challenge fear

Matthew - Health Educator

The Powers of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking can be a very powerful tool to use in everyday life. Those who use positive thinking are more likely to anticipate happiness, joy, and a successful outcome to every situation.  Some say that whatever the mind expects, it finds.

The Powers of Positive Thinking

Matthew - Health Educator

The Powers of Positive Thinking

Matthew - Health Educator

Preparing for your doctor´s appointment

Members,

Most people are a little uncomfortable about speaking to their doctor or health care professional about depression or anxiety. Sometimes people are intimidated by their doctor's training and knowledge. Sometimes people feel that their doctor is too busy to listen.

Other people don't want to bother their doctor with a problem that is "too small" or "too silly." Most people are embarrassed to admit that they have a problem with depression and some feel that if they have to get help for depression, then they must be "weak," "defective" or "broken." For all of these reasons, and more, people often decide to avoid talking to their doctor about important health problems. In fact, many people walk away from their doctor's office without having talked to their doctor about what they really intended to talk about.

You may be nervous or uncomfortable about discussing your depressive/anxious symptoms with your doctor. Your anxiety about talking to your doctor may also prevent you from getting the help you need.

Some people might have grown up thinking that if they get depressed or anxious they should just "snap out of it" or "tough it out," so they become embarrassed to bring it up. But now we know that major depression and panic disorder are serious mental health problems that results in much pain, suffering, lost opportunity, and many long-term effects on your physical health and personal relationships. Your doctor knows that depression and panic are serious problems.

When you start getting anxious about discussing your depression or panic with your doctor, remember these facts:

-Your doctor is not too busy to listen to your concerns about your health.
-Your doctor wants to help and has been trained to do so.
-Your concerns are not "too small" or "too silly"
-Depression is NOT your fault. It is NOT a sign of personal weakness
-Most people say that getting help for their depression or panic was the hardest thing they ever did. Most people also say that getting help for their depression or panic was the best thing they ever did. Talking to your doctor is the first step towards better health. Most people feel at least a little better right away, just from telling their doctor about their problem.

If you are like many others and are uncomfortable talking to your doctor about your concerns, it might help to take our Depression or Anxiety Tests, and then take your results in to your doctor.

Are you feeling nervous about talking to your doctor about your symptoms?

Matt- Health Educator

How is Depression Diagnosed?

Members,

If you think you have depression, take the Depression Test on the Depression Center and share your Final Report with your family doctor. It is important to remember that the symptoms of depression can mimic a variety of medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and some viral infections. In addition, the side effects of some medications can also mimic the symptoms of depression. So, the first thing you should do is have a full medical evaluation.

Although it's important for you and your doctor talk about your physical symptoms, you should not overlook other aspects of your depression. Before your appointment with your doctor you may want to re-read your results from the Depression Test and tell your doctor anything else that you notice about your mood and other symptoms.
Information on both the physical and emotional aspects of depression can be very useful to your doctor when she/he makes a diagnosis. Depression is usually experienced as feelings of intense sadness, even hopelessness. Depression is often accompanied by an impaired ability to think, concentrate, and enjoy the normal pleasures of life. Your doctor will also want to know if you are eating more or less, or sleeping more or less than usual and if you are feeling more or less energetic than usual. If you have symptoms of bipolar disorder, make sure you tell your doctor about those symptoms too.

Many people with depression also suffer from anxiety, so be sure to make your doctor aware of these symptoms as well. If you have been drinking or using drugs to try to control your symptoms, let your doctor know about that too.

Remember: Doctor's are sworn to confidentiality, so you should feel safe when opening up to your doctor.

Once you have been properly diagnosed, your doctor - perhaps in consultation with a mental health specialist - can help you determine which treatment is best for you.

New and my story

Matthew - Health Educator

Why is getting help for depression important?

MDD is a serious problem, the good news is that there are many effective treatments available. In fact, over 80 % of people with MDD are eventually able to manage their depression with proper therapy or a combination of therapies. Many feel much better just weeks after starting treatment. For those in our panic center, if you have MDD or are feeling depressed, ensure you seek out help and any accompanying treatment

Do not or any reasons stop you from getting the right kind of treatment. If you have MDD, it's very important to get help, just like you would for any serious medical illness.

Don't be discouraged from getting help by anyone who says, "It's nothing to worry about," "It's just stress," "It's all in your head," "Snap out of it," or "Get over it." While the person may mean well, the fact is that people who have not had depression often have trouble understanding how serious the problem is.

There are some common reasons why people may not seek help, don't let them stop you
-People think that their depression is their "personality"
-People often feel embarrassed about talking about depression and anxiety
-People often blame themselves for their problems
-Others dislike the idea of medication or therapy
-People often say that they've sought help but are frustrated because their condition was not diagnosed or treated effectively
-Do not confuse your depression with your personality. You're not a "miserable person" - you're a person with MDD, and help is available.

Any other things out there that may be holding you back?

Celebrate World Humanitarian Day


Today is World Humanitarian Day.The day honors all humanitarians who have worked in the promotion of the humanitarian cause, and those who have lost their lives in the cause of duty.

In a more general sense, this day is one to celebrate People helping People around the globe.

So take a chance today or sometime in the future to help someone in need.
Whether big or small, your contribution to the people of the world is welcome.

To see more, http://www.un.org/en/events/humanitarianday

The connection between love and wellness

Have you ever thought of how an improved love for oneself can improve your overall health and Wellness?
Well it can.

To love yourself is to love everything about one's emotionality, spirituality, intelligence, and your physical self.

As you begin to love yourself you will become more aware of how your surroundings and certain situations effect you.
You will also become more accepting of yourself which is helpful when starting towards any goal you may face.

This is just one of many views of how respect and love for oneself can lead to better health and wellness.

What has "loving" oneself done for you?

Stories and thoughts are welcome.