In reality, your brain and body get a lot out of talking. When you are feeling very intense feelings — especially fear, aggression or anxiety — your amygdala is running the show.

It is the job of the amygdala, and your limbic system as a whole, to figure out if something is a threat, devise a response to that threat if necessary, and store the information in your memory so you can recognize the threat later. When you get stressed or overwhelmed, this part of your brain can take control and even override more logical thought processes.

suggests that putting your feelings into words — a process called “affect labeling” — can diminish the response of the amygdala when you encounter things that are upsetting. This is how, over time, you can become less stressed over something that bothers you.

But as you talk through your experience, put your feelings into words and process what happened, you can get back in the car without having the same emotional reaction. Research from Southern Methodist University suggested that writing about traumatic experiences or undergoing talk therapy had a positive impact on a patient’s health and immune system.

You have the negative feelings either way, but you have to work to repress them. That can tax the brain and body, making you more susceptible to getting sick or just feeling awful.

But, like eating better and exercising, it can contribute to overall improvement in your well-being. More important, it can help you understand how and why you feel the way you do, so you can handle your emotions more effectively in the future.

In fact, multiple studies examining college students, young women and working adults suggest that co-rumination — or consistently focusing on and talking about negative experiences in your life — can have the opposite effect, making you more stressed and drawing out how long a problem bothers you. To talk about your problems more constructively, there are a few key things you can do.

If you’ve ever talked about how you’re feeling and it seems as if you got nothing out of it, you might be talking to the wrong person. Having a trusted friend who will support you (without enabling bad habits like co-rumination) can help.

And if you need a lot of talk time, try spreading your conversations out to multiple people. One person can get worn out, and having a broad social support system lets you distribute that load.

Just as important as choosing who to talk to is when you talk to them. Your friends may want to support you, but they have their own lives.

This also means being courteous about their time. Sometimes crises happen and you might need to interrupt someone, but most supportive conversations can wait.

Therapists often have a reputation for being necessary only if you have a mental illness. This isn’t the case.

Think of it less like seeing a doctor and more like a personal trainer. Also, remember that just as with doctors, mechanics or anyone else you hire, there are good ones and bad ones (or bad ones for you), so if you don’t have success the first time, try someone else.

Not all conversations about your problems need to lead to a plan of action for tangible change, but they do need to lead to something other than more complaining. Give yourself space to vent about your feelings and, while doing so, focus on how you are feeling throughout the process.

If you find yourself talking about the same things over and over without gaining any new understanding or feeling any relief, try something else to process how you are feeling. You may not be able to fix the external problem that is bothering you, but the goal should at least be to improve your mood about it.

Expressing how you’re feeling is healthy. Expressing yourself only when you feel bad isn’t.

Talking about these experiences can reinforce them in your brain and make it easier to break out of negative thought patterns later. Plus, it helps build your relationships with the people you are close enough to talk to.

Some days, talking about your problems may just be complaining about something that happened at work, but others it may involve crying into someone’s shoulder for an hour. It can feel embarrassing or uncomfortable the first few times, but the more you open up, the easier it will get to share how you feel.

In another study from Dunn and Sandstrom, a group of students were asked to carry around counters and keep count all social interactions over the course of their day. Having more social interactions led the students to report greater levels of happiness and wellbeing.

“Both extroverts and introverts are social beings,” Nightingall says. Sandstrom adds that people who are more introverted tend to be more worried about how conversations will go ahead of time compared with extroverts.

That research also looked at other personality differences besides introversion. “Things like self-esteem and rejection sensitivity didn’t matter,” Sandstrom says.

Even if it’s uncomfortable, be brave and just do it, Sandstrom says. The person is probably going to like you more than you think and you’re both probably going to enjoy it more than you think.

(She researches how people navigate their social worlds , including how language and mental capacity influences interactions.) “When you have to talk with someone different from you, that can be the most enlightening and interesting experience.”. Ask questions.

Why did they decide to come to whatever event you’re both at. Research actually suggests that people who ask more questions are better liked by their conversation partners than people who ask fewer questions.

Skip the stock questions (what do you do, where do you live, etc.), and ask a question that will make your conversation partner think, which is engaging, Nightingall says. Or start with a statement: “This painting really confuses me” or “I can’t believe how crowded the train is today.” Statements are invitations to share curiosities, Nightingall says.

“People want to get the real you so they can express the real them.”. It shifts the focus to the other person and should make them feel good, Sandstrom explains.

Focusing the attention on the other person in those moments can help us get past those awkward spots, she says. At the very least, you’re in the same place and experiencing the same weather.

“We tend to overestimate how different people are from one another and how different they are from us, “ Sandstrom says. “In reality, you probably have lots in common, but you just don’t know what that is yet.”.

You get better at asking better questions, and answering with more interesting responses. “There’s some skill, but its as much confidence that come from just doing it more often,” she says.

Research shows the opposite, however, that people nearly always are willing to engage in a conversation when prompted by someone else. (Our fear assumptions fail to take into account the social norms of politeness, Schroeder says.).

” Then there’s recognition they don’t know you. Then it’s, “Wait, are you a weirdo.

“You have to be OK that it might be awkward for a bit,” Sandstrom says. “But if you keep going, hopefully you’ll get to that stage where you’re having a real conversation.”.

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Treating personality disorders is difficult because people with these conditions have deep-rooted patterns of thinking and behavior that have existed for many years. Treatment for people with DPD is most effective with the involvement and support of loved ones.

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the treatment of choice for personality disorders. The goal of treatment is to help you uncover the motivations and fears associated with your thoughts and behavior.

Two specific types of psychotherapy that can help people with DPD include: There’s currently no medication that can treat personality disorders.

Treating these conditions can make it easier to treat DPD. For the best results, however, you should take medication in combination with psychotherapy.

While there are many reasons that your friend might shut down a conversation or resist the idea of getting help, that doesn’t mean we should accept their reasons and give up trying to help. When a friend doesn’t address their mental illness or condition, they could face other serious problems—like failing classes, getting fired, abusing substances, damaging their relationship with you or others, or even contemplating suicide.

