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Stranger Things Addresses Depression and Mental Health in the Most Crucial Way
Pop Culture

Stranger Things Addresses Depression and Mental Health in the Most Crucial Way

Warning: Some may find the following topics triggering. Since it premiered on Netflix back in 2016, Stranger Things has captivated audiences with its compelling mix of sci-fi/horror and good ol' 80s nostalgia. The mysterious world of the Upside Down came with terrifying monsters the characters had to defeat, but this season's villain, Vecna, is the most horrific yet, and not for the reasons one might think. RELATED: Stranger Things: There’s a Reason You Love Eddie Munson – And It Isn’t That Guitar SoloSure, Vecna is powerful, with abilities that surpass even Eleven's. But what makes him so scary is that he is the personification of depression, trauma, and suicidality. Through Vecna's targets — Chrissy, Fred, Patrick, and especially Max — Stranger Things Season 4 presents the most heart-wrenching yet cathartic allegory for depression and suicide. How Stranger Things Shines a Light on Trauma The most potent allegory comes with Max Mayfield's main storyline. She's dealing with immense depression over the death of her stepbrother Billy, who was killed last season by the Mind Flayer. Between these two seasons, the guilt seems to have eaten away at her, because the very first episode presents a Max who is a shell of herself. Her wit and personality have been replaced with an aura of sadness. She blames herself for her brother's demise, and consequently, suffers from survivor's guilt, believing she could have done more to save him. Her nightmares and flashbacks are signs of PTSD. Her witty personality is dampened and she's isolating herself from her closest friends. She's seeing the school counselor but has trouble opening up to her. RELATED: What Wes Anderson’s ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ Taught Us About Finding Humor in Trauma and DysfunctionThese are all symptoms of depression, and as if this illness wasn't difficult enough to endure, Vecna steps in to make it even worse. It is revealed that he is the one inflicting the nightmares and flashbacks, amplifying the immense feeling of guilt, feeding into her deep sorrow. It's clear Max is suffering terribly, especially as signs of suicidal ideation begin to make themselves very apparent.Vecna Is the Physical Form of Depression After Vecna murders Chrissy and the others, he continues to torment Max with horrifying visions, feeding her false belief that she's to blame for Billy's death and adding to her psychological instability. Eventually, in Episode 4, "Dear Billy," Max realizes Vecna is coming for her next, which prompts her to write letters to her loved ones. Presumably, these are goodbye letters, and it's common for such letters to be left behind by victims of suicide. Shortly after this scene, she goes with Lucas, Steve, and Dustin to the cemetery where Billy is buried. The three friends know something is up, so Lucas tries to stop Max before she goes to her step brother's grave. "Just talk to me. To your friends," Lucas pleads with her. "We're right here. I'm right here." RELATED: Stranger Things Is Breaking One Dangerous (And Deadly) Hollywood PatternMax's expression displays a mixture of contemplation and emotional numbness before she turns from Lucas and towards Billy's grave. This is yet another parallel to real-life depression. In many cases, such as with Max, the sufferer may feel that they are "bad" and unworthy of help, causing them to push away their support systems.Away from her friends, she begins to read the heartfelt and heart-wrenching letter to her step-brother's headstone. And once she finishes reading the letter, Vecna strikes. The villain pulls her into the Upside Down while her physical body remains in the cemetery, eyes rolled back in a trance-like state. Luckily, Steve, Dustin, and Lucas rush to her aid, playing Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" through a walkman while they desperately scream for her to come back. But sufferers of depression can't just "snap out of it," just as Max couldn't snap out of the trance Vecna put her in.RELATED: How Dan Levy Fought through Anxiety to Change The World – One Love Story at a TimeWhile this is happening in the cemetery, Vecna has Max trapped in the Upside Down. She has visions of a bloodied Billy, who tells her she wanted him to die, and reminds her of how she sometimes wishes she could've followed him into death. "That is why I am here, Max," the vision of Billy says. "To end your suffering once and for all." That's really all sufferers of depression want — for their suffering to end. And sometimes, it's difficult to see any other way out.Max Teaches Us How Depression Can Lead to IsolationTrapped in the dark, bleak, grotesque world of the Upside Down, it seems there isn't any other way out for Max, either. Vecna is about to kill her — her depression is about to kill her. Here is where the iconic "Running Up That Hill" scene begins. Steve, Lucas, and Dustin run to her aid, playing the Kate Bush song through a walkman in hopes of bringing Max back. Just as music can be