3 Ways Cortisol Levels Affect People With Bipolar Disorder

April 30, 2017 at 10:34AM bp Magazine
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4 Ways to Know if Your Bipolar Anger Is Creating Problems

April 30, 2017 at 10:12AM bp Magazine
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Bipolar & Pets: How Dogs Make Us More Social

April 30, 2017 at 09:35AM bp Magazine
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Pets & Bipolar: Top Reasons Birds Make The Best Pets

April 29, 2017 at 04:26PM bp Magazine
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by bp Magazine

Here are five approaches to help symptoms of dysthymia, the milder, but persistent depression:

 

 

#1 Consider a combined approach

The research on dysthymia suggests that behavioral-based psychotherapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy) and pharmacotherapy (depression medications) are effective treatments, especially in conjunction. Given that people with chronic depression often have interpersonal difficulties, researchers found that the very nature of combined treatment “targets both depressive symptoms and social functioning.”

 

 

#2 Good rapport with health care provider

While both talk therapy and pharmacotherapy may be the best course of treatment, what may be even more critical is the relationship to both your psychotherapist and your prescribing physician. It’s essential to search until you find someone you can have a good rapport with, so you can put full trust in their decisions for your treatment.

 

 

#3 Have more self-awareness

A 2008 Swedish study published in BMC Journal followed a small group of people with dysthymia for nine years. Researchers concluded that, along with antidepressant medication, “common helpful factors” in remission included greater self-understanding, self-awareness and flexibility of thinking. By being aware of what you’re thinking, you’ll be less likely to react emotionally, but rather consciously. Meditation can help you learn how to step away from stressful moment in life and manage them with a clearer mind.

 

 

#4 Get more physical

Studies prove that beneficial changes occur in the brain following regular exercise. The physical act of rigorous movement improves neurotrophins, a family of proteins that promote brain functioning. (Neurotrophins are among the most exciting new developments being explored by neuroscientists.) Make sure to talk with your doctor about beginning an exercise program if you’re not currently physically active.

 

 

#5 Take time for yourself and for others

When we focus on treating ourselves with the same kindness we would treat others, it pays off. The simple act of paying attention to and diverting or changing negative thoughts is doing something good for yourself. So is treating yourself to enjoying nature for an hour, sitting quietly in a park, or a walk in the forest. Fresh air and positive thoughts will help motivate you in other ways too. In addition, giving kindness to others—perhaps by volunteering to help in your community—boosts your self-esteem and this sense of purpose is good for your frame of mind.

 

 

related: Break Through the Fog of Dysthymia

 

via Esperanza – Hope To Cope
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by bp Magazine

When one spouse in a marriage has depression, healthy partnerships have these habits in common:

 

 

#1 They separate the illness from the person

The spouse without depression takes an objective outlook on the situation. Instead of seeing the whole person as ‘depressed’ he or she separates the illness from the person and just deals with the symptoms. In doing this, the spouse is able to see the person that he/she fell in love with and married.

 

  

#2 They work as a team

The successful couple has open and honest conversations about the spouse’s depression, discussing such things as added responsibilities, finances, threat of suicide etc… Both realize the importance of trying to participate in social activities together especially since it’s very common for those with depression to withdraw from their spouse and avoid social situations.

 

 

#3 They seek the help they need

They both do what it takes to make their partnership work. This includes the spouse with depression seeking such help as medication or psychotherapy, or perhaps both people attending marital counseling. Knowing the other is doing what he or she can to help the other can sometimes make all the difference when times get rough, and one person is taking on more responsibilities with household chores, children and finances.

 

 

related: Depression & Your Marriage

 

via Esperanza – Hope To Cope
(This and our other articles are provided by some of our curated resources. We encourage readers to support them and continue to look to these sources in times of need and opportunity.)