Mental Health and Motherhood: A Guide

Your mom and dad are the ones who raised you, but how often does the thought of their wellbeing cross your mind?

Taking care of one’s mental health during motherhood is particularly essential, but it can be easy to disregard the importance of doing this. Try to imagine how the entire process of pregnancy can affect someone’s mind. Feeling symptoms of depression and anxiety are not uncommon, but what is the solution? Spending quality family time is undoubtedly one remedy to consider, but there are others as well.

This is your guide for understanding the importance of motherhood and taking care of one’s mental health.

The importance of quality family time

Spending quality time together as a family can affect everyone’s mood. This is particularly important during motherhood, as you need to feel that you aren’t alone in anything that you might be experiencing. Whether you are currently pregnant, have a young child, a teenager or even a young adult, mental health problems can rear their head at any moment.

Make a habit of spending quality time together as a family, taking a break from technology and simply enjoying one another’s presence.

Self-care

Besides relying on others for support, you also have to take care of yourself, or in other words, practice self-care. This is something that you can do in terms of:

• Mind

Depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, among countless other problems can manifest themselves at some point in your life. Whether it’s a result of a series of events or genetic, you need to learn how to take care of your mind.

     You should get into a habit of meditating and spend your time on activities that help you relax.

It’s important to understand that this is something that requires your immediate attention. For instance, notice the signs of depression during pregnancy, and learn what you can do to alleviate these symptoms from support groups, therapy, and so on.

• Body

The way you take care of your body can also impact your mind, and that is why you must continue taking care of yourself every day. Are you getting enough sleep? What about eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet? Do you spend at least some of your time on improving your physical activity?

Listening and spending time with your kids

Parents must be there for their children, and vice versa. However, when you get stuck in your head and are filled with negative thoughts, it can be easy to forget about those around you. Your relationships start to suffer as well, and not only your wellbeing and happiness.

You might have teenagers who are dealing with depression, and in moments such as these, you have to be there for them and support them. Remember, spending time together as a family is incredibly beneficial for everyone.

Take care of yourself, and you will be able to care for others more easily as well. Of course, if your children do need help, you can read more about overcoming teen depression through a treatment facility on igniteteentreatment.com.

Remember that your mental health will not only affect you but your relationship with those around you. It’s paramount that you take care of yourself, and that you rely on your loved ones for support. If you or someone you know is constantly feeling anxious, simply showing that you are there for them can make a big difference to their wellbeing.

You should never feel that you are suffering alone, and situations such as these extend past motherhood, as anyone can experience mental health problems at some point in their lives.

6 Practical Methods for Reducing Stress

Stress is one of those things that everyone experiences at some time or another, but ongoing stress can be harmful to your mental health and your physical health.

Stress is the body's natural reaction to what it perceives to be harmful situations. When you feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in your brain that sends signals to your body that allows you to act in a way to prevent injury. This reaction is known as "fight-or-flight,” or the stress response. During the stress response, it’s normal for your heart rate to increase, breathing to quicken, muscles tightening, and blood pressure rising. Your body is ready to react, which is how you protect yourself.

Sometimes, however, your brain and body put you in this state when there isn’t a real danger. It can happen when your kid breaks your favorite mug, or when you have a deadline that you are struggling to meet, or when you’re stuck in traffic.

Stress can affect every aspect of your life, including your emotions, behaviors, thinking ability, and physical health. None of your body is immune to the effects of stress. But, because people handle stress differently, the symptoms can also be very different. Symptoms might be vague and could be the same as symptoms caused by medical conditions. So it is important to discuss them with your doctor.

Some symptoms of too much stress include emotional symptoms like becoming frustrated too easily, having difficulty relaxing, feeling overwhelmed, depression, and anxiety. Physical symptoms can include headaches, low energy, upset stomach, and loss of sexual desire.

To help combat stress, here are 6 methods to help you live stress-free:

1. Be Happy.

Sure, sounds easier said than done, right? You can train your brain to be happier though. Laugh hard and loud, and often. Surround yourself with people who have good senses of humor. Joke and cut up like you did when you were a kid. Laughter releases endorphins (happy chemicals) from the brain, and will naturally help fight stress. Consider using CBD for Anxiety, like from MedsBiotech CBD, to reduce the stress you’re dealing with.