a very useful coping mechanism in real life, music serves as a temporary escape for Max as well. The song cuts through the darkness, and in the distance, Max can see her friends crowded around her body, pleading for her to come back. RELATED: Is Social Isolation Affecting Your Mental Health? There’s a Term For ThatIn her darkest, most desperate hour, Max can see how much her friends love her. Flashbacks of her happiest memories play in her mind as the music swells and a semblance of hope seems to return to her. This gives her the strength to break away from Vecna and run to her friends, dodging everything the Upside Down throws at her in an attempt to thwart her escape. She returns to her body in the Hawkins cemetery, jolts awake, and falls down to the ground, her friends there to catch her and comfort her. Once again, this scene allegorizes the experience of depression and suicidal ideation, this time emphasizing how powerful a steadfast support system can be. When Max is at her lowest, her friends stick by her. She's able to see and realize how much she's wanted and remembers happy moments. And though it is anything but easy, she finally has the strength to run to the people who love her and accept their help.The Stranger Things Kids Show Us The Need For Friendship in the Darkest of TimesStranger Things Season 4 Max and LucasThough Max appears a little less downtrodden throughout the rest of the season, she's nowhere near in the clear. Just as with any mental illness in the real world, coming back from a major depressive episode and narrowly escaping a suicide attempt is only the beginning of the recovery process. Max continues to wear the walkman, constantly listening to "Running Up That Hill," and while music can be a good distraction and grounding tool, it only works temporarily for people who are suffering mentally. This is evident in the way that Max can avoid Vecna with music, yet cannot completely rid herself of him.RELATED: 11 Stranger Things Quotes to Turn Your Life Upside DownMax sticks close to her friends for the rest of the season, and her friends stick close to her. There are scenes where her friends keep checking in on her and get a little frightened when she's out of their sight for even a minute, afraid Vecna could strike again at any moment. This is similar to how, when a person is experiencing a mental health crisis, their loved ones may remain physically close to them should any self-harm thoughts resurface.Stranger Things Season 4's underlying theme of mental health struggles is powerful, especially for sufferers of depression and suicidal ideation. When done correctly, it can be cathartic for someone to see their experience reflected to them on screen. Stranger Things lives up to this standard, as it conveyed the experience of depression through Max and Vecna in an artistic yet relatable and accurate way, including the symptoms one might feel and the enormous difficulty that is recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text TALK to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.KEEP READING: Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown Has Powerful Words Against Sexualizing Her – And Hollywood Needs to Listen

How to Overcome Depression: A Comprehensive Guide
Mental Health

How to Overcome Depression: A Comprehensive Guide

The first thing to understand about overcoming depression is that no matter how impossible it seems, or how far gone you feel, it is possible. Every choice you make matters and can have an impact on how your life unfolds. We all know the stories of famous people such as Kurt Cobain and Avicii who succumbed to this illness, but the truth is that YOU CAN overcome depression.Because depression is complex, presenting with a wide range of symptoms and severity levels, it affects everyone differently. For this reason, it makes sense that there is no cure-all formula. That said, fortunately there is a ton of research on lifestyle choices and treatment options that can help in relieving depression symptoms or or even eliminating depression entirely. Successfully coping with depression is most often achieved using a ‘come at it from all angles’ approach.How to get out of depression: Coping skillsDo as many of the following as frequently as possible (daily, perhaps), and chances are high that you’ll begin to notice a real difference in your overall mood. Here’s the clincher, though: you probably won’t be motivated to do any of these at first because depression doesn’t do much for your motivation. Understand this, though: it’s perfectly normal to feel unmotivated until you’re halfway through. As you practice these coping skills, they will only get easier.Hang out with friendsWhile it’s perfectly alright (and necessary) to have some quality alone time, it’s important to strike a balance because too much isolation is fuel for depressive symptoms. Interact as often as you can with people who uplift you rather than drag you down - and this isn’t just limited to friends, but family members as well. You might also consider joining a support group as a way of connecting with others dealing with depression—this can go a long way toward reducing your sense of isolation. And while nothing