Keep checking in on them gently—remember, it’s important to come from a place of support and not judgment. If your outreach is successful and you and your friend start a conversation, it’s important to also make time to simply hang out or have fun together.

Talking only about what’s not working, can sometimes reinforce difficult feelings or habits. It can also be hard to repeatedly engage in serious conversations over time, especially if they involve the same set of struggles and little clear progress.

Finding time to simply do something enjoyable together, (e.g. play a game,, co-watch a movie, be in nature or workout, make or otherwise enjoy art or music together, or make something creative) is an act of support, too.

Lastly, your friendship is more likely to stay healthy if you both have opportunities to enjoy unburdened time with each other. If you’ve reached out again and again and they continue to ignore your concerns, it may be time for you to reach out to someone you trust for support and guidance, such as a parent, a coach, a school counselor, or a manager at work or a mutual friend.

It is important to know that getting others involved may upset your friend at first. This is a common reaction, but it doesn’t mean it’s the wrong thing to do.

In some cases, friendships might even end for a while. But research also shows that most people who decide to get help after their friends and family speak up are grateful that their friend was persistent in trying to help them.

It’s normal for our moods and emotions to fluctuate throughout the day in response to what’s going on around us. Emotions are intended to function as in-the-moment signals, to help us respond to what’s happening in our environment.

In our modern world, however, threats are more commonly of a psychological nature and, for many, experiencing strong emotions can therefore feel out of place and confusing.

Moodiness, such as frequently changing moods or gloominess, can arise when we avoid or are unable to work through issues we are struggling with. If we allow ourselves to feel our emotions without doing anything to stop them, they will usually pass.

But what if it’s your other half who is plagued by bad moods. And what happens when these moods start to affect you.

Bad moods can feel like they rub off on us, and most people have a tendency to take responsibility and blame themselves for how those around them are feeling. So, what can we do to support our loved ones when they are struggling, while simultaneously managing the effect our partner’s moods have on us.

First, let’s look at why your partner may be more moody than usual: There are lots of reasons why someone might have frequent, unpredictable or seemingly unexplainable moods.

If this is the case, their moodiness will likely pass as the issue is resolved.

Despite how their life might seem to others, if your partner is plagued by negative thoughts about themselves or their life, they will feel down.

If your partner usually has a sunny disposition and their bad moods are a new development, what can you do to support them. If they’re going through a particularly hard time and are clearly struggling, offering a listening ear, empathising with how they’re feeling and asking them what support they need can all help.

If your partner’s moods are impacting on the relationship it’s important to talk about this, too. This will allow your partner to understand the effect their moods are having on you, as well as giving you a chance to express what you need from the relationship.

Find a time to talk when you’re both in a better frame of mind, as it may be a difficult conversation to have.

Don’t be surprised if your partner is defensive or wants to avoid the issue at first. it may take more than one conversation.

If your partner’s moodiness continues or does not improve after you have communicated how it affects you, it may be time to suggest they seek professional help. You can speak to the Samaritans for advice or your GP to discuss treatment options.

While being mindful of your partner and their needs is important, looking after yourself and your own needs is essential. The following tips can help you take care of yourself and manage the way you feel when times are difficult:

The next time you’re affected by their moodiness, try to recognise what thoughts are going through your mind and how these thoughts are making you feel.

For example, for some people, moodiness can trigger self-doubt, with thoughts such as, “I must have done something wrong to make them feel this way”, leading to feelings of guilt or anxiety. In others, a partner’s moodiness may trigger insecurity, with thoughts such as, “they wouldn’t act like this if they loved me”, leading to feelings of sadness.

Others may have thoughts such as, “they’re acting like a child”, or, “they are making things so much harder for me” and feel angry as a result. Recognising the thoughts you’re having can help you understand how your partner’s moods are affecting you.

The types of thoughts that you have about your partner will be shaped by your current mood, as well as your past experiences. Once you’ve become aware of the thoughts you’re having, you can ask yourself whether these thoughts are a realistic interpretation of the situation.

For example, if you think your partner’s moods are a result of your own worth or lovability, it’s important to see that these are your beliefs, not facts. Our worth and lovability are not dependent on other people’s actions.

Replacing negative beliefs with more realistic ones, like “I am worthy and lovable”, will help you feel more confident about yourself. If the negative beliefs you hold about yourself are long-standing and hard to shift, a short course of cognitive behaviour therapy can help you to understand how you developed these thoughts and teach you how to think more positively about yourself.

However, if you’re able to take a more compassionate view of their behaviour, such as, “it’s the depression that’s making it hard for them to help out at home. this is only temporary”, or reminding yourself of some of their more positive characteristics, it can help to alleviate these negative feelings.

It can take some practice to be able to step back from your thoughts and form more realistic ones. Trying to see the situation from the perspective of a friend who you admire, or talking it through with them, may help to develop a different perspective.

The responsibility for how your partner feels is entirely theirs. We can’t control how others feel (or how they will act towards us) and trying to fix how someone else feels is therefore an impossible task.

When someone you love is struggling or being abusive or hurtful towards you, it can be especially hard to bear and can leave you feeling hopeless and worn out. At these times, it’s important to focus on what you can control: how you think about yourself and your situation, and how you spend your time, which will both impact on how you feel.

Exercising, eating well, spending time in nature and doing things that help you feel happy and relaxed can all help you to support yourself, which is especially important during challenging times. Seeing friends and talking about your problems can also help you to offload and get some distance from your problems.

It can be tempting to lash out at a partner who is being moody, especially if their moods are placing a burden on you and your family. However, this can exacerbate an already tense situation and create a negative cycle of resentment.

For example, if your partner seems most stressed and tense when getting home from work, try giving them time to unwind before starting a conversation. If their moodiness leads you to feel angry, make sure you take time out from them, so you can manage how you feel.

⚠️ If your partner makes personal attacks on your character or behaves aggressively, it’s important to communicate clearly what your boundaries are and how you expect to be treated. If they continue to be emotionally and/or physically abusive, information about organisations that can support you can be found below.

In the long-run, this can reinforce negative patterns and lead to your needs not being met within the relationship, as well as creating feelings of anxiety and low mood.

