Often there is a source, a situation, a phase of life challenge, or an event that connects to our human emotional states of sadness or anxiety. Sometimes the results of the source can appear decades later (often an unnamed grief or loss), that can be triggered by a present day situation. These dark emotions cause great suffering and when they persist over time, they can interfere with our ability to function.
In any given year, about one in four Americans develop at least one mental health disorder, nearly one in two Americans at some point in their lives. (John Hopkins Medicine, White Paper 2007). Fortunately, effective psychological treatment is available.
Useful links for latest research on depression and anxiety:
Helpful therapeutic steps include:
Looking at the situation or present condition form a cognitive (thinking) perspective:
- What is the meaning you ascribe to the situation?
- Are there any other possible interpretations?
- Any assumptions you are making?
- Any distorted or irrational beliefs influencing your mood?
Be aware of early warning signs (ex. sleep disturbance, irritability) and increase your positive self care (attend to healthy diet, exercise, and social connections)