can replace human connection, having a pet can be highly therapeutic, bring joy into your life, get you out of your head, help encourage physical activity, avoid you engaging in self-sabotage, and give you a sense of being needed—all powerful ways of tempering a depressive episode.Be of service to othersCaring for a pet is just one way of finding personal meaning by serving something other than or larger than yourself. You might also volunteer your time to help those in need, be a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on for a good friend, or commit random acts of kindness for total strangers. Remember—acts of service don’t have to be big or bold to have a positive ripple effect. Sometimes the best way to receive is to start by giving. Set achievable goalsWhen discussing their goals, many people feel they’ve failed, largely because they set unreasonable or unattainable goals. A goal is workable if you can control its outcome without depending on others. This means it shouldn’t be some daunting task, but something you can manage without getting overwhelmed, that is realistic for you personally, and that is measurable. In other words, it should be possible for you to know whether or not you’ve been successful. If you don’t get the outcome you desire, it’s important to glean lessons learned rather than compare yourself to others. After all, comparisons like that are unfair and inaccurate.Practice gratitudeIt’s easy to take notice when something goes wrong, but making a conscious effort to notice what has gone well each and every day can create much-needed balance. When you do something that gives a moment of peace or joy, or when you discover a new activity that takes you out of your comfort zone in an unexpectedly positive way, taking time to be thankful for it can be a boon to your mental health. Consider keeping a gratitude journal: writing down what you’re thankful for (including writing notes to others) can act as a very meaningful reminder.Do fun thingsIt may seem like a very long time since you had a genuine laugh or moment of lightheartedness. But carving out time for activities that give you genuine pleasure—whether it’s reading in a park under your favorite tree, seeing a funny movie, going go-karting with friends, knitting, or laying on the grass underneath the stars, enjoyment is an integral factor on the road to beating depression. Why not give yourself permission to take a daily 30-minute “vacation”? All you have to do is show up and be open to having a bit (or a lot) of fun.Challenge negative self-talkBeing kind to yourself is difficult on a good day, but when you’re depressed it can seem downright impossible. Do the best you can not to engage in negative self-talk. Even if you can’t stop yourself from having negative thoughts, you can work to notice it and rein yourself in. Do you say things to yourself you’d never dream of saying to someone else? Do you call yourself an ‘idiot’ when you break a plate or ‘stupid’ when you can’t quickly learn a new skill? Do you call yourself ‘lazy’ because you feel depressed? Make time to speak to yourself from a place of love and self-compassion. It won't feel natural at first, but you’ll be surprised at what an effect it has over time.Keep stress in check by practicing relaxation techniquesIn case you missed the memo, stress worsens depression, and can even trigger it. Do an assessment of all the factors in your life that stress you out, such as overwork, financial problems, or toxic relationships, and find ways to address each one in a way that relieves the pressure—at least a bit. A daily relaxation practice can also help reduce stress and relieve depression. You might try yoga, deep breathing exercises, or meditation to help you improve your sense of wellbeing and connectedness to your surroundings.How to fight depression with lifestyle changesSometimes, making tangible changes to your lifestyle can help improve depression to a surprising degree. The body and mind really are inextricably linked. Consider the following lifestyle changes as you navigate learning how to get rid of depression.Eat healthyThere is no magic diet to cure depression, but what we eat and drink influences our mood. While adhering to a specific diet may not improve your symptoms right away, it can really help over time. Don’t skip meals, boost your intake of B vitamins and folic acid, and choose foods rich in omega fatty acids, as they play an essential role in stabilizing your mood. Eat foods rich in antioxidants to lessen the destructive effect of disease-causing free radicals, and opt for smart or “complex” carbs like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Try to eat something with protein several times daily, especially when you need to clear your mind and need an energy boost. Protein-rich turkey, tuna, and chicken have an amino acid called tryptophan, which may help you produce serotonin, an aptly named “happy hormone.” As much as possible, avoid binging on sugary or processed foods, and limit your alcohol intake, as it can cause dependency and ultimately make depression worse.ExerciseResearch shows that exercise can help improve mild to moderate depression. High-intensity exercise