Every relationship will go through difficult times. If you have done your best to be loving, understanding and supportive, and have communicated the impact your partner’s moods are having on you, tried relationship counselling and nothing has changed, then it may be time to consider whether this is the rela.

Treatment for schizoaffective disorder involves the combination of: Your provider will determine the right medicine for you based on the type of schizoaffective disorder you have.

Your provider may prescribe more than one type of medication to treat your condition as best as possible. Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy.

The goal of psychotherapy is to: Family therapy is another form of psychotherapy.

Skills training is a type of counseling that helps you take care of yourself. It often focuses on:

Not always. Every situation is different.

If you experience severe symptoms that put you at risk of harming yourself or others, a hospital stay may be necessary to help you feel better. With continued treatment of both medications and psychotherapy, your symptoms may go into remission.

It can take several months to years before symptoms stabilize. Not everyone diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder goes into remission.

Like it or not, small talk is integral to your success. Whether you’re networking, speaking with a new prospect, or warming up a customer before upselling them or asking for a referral, you must be able to build rapport with casual conversation.

Small talk is light, informal conversation people use when talking to others they don’t know very well. These conversations typically happen at networking or social events.

People use small talk to ease into novel social situations. Chatting with a person you don’t know can be considered abrupt and even rude if you begin with specific personal questions about work, school, family, or other matters.

Small talk has a bad reputation for being awkward and shallow, like in this video: How do you feel about Small Talk.

#SmallTalk #ADHD #SocialAnxiety #ActuallyAutistic #Funny. But if you’ve done small talk successfully, the other person will focus on the more interesting parts of your conversation rather than the small talk.

Most people enjoy talking about themselves because it’s easier to discuss things we know to be true (our likes, dislikes, and aspirations) rather than something we know little about.

Open-ended questions generate an interesting, dynamic conversation and encourage the person you’re speaking with to open up. Access now for 101 networking tips and templates, useful for:

It’s tempting to tune out what the other person is saying, but you’ll forge much stronger connections if you pay attention. The other person will notice how engaged you seem.

We tend to pull out our phones when we’re feeling uncomfortable or awkward in social situations, but nothing will sabotage your conversational efforts more quickly. Few people will approach you if you’re scrolling through your phone—and you’ll send a plain message to anyone you’re already talking to that you’re not interested.

However, if you go into it with the right attitude, you can actually have fun. View these conversations as opportunities to learn more about other people.

Having good small talk topics up your sleeve won’t just help you kick off great conversations, it’ll also relieve some of the anxiety of walking into an unknown environment.

Are you in a beautiful hotel or conference area. Is the town noteworthy.

All of these are instant conversation starters whether you initiate the conversation with your own dialogue, or you ask the other person for their opinion. Either way, you’ll be on the fast track to making a new connection.

If you’re at a happy hour or an after work event, kick off the conversation with a few entertaining events you’ve enjoyed lately. That might include the Netflix show either of you are binge-watching, the last movie each of you saw, the books you’re reading, the podcasts you’re streaming, any plays you’ve attended, and so on.

I also share my list with the other person which brings up further opportunities to continue chatting.

To take the conversation up a notch, ask about their favorite exhibits, which artists they enjoy, and if they have any recommendations for galleries. You can also discuss changes in the art world.

What are their thoughts.

Food is one of the best small talk topics, since almost everyone loves to eat. Ask which restaurants they’d recommend and which dishes you should order.

If they don’t eat out often, ask which dishes they like to make at home. Describe an upcoming scenario and get their opinion on what you should cook or bring.

There are 10 people coming—two vegans, one person with a nut allergy, and another who doesn’t eat gluten. What would you suggest.

Research has shown that people take more favorably to being asked for advice compared to any other request. In this example, you’ll give the person a platform to be a hospitality expert, and you’ll get some yummy recipes in the process.

Delve into the other person’s passions—they’ll be enthusiastic to talk about what they love and you’ll get the chance to connect with them on a deeper level. Ask what they do in their free time, which activities they participate in outside of work (and how they became involved), what their childhood hobbies were versus now, whether they’re taking any classes, and what they’d like to try (sushi-making, novel-writing, salsa dancing, etc.).

Talking about your day jobs can be tricky. You don’t want the conversation to become the work olympics— which it quickly will unless you steer toward more interesting territory.

Instead of asking generic questions like, “Where do you work. ” “How long have you worked there.

”, use interesting, unexpected ones such as:.

Others would rather talk about anything but. There are a few rules of thumb for discussing sports.

You don’t want to exclude someone from participating. Second, while an enthusiastic conversation is fun, a heated one won’t help your networking goals whatsoever.

Weather is the ultimate small talk topic. It’s typically not the most scintillating conversation-starter, but with a little creativity you can spark some engaging discussions.

If it’s sunny, are they going to have a BBQ, do something outdoorsy, go on a hike, eat dinner on their patio, etc. ).

This frequently turns into a discussion about their personality, which can be fun and interesting. Seasonal rituals and traditions are handy conversation-starters as well.

Are there any places they visit, trips they take, people they see, or other activities they do.

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

From weekend trips an hour away, to big summer vacations, or bucket list journeys—this question can get even the most reserved prospects gushing about cherished memories or exciting upcoming adventures. Make sure you have some follow-up questions around what they plan to do on their trip.

And what souvenirs they’re planning to bring home.

Before a call with a prospect, he Googles their town. Often, the people he’s speaking with live in towns Dan’s never visited, but with a two-minute search, he knows about their hottest new restaurant, what the weather is like currently, and which landmarks the locals love.

” or “Are you staying cool over there. I hear it’s going to be in the 90’s this week.” This extra step puts the prospect at ease, shows them Dan cares about what they care about and builds immediate rapport.

For customers: For professional acquaintances:

Here are a few that have proven to work extremely well. Access now for 101 networking tips and templates, useful for:

It’s also handy to have a pre-planned exit. If the conversation is stalling—or it’s simply finished and you need a non-awkward way to walk away—use this line to gracefully wrap things up.