2. Take Control Over Your Time and Schedule.

You’ll face less time-constraint related anxiety if you have a good handle on your job, relationships, and other activities. When you are in control, you are more able to stay focused and calm. Keep that in mind as you plan your time wisely.

Don’t forget to leave room for unexpected events – both negative and positive. Be adaptable in your schedule, because things happen. Maybe you could get up 15 minutes early in the morning, or allow an extra 15 minutes to get where you’re going.

A big thing to help reduce stress is to avoid procrastinating on important or urgent tasks. Whatever needs doing, do it right away. Do the things you don’t want to do early so that you won’t have to worry about them for the rest of the day. Keep an appointment or record book. Don’t just rely on your memory.

Do your tasks one thing at a time at a time. Multi-tasking is a myth, you are really stopping and starting your tasks over and over. Try to focus your attention on the present moment, whether it’s the person talking to you or the job at hand. This helps you to avoid making errors – which lead to more tension and anxiety. Be patient in waiting. Anxiety caused by impatience can rise up your blood pressure.

Remember that it is ok to say “no” to requests that you just don’t have time for. Delegate trivial tasks. You may be supermom, but you don’t have to do it all yourself. Break hard tasks into smaller, easier tasks and assign them to people with the right skills.

3. Work Out

Try to make sure you set time aside each day for some exercise. This could be a brisk walk, a quick swim, or whatever kind of activity appeals to you. Maybe play a sport that you’re interested in. Aerobic exercises can reduce stress by increasing endorphins. Working out also improves sleep and gives you time to think and focus on other things.

4. Seek A Support Group.

You’ll be able to manage stress much better if you have other people helping and supporting you. Did you know that married people and people who are outgoing (always meeting with friends) have considerably low levels of stress in their lives?

Choose positive friends who are not worriers. Friends who continually put you down or talk gloomily about life will increase your anxiety. Invite a good friend to help you talk out a problem and get it off your chest. A long-distance call to an old pal can be great therapy.

Forgive others instead of holding onto grudges. Lower your standards – for yourself and others. Don’t expect too much. Perfectionism is not the means to happiness. It’s alright to be more flexible and adaptable to your environment. Communicate clearly with your co-workers and boss. Ask questions. Repeat instructions that you are given. Clarifying directions at the start of a project can save lots of time later rectifying out misunderstandings. Be honest in your dealings with others. Lying and cheating leads to stress.

5. Take Breaths Deeply and Slowly.

Relax your muscles, raising your stomach and chest. Exhale slowly. Do it again several times. Follow your breath as it flows in and out. Do not try to have power over it. This is a good way to relax in the midst of any activity. This practice allows you to find a breathing pattern that is natural and relaxing for you.

Try this yoga technique: Inhale slowly, counting to eight. Exhale through your mouth, even more slowly, counting to sixteen. Make a sighing sound as you exhale, and feel tension dissolve. Do it again 10 times.

6. Eat Healthily

When our bodies don’t get the nutrients we need, we are less equipped to handle everyday stress. Make sure you are eating balanced meals and plenty of fruits and vegetables and keeping your body healthy. You can also take vitamins and supplements, like CBD and Turmeric Oil, to make sure that you are helping your body be prepared for unexpected stress.

While everyone experiences stress, you by no means have to be a victim to it.

Stress-Free Living: 9 Calming Decor Ideas for a More Peaceful Home

Your home should be a sanctuary that makes you feel calm and at peace. Here are 9 calming decor ideas to promote a peaceful home.

Stress comes with countless negative mental and physical effects. When you're stressed, you might have symptoms ranging from headaches to mild depression. However, one easy way to manage stress is to create a peaceful home where you can find relaxation.

How do you make a peaceful home? The key lies in your house decorating strategy.

Without upgrading to a bigger or fancier home, you can incorporate decor elements that promote peace and calm. Even a tiny studio apartment can become a relaxing haven with this approach!

Not sure where to start! I've put together our top peaceful decorating ideas that will work in any space. Keep reading to learn how to create your own personal sanctuary!

1. Reduce Clutter

Even if you change nothing else, my number-one calming tip for your home is to get rid of (or at least hide) clutter.

Clutter creates a visual source of stress. It might serve as a reminder of all the things that stress you out. For example, a pile of bills you need to pay will remind you of your financial stressors.