releases feel-good chemicals known as endorphins, which produce the “runner's high” commonly associated with jogging. But there is also incredible value in low-intensity exercise like walking or swimming: when practiced regularly over time, it supports nerve cell growth in the brain, improving your brain function and your mood. (Jacob Ammentorp Lund / Getty)Try doing moderate exercise about five times a week for 30 minutes at a time—chances are you’ll notice a dramatic shift in your mental and emotional state. Get enough sleepDid you know that almost everyone with depression experiences sleep disturbances or sleep issues? It’s true. An estimated 75% of adults with depression suffer from insomnia. Poor quality sleep can exacerbate depression and depression can likewise worsen sleep issues. Sometimes, it can actually be challenging to know which came first. Developing a consistent routine around going to bed and waking up can go a long way toward helping your body get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep. Staying up late one night and sleeping in excessively the next day is very likely to worsen and prolong depression. If you have difficulty creating a routine you can stick to—let alone sleeping through the night—you may need to work with a doctor or mental health provider to better understand the type and severity of your sleep issues and hatch a plan that properly addresses them.Get a daily dose of sunCan depression be cured? Go outside and ask the sun. Sunlight is known to boost serotonin levels and improve your mood. Whenever you can, get outside during the daylight hours, remove your sunglasses (without looking at the sun directly) and expose yourself to the sun’s rays for 15 minutes a day at minimum. Whether it’s taking a walk or run on your break, having coffee or lunch outside, tending to a garden, or taking up an outdoor activity like hiking or sailing, you can make time to get some sun. You might also increase the amount of natural light in your home and workplace by opening blinds and curtains and positioning yourself nearer to windows. And there isn’t a lot of sunlight where you live, consider getting what is called a SAD Light (SAD = seasonal affective disorder). These lights mimic the power of the sun and challenge the winter blues. They have been shown to be quite effective, especially for those stuck in climates with long winters. When should I get help for depression?If you’ve done your best to challenge negative thinking, boost your motivation, and make positive lifestyle changes, and yet the signs of depression in your life are only becoming more present, it may be time to seek the help of a mental health professional. They can provide medical advice, help avoid making your depression worse, and teach you how to avoid the kind of major depressive episode that can really take you down emotionally. Whether you need to better understand the root of your depression through the use of treatment facilities, antidepressant medications, therapy or some combination, there really is zero shame in this. Needing help does not mean you’re weak. And even though you may have convinced yourself that you’re a lost cause, research shows that your depression can be treated and you can feel better.How a therapist may helpTalk therapy can be a valuable outlet and a chance to look at your life with a fresh perspective. A therapist’s job is to create a non judgemental space for you to explore your negative emotions. At the same time, they can also help curb the all-too-common isolation that goes hand in hand with depression. (mediaphotos / Getty)Through their advice, diagnosis or treatment, a quality therapist can help you clear a path to meaningful change in your life and help you sustain a lasting recovery. Since, for some, depression is a recurring illness, having a long-term relationship with a good therapist may be the best way to ensure you remain anchored to that which brings purpose and positivity to your life.How medication may helpWhile self-help and lifestyle changes can help you beat depression, you may be too depressed to even begin. If you feel immobilized and powerless to kickstart any forward motion in spite of your efforts, medication may be a necessary stepping stone. There is no shame in using any and all tools at your disposal to get better. While antidepressants are not a replacement for lifestyle changes, they can be used to reduce anything from more minor symptoms all the way up to suicidal thoughts, enough that you are able to begin developing healthier habits. Find a doctor or therapist who listens to any questions and concerns you may have, and who takes the time to clearly discuss all options available in positive ways, along with possible side effects and benefits. While medication is not the best option for everyone, it may be the difference-maker for you. Bottom lineOvercoming depression (and the symptoms of depression) can be overwhelming to say the least, but learning mood management techniques like the ones listed above can be very empowering. While it may be exhausting just thinking about the things you should do to feel better, taking the first step is always the hardest. You have what it takes!

