Rising From the Depths: How to Navigate Through Depression

 

Rising From the Depths: How to Navigate Through Depression

 Depression is difficult to manage, especially because you feel ashamed and struggle to find calm within yourself. You see everyone happy, and you feel sad or guilty that you are not able to see yourself the way other people see you.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-looking-holding-while-holding-head-with-left-hand-883441/

 

However, you are not alone. Many people struggle with depression. Depression is a common mental illness. According to the stats, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression.

So how do you navigate through its symptoms and still live your best life:

#1 A good therapist goes hand in hand with medications

#2 Let go of major life expectations and do only the things you can do

#3 Don’t be too hard on yourself

#4 Give yourself credit every time you make progress, even when it looks small

#5 Always find joy in simple things

Irrespective of what life throws at you, you need to know that there is only one you on this planet, and you can be your own home and feel worthy of being happy with who you are.

 

 

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photography-of-woman-surrounded-by-sunflowers-1263986/

 

You have to allow self-kindness, tenderness, and the belief that you are worthy. It will take some time, but once you get there, there is no looking back. Always know that you are noble and great, courageous, determined, faithful and fearless.

That is who you are and who you have always been. And understanding these can change your life because this knowledge carries a confidence that cannot be duplicated any other way.

When life comes with its challenges, remember the words of Theodore Roosevelt:

“Courage is not having the strength to go on;

 it is going on even when you don’t have the strength.”

 

 GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

Is Self-Harm Suicidal?

 

Is Self-Harm Suicidal?

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One of the things people do to get over emotional pain is to try to numb the pain, and in the process, they get into self-harm. Mostly, self-harm is a coping mechanism that those struggling with their emotions turn to. In some cases, self-harm is intentional from the onset, while in other cases, it’s a resultant effect of what people are doing to relieve pain.

 

Mental Conditions Associated with Self-Harming Behaviors

Although self-harm is not a mental health disorder, it is a resultant effect of going through some mental conditions like:

1. Depression

2. Eating disorder

3. History of abuse

4. Substance misuse

5. History of violence

6. Family dysfunction

7. Borderline personality disorder                                   

8. Post-traumatic distress disorder

 

Self-Harm and Suicide

The intent of self-harm is different from that of suicide. In self-harm, the victim wants to numb their pain, while in suicide, the victim wants to take their life. It is important to note that their symptoms are similar, making it difficult to predict if a person is self-harming or attempting suicide. But either way, identifying the symptoms in you or your loved one and looking out for prevention measures will go a long way in avoiding the two. 

 

The Difference Between Suicide and Self-Harm

1. Self-harm causes damage on the surface of the body, while suicide is more lethal.

2. The intent of self-harming is to feel better from emotional pain. In suicide, it is to end one’s life.

3. The stats of committing suicide are low compared to self-harm, which is mostly done regularly or at intervals as a coping mechanism for pain.

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

Symptoms and Prevention of Self-Harm

Symptoms and Prevention of Self-Harm

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In the United States, the stats reveal that the self-harm cases reported are close to 2 million yearly, and of this number, teens have the highest percentage. This shows that we must pay adequate attention to our loved ones, especially when they are going through emotional downtime. Although it’s quite difficult to notice a person self-harming because it’s mostly done in secret, there are symptoms you can watch out for when you suspect your loved one or friend is self-harming.

 

These symptoms include:

1. Headbanging

2. Anxiety and shame  

3. Cutting and burning

4. Emotional instability

5. Wearing long clothes

6. Scars and broken bones

7. Bruises and fresh injuries

8. Depression and mood swings

9. Spending more time alone than usual

10. Keeping sharp objects at hand most times

11. Withdrawal from people and fun activities

12. The feeling of helplessness and hopelessness

 

Prevention of Self-Harm

Even though self-harm is not tantamount to committing suicide, one still must be careful because continuous self-harm might result in suicide. This is why in dealing with people going through any form of emotional pain, self-harm must be prevented, especially when the person going through the pain is showing the tendencies of self-harming. To prevent your loved ones from self-harming from the onset or from continuing the practice:

1. Provide healthy distractions

2. Schedule a psychological evaluation

3. Involve in individual or group therapy

4. Improve healthy and encouraging communication

Lastly, another important thing to pay attention to in preventing self-harm is positive affirmation. Remind yourself or your loved one that, as C. JoyBell C. said, “The only person who can pull me down is myself, and I’m not going to let myself pull me down anymore.”

