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How to Deal with Depression After the Loss of a Loved One
Depression is surprisingly common, especially after the loss of a loved one. If you or one of your loved ones is suffering from depression, it is important to first understand that it cannot be cured quickly or easily. Dealing with depression takes time, patience, and requires empathy from others. However, there are a few strategies that can be helpful with dealing with depression.
Therapy
Therapy is a great, effective first choice when dealing with depression. Therapy can help you and/or your loved ones process complex and difficult emotions in a healthy way. A good therapist can give you tools to understand your depression and cope with it more effectively so that you can continue surviving and thriving in your life.
There are many different types of therapy to choose from, including cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, group therapy, mindfulness therapy, EMDR therapy, and emotion-focused therapy. Each of these types of therapy has been shown to be effective for clients. There is no one right way to choose a therapy or a therapist. It’s important to keep an open mind and keep trying until you find a therapist with whom you can connect and honestly express yourself.
Natural & Alternative Solutions
In addition to therapy, there are several natural solutions which have been found to help ease feelings of depression and anxiety. CBD oil in specific has been found to be effective in dealing with depression and anxiety. CBD oil can give you more energy by lifting you up from feelings of depression. CBD oil is commonly taken under the tongue. Not to be confused with marijuana, CBD is legal in many states and is non-addictive.
Antidepressant Medication
If you’re experiencing severe and prolonged depression due to the death of a loved one (or for any reason ) that is consistently disrupting your relationships, routines, emotional health or work-life, prescription medication can help. If you are interested in using prescription medication for your mental health, it is important to find a good psychiatrist who can treat and prescribe the right medication for your needs. There are thousands of different types of medication, so having a good psychiatrist who can help you is essential. When choosing a medication, it’s a good idea to try to find one with low side effects and begin taking it gradually so your body can get used to it.
Finally, when dealing with depression, remember to be patient both with yourself and your loved ones. Depression is never easy. Some days will be better than others. Remember that you are loved and that there is hope. You are not alone.
If you or someone in your family is suffering from depression after losing a loved one, psychotherapy can provide great relief. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation session.
4 Reasons You Should Never Be Ashamed To Talk About Depression
Depression is often mentioned but never really discussed. It's a "condition," yet some don't realize it's legitimacy. This failure can lead those who live with it to question if this problem of theirs matters, thus leading to a feeling of guilt and shame. Here are four reasons why you should never be ashamed to talk about depression.
Depression Is More Common Than You May Think
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 16.2 million adults in the United States have felt depressed at least once in 2016, which is 6.7 percent of the adult population or 1 out of every 15 adults. And of this number, people ages 18 to 25 were the most represented group at about 11 percent.
These reported numbers show just how prevalent this illness is--and that's just what it is; depression is an illness. It's a result of chemical imbalances in addition to reactions to stressful life events and possibly other health problems (there could even be gene involvement for some).
Talking Helps; It May Be Essential to Recovery
The NIMH has on record that 63 percent of adults who experienced episodes of depression either saw a health professional (therapists, psychiatrists) only, were prescribed medication alone, or saw a health professional and were prescribed medication. Seeking help is the best thing you can do to combat depression. Unfortunately, some turn to substances for relief, though, this choice always backfires and ultimately comes at a hefty price, like with addiction and alienation (alcohol and recreational drugs can negatively impact relationships).
Of the 63 percent of adults who received professional treatment, according to NIMH, 13 percent of them saw a health professional, which is twice more than those who only received medication. 44 percent both received medication and saw a professional, which means 57 percent of all who received treatment talked about their problems with licensed individuals.
Talking helps find the root of the problem, and if help is sought, someone would be there to explore it with you.
Discussing Your Depression Helps End Stigmas
The National Alliance on Mental Illness believes that words and actions are necessary to end the bullying and discrimination affecting all people with mental illness. Taking these steps can lead to social change and the public rejection of stigmas--it proved successful for other movements, like with the Civil Rights Movement and LGBT activism.
That doesn't mean you have to go out and preach your story to make a change. Merely discussing it with a health professional, or even a friend, makes all the difference, for the afflicted as well as society.
Sharing Your Experience Could Help Others
This can be therapeutic for both sides. Sharing can relieve stress and improve mood while the person who listens may feel inspired to take a look at their own mental health or even share their own experiences.
Choosing to share is a personal choice, so you should never feel pressured or threatened to disclose your depression if you think it might not help your situation.
In the end, depression is an illness. And like other mental illnesses, it's not just black and white, but a sort of grey and sometimes includes blue and purple and red--to put it simply, it's complicated.
References
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Today many people were faced with coming to terms with the outcome of the presidential election. It caused a heighten sense of fear, angst, and distrust for some. For others, it caused a sigh of relief because they feel that with this candidate their fears will be heard and their dreams will be realized. If this election has caused fear and uncertainty it is best that you use your support system to air your grievances. It is healthy to start an ongoing dialogue about how we feel and our thoughts on if our needs are getting met by the people that are placed in office to propel our progress as a nation.
This is also the time to connect with others that do not share your views. We learn the most when we open our hearts and minds and allow our humanity instead of fear lead the conversation. I hope that we take this time to learn more about each other and lean on each other for support.