But even if it's innocent clutter, it still stresses out your eyes and mind to look at it. It's also harder to find the things you need when your space is cluttered, creating yet another source of stress.

To reduce clutter, you may simply need to do a purge and throw away or donate unnecessary things that have piled up. You also might need new storage solutions, such as a desk with drawers. If you can't get rid of things, you can at least put them out of sight.

2. Limit Technology

Having devices spread throughout your room or home can create a surprising source of stress.

You might feel like picking up your tablet to check social media is a recreational activity. But social media and other online activities can also be sources of hidden stress. Reduce your stress by creating a designated part of the room for technology and devices.

Limiting your devices to one part of the room, or even putting them away when not in use, will help you focus on more relaxing activities. For example, you're better off reading a book before you go to sleep than surfing the internet. Find a space for your tech and keep it there to reduce the temptation to use it when it doesn't serve you well.

3. Get Neutral

White and other light-colored neutrals are great color choices for relaxation. Why do you think hotels and upscale spas use shades of white so often?

If you're scared of cleaning white things, keep in mind that cleaning stains off of white bedding or furniture can easily be accomplished with a bit of bleach. This actually makes white surfaces easier to clean than other colors.

In addition to true white, you might try shades of cream, eggshell, or taupe to get the same effects in a softer way. However, you don't need an all-white room. Add interest with your favorite contrasting colors, like metallics, pastels, or anything you feel drawn to.

4. Remove Bad Memories

It's normal to keep things from hard past times, like relics from a past relationship that ended badly. However, getting rid of these things -- or at least putting them far out of sight -- can greatly reduce your stress.

If you're opening a drawer for a pen and find a reminder of a bad memory while you're looking, it can throw off your mental state. Get rid of what you can, and stash the rest in places you're unlikely to look anytime soon.

5. Add Natural Elements

Plants, flowers, and other reminders of nature go a long way toward promoting peace and calm.

There are many ways to incorporate elements of nature into a peaceful home. If you're not great at keeping plants alive, you can try succulents, or simply hang some framed nature photographs on the wall.

Dried flowers take no maintenance at all but can look pretty in a vase or even hanging from the ceiling. For more houseplant ideas, read more here.

6. Group Colors Together

Placing a group of pretty objects in the same color scheme together has a creative visual effect that's both attractive and relaxing.

You can group similar objects, such as candles of different sizes. Or you can cluster a variety of things, like pottery, candles, and vases.

No matter what the approach is, you'll feel peaceful because grouping things by color is both organized and pretty. Your room will have a focal point in a favorite color, and just looking at it will make you feel happy.

7. Use Words That Inspire

Adding a positive slogan or two to your home is another great way to make it a haven.

You can select different words or sayings for different rooms, or just have a couple throughout the home. There are many ways to incorporate words into your decor, from wall decals to framed poetry. Choose the words that inspire you most, and they'll serve as a mantra every time you see them in your home.

8. Rearrange Periodically

Sometimes, it's not about what you have, but about how it's arranged. If you feel you need a fresh perspective, try rearranging a room or two.

You might find an arrangement that you love. Or you might simply feel more inspired by the changes to your space.

9. Change the Lighting

Is your lighting scheme properly suited to peace and calm?

You should have many lighting options, including bright light when you need to see well, and dim light when it's time to unwind. Add lamps and other fixtures as needed so you can pick the best lighting for your mood.

Start Building a Peaceful Home Today

Are you ready for the peaceful home of your dreams?

You don't need an interior decorator or design experience. Just a few small changes can make a huge difference in how you feel at home. Your home should be your own personal sanctuary -- use these tips to make it happen.

Once you've mastered relaxing at home with your new decor, you might be ready to try more advanced decorating challenges. Check out some magazine-worthy home inspiration here.

Helping a Troubled Loved One

Image source

People do not always realize that a family member is having problems early, and by the time they do they are sometimes at a loss as to how they can help.

There is no end of things that can cause stress and anxiety, such as becoming addicted to gambling, being a compulsive shopper or maybe alcohol is the problem.

Professional Help

Sometimes, as in the case of drug and alcohol addictions, the best course of action is to seek professional help. As much as you love them, these are serious problems that you could do more harm than good by trying to deal with the matter yourself. With people like those who run sober living housing ready and willing to assist, you should not cause yourself stress because you do not know what to do next.