It doesn’t matter how bad you are at small talk: With practice and the right strategies, you can improve. Small talk is a skill just like any other.

Depression is a serious but treatable disorder that affects millions of people, from young to old and from all walks of life. It gets in the way of everyday life, causing tremendous pain, hurting not just those suffering from it but also impacting everyone around them.

These feelings are all normal. It’s not easy dealing with a friend or family member’s depression.

That said, your companionship and support can be crucial to your loved one’s recovery. You can help them to cope with depression symptoms, overcome negative thoughts, and regain their energy, optimism, and enjoyment of life.

But as you reach out, don’t forget to look after your own emotional health—you’ll need it to provide the full support your loved one needs. Depression is a serious condition.

Depression drains a person’s energy, optimism, and motivation. Your depressed loved one can’t just “snap out of it” by sheer force of will.

Depression makes it difficult for a person to connect on a deep emotional level with anyone, even the people they love the most. It’s also common for depressed people to say hurtful things and lash out in anger.

Hiding the problem won’t make it go away. It doesn’t help anyone involved if you try making excuses, covering up the problem, or lying for a friend or family member who is depressed.

Your loved one isn’t lazy or unmotivated. When you’re suffering from depression, just thinking about doing the things that may help you to feel better can seem exhausting or impossible to put into action.

You can’t “fix” someone else’s depression. As much as you may want to, you can’t rescue someone from depression nor fix the problem for them.

While you can offer love and support, ultimately recovery is in the hands of the depressed person. Family and friends are often the first line of defense in the fight against depression.

You may notice the problem in a depressed loved one before they do, and your influence and concern can motivate them to seek help. Be concerned if your loved one:.

Has lost interest in work, sex, hobbies, and other pleasurable activities. Has withdrawn from friends, family, and other social activities.

Is uncharacteristically sad, irritable, short-tempered, critical, or moody. talks about feeling “helpless” or “hopeless.”.

Or complains of feeling tired and drained all the time. Sleeps less than usual or oversleeps.

Eats more or less than usual, and has recently gained or lost weight. Drinks more or abuses drugs, including prescription sleeping pills and painkillers, as a way to self-medicate how they’re feeling.

Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.

You might fear that if you bring up your worries the person will get angry, feel insulted, or ignore your concerns. You may be unsure what questions to ask or how to be supportive.

But remember that being a compassionate listener is much more important than giving advice. You don’t have to try to “fix” your friend or family member.

Often, the simple act of talking face to face can be an enormous help to someone suffering from depression. Encourage the depressed person to talk about their feelings, and be willing to listen without judgment.

Depressed people tend to withdraw from others and isolate themselves. You may need to express your concern and willingness to listen over and over again.

Finding a way to start a conversation about depression with your loved one is always the hardest part. You could try saying:

Remember, being supportive involves offering encouragement and hope. Very often, this is a matter of talking to the person in language that they will understand and can respond to while in a depressed state of mind.

Depression clouds judgment and distorts thinking, causing a normally rational person to believe that death is the only way to end the pain they’re feeling. Since suicide is a very real danger when someone is depressed, it’s important to know the warning signs:

Many people feel uncomfortable bringing up the topic but it is one of the best things you can do for someone who is thinking about suicide. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a person’s life, so speak up if you’re concerned and seek professional help immediately.

If you believe your loved one is at an immediate risk for suicide, do NOT leave them alone. In the U.S., dial 911 or call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

While you can’t control someone else’s recovery from depression, you can start by encouraging the depressed person to seek help. Getting a depressed person into treatment can be difficult.

Depression also involves negative ways of thinking. The depressed person may believe that the situation is hopeless and treatment pointless.

If your friend or family member resists getting help: Suggest a general check-up with a physician.

A regular doctor’s visit is actually a great option, since the doctor can rule out medical causes of depression. If the doctor diagnoses depression, they can refer your loved one to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Offer to help the depressed person find a doctor or therapist and go with them on the first visit. Finding the right treatment provider can be difficult, and is often a trial-and-error process.

Encourage your loved one to make a thorough list of symptoms and ailments to discuss with the doctor. You can even bring up things that you have noticed as an outside observer, such as, “You seem to feel much worse in the mornings,” or “You always get stomach pains before work.”.

This involves being compassionate and patient, which is not always easy when dealing with the negativity, hostility, and moodiness that go hand in hand with depression. Provide whatever assistance the person needs (and is willing to accept).

Have realistic expectations. It can be frustrating to watch a depressed friend or family member struggle, especially if progress is slow or stalled.

Even with optimal treatment, recovery from depression doesn’t happen overnight. Lead by example.

Encourage activity. Invite your loved one to join you in uplifting activities, like going to a funny movie or having dinner at a favorite restaurant.

Going on walks together is one of the easiest options. Be gently and lovingly persistent—don’t get discouraged or stop asking.

Seemingly small tasks can be very hard for someone with depression to manage. Offer to help out with household responsibilities or chores, but only do what you can without getting burned out yourself.

There’s a natural impulse to want to fix the problems of people we care about, but you can’t control someone else’s depression. You can, however, control how well you take care of yourself.

Nervous laughter or “happy-crying” serve to achieve a kind of emotional homeostasis similar to the body’s producing sweat to cool off when overheated, Clark said. For some people, their bodies involuntarily try to regulate happy or sad emotions by expressing an opposite reaction.

Oriana Aragón, a professor of social psychology at Clemson University who worked with Clark on dimorphous expressions research, said these odd expressions seem to have social benefits as well. “It can have a really great functional value in coordinating or creating cooperative interactions between social beings,” she said.

So the emotional expressions, expressions that are on the face, in the body can send signals to those around, in what is the best way to sort of coordinate action here.”. Aragón said Fizza’s reaction to me and my mom could be seen both as a way to cope with excess negative energy by forcing out laughter for herself, and as a way to provide some sort of cue for us.

“It could be that that response that you provided to your friend is exactly what was needed at that moment, and her laughter signaled what was needed at that moment to continue a really good social coordination between the two of you.

