Depression

Guest post by: Cheryl Hitchcock
Become an Author

Free PDF Download
Let’s Talk about Depression - By Cheryl Hitchcock

February is considered the most depressing month of the year. The festivities of the holidays are over and there is no break in the weather for what seems like forever! This combination of decreased sunlight and bitter weather conditions helps manifest depressive feelings in many people. Our activity level decreases due to our limited ability to engage in outdoor leisure pursuits and we often put on more weight as well. No wonder we feel most depressed during this month!

Lack of sunshine and Vitamin K that comes with sun exposure can play havoc with our brain chemicals and in turn cause us unnecessary suffering. There are ways to combat the depressive feelings that we encounter. Let me first address Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is a diagnosis and is something that you should consult your doctor about. Light Therapy is a proven treatment in SAD, especially during the winter months. Clinical Depression is also a diagnosis that you should seek medical advice about. I am going to speak about generalized depressive feelings and although the following strategies help with both clinical diagnosis of SAD and Clinical Depression, you should always consult your doctor for medical advice.

Feelings of depression hit every human being at some time in their lives and they are always helped with the right mindset. The three things that you will be benefitted by are: a nutricious and well balanced diet, daily exercise (20-30 mins), and making sure you get the right amount of sleep. Studies prove that in order to rejuvenate the brain and gain back mental acuity, you should be getting 9 hours of sleep each day. This is generally challenging to most people who are over 50 because of a pattern of living as well as sleeping. I would suggest 7-8 hours of sleep is good. Some people work well with less and some with more, but remember that anything outside of your usual pattern of sleep (when all is well) for more than a week should be a sign that something is going on inside your brain or body and should be checked out medically, to make sure there are no physical issues that need to be addressed. Given that you’ve checked out healthy medically, you should check out what’s going on in your head and in your life because one will affect the other. You may be prescribed a sleep aid to temporarily help with sleep but this should be a temporary measure. I urge you to seek professional help if insomnia or feelings of depression persist.

When depressive thoughts crop up, make sure that you check out your mental and emotional energy. Are your thoughts, emotions and actions leaning towards the negative? If so, it is essential to change these. It is helpful to think positive thoughts and speak in positive terms. You may want to envision positive outcomes in every area of your life. Listen to music that makes you feel good, picture positive environments (a great trip or activity), or people who are positive and uplifting, you get the picture. Remember that all situations are temporary and they do have an end, this includes your feelings of depression, so keep your face to the sunshine!

Surviving the “Contained Depression”

Self-Coaching Tip: Partner With Your Emotions

Financial Doom and Gloom or Opportunity?

Solving the "Blues" Problem

Taking Care Of Your Pets, Anxieties And Your Career

Successful Businesses of the Great Depression-Success is a Matter of the Mind

Study Links Depression to Heavy Internet Use

Dealing With Your Pets, Mental Health, And Your Job

Let’s Talk about Depression

Is The Economy Good Or Bad?

The Key to Empathy and Great Leadership

How To Help A Celebrity Get Help For Their Fears

How To Help A Loved One With Their Fears

How To Help A Friend With Their Phobias

The Power of Advertising Proven During the Great Depression

When Your Depression Becomes Difficult To Overcome

How To Deal With Depression In The Work Place

When Your Depression Is Too Much To Handle

Coping With Your Depression In The Corporate World

Coping With Depression At Your Job

Home > Work-Life > Cheryl Hitchcock > Depression > Google +

Referred by: http://www.vbsondemand.com/

Free PDF Download
Let’s Talk about Depression - By Cheryl Hitchcock

About the Author: Cheryl Hitchcock

RSS for Cheryl's articles - Visit Cheryl's website
Cheryl Hitchcock is a Certified Clinical Counselor and Coach for over 13 years. Cheryl received her credentials for counseling through traditional college education but began Spiritual Coaching as a result of working with Buddhist Monks for years. She received her Coaching certificate through online studies and then incorporated all these areas into her private practice. With an acute understanding of how the brain, mind and body connect, Cheryl is in a unique position to help people with many diverse issues. "All people have infinite capabilities when it comes to creating their ideal lives". Cheryl has shown her clients that they are capable of great change, and change that is sustainable. Because Cheryl is dedicated to helping people enhance their magnificence, and reduce stress and overcome problems, she offers her services at her clientâ€™s homes, offices and in the community. Cheryl also offers her services in the evenings, and some weekends to better fit her client's needs. Not only does she offer diverse hours and locations, Cheryl also offers online and telephone counseling. Being an Agent of Change, Cheryl truly understands and recognizes the equality of all people and works in a supportive and non-judgmental way that truly connects with her clients. With all of the wonderful things that Cheryl is able to manifest in her life, she feels grateful to be able to help others and share her knowledge, strategies and insights with others in a unique and positive way. Cheryl is also a renowned public speaker and author. Her newest book is entitled, "Just Give Your Head a Shake...and Change Your Life for the Better". It is currently available through amazon.com.
Click here to visit Cheryl's website.

More from Cheryl Hitchcock
10 Tips for Coping with Holiday Stress
Cutting through Stress
Perceptions Beliefs
Stress and the Dating Game
SelfEsteem

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Depression

Related Articles

Related Forum Posts

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.


Name:
Email: