Mood music
Depression
Depression means very low mood. More than ordinary sadness, Depression qualifies as a ‘disorder’ when it severely affects your wellbeing or functioning. If you feel low enough to contemplate suicide, you are very likely to receive a formal diagnosis of Depression.
It’s also a very common human experience. Fortunately, it’s highly curable. Long-term Depression is the exception rather than the rule, provided the right therapeutic interventions and patient education (psychological, nutritional and behavioural) are provided.
There are a number of types of depressive disorder. Most people when discussing Depression are thinking of Major Depressive Disorder. This is a state of very low mood that continues for weeks or months. It’s more than the normal reaction to unpleasant life events such as divorce or bereavement.
The related condition Bipolar Disorder (previously known as Manic Depression) is different and sometimes more challenging to resolve.
Below are the articles on Shrink Wrap that mention Depression.
(If you need psychological help for yourself or a loved one who’s experiencing depressed mood, please contact me via my clinic web site.)
Covid-19 and mental health effects
Covid seems to trigger profound mood effects in some people. Why might this be so?
The explanation is likely to be something that we already understand about the brain and immune system from observing other diseases.
Reforming the entitled victim
Stuck in a disempowering victim mindset? Feel like people are working against you or not giving you the support you want? Or dealing with someone like this?
This remarkably wise advice from Shrink Wrap guest writer Tana Saler could be exactly what you need.
Why your stress response can feel like it’s hijacking your personality, and what to do about it
Do you ever feel stressed, anxious, angry or shutdown? Or perhaps you have physical ailments that you suspect are stress-related.
Well, it could be your Vagus Nerve. This article teaches you how to be a better steward of your mind-body, informed by Stephen Porges‘ Polyvagal Theory.
Things are looking up
I returned from walking my dog the other day in such an uplifted, joyous state that it took me by surprise. I realised I had unconsciously been applying three techniques that build positive, relaxed mood, pretty much on demand.
Here they are, so you can use them too. Read more…
Six tips for staying sane and happy as a business owner
The Bank of Queensland have been talking with me recently about the unique stresses of owning a small or medium business, and what to do about them.
They commissioned research into this topic, resulting in the fascinating Business Balance Report. It reveals shockingly high levels of depression, anxiety and stress among Australian business owners.
So I gave them some tips for staying sane and happy while running a business. Read more…
You should just let your anger out (or not)
If you are prone to angry feelings, which is the better strategy? Let it out, or hold it in?
The answer is neither, because there’s a far superior option. It’s much more effective than that old favourite “You must releeeease your anger” – usually by pummelling a pillow, taking a boxing class, or sealing your doors and windows and yelling at the top of your lungs.
Welcome to the second post in the Self-help Hooey series that myth-busts some of the more damaging beliefs of popular psychology. Read more…