Signs of Severe Depression to Be Aware Of
Mental Health

Signs of Severe Depression to Be Aware Of

Would you know depression if you felt its symptoms?What if your friend started showing signs? Depression is not an invisible illness, but it becomes one when we don’t know the signs and symptoms to watch for. And while you may think you know what the early warning signs and physical signs of depression are, it turns out, you may be likely to miss a few important ones.Nearly 50% of people surveyed by the GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor said they were “very confident” that they could and would recognize the signs of depression in a loved one. But just 1 in 7 people could correctly identify all the possible signs and symptoms of depression. Missing a symptom of depression is serious, and it can have devastating effects on the person who may not recognize their symptoms. In addition, any form of untreated mood disorder or mental illness can affect the people around them. Untreated depression and mental disorders will only get worse. Untreated depression is deadly depression. Knowing the signs (and how they change based on factors like age and gender identity) is vital to being mentally and physically healthy and maintaining healthy relationships – even in the midst of a depressive episode. Signs of depressionThere are many signs of depression.(loopulacrum / Getty)Some signs of depression show up in the way a person is acting or behaving but other times the signs may be largely internal or taking place within the person’s body and mind. Other signs may not happen at all because every person experiences depression differently. That’s why it’s really best to view the signs and symptoms of depression as existing on a scale (extremes on either end and a healthy, happy balance in the middle).Common warning signs of depressionEach of these signs are normal feelings and sensations people experience from time to time, but when any of the below symptoms persist for about two weeks, or progress from moderate depression to severe depression or manic depression, it’s cause for concern.Feeling fatigued You may feel as though you just don’t have the same energy, motivation, or “oomphf” you used to and don’t really know why. Feeling fatigued also means feeling:DrainedDrowsy TiredBurned outLethargicLike your sleep is not restful There is also a connection between depression and chronic fatigue syndrome that may be influencing your overall energy levels, too. Sometimes chronic fatigue syndrome is even misdiagnosed as depression because the two are so commonly characterized by feeling drained. Feeling heavy or weighed downYou may feel as though your ankles have anchors attached to them or that your limbs are filled with lead. Maybe it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. These physical sensations can also play into how fatigued you feel. Being weighed down slows you down even when your mind wants you to move or work or talk more quickly. This internal vs. external battle between body and mind can be exhausting and anguishing.For some, this feeling leaves them rather sloth-like and can make getting things done (even everyday things like showering) very difficult. Losing motivation or passionWhile this can certainly happen even when you don’t have depression, it’s different when the cause is a clinical disorder. When depression steals your motivation or passion, some people can actually feel it leaving their body. Some people wake up and what was a thriving mission yesterday now seems like a waste of time and a waste of increasingly limited energy. Negative thinking patterns may also spike and tell you the things you’re working towards are pointless, impossible, or impractical. It’s like you have someone doubting your every move.Helplessness and hopelessnessHaving clinical depression or a persistent depressive disorder (depression that keeps coming back despite treatment) can make a person feel helpless and hopeless. It can feel as though nothing they do is good enough and that they’re beyond being helped. This is what severe depression feels like. Along with these feelings often come feelings of being a burden to others and wanting to pretend like everything is okay since you feel no one can help you anyway. It can start to feel like since you can’t help yourself (helplessness) you shouldn’t bother letting anyone else try because it won’t work anyway (hopelessness).No matter how bad depression becomes, you are never beyond help. Different treatment options exist for different types of depression and mental health conditions, and different levels of depression severity and resistance will be affected by treatments like typical antidepressants. Anger and irritabilityPeople don’t think about anger as a symptom of depression, and that’s a real problem. It can be a significant issue standing in the way of a loved one recognizing signs of depression in men, especially. Anger can look like and manifest itself in the following ways. These are the signs of anger to watch for:Getting frustrated more easilyKeeping others at an emotional distanceYelling, intimidating, threateningMuttering insults and being more critical of everyone and everythingFeeling rage and not knowing why CryingSlamming doors and hitting or punching, kicking, and bitingSelf harmIrritability can look a lot like anger and also anxiety – both of which can also spike around a woman’s menstrual cycle. Irritability is often overlooked as a sign of depression but can actually be one of the first signals something is wrong. Body pains that can’t be otherwise explainedIf you have new body pains or physical symptoms that aren’t better explained by another diagnosis, it could be a sign of depression. It can