 

 GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

 

Treating PTSD

 

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Some of the assumptions about PTSD are that:

1. It is not treatable.

2. It affects only veterans.

3. It is a sign of weakness.

4. It will go after a long time.

5. Everyone with PTSD has the same symptoms.

All these assumptions are not accurate. Anyone can be affected by PTSD—children, teens, adults, and veterans. It will not go after a long time if it’s not treated, so it can be treated. The causes and symptoms vary in individuals, which is why you should go for treatment, and lastly, surviving a very terrible event is a sign of strength and not weakness.

If you have PTSD or you have a child or family member with PTSD, you need to understand that there are ways of getting treated—It’s not a death sentence.

Seeking Treatment for PTSD

Seeking treatment for PTSD has a huge impact on the health and quality of life of the person suffering from this disorder. Do not stay silent when you suspect symptoms of PTSD in you or your loved ones. Get the necessary help and treatment needed to combat this mental health condition.

PTSD treatment options include:

1. Medication

2. Group Therapy

3. Family Therapy

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy                                                                     

5. Prolonged Exposure Therapy

6. EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

These treatments are very helpful. Taking medications will help you ease the tension you feel and improve your sleep pattern, while going for therapy will help you understand your thoughts, why you act the way you do and teach you coping mechanisms when you are faced with a challenging situation as a result of the PTSD symptoms. It is important you speak with your doctor about the different methods of treatment in order to apply the best one for you.

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

 

Rising From the Depths: How to Navigate Through Depression

 Depression is difficult to manage, especially because you feel ashamed and struggle to find calm within yourself. You see everyone happy, and you feel sad or guilty that you are not able to see yourself the way other people see you.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-looking-holding-while-holding-head-with-left-hand-883441/

 

However, you are not alone. Many people struggle with depression. Depression is a common mental illness. According to the stats, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression.

So how do you navigate through its symptoms and still live your best life:

#1 A good therapist goes hand in hand with medications

#2 Let go of major life expectations and do only the things you can do

#3 Don’t be too hard on yourself

#4 Give yourself credit every time you make progress, even when it looks small

#5 Always find joy in simple things

Irrespective of what life throws at you, you need to know that there is only one you on this planet, and you can be your own home and feel worthy of being happy with who you are.

 

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photography-of-woman-surrounded-by-sunflowers-1263986/

 

You have to allow self-kindness, tenderness, and the belief that you are worthy. It will take some time, but once you get there, there is no looking back. Always know that you are noble and great, courageous, determined, faithful and fearless.

That is who you are and who you have always been. And understanding these can change your life because this knowledge carries a confidence that cannot be duplicated any other way.

When life comes with its challenges, remember the words of Theodore Roosevelt:

“Courage is not having the strength to go on;

 it is going on even when you don’t have the strength.”

 

 

GinMan Consulting is here to help you

develop yourself and all that you deserve.

Visit us at www.ginmanconsulting.com

The Other Side of Depression

The Other Side of Depression

            A hidden fire... depression! Many refuse to seek treatment for depression due to the unsettling stigma and lack of support society displays. Despite the many unwelcoming embraces that a depression sufferer often faces, there is another backside to depression. Even though family and friends are also gravely affected by loved ones with symptoms of depression, rarely do they receive treatment along with their loved ones. Both affected parties are riddled with sadness, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness and suicidal ideations simultaneously when only one has the diagnosis. When loved ones are suffering with depression, family and friends feel helpless, restless and scared.

            What does the family and friends of these victims of depression need for strength?

#1 Moving family and friends from worry to optimism

            Use the power of positivity. Depression is a dark and dreary disease that produces negative and sad feelings. Reverse the affect by surrounding yourself with positive people, places, situations, words and actions. Family and friends need to be loaded with infinite amounts of energetic vibes, thoughts and feelings.

#2 Moving family and friends from codependent to supportive

            Be on the same team without being a crutch. Feeling sorry for a loved one with depressive moods is a normal reaction. Overcome codependency that can keep loved ones stuck with depressive feelings. Know that it is the responsibility of the sufferer along with your support to accept the help available to manage depression.

#3 Moving family and friends from guilt to security

            Don’t abandon your security blanket. Not being able to help soothe and manage the depression of a loved one effectively causes feelings of guilt. Ensure yourself that you have done all you can to show unconditional love and support for the struggles that are present without feeling responsible. If you have done all you can do in a healthy way, that’s all you can do.

Family therapy is a great way to work through and manage symptoms of depression for everyone involved. It offers a sense of togetherness and support that increases the chance of successful and long- term recovery from depression.

For more information about how family therapy can assist your family and loved ones with symptoms of depression such as sadness, stress, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, contact GINMAN CONSULTING at

http://www.ginmanconsulting.com/

Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions you may feel about this article and/ or family therapy.

Thanks in Advance,

Virginia xoxoxoxoxo