.
Seek Help
Depression is nothing to take lightly. If your depression has lingered, is getting worse, or you’re having suicidal thoughts, it’s imperative that you seek help from a qualified mental health professional. They will be able to help you navigate your overwhelming emotions and offer tools to manage symptoms.
If you are having suicidal thoughts call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255. This phone number is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are having suicidal thoughts and thinking of acting on them, please go to your nearest emergency room.
If you’d like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with us. You don’t have to suffer alone. Call Aloha at 801.399.1818 to schedule an appointment.
By Alesa Van Dyke Did you know that after childbirth your hormones change significantly? In fact, the postpartum hormone drop is often considered the largest hormone change in the shortest amount of time at any point in the life cycle of a human being, according to an interview with Aviva Romm, MD. With such dramatic […]
Did you know that after childbirth your hormones change significantly? In fact, the postpartum hormone drop is often considered the largest hormone change in the shortest amount of time at any point in the life cycle of a human being, according to an interview with Aviva Romm, MD. With such dramatic physiological changes, it is no wonder that a woman can feel like she is on an emotional roller coaster ride. Feelings such as excitement, joy, anxiety, and fear are all common emotions that a woman can experience. Unfortunately, sometimes a woman can experience more intense feelings of sadness, worry, hopelessness, guilt, and a serious depression that interferes with daily life. This is known as Postpartum depression. Symptoms of Postpartum depression are a bit different for everyone and are not limited to, but can include:
According to the Center for Disease Control, about 1 in 9 women experience postpartum depression symptoms. If you have a previous history of depression you are at a higher risk. Fortunately, postpartum depression is treatable. If you think you may be suffering with postpartum depression call us today at 801.399.1818 for an appointment. If you are in crisis or thinking of suicide, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
You can feel better, and we can help.
By Carrie C Collins Aloha Behavioral is proud to offer genetic testing with GeneSight.® GeneSight® analyzes your individual DNA to help your doctor gain a better understanding of which medications might be more likely to work, which may require dose adjustments, or may have an increased risk of side effects based on your genetic makeup. […]