be particularly difficult to tell if your pain is from depression or some of the other common causes like stress, trauma, injury, chronic pain, bad posture, poor sleep or bed position, arthritis, or simply from being tense and working seated in an office. Put your body pain into perspective with your lifestyle and see about making some adjustments like gentle stretching and increasing your overall movement, posture, etc.Noticeable sleep changesSome people with depression will sleep much more during depressive episodes, others may not. Your sleep health is made up of so many contributing factors that it can be rather difficult to say for sure if depression is causing sleep issues or if sleep issues are contributing to depression and, truth be told, it’s almost always a combination of both because humans are complex like that!Pay attention to:Hitting the alarm more than usual, setting multiple alarms, sleeping through alarms (trying to sleep in as much as possible) Thinking too much to fall asleep, becoming anxious about bedtime because you just lay thereTossing and turning feeling guilty or worrying Not sleeping as much as you used toIncreased use of sleep aidsIncreased substance abuse, or use of drugs or alcohol to help you fall asleep (pass out)Concentration issues Depression can get so bad that a person starts struggling to focus and be present enough to actually read, write, or even string sentences together. This can create school and work-related issues as well as severe distress for the person experiencing it. If you’ve noticed a change (or even if you just don’t seem to want to put the effort into reading books or watching movies anymore, for example), it’s either a sign of moderate to severe depression or another condition that needs treatment. Passive or active suicidal thinking Passive suicidal thinking can be explained as intrusive thoughts that involuntarily pop into someone’s head, saying things in first person (“I” statements) or second person (“You” statements) that can be extremely upsetting. These thoughts can occur at any time and passive suicidal thinking can happen to anyone with depression – even people who are being treated for depression. If passive suicidal thoughts are returning after being in remission for some time, talk to your treatment provider. There are ever-increasing options to help you reach remission again.Take thoughts of suicide seriously. Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. Active suicidal thinking is a medical emergency. It means there is a plan in place. If you are experiencing these dangerous symptoms of depression, reach out for immediate help (drop everything) and fight through the feelings with the support of people at The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Ask a mental health professional: Is it depression, bipolar disorder, a major depressive disorder?Only you and your mental health care provider can determine whether or not you’re experiencing bipolar disorder or if this is just what depression feels like when you come out of it. Bipolar disorder is depression plus mania. That’s why it’s also called manic depression or manic depressive disorder. When you have bipolar disorder, you can experience periods of depression and periods of mania but some people may be more prone to the depression side of bipolar disorder or to the mania side of bipolar disorder. Bipolar stereotypes make it seem like people swing from one extreme to the next, when really, mania can be a lot less dramatic and even so mild that it goes unnoticed. Experiencing any level of mania after depression can also feel like such a gift that the person doesn’t dare question it.Signs of mania in bipolar disorderHeightened energyIncreased feelings of creativity Euphoria or feeling high on life (so grateful to be alive)HyperactivityFeeling like you need less sleepSleeping few hours and feeling fineTalking very quicklyBuzzing around or racing from one idea or project to the nextEasily distracted and unable to concentrateManic episodes can cause reckless behavior, but then again, so can depression. When you do reckless things as a result of depression, it’s more likely because you’re feeling those symptoms of helplessness and hopelessness. The difference is that when you experience mania, you feel powerful, in charge, and even invincible or destined for greatness. In manic episodes, these increased feelings of self-esteem post-depression can be a catalyst for impulsive or foolish decisions including gambling, cheating, or engaging in unprotected sex with a stranger. A person with bipolar disorder, in severe cases, may also experience psychosis in the form of delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations. What is Hypomania?Hypomania is the less severe (hypo) form of mania in manic depression. People with this type of bipolar disorder (bipolar disorder II) may not know they have it because they can still carry on with everyday living. They may only seek help for depressive episodes. People around them may think they’re “finally” having a good mental health day or period of time.You can see how having this type of mania makes it even harder to get an accurate diagnosis (and to accept it) because the changes are much less obvious and even at times desirable in comparison to symptoms of depression. You will still feel euphoric and increase in energy and motivation but they will not be as extreme and will not lead to as big of emotional and behavioral changes.More on being diagnosed with depression“Depression” is a broad diagnosis that can change based on the type of medical professional or mental health professional you see. For example, your general practitioner may begin pharmaceutically treating you for depression but