June 16, 2019
Am I depressed, or just lazy?
Occasionally, we all go through waves of feeling lazy. Laziness and depression do have some similarities, but a few key differences too…
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May 2, 2019
Stop the downward spiral back into depression
After going through the difficult process of recovering from depression, it can be worrying to suspect your symptoms are creeping in again. Feeling down and out (sometimes) is a normal part of life. But if you have ongoing feelings like this, for longer than two weeks, to the extent that it affects your work or social life, you may be at risk for a relapse.
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October 22, 2018
Holiday blues getting you down?
Holidays are meant to be a time filled with fun, but for many young students, it can take its toll in unexpected ways. Here are some mindful ways to practise self-care when you’re not coping. Acknowledge your feelings “Holiday blues” are different to clinical depression because they don’t linger and generally clear up once you’re back into the swing of things. Even so, short-term sadness needs to be dealt with. And contrary to popular belief, being on holiday doesn’t mean it’s easier to be happy. Fatigue, sadness, loneliness and frustration are all common signs that you’re suffering from holiday blues. Suppressing…
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May 10, 2018
Looking into antidepressants? Read this first
Are you feeling down, or lost your motivation in life? Do you think you could have depression? Before you get started on treatment, it’s useful to know what exactly is out there, so you can make an informed decision. What is Depression? Depression is a medical illness that affects your mood, body and thoughts. With the right treatment you can be on your way to recovery and live a normal life. It is highly treatable, and between 80-90% of people have a good response and find relief from their symptoms. The condition is commonly treated with antidepressants and psychotherapy. According…
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November 13, 2017
How to prevent the suicide of a friend
It's awful to think about. So often, the loved ones of someone who committed suicide will say: "We never saw it coming!" It's not their fault, either. We all miss the clues and warning signs of someone who struggles with suicidal thoughts: it can be easier than you think to hide feelings of depression, anxiety, fear and substance abuse, and those who suffer can often be too ashamed to talk about it. So how can we be better prepared to help those in need? Here's what to look out for: Warning signs include: Talk: A suicidal person will drop hints of…
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November 13, 2017
10 natural ways to treat depression
Today, depression affects over 300 million people worldwide. It’s one of the main causes of disability in developed, as well as low and medium income countries. The mood disorder doesn’t discriminate - it can affect anyone! This serious mental health condition affects the way you think, feel and behave. Between 2005 and 2015, worldwide depression rates climbed to 18%. Are you one of those numbers? Don’t feel helpless. Even if you are taking medication for your condition, it's worth adding on natural treatments. The healthy escape Choose a diet that gives you important vitamins and minerals to balance your hormones and…
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October 27, 2017
What is depression, really?
Depression is a medical condition that causes a constant feeling of sadness and lack of interest in everyday life. Even simple things like getting dressed in the morning or eating can become a daunting task. Depression affects how a person feels, behaves, thinks and acts and is divided into three categories - mild, moderate and major depression. While it’s natural to feel various negative emotions after a traumatic event, like a break-up, death or job loss, if you’re suffering with depression for weeks or months on end, it could be time to see your doctor! What Are The Signs And…
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October 27, 2017
How to know if your teen is depressed or suicidal
In 2012, public health in Oregon found that suicide rates pickup in January, after going down over December, and climb even more into February. That suggests that, perhaps, people who are depressed and feeling suicidal, may be postponing it over the festive season. As parents, it can be scary to even think about it. So when do you take the moodiness of your teenagers seriously, and how can you help them? What’s the Difference between Adult and Teen Depression? Depression in teens can look very different from depression in adults, and some of the most common symptoms of teen depression…
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October 24, 2017
Why depression is often missed in guys
Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a feeling that goes beyond “snap out of it!” And, unfortunately, it’s often misdiagnosed as the symptoms are different in men than in women. Research points out that men have trouble saying out loud, “I have depression,” because of societal pressure to always be strong. Is the stigma worth your mental health though? According to studies, professionals look for the same symptoms of depression in men as in women: sadness, increased emotions or fatigue. Women also tend to be more open about their emotions in general and will acknowledge when they feel…
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October 24, 2017
Don’t let the holidays get you down
Not everyone feels happy and festive during Christmas season. We get that. The holidays can be hard. For those without big families or a bustling social life, days stretching on endlessly can make you want to curl up into a ball and just sleep away the season. We’re not saying you need to be the life of the party. But you can enjoy the holidays with a few small adjustments to suit your state of mind. Plan a small activity every other day The thought of filling up your calendar chock full of parties can be overwhelming. No need for…
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