And there’s a good reason for that. “Frankly, it’s harder for us to study the negative emotions that get so intense that these expressions come about than it is for us to study the positive emotions in which these expressions come about because of ethical reasons,” she said.

So it’s been harder, more challenging for us to look at the negative experience where these positive expressions pop up.”. Aragón said it’s hard to know exactly why some people have such reactions and others don’t.

Which would seem to track with a dimorphous expression called cute aggression. “I was watching Conan O’Brien and an actress, Leslie Bibb, was on,” Aragón said.

Do you feel like you’re having a hard time with socialization. Not excited or even remotely interested in trying to connect with people.

That’s okay. There is likely a good reason why you’re feeling that way.

Just remember that there’s nothing wrong with taking a break once in a while. Just because you don’t want to talk to anyone right now doesn’t mean you’ll never want to talk to anyone ever again.

Speak to an accredited and experienced therapist to help you get to the bottom of why you don’t want to talk to anyone. You may want to try speaking to one via BetterHelp.com for quality care at its most convenient.

You are not at all a welcome visitor. Depression, quite literally, depresses your emotions, energy levels, and ability to “human.”.

There’s a lot to think about, what you say, how you say it. Even answering the question, “Hey, how are you doing.

Do I be honest about how I’m feeling. Do I want to have that conversation.

Depression can be a much more complicated subject than it appears. There are many assumptions and common beliefs about what to do, what not to do, and how to deal.

Not everyone with depression is suffering from a mental illness. Sometimes depression is situational.

A person experiencing situational depression may be able to alleviate it by changing their situation.

Solution: If you feel depressed, you should consider talking to your doctor or a therapist about it. The therapist will usually be a better option because they can help you really pick through everything you’re dealing with to figure out what’s going on.

That may be necessary, but it’d be a good idea to get a professional opinion from a mental health specialist first. Burnout can look like depression, but they aren’t the same.

There’s a lot to get done in a day. You may work a stressful job, manage your family, and try to keep up with all the housework that needs doing.

Then you sprinkle on all the other stresses of life and relationships and you collapse under the weight of it all. You may find that you simply have no energy to do anything and get overwhelmed.

Solution: Everyone needs a way to manage their stress. That might be regularly exercising to get some of that extra energy out.

Look for unessential activities that can be cut out of your schedule. Maybe the kids don’t all need to have an entirely different extracurricular activity that they need stuff bought for, time made for, and work put into.

Carve some time out of your schedule solely for your own rest and relaxation, so you have a chance to recover. If you are a busy person, the best way to do it is to regularly schedule some self-care time and treat it as your most important priority – because it is.

A traumatic experience can profoundly impact how a person relates to the world and other people, especially if another person perpetrates that trauma. The emotional responses that trauma causes can make a person withdraw because they may feel like no one understands what they’re going through or their trauma.

And it is reasonable to withdraw from people who make light of a traumatic situation or don’t appear to take that pain seriously. That’s not a problem with the person who went through something traumatic.

Solution: Professional support is the best way to deal with trauma. There are so many public messages out there saying things like, “Talk about it.

So many people reach out to their friends, family, and loved ones, and then get thrown entirely off their healing path because those people aren’t equipped to deal with trauma. As a result, they can make a bad situation catastrophically worse.

Introversion and extroversion are commonly misunderstood. The big misunderstanding is that introversion means a person is uncomfortable with socialization.

Introverts expend energy while socializing, while extroverts generate more mental energy while socializing. Another important misunderstanding about introversion and extroversion is that they are black and white states.

People are usually some combination of the two. Or, they may be an ambivert, which is a person who has a balance of introverted and extroverted features.

Solution: A person feeling exhausted by socialization may just need some time to recharge their social batteries.

Introverts often need some quiet time and space to do some solo activities to recharge. This can be problematic in relationships if there is poor communication or one partner isn’t introverted.

There isn’t. It’s just that an introvert sometimes needs space and quiet time to themselves before they can meaningfully contribute socially again.

For example, a person who does not have a good relationship with themselves may not want to socialize because they do not feel they deserve the time or attention of other people.

They may have done something they aren’t proud of. It could also be that they are going through some hard times they’re struggling with.

They are under the mistaken impression that they need to be worthy, healthy, or better than they are to deserve human contact. And that simply isn’t true.

The answer is going to depend on what the problem actually is. Your best bet would be to talk to a therapist about how you’re feeling to get to the root cause of those feelings.

If you don’t have a great deal of confidence in social situations, or even have social anxiety, you may not want to talk to anyone because it’s easier for you to remain silent. Not speaking to anyone means not putting yourself out there and not risking the discomfort of conversation or the possibility of rejection.

You turn inward and shun the outside world purely because it’s less scary that way. Solution: Take baby steps to expose yourself to potential conversations with others.

Gradually increase the scope of the conversations you have and keep noticing how it can actually go well and feel good sometimes.

And, again, if you have such low confidence or suffer from social anxiety, a therapist is well-placed to help you overcome these things in the medium-to-long term. It can be hard to bring yourself to talk to someone who you don’t feel you have anything in common with.

So you withdraw from people because you don’t feel like your belong anywhere. You haven’t got any close friends, you may not get on with your family, and that ‘tribe’ that everyone always tells you to find is nowhere in sight.

Solution: This is going to sound ironic, but you really do have to find people with whom you feel you have some commonalities. If you hate all that small talk rubbish and you don’t know anyone who will happily talk about a very specific interest or hobby you have, try to find someone who shares that same interest.

Those connections may turn into real life friendships eventually. Of course, if you feel alienated from others even though you do happen to share some things in common, you need to get to the bottom of that feeling.

That’s probably something you’ll need to talk to a professional about. You may be seeing a theme in the solutions we’ve presented here.

Do you need to talk to someone right now. Do you feel alone and lost.

Some of us literally have no one to vent to, but feeling alone isn’t defined by how many people are physically surrounding you. You can feel isolated at a party, at work, or even out with friends.

Sometimes it feels like you don’t have anyone you can talk to without judgement, and that just compounds your feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. When everyone else seems to have an outlet, you desperately need to find yours.

