Depression is one of the leading causes of lost productivity in the US. If the daily grind becomes too much to handle or cope with, then mental illness isn’t really impossible. According to the Depression Center at the University of Michigan, it costs the employers an astounding $44 billion! The numbers continue to grow annually, and it’s not stopping anytime soon.

Are you getting caught up with too much work? Do you feel like depression is starting to grow on you, and crippling your performance? To cure it means to know it.

There’s only one way to find out!

Here are the signs you’re getting depressed with your work:

 

 

You Experience Work Discrimination Or Harassment

Did you come from a far-away province and you can’t seem to lose your accent, so your workmates make fun of you? Bullying. Is your co-worker a creep, touching your butt every time you pass by his workstation?

Sexual harassment. These, among many other things, are nasty behaviors that would make you crazy. In a bad way that is. You should never feel uncomfortable in your job, and not be scared of your co-workers. If it is, then it’s making you depressed.

You Have A Bad Boss

 Don’t mistake a bad boss from an annoying one. Sure, there may be times when we feel so drained because of the overload work the bosses keep piling on us. That doesn’t automatically mean they’re bad, though. Some job just really requires more work than others.

So what makes a bad boss? They love tattletales who report to them, and they have their favorite employees. They fail to communicate and doesn’t have clear expectations. They ignore their employees entirely until a problem comes up, then they pounce. They intimidate people and even bully their staff. They take credit for another staff’s work (and success). And they fail to provide motivation, rewards, and recognition to their employees.

 

You’re Not Getting Enough Rest

Let’s say that your work requires A LOT of effort to get things done. That doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your rest and sleep all the time for it. Remember, sleep is one of the BASIC and most important needs of an individual. If you lack sleep, it can cause depression, or make your current depression even worse!

 

You Receive Less Than What You Deserve

In short, you’re not fairly compensated. Imagine doing lots of work for a whole day, for 7 (or sometimes 8) days a week, and you only get a salary which you can’t even last for five days… That would drive you insane! No exaggerations. You need to be wary of this because sometimes, this isn’t just a cause of depression, but of aggressiveness to your peers and workmates as well. Also, if you see that the company is performing well, and it’s not reflected in your salary (or other rewards), it’s quite upsetting.

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You Don’t Have A Voice

Not quite literally. If you are in a team, then you should have your fair share of opinions, and suggestions as to how you could achieve your plan. Maybe some co-workers keep interrupting you once you start to talk, or they leave the room because they think your opinion doesn’t matter. Either way, that kind of attitude and behavior would break you, and you’d find yourself doing everything their way.

Experiencing any of these alarming signs?It’s time to take action. Seek support from professionals or your loved ones. Don’t let yourself go down deep the rabbit hole.

Teenagers are depicted to have a carefree life, full of excitement and always seeking for thrill and adventure. That’s why when we hear stories of teenagers going down the slope of depression, and some even taking their own lives, we immediately ask why or what makes them so depressed at a very young age. 

Causes of teen depression 

First of all, depression is described as a low emotional state that makes the person withdraw from normal activities. Usually, this can happen after suffering from a loss or grief. There will be times in a person’s life to feel depressed, but can eventually recover and go back to usual activities again. In clinical depression, this is when the person goes into an abyss of hopelessness, feelings of doom and desperation, which can sometimes lead to suicides if not immediately discovered and remedied. 

There are many elements linked to teen depression. It can be one cause or combination of several factors that help develop the psychological condition. Experts in adolescent psychiatry have identified several predisposing and possible factors that cause teen depression. 

• Dysfunctional family – A teenager who comes from a broken home and/or troubled home environment are more likely to develop depression. 
• School related factors – There is academic pressure to stay in school, peer pressure to be accepted in a social circle, bullying by other students that can lead to the depressed state, if the teenager is unable to meet all of these challenges. 
• Substance abuse – Teenagers tend to experiment with drugs and alcohol. If the case worsens, it can lead to depression and other mental disorders. 
• Poverty – Living in a low-income family life, where the ability to secure material resources and even the basic necessities are scarce, can lead to a depressing situation where teenagers sometimes cannot adapt and accept. 
• Traumatic events like losing a significant other or suffering from a very traumatic accident that leads to physical defect or loss of limb. 

