Depression 101: Depressed as hell. The end. Or is it?

Oct 09 2012 Published by under Change, Choice, Hope

Imagine yourself back at school. Today you are having your final exam in the subject ‘Depression 101’.

You studied depression very well throughout the academic year. You were literally living, sleeping, breathing it 24/7. You were an A* pupil, and your teacher, Mr. Pain, was always admiring and complimenting your homework.

Now, all that is left is for you to prove you were really doing all your practical assignments by yourself and that your deep knowledge of this subject is your real mastery.

You sit down behind a small desk. You feel comfortable and confident.

You fill in your name.

You are not worried. You know your subject. It will be over in 1 hour or as soon as you put down your 2000 words (whatever comes first).

The exam clock starts ticking. You compose yourself and turn the page over…

Your eyes scan the three possible choices:  Continue Reading »

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Which New Year’s Resolution is worth considering for a person recovering from depression?

Dec 29 2011 Published by under Action, Change, Strategy

With just a few days left before we step into the brand new year, our desires to make things better in the next year manifest in a list of resolutions. In these last dark days of December, lots of us set ourselves on a path of change and transformation.  We solemnly declare and promise ourselves that on the 1st of January, we will alter our behaviours, habits, thoughts and/or lifestyle.

So, what are the top 5 most popular New Year’s resolutions and are they worth considering for a person recovering from depression? Let’s explore them one by one… Continue Reading »

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How to Get Over Criticism

Sep 08 2011 Published by under Attitude, Change, Strategy

Here is an article I enjoyed so much that I just had to post it on my blog! 

It’s by Christine Kane:

“Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember – the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you.” – Zig Ziglar
Here’s one thing I’m pretty sure of:

I’m pretty sure you don’t want to know “How to Get Over Criticism.”

I’ll bet you’d prefer a guide called: “How to Avoid Criticism and Ensure that Everybody Loves You Unequivocally til the Day You Die.”

Unfortunately, the subtitle would be: “Or How to Have a Totally Boring Life.”

Continue Reading »

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You have the right to remain hopeful!

Mar 17 2010 Published by under Decision, Determination, Inspiration

Last week British newspapers reported the suicide of Victoria Nye. She was a bright and beautiful 22-year-old trying to get her mental illness under control. She had plans to become a doctor. All she needed was to heal and develop new habits, strategies, skills…

She sought help. For the first time in her life, she agreed voluntarily to go to the hospital to get better.

Her hopes for recovery were interrupted by a rushed discharged. According to her father, she was told that she was normal and should not be in the hospital. She was told by her doctors that they cannot help her.  Continue Reading »

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What kept Robinson Crusoe going and what would help you to get better?

Feb 01 2010 Published by under Change, Hope, Inspiration

Today is Robinson Crusoe’s Day!

Years and years ago, while in my teens, I read this wonderful novel by Daniel Defoe and admired his character’s determination and resourcefulness. 28 years of being a castaway trapped on an island!

Being depressed often feels like you have been kicked out of society. You are struggling and surviving on your own, day in, day out. The pain and suffering of being lonely is immense. The trust and hope that someone will come to your rescue is fading away with each day.

What kept Robinson Crusoe going? How did he manage to find the strength for over a quarter of a century?

Whether we are castaway on an island or feeling trapped in a cycle of depression, we have the same innate resources available to any human being:

1. We have a very powerful imagination, therefore we can create hopes and keep them going.

2. We have an ability to learn and remember, therefore we can acquire and employ new knowledge and skills.

3. We have an ability to analyse what’s working and what is not, therefore we can solve problems and find solutions.

4. We have an ability to plan and examine our plans objectively.

5. We have an ability to adapt if things are not working, therefore we are not wasting our creativity and efforts away.

6. We have an ability to connect with others.

 

Regardless of how you are feeling right now, all these wonderful resources are within you!

 

Happy Robinson Crusoe Day!

 

Other articles you might want to read:

5 Great Reasons To Smile a lot and often

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