When you’re lonely for a long time, the need to talk to someone eventually becomes pressing, even desperate – and for good reason. You may be surprised to find that prolonged loneliness has profound physical implications.

If you really need to get something off your chest right now, you can take a shortcut: an online peer support chat. Studies show that individuals who are more isolated tend to have more active white blood cells.

Those who are lonely are also more likely to be depressed – it’s a chicken/egg scenario, but this may also relate directly to inflammation.

Loneliness has ancient origins, imbedded deep in our genetics. Those who were left shunned from the pack were often unable to survive on their own.

In a society that idolizes popularity, talking about feeling alone feels like outing yourself. When you scroll through your feed and see everyone out with friends and posting about their gatherings, you start to feel like the only one who needs a listening ear.

Some individuals are afraid to admit they’re in need, in part because of social media. They fear being judged as weird or unlikeable by their peers.

This adds to the cycle of self-consciousness that might be keeping you from sharing in the first place. Sometimes we need someone to talk to just because we’re scared to be open with those actually in our lives.

Perhaps you’ve been hurt in the past when you shared your problems. Maybe your friends don’t understand the specific struggles you experience.

Noticing why you’re hesitant to open up may help you figure out a better way to reach out for someone to talk to. The first struggle is finding someone to talk to.

While no friend will have all the answers, they’re likely to at least validate your feelings. If you still feel apprehensive but need to talk to someone, start small by expressing your feelings broadly: you’ve had a rough day, or you’re scared for the future.

If you want to jump straight to the meat, or really need to get something off your chest right now, you can take a shortcut: an online peer support chat, where anonymity takes away your apprehension, and technology helps you find someone who will get it. Feeling less lonely begins with reaching out, in any small way you can.

When you’re angry all the time, it affects how you experience everything in your life. You might find that:.

Sometimes anger is an immediate response to a specific event, such as getting a bad mark or someone cutting you off in traffic, or it can build up over time. Whatever the reason, feeling angry or seeing someone else become angry should alert you that something isn’t right.

If you find you’re often asking yourself “why am I angry all the time. “, or you find you’re feeling angry everyday or getting angry over little things, you might be holding onto your anger.

If you don’t deal with your anger in a positive way, then over time it will just build up and become your primary emotion. Read our guide on dealing with anger for some tools and tips that will ensure you have healthy outlets for processing your negative feelings.

Dealing with someone who is always angry can have a huge impact on your relationship with them. The level of anger someone is experiencing may help you think about how to respond to them.

You can’t be responsible for making them feel better, but there are a few simple things you can do to try and help:. Some good ways to approach a conversation with someone who is angry include:

Depending on your relationship with the person, you may want to help them to access different kinds of support. For example, if your colleague or classmate is experiencing regular moments of frustration, you can call on your manager or teacher for guidance.

Anger can be a sign that someone is experiencing depression, anxiety or a personality disorder, such as borderline personality disorder. If you think someone in your life needs extra help with their anger, you can support them to contact their GP or access a mental health service.

Sometimes people express their anger by becoming violent or abusive. If this is the case, and you think your safety may be at risk, remove yourself from the situation and get help.

If things start to feel unsafe or scary, make sure you reach out for help. Call a mental health helpline, or arrange an appointment with a doctor or counsellor.

Depression quotes help you express and cope with your feelings. Depression is a serious medical condition that affects the way you behave, feel, and think.

One in every 15 people suffer from depression in a year and one in six may experience it in a lifetime (APA, 2013). Depression is a difficult concept and not everyone understands it.

Seeing other people not understand can make you feel a lot more frustrated. At times others may say that ‘it s all an act’ and ‘it is all in your mind’ which can worsen depression.

To overcome mental health issues, you may require help from trained professionals. You can get Online Therapy from the comfort of your home and convenience.

If you are in a relationship and you are facing any kind of compatibility issues with your partner, get in touch with a relationship psychologist today.

Depression Quote 1.

I am not tired or sleepy, I just don t want to be awake.” -Unknown. Depression Quote 2.

“The worst kind of sad is not being able to explain why.” -Unknown. Depression Quote 3.

“Keeping a lot to myself, because it is hard to find someone who understands”- Unknown. Depression Quote 4.

“I am fading away, and no one is noticing”- Unknown. Depression Quote 5.

“It is that feeling when you are not necessarily sad, but just really empty”- Unknown. Depression Quote 6.

“My forest is dark, the trees are sad, and all the butterflies have broken wings.”- Raine Cooper. Depression Quote 7.

“My thoughts are destroying me. I try not to think, but the silence is a killer too.”- Unknown.

“Depression is like a bruise that never goes away. A bruise in your mind.

It’s always there though.”- Jeffery Eugenides. Depression Quote 9.

“I wanted to talk about it. Damn it.

I wanted to yell. I wanted to shout.

Depression Quote 10.

Depression Quote 11.

Depression Quote 12.

Depression Quote 13.

Depression Quote 14.

I am scarred, but not disfigured. I am sad, but not hopeless.

I am angry, but not bitter. I am depressed, but not giving up.” -Unknown.

“In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer”- Albert Camus. Depression Quote 16.

“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” –Dan Millman.

“Everything that drowned me taught me how to swim.”- Jenim Dibie. Depression Quote 18.

“Sometimes I just think depression’s one way of coping with the world. Like, some people get drunk, some people do drugs, and some people get depressed.

Depression Quote 19.

It doesn t mean you re defective, it just means you re human.” — David Mitchell. Depression Quote 20.

“I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you’re not alone.” — Dwayne Johnson. Depression Quote 21.

“You say you’re ‘depressed’ – all I see is resilience. You are allowed to feel messed up and inside out.

Depression Quote 22.

Be there for them when they come through the other side. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.” — Stephen Fry.

“People who have never dealt with depression think it’s just being sad or being in a bad mood. That’s not what depression is for me.

Depression Quote 24.

If you have that inside of you and can’t get it out, what do you do. ” – Billie Eilish.

“A big part of depression is feeling really lonely, even if you’re in a room full of a million people.” — Lilly Singh. Depression Quote 26.