• Romantic problems – Teenagers’ milestone is to establish or create intimate relationships with the opposite/same sex. If they encounter problems within the relationship, especially a heartbreak, this can also predispose to depression 
• Low self-esteem as a result from being harassed, physical defect, etc, can also develop into depressive states. 
• History of depression in the family – Research shows that heredity also plays a major role in the development of depression. There is an increased likelihood of experiencing depression if one of the family members have it. 

Why should we be alarmed? 

In adolescents, when we see them sad or looking disinterested, we just think that it’s part of their natural emotional state as teens tend to get moody at this stage. They will exhibit happiness today and then get depressed the next day. But, it is critical to watch out for warning signs of clinical depression so as to intervene immediately: 

• Alterations in sleeping patterns – excessive sleeping and insomnia 
• Loss of weight and/or weight gain 
• Lack of interest in activities 
• Poor academic performance or low grades in school 
• Distancing from usual friends and families 
• Emotional states like sadness, anger, hopelessness, irritability 

Early intervention is possible by referring the teenager to a general practitioner, and eventually to a psychologist or psychiatrist if needed. 

 

 

Anxiety can hit a person at any time, and there isn’t always a reason for it. It just happens. A lot of the time, the only thing a person suffering from an anxiety attack needs is someone to be there with them as it happens.

 

Of course, it doesn’t mean you are responsible for fixing the problem, but it does make it a lot easier for the person to overcome the episode when they have somebody they’re comfortable with who can remind them that things will be okay. On this article, we suggest to you a few simple things you can do when your friend is suffering from an attack:

 

• Talk To Your Friend

Calmly talk to your friend through it. Remind them that they have nothing to be afraid of, remind them that they are not obligated to stay around if they feel uncomfortable, and assure them that it will pass. Carry light and straightforward conversation with them and try to steer their mind away from the heaviness they are feeling at the moment. Talking to your friend may slowly pull them out of the state of panic.

 

Do remember, however, that words must be carefully chosen. Don’t tell them to relax, don’t question why they are panicking, and don’t belittle their situation. Be as gentle and understanding as possible.

 

• Help Them Through Breathing Exercises

The body responds to the stress when an anxiety attack hits. The attack may result in the person having difficulty in breathing and may lead to dizziness and hyperventilation. When this happens, be prepared to bring them water, take them out to an area where they can get more air, and encourage them to take slow, deep breaths.

 

• Recognize Their Progress

Anxiety can be triggered by simple activities including the fears the person may be experiencing. When you notice that they’ve taken a step forward in progressing themselves, recognize it and do something to commemorate this milestone. Your encouragement and support may help them feel proud of themselves, and assure them of their worth.

 

 

• Suggest For Them To See A Professional

As a friend, you can do a lot for someone who is suffering from anxiety. However, when you notice that your friend may need more help than you can offer, suggest that they see a professional for additional support. Assure them that there is nothing shameful about doing this and that it will help them immensely.

 

 

It is essential to learn more about what you can do for people who are going through anxiety attacks. When they are in the state of panic, their minds are crowded, and it may fool them into thinking or doing harmful things. Learn all the essential information you need to know so that you can be of help to a person in need of it.

 

Be aware of what you can suggest for them to do, or shouldn’t do so that they may be able to handle things better. You can also help them by joining them as they create better ways to cope with their anxiety.

 

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Social media offers much convenience to anyone who owns an account. It makes finishing job faster through collaborating with other people with the use of online chat. It is also an avenue to sell or buy things with ease.

 

Social media is a game changer not only for relationships with people but also for the global market as well. However, using these platforms has its advantages and disadvantages.

 

We are living in a time where social media reigns supreme. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat. These are some of the tools of the trade. If you want to be a social media “influencer,” you have to update each site almost every day.

 

Every post, like, and the picture has a meaning. Moreover, the lack thereof has a purpose too. Complying with this system can also be overbearing for people who tend to think a lot.

Continue reading “Dealing With Social Media Anxiety” →

Depression comes in any form, it could be the sudden irritation one feels in between a pleasant conversation or it could be that feeling of helplessness in the middle of the night. It’s that force that triggers one’s strength.

Continue reading “Conquering Fears And Defeating Depression” →