The same applies to severe mental health problems. You should seek the help of professionals by talking to your physician who will be able to put you and your family member in touch in the right people.

Could A Hobby Help?

When the problem is less serious, sometimes taking their mind away from it and occupying it with something else will work. For instance, if they are becoming addicted to gambling or shopping, a hobby they enjoy could take them away from this. It is even better if it is something you can do with them, as then they are more likely to get involved. If you know, just as an example, that they loved playing basketball when they were younger, find a local team to train with and have fun. The fun element is important or they will not want to continue with their new hobby.

Boost Esteem

Often, people that are struggling with addictions or depression have a very low self-esteem. This is because they are not happy about the way they are behaving, and know it could adversely affect the rest of the family.

Make a point of engaging them in conversation as often as possible, and always be positive about them. They may have made mistakes in the past as most people do. Encourage them to put errors behind them and focus on what a good future they have to look forward to. Support them as much as you can, including attending meetings with them if they decide to seek help.

Avoid Triggers

If someone in your family is struggling and reaches out to you, be ready at help at a moments notice. Do things together, but avoid going to a bar of their problem is alcohol, or going to the mall is they are compulsive shoppers or have financial problems. Exercise, such as a walk together is always good, as this will release endorphins into the brain and help to make them feel better.

Watch For Signs Of Bigger Problems

If someone has got into the downward spiral of an addiction or depression, lifting them out of it can be very difficult. If their character changes, become more aggressive and lose interest in things they always enjoyed, these are signs that things are getting worse for them, and you should not attempt to deal with matters yourself any longer.

We all hate to see loved ones suffering and will do whatever we can to help, but sometimes that is not enough and that is when the experts should be consulted.

Suicide is a Symptom

So I know it's been a while since I've written anything real and honest for you guys, and I'm sorry about that. The thing is, I haven't been in the best place, mentally, to even begin to feel like I could hand out advice or help anyone really.

This summer, depression hit me pretty hard. I couldn't understand it, because life itself was going fairly decent. There was nothing situational about my depression, yet I couldn't shake off the funk and function like an adult, at all. I got pretty good at slapping on a fake smile and doing what I could to keep the kids happy, but I felt like an empty shell.

Sometime in July, I started having intrusive thoughts about suicide. It wasn't that I wanted to die, but I didn't see much point in living. Sure, the kids needed me - but wouldn't they be better off with someone who could do things with them, be present and happy in the moments? Didn't they deserve that much? While there weren't any attempts on my life made, I did understand the severity of the depression and the suicidal thoughts and decided to seek help. 

I've dealt with depression for so many years; it almost seems synonymous with the lack of activity from the fibromyalgia. My general practitioner treated me with an SSNRI, claiming that it would help with the doom and gloom as well as the pain. It didn't. So we'd try another. I've cycled through a couple different medications, but the side effects always just seemed to make things worse. At the beginning of the summer, my doctor decided that I needed a "medication holiday" and that's when I realized that perhaps there was more going on with my mental health instead of simple depression.

Let me back up a little and talk about the side effects of the SSNRI. You see, when I was taking Effexor XR, I was always jittery and nervous and had massive amounts of energy. I would go days without sleeping, and while my body would get tired, it seemed like my mind was always in overdrive. I loved it because I thought that's what normal was supposed to feel like. It was so nice having the energy to do things!

But then after a couple of months, I would experience a crash and the depression would take back over. Everything would hurt and the headaches were enough to make me think I had a tumor or something horrendous going on. I'd make a new appointment, we'd go through another battery of tests, and then my doctor would decide to either switch me out to a different medication or increase my dose. This went on for a couple of years until she decided that I should stop taking them altogether. 

That brings us back to this summer. I truly believed that if left alone, I wouldn't be able to keep myself from ending my life. Between the depression and the panic attacks, I stopped leaving the house, I cut myself off from most of the world. I hated me, and I hated everything around me. OK, maybe that's not fair of me - I love my kids, I was just so annoyed and tired that I didn't want to be around them. After a long discussion with my mom, many tears and long hours spent researching, I decided to reach out for help.