give you little insight into what’s causing it or what type of depression it is. In all fairness, specifying depression types isn’t your doctor’s area of expertise. While your GP can help you access prescription medication that can help with symptoms, you will do best in also seeing a mental health professional.Your therapist or other mental health professional can help you understand how certain life events are contributing to your feelings of depression. They can also discuss how life factors like your gender, age, sexual orientation, ability status, and more impact your experience of depression.How symptoms of depression vary by gender and ageAnyone can experience depression. This means you are never too young (or “too” anything for that matter) to have clinical depression.Data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) shows:Over 3% of American children aged 3-17 years had current depressionOver 7% had anxiety Close to 7.5% had a current behavioral/conduct problemBut girls are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and boys are more likely to be diagnosed with a behavioral or conduct (attention or hyperactivity disorder).There are many studies that when taken together demonstrate these rather stereotypical differences in major depression diagnoses, and that gender differences in depression symptoms emerge earlier in life than previously thought but peak in adolescence. Larger gender differences in major depression have been found in nations with greater gender equity and in more recent studies. Life stages and their impact on mental healthThere are different kinds of depression, and some of them will only take place during certain time periods or after certain triggers. Common examples include seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is depression related to seasonal changes and postpartum depression which is the type of depression a person experiences after giving birth. Any gender identity (queer, non-binary, fluid, woman, man) can experience postpartum depression after the birth of a baby.(BenAkiba / Getty)Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a form of severe premenstrual syndrome that brings with it a monthly dose of pretty severe depression and depressive symptoms like appetite and sleep changes. It occurs in people who experience a monthly menstrual cycle (ie. cisgender women of childbearing years). Hidden depression is also a very real thing that can occur in anyone but can also be tied to certain life stages. This can happen in times of trump or tribulation, too. You can experience depression during times that you’d hope would be happy life moments and major milestones like graduations, engagements, pregnancies, retirement, and more. Not talking about depression keeps it hidden – and when it’s hidden depresion it has more power over a person.There are also certain traumatic life events that can occur that trigger depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts. These include adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like parental divorce, neglect, and other anytime traumas like sexual assault and rape.Given the gender disparity in depressive disorder diagnoses, it’s important to always consider how past or ongoing trauma may be playing a current role in your mental health and in what depression feels like in your body (ie., Maybe the back pain is from being tense in a hyper vigilant position all day (ie., effects of PTSD rather than clinical depression). Feeling depressed? Here are the best ways to treat depressionThe good news is that you don’t need an official diagnosis to start strengthening your mental health.Just like someone with heart disease going to the doctor, someone with depression can and should start making changes to help support your mental health and decrease symptoms of depression while you work toward getting an accurate diagnosis with a trained professional. Depression is a serious mental health concern because it prevents self-actualization or reaching your full potential and it can become deadly. If you have any of the signs or symptoms of depression, you need to tell someone you trust and seek treatment. The best treatments for depression will ultimately depend on your:Current medicationsDrug allergiesComfort level Financial abilityFamily supportFollow-throughOptions for depression treatmentTalk therapyPsychotherapy or talk therapy options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) where you learn about depression, how it’s impacting your thought processes and behaviors, and steps to change your underlying beliefs and actions. Common CBT strategies include reframing how you see the world and yourself as well as understanding your personal triggers.Family-based therapy is also available in addition to CBT to help the whole family heal from depression.Support groups moderated by facilitators can also be helpful for understanding how others experience depression, what they struggle with, how they cope, and, most importantly, that you are not alone with depression. Prescription medicationsMedications for depression include several classes of antidepressants that work on different brain chemicals responsible for your moods and other things like sleep and energy levels. These medications do not cure depression, but they can treat the symptoms of depression. Your doctor may discuss short-term use during a crisis depressive episode or longer term use if you have severe depression, persistent depressive disorder, manic depression, or if you suffer with suicidal thinking when you stop taking antidepressants. It’s crucial to be patient with medication (and yourself as you adjust to new medication). If side effects are intolerable, talk to your doctor to discuss