“When you’re surrounded by all these people, it can be lonelier than when you’re by yourself. You can be in a huge crowd, but if you don’t feel like you can trust anyone or talk to anybody, you feel like you’re really alone.” — Fiona Apple.

“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also harder to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say, ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say, ‘My heart is broken.’ — C.S.

Depression Quote 28.

I lost myself and my will to live.” — Ginger Zee. Depression Quote 29.

“That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end.” – Elizabeth Wurtzel, Prozac Nation.

“I am bent, but not broken. I am scarred, but not disfigured.

I am tired, but not powerless. I am angry, but not bitter.

Depression Quote 31.

Still does.”. Henry Rollins, The Portable Henry Rollins.

“I have depression. But I prefer to say, ‘I battle’ depression instead of ‘I suffer’ from it.

Battle on.” — Anonymous. Depression Quote 33.

“Depression is being colorblind and constantly told how colorful the world is.” — Atticus, Love Her Wild. Depression Quote 34.

“It is very hard to explain to people who have never known serious depression or anxiety the sheer continuous intensity of it. There is no off switch.” – Matt Haig.

“Don’t lose yourself get lost in yourself.” — Anonymous. Depression Quote 36.

“Just because all you see is suffering does not mean that overcoming it is out of the question.” — Anonymous. Depression Quote 37.

“Hiding the pain will only allow it to build up behind the scene.” — Anonymous. Depression Quote 38.

“Life is not about gaining happiness it is about creating it.” — Anonymous. Depression Quote 39.

“I am laughing and smiling but on the inside, I am dying.” — Anonymous. Depression Quote 40.

“The wisest people are the ones who have experienced the worse.” — Anonymous. Depression Quote 41.

“I can no longer tell when I am awake or in a nightmare.” — Anonymous. Depression Quote 42.

“My mask no longer works. I still try, but they know.

Depression Quote 43.

Depression Quote 44.

Depression Quote 45.

Depression Quote 46.

Depression Quote 47.

Depression Quote 48.

Depression Quote 49.

Depression Quote 50.

Depression Quote 51. “It does not matter if I am broken, you want to make sure I am dead too.” — Anonymous.

“Why shouldn’t I die if living is just a slower death. ” — Anonymous.

“I cannot be helped until I can accept myself.” — Anonymous. Depression Quote 54.

Depression Quote 55. “Depression creates a living zombie with no will to live.” — Anonymous.

“I excuse a great deal. However, I always remember what’s said and done.” — Anonymous.

“I loathe getting flashbacks from things I would prefer not to recollect.” — Anonymous. Depression Quote 58.

Depression Quote 59. “Now and then you feel pitiful for no reason, and you can’t help it.

Depression Quote 60. “Fake companions resemble shadows they tail you in the sun yet abandon you out of the loop.” — Anonymous.

Depression Quote 61. “Wretchedness never arrives alone.

Depression Quote 62. “Discouragement is the imperceptible disease.” — Anonymous.

“They chuckle at me since I’m distinctive. I snicker at them since they’re all the same.” — Anonymous.

If you’re looking for some inspiring quotes about mental health, you’ve come to the right place. Everyone – including celebrities, athletes, political leaders, and artists – has mental health struggles and insights.

Use the following quotes for inspiration to keep moving forward on your own mental health journey. Or share them with others to support and encourage them.

Need more inspiration. Visit our #VoicesOfTherapy series featuring real stories of people and their experiences in therapy.

Take the next step on your journey by discovering your top therapist matches today.

Click here to learn if an online therapy service is right for you.

Read more about depression, including advice from therapists.

Click here for more self-care tips from licensed therapists.

We hope these quotes have helped you feel a little less alone and a little more understood. Save or share this page so you can reference it when you need to find that perfect mental health quote.

You can also download all the social media posts in this article to share with your own networks.

BPD historically has been challenging to treat. But with newer, evidence-based treatment, many people with borderline personality disorder experience fewer and less severe symptoms, improved functioning and better quality of life.

Treatment may include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medications or both. Your healthcare provider may recommend a short-term hospital stay if you’re very distressed or at risk of harming yourself or others.

People with borderline personality disorder often have other mental health conditions, including: If they have a co-existing condition, they’ll also need treatment for it.

The goal of treatment is to help you uncover the motivations and fears associated with your thoughts and behavior and to help you learn to relate to others more positively. Types of therapy that can help treat BPD include:

But in some cases, a psychiatrist may recommend medications to treat specific symptoms or co-occurring mental health conditions. Medications can treat anxiety and depression, regulate mood swings or help control impulsive behavior.

By nature, humans crave social interaction. Inevitably, many of us suffer if that interaction declines or is lost, and this can lead to depression for some people, studies show.

“When individuals lack meaningful social interactions or feel isolated, it can have negative effects on their mental health,” says Meredith Hettler, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the clinical director at Newport Healthcare, a mental health treatment facility in Fairfield, Connecticut.

This was especially true for people who lived alone as a result of separation, divorce, or the death of a spouse. This effect of losing social connection was also very clear during the COVID-19 pandemic — multiple studies showed that rates of depression and other mental health issues increased when people had to be isolated for prolonged lengths of time to reduce the spread of the virus.

In her experience, Dr. Lev says it’s people who are living alone but don’t necessarily want to be (because of a divorce or separation or a death of a loved one, for instance) who tend to be at higher risk for depression, as the previously noted research also showed.

For instance, as noted in the Frontiers in Public Health study, forced social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic was linked to a higher likelihood of depression. Widowhood, one situation that can result in someone living alone not by choice, is also linked to a heightened risk of clinical depression for some people who live alone.

It’s important to note that isolation itself — meaning physical separation from others — doesn’t necessarily lead to clinical depression, says Amy Mezulis, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist and the chief clinical officer at Joon Care, a mental health care platform for teens and young adults.

In the Frontiers in Public Health study, prolonged social disconnectedness was linked to an increased risk of depression. Loneliness is an often emotionally distressing experience in which someone feels they have an unmet need for meaningful connections with others, according to a U.S.