I set up an appointment with the local mental health services, knowing it was time to start taking meds again. They told me I would need a full psychological evaluation before they would be able to set me up with anyone who could prescribe medication. This meant an hour of questions regarding my thoughts, patterns, relationships, etc. Having been through this a few times before, I wasn't looking forward to it since I already knew what was wrong with me. But, if this was what I needed to be able to get back on meds to fix my brain, I agreed. They let me know it would be about a month before they could fit me into the schedule.

About a week before my appointment, I woke up feeling fantastic. I cleaned the whole house, called my mom, did a couple of projects with the kids, and started on a painting that I had been meaning to try out for a few months. It was great! But that night, I didn't sleep. I didn't think much of it, I had so much on my mind and so many things I wanted to get started on the next day. At about 2:00 in the morning, I was sitting at the computer researching some new something or another when I realized I didn't feel right. I felt exactly like I had when I started taking the Effexor. I was jittery and couldn't sit still, rapid thoughts were flying through my head faster than I could process what they were, and even though I was tired, I didn't feel like I needed sleep. This lasted for five days.

My appointment finally came around, and as I sat there answering all of the questions for the psych eval, I realized that this isn't the first time this has happened. She asked me if I ever take unnecessary risks - well, no because I worry too much about the consequences. But then as we talked more, I started to recognize the patterns of behavior even from when I was a teenager that may have been considered impulsive. Taking spontaneous road trips halfway across the country by myself, meeting men in person that I had only talked to online, starting projects with "grand illusions" (I've started college four times now, each with a different degree in mind)... 

That's when I got my new diagnoses. Bipolar Disorder and Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia. 

Bipolar disorder. Huh. Well, I guess every guy I've ever dated would probably agree with that. The more I've thought about it, the more it fits. The feelings of superiority, impulsiveness, and highly elevated mood followed by what feels like a crash - weeks of not wanting to get out of bed, suicidal thoughts, a heavy feeling of doom following me around. 

I've had the diagnosis for about a month now, and I'm still coming to terms with it. I've started therapy and the doctor put me on an antipsychotic (Seroquel) although we may be adding a mood stabilizer as well at my next appointment. I'm starting to recognize thought patterns that lead to my spiraling, I'm trying to acknowledge that while I do have a mental disorder, I am in control. 

In the next couple of days, I'm hoping to write a post for anyone who may be going through something similar to maybe help others come to terms with a bipolar diagnosis. Perhaps what questions to ask, what types of therapy and medications are out there, and how to keep track of moods and recognize cycles. 

Meanwhile, if you have any questions or even a story to share, let me know in the comments. I've found that knowing I'm not alone in this is really helpful to keep me stable. 

Aromatherapy For Sleep: Infographic

Aromatherapy is a huge topic right now, as I'm sure you may have noticed from the influx of MLM posts around the internet trying to sell you essential oils. It's not without merit, though, as aromatherapy has been used since the early 1900s for psychological and physical well-being.

Being a mom, I know I usually try for the all-natural remedies for my kiddos before breaking into the medicine cabinet. Aromatherapy is one of my favorite methods for small ailments like stress or insomnia. 

Did you know, a 2015 study concluded that lavender as aromatherapy increased the quality of sleep and reduced anxiety in patients with coronary artery disease who were limited on medications that could be used to treat these common problems? 

Lavender isn't the only scent that has been proven to be an effective sleep aid. FragranceX even produced the infographic below to show how these natural sleep aids can be used and which methods work best. Check it out below, and don't forget to pin it for later!

Source: FragranceX 

What are your best sleep tips?

Time Out: Take What's Needed For Health And Wellbeing

It’s too easy to get swept up in a busy and hectic lifestyle before you know it; you haven’t had any time out, for a well-deserved break, in a long time. Nobody can run on empty, so it’s crucial to a happy and healthy life that you make an effort to take some time for yourself and focus on your personal needs regularly. If you’re a busy mom, have a stressful career, or are juggling multiple commitments; it can be challenging not to fall into unhealthy mindsets and habits. Running yourself into the ground won’t help anyone in the long run; therefore, giving yourself breathing space to relax, unwind, and receive care and attention, is often the only way to avoid fatigue and stress, and the potential impact on your health.

It’s time to take a step back and ensure that your meeting your needs regarding your health and wellbeing. The only way to carry on with work and family life successfully is to be there fully, both mentally and physically. Even superwoman needs a break regularly, so make sure that you do the same. The following are some thoughts and ideas surrounding how and why you should be taking more time for yourself, to relax, recharge, and ensure that your needs are taken care of before everyone else's.