alternative options. It often takes some trial and error before finding the right mental health medication for your condition. Lifestyle changes that support mental health against depression The best approach to treatment is always the holistic one. This means you blend the benefits of conventional depression treatment (go to talk therapy, take any medications as prescribed) but that you also make lifestyle changes to complement your overall health and improve your feelings of wellbeing.Healthy ways of coping with depressionExercise for 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week. The Mayo Clinic says this can help alleviate depression without medication.Meditate for 10 minutes or more a day. Deep breathing meditations can help calm your nervous system (body and mind). It can also help you get to sleep, practice gratitude, and let go of past trauma. Search for specific meditations for depression relief online or simply get into the daily habit of meditating for several minutes per day. Maintain a sleep schedule. Even adults need bedtimes so we don’t get cranky! We also need set wake up times and it’s really best to keep these times consistent even when working from home, during the weekend and on holidays. When you have depression, sleep is all the more important to maintaining your moods.Don’t sweat the small stuff: We’re all juggling a few too many balls these days but we can help ourselves out mood-wise by not focusing our energy on insignificant stressors (minor, daily things that have no real impact on your present or future). Practice the art of letting go to release yourself from feeling so much tension all the time! Spend time with animals: This doesn’t have to be a formal emotional support animal or therapy animal, either. You can find mood-boosting and stress-relieving benefits from spending time with pets, especially those with whom you have a deep bond.(Kingfisher Productions / Getty)Don’t despairWe won’t pretend to tell you that depression doesn’t suck. It does. But depression doesn’t need to take anymore away from you, and you can regain your mental health. By getting treatment and making some healthy lifestyle changes, you can begin your journey to feeling better. Remember that depression can wear many masks and if you feel yourself slipping back under one, reach out for help. Don’t stop reaching out for help. Fight for yourself because you matter and you are here for a reason!

How Hailey Baldwin Helped Justin Bieber Overcome His Demons Post-Arrest
Celebrities

How Hailey Baldwin Helped Justin Bieber Overcome His Demons Post-Arrest

The pop star hit rock-bottom with drugs, suicidal thoughts, and finally an arrest in 2014 for driving under the influence. But Justin Bieber has since overcome his demons and has his faith and partner, Hailey Bieber, to thank for it. He had dark thoughts and took drugsAs of late, Justin Bieber has been candid about his mental health struggles since starting his singing career as a teenager. In his 2020 YouTube documentary series, Justin Bieber: Seasons, Bieber revealed how the immense pressure from critics led him to feel depressed and have suicidal thoughts.Throughout his teenage years, he struggled with anxiety and took drugs including lean (codeine cough syrup and soda) and “popping pills,” according to Us Magazine. He hit rock bottomBut in 2014 when Bieber was 20, he hit one of his deepest low points. He revealed in an Instagram post on January 23 just how much he struggled during that time."7 years ago today I was arrested, not my finest hour," Bieber wrote in the post that showed him in handcuffs being hauled away by police after being arrested for drag racing and a DUI. "Not proud of where I was at in my life. I was hurting, unhappy, confused, angry, mislead, misunderstood and angry at god.. I also wore too much leather for someone in Miami."Leather skirt jokes aside, it's clear how much the pressure got to Bieber and how much pain he was in. But he made it through and is thankful for where he has landed. "All this to say God has brought me a long way. From then til now I do realize something.. God was as close to me then as he is right now."Justin Bieber wrote on Instagram.Bieber, who avoided jail time for the DUI by doing 12 hours of anger management classes, paying court fees, and making a $50,000 donation to charity, also left an uplifting message for his fans."My encouragement to you is to ‘let your past be a reminder of how far god has brought you. Don’t allow shame to ruin your 'today' let the forgiveness of Jesus take over and watch your life blossom into all that God has designed you to be. LOVE YOU GUYS WITH MY WHOLE HEART."The post received an outpouring of support in the replies including from his partner Hailey Bieber, Usher, as well as Tom Brady who commented “We live and learn.”Celebrities, they really are just like us.Bieber struggled with what other people thought and looked to defense mechanisms like drugs to deal with it. But in the end, it was his faith — and his partnership with Hailey Bieber — that helped him recover, though others may find their turning point via other methods.You can't help but feel happy for Bieber for overcoming so much, and for finding someone in Hailey that helps so much with personal growth. And if you were one of those people who criticized him for no good reason back when he was a teenager, then this should make you reconsider how you judge people, celebrity or not. To improve your own relationships through self awareness, check out our piece on the wheel of emotions.More celebrity stories:Why We Need To Talk About Keanu Reeves’ Girlfriend Alexandra GrantWhat Finally Convinced Jennifer Lopez That She Needed A Divorce From Marc AnthonyWhy Shakira and Gerard Piqué Are