“In moments of loneliness, people can generate irrational thoughts that end up affecting their mental health,” says Aura De Los Santos, a clinical and educational psychologist (research published in 2022 backs this up). “They may think that no one pays attention to them, that they are not important to others, and that they will always be alone.”.

Surgeon General’s advisory. That’s possibly because, for some people, living alone can lead to fewer opportunities for meaningful connections with others, says Hettler.

Feeling sad and living alone doesn’t automatically mean you have depression. But if you do feel sad, lonely, or depressed, it’s a good idea to reach out for help.

She notes that a psychologist or licensed therapist can help you understand your feelings about loneliness, and find ways to cope with them. If you do have depression, it’s important to get treatment for it.

Hettler notes that online mental health resources may help you find care more quickly, or for a reduced cost. Before choosing a practitioner online, Hettler recommends reading reviews for each one and scheduling introductory calls with a few of them to figure out the best match for you.

She also recommends support groups as a way to meet people going through similar difficulties. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, for instance, offers in-person and online support groups for people with mood disorders like depression.

“Most social connections develop from in-person shared activities,” says Mezulis. This is why it’s so common for people to develop close relationships with coworkers, for instance.

Spending time together will deepen your current relationships. It’s important to get out of your home regularly if you can — especially if you work from home — so you can get into a new environment, De Los Santos notes.

That said, not everyone can get out of the house as often as they’d like. This can be especially true for people with illnesses, older adults with limited mobility, or people who rely on caregivers.

Video chatting may reduce the risk of depression among aging adults, according to a study published in the March 2019 issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. The participants in the study used Skype, but other video chatting apps like Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp work, too.

Do you get value out of engaging in physical activity with others. Whether it’s a run club, biking club, swim club, pickleball club, or dancing, an online search can help you find activities you like in your area.

She also suggests volunteering your time at a local nonprofit whose mission or values align with your own. Research shows that volunteering reduces feelings of depression among adults over age 65.

Don’t beat yourself up if you have a hard time finding an activity you like or meeting new people at first. “It takes a long time to meet and connect with people, and even longer to find and build the kinds of meaningful social relationships that most of us crave,” says Mezulis.

Certain self-care activities have been shown to boost mental well-being in general, as well as help people with depression feel better, according to Mayo Clinic. If you’re feeling sad or depressed, these steps won’t necessarily make depression go away or prevent it altogether, but they may help you better cope with your feelings.

Moving homes, whether to a new town, state, country, or even just a new house can feel overwhelming. You may be responsible for moving furniture, packing your items into boxes, and saving money for moving expenses such as a moving truck, travel costs, and moving support.

Moving can cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you’re not alone.

Recognizing this type of depression can help you find support. Relocation depression is a type of situational depression that occurs after relocating or moving.

Your symptoms are real, and support is available to you.

The study indicated that moving was often connected to a plethora of negative mental and physical health risks, so if you are having a hard time adjusting to life in a new place, you are far from alone.

They include:. Relocation depression can occur due to the stress that moving often causes.

Relocation depression might also be caused by the following:. While we tend to associate stressors with negative changes in our lives, any change, positive or negative, can lead to stress and heighten your risk for depression.

If you think you may be experiencing relocation depression or an underlying mental illness, reach out for emotional support.

As time goes on, you may find it easier to handle any changes in routine or differences in your new life. In some cases, you could find that your new location provides benefits that your previous one did not.

Get To Know Your New Local Area. If you’ve recently moved to a new city, state, or country, consider exploring.

You might find exciting or interesting activities available that weren’t offered near your old home. Additionally, exploring could be a valuable way to make new friends or learn about the locals.

If you’re feeling homesick while out and about, consider taking pictures or videos of your new location and sending them to your family or friends from your old city. They might feel excited for you and help raise your spirits.

Studies show that spending time in nature or changing your location can benefit your mental health.

Symptoms of depression can make it feel challenging to unpack your things and settle in. However, clutter and mess can increase depression symptoms, according to one study.

The majority of people report feeling most comfortable in their homes. Having a safe space to unwind after a long day can feel cathartic.

If you don’t have many decorations to unpack or put out consider purchasing a few cheap items to make your environment feel more comfortable. These items might include:.

It may be a reading nook, a unique recliner, or a beanbag chair you can fall into. When feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or depressed, spend some time in that area participating in a calming activity, such as meditating or reading.

Try not to neglect self-care in the process of moving. Commit to your mental well-being and stay on top of your hygiene as much as possible.

If you feel uncomfortable in your new home, consider throwing a housewarming party to celebrate the beginning of this new chapter in your life.

Doing so may motivate you to finish unpacking and clean up the house. You might also buy a few cheap party decorations and use your new kitchen for cooking a housewarming meal.

If you’re not up to a highly social event, invite only a few people for a calming or low-key activity like watching a football game or chatting under the stars while sipping a drink.

Your symptoms of depression may lessen over time as you learn more about your neighborhood, home, and new city. It’s okay to spend more time at home or focus more on self-care while feeling down in the first few months after moving.

If you have moved to a location where you lack a social circle, it can seem challenging to make new friends. Just like in post-college depression, being far from close friends is one of the reasons for relocation depression.

You might be able to attend a support group or find a club that meets on a regular basis. If there’s an activity you’ve always wanted to try, consider signing up for a group course or excursion.

See what’s available where you live.

You might be able to get local tips from others on a friendship or dating app and meet someone for drinks or food. As you make new friends, your new home could start to feel less overwhelming and you may feel a greater sense of hope for a happy future in your new location.

Therapists are trained in providing mental health services that can address depression and other mental health conditions and concerns. If your depression worsens or lasts longer than a few weeks or months, your therapist may have the tools to support you during the healing process.

Many people who move to a new country where the culture or language feels unfamiliar may experience depression symptoms, including prior college students who might be at risk for post-college depression. Online counseling could be valuable for you.

Online counseling allows you to meet with a counselor from any location with an Internet connection and is often more affordable than traditional in-person counseling. A platform such as BetterHelp may be able to answer your questions about online therapy and match you with a therapist to speak with who meets your preferences and needs.

If you’ve recently experienced a big life event, such as moving, online therapy could be even more beneficial than traditional, in-person counseling.