Image source: https://kaboompics.com/photo/2362/a-woman-with-long-brown-hair

Getting Back On Track

As previously mentioned, it’s all too easy to get stuck in unhealthy and unproductive habits and lifestyles; and, before you know it, they’ve spiraled out of control. There’s no shame in reaching out and asking for help. Whether you contact trusted friends and family, seek guidance and counsel, or head to a health recovery centre; they will all be the first step in improving your life as a whole. Getting help is one of the things that you’ll always wish you’d done sooner because weight will be lifted as soon as you pick up the phone or write the email. I will lead to a happier you in no time, which means you can carry on functioning successful and be there for those you love the most.

Little And Often

If you want to continue being productive, happy, and healthy; focusing on your wellbeing shouldn’t come once in a blue moon. It’s about finding the time and small moments to take for yourself throughout your days and weeks so that it becomes a natural part of your routine. A coffee break alone, where you can read a book, or a stroll in the park each day to blow away those cobwebs, will all contribute to putting a smile on your face. Be mindful of how you’re feeling, and make sure that you stop what you’re doing if things feel like they’re getting too much. Stepping out of the stressful environment and breathing for 5 minutes, or having a glass of water in a quiet and calm room, can do wonders to give you the boost needed to get on with the rest of the day

Why It's Important for Moms to Take Time Out for Themselves

Being a mom is a seriously busy job, with very little breaks and the need to constantly be ‘on call’ for all your little one’s needs. But, many moms confess to feeling guilty when it comes to taking some time off and indulging themselves in a break. However, having some time off every once in a while to do something nice for yourself isn’t a bad thing at all – in fact, it can help you to de-stress and get some much deserved ‘me’ time or social time with friends. Read on to find out why it’s so important for moms to take time for themselves.

#1. Benefit from Self-Care:

Any mom will tell you that motherhood is difficult, relentless work. It can become so easy to put caring for yourself right at the bottom of your priority list when you’ve got little ones relying on you twenty-four hours a day. But, whilst most women take every step to look after themselves throughout pregnancy, self-care can quickly become less important from the first time you hear your newborn baby cry. Remember, looking after yourself doesn’t mean putting your child’s needs second – in fact, a happy mom makes for happy kids!

#2. Stay on Top of Stress:

Being a mom often means dealing with large amounts of stress; children can be very vulnerable and being responsible for them as a mom can be a lot to deal with, particularly if you are parenting children with health problems or developmental issues. As a mom, taking some time out for yourself will help you collect your thoughts, regain your calm, and stay on top of your stress levels. In turn, you’ll feel more prepared to take on anything that motherhood throws at you!

#3. Strengthen Social Relationships:

As the saying goes, ‘it takes a village’ – and you’ll certainly feel better if you have the support of a good circle of friends around you when bringing up your kids. But, social gatherings aren’t only important for your little ones. Taking the time to meet up socially with friends on your own will certainly do you good as a mom, whether it’s grabbing a quick coffee with a neighbor or having fun at this Indianapolis Escape Room.

#4. Set a Good Example:

Lastly, practicing good self-care isn’t just more beneficial for yourself, but also for your children, both now and as they grow up. Remember that your little ones look up to you for guidance as they navigate through their young life, and many kids will copy their parents – both when they are young and all the way through adulthood. Setting a good example of a healthy self-care routine, with the right balance of time together and time for yourself will give your children a healthy framework to follow for their own lives.

Many moms, particularly new mothers, feel guilty or worried about leaving their kids with a relative or babysitter and enjoying some ‘me’ time. But, taking some much-needed time out for yourself can make parenting easier and strengthen the bond between you and your kids.

Looking after your Mental health

It can be difficult coming to terms with the fact that you are suffering from a mental health issue. Unlike physical injuries or illnesses, mental health problems can be harder to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. The truth is that looking after yourself both physically and mentally is vital for your quality of life, and ignoring potential mental issues is similar to refusing medical treatment in the case of a broken leg. From anxiety to depression, mental issues can damage our relationships, our work life and overall they can detract from enjoying our daily lives. Often considered a taboo subject, caring for your mental health is important whether you’re a mom struggling with homelife, a student facing a rising mountain of work, or a teenager anxious about their future. These simple ideas will help you take the first steps to positive mental health.

Talk More

It can be difficult to talk about your problems, especially when we know the person we’re talking to. Nobody wants to expose their innermost fears to the friends and family around them, but it’s important to understand the importance of communicating your concerns. Although many people dismiss the notion of therapy, talking to a professional about your stresses and worries can make a huge difference to your mental perspective. For those unwilling to open up to a stranger in person, there are anonymous online therapy resources that you can try. No matter what the problem, there is always a solution, and it’s a matter of finding the best one that works for you.

Make Changes

Nobody is 100% happy with their appearance or every element of their lives. Even the smallest doubts and insecurities can grow until they become all-consuming, at which point they start to have a serious effect on your personality and your interactions with those around you. Identifying the issue and committing to change is a key step in tackling the problem. Seek medical advice for the physical issues that are affecting you mentally. If you’re having concerns over early-stage baldness, contact professionals such as NY Metro Vein, who can help you with easy Hair Loss Surgery New York, or it could be acne that seems like it’s never going to calm down. Making changes, whether they’re large or small, can break down huge barriers on your path to recovery.

Switch off social media for a while

Social media has many positives. From reconnecting with old friends to finding like-minded communities no matter your interest, social media has connected us all in many beneficial ways. However, there are concerns that we simply aren’t capable of processing the sheer volume of information that social media gives us. From political arguments that get you riled, to feelings of failure while looking at the tailored lives of others, reducing your social media use can free your mind and allow you to focus on alternative activities. Remove the apps from your phone and pick up a book, and you might be surprised by the positive effects such a simple act can accomplish.

Looking after your mental positivity can often make us feel selfish, which in turn leads to more issues, but taking the time to look after you is more important than ever.

Understanding the Link between Fibromyalgia and Depression

Living with fibromyalgia syndrome is no easy task as the constant muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, insomnia, stress, and many other additional and consequential health problems generally make even daily life a lot harder than it should be. However, what a lot of the patients do not realize is the fact that fibromyalgia can also be responsible for debilitating psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. Let’s go through the following points to understand the situation better.

How Does Depression Originate from Fibromyalgia?

Constant tiredness and chronic pain are common with fibromyalgia, which usually leads to stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression over time. In fact, all these effects are both causes and symptoms of each other because one fuels the other. There is also a popular opinion that depression is a direct effect of fibromyalgia, just like the pain, fatigue and sleeping issues.

How to Know if You have Depression?

Whether it’s a direct effect of fibromyalgia or an indirect one resulting from a different problem, the symptoms are more or less identical in both cases. Some of the symptoms which you should look for if you suspect that you are suffering from depression include the following.

• Difficulty with concentrating on anything
• Indecisiveness
• Tiredness is a symptom, but it can be indiscernible from the general fatigue experienced by fibromyalgia patients
• Irritability, impatience, and loss of interest in everything
• Sense of hopelessness, loneliness, and excess guilt conscience
• Chronic sadness and negativity
• Anxiety
• Suicidal tendencies in advance cases

How to Counter It?

There are various routes that you can take to counter depression, depending on its severity and your other medical conditions. TMS therapy for depression by Smart Brain and Health, for example, is a non-invasive FDA-approved process, which treats depression without any meds whatsoever. As TMS therapy does not have any side-effects such as loss of libido, impaired memory and cognition, weight gain, and sedation, unlike common antidepressant meds, it might actually be the best option to treat the problem without aggravating any of the other symptoms of fibromyalgia. Talk with your doctor to figure out the best plan, which should incorporate lifestyle changes as well.

Is Fibromyalgia Induced Depression the Same as Normal Depression?

While the symptoms and certain effects might be the same, there are differences between general depression and fibromyalgia induced depression. In order to successfully control the depression, it is important to treat both depression and fibromyalgia at the same time. Fibromyalgia basically affects so many of your physical and emotional aspects that it is impossible to treat anything that results from it, without taking the necessary steps to control the actual root cause first.

Now that you have a general idea of how the two are interlinked, you are already a step ahead of most people who are suffering from the effects of fibromyalgia induced depression. It’s a vicious cycle really, but as long as you are aware of it and you take the necessary steps as soon as you see the symptoms of depression creep up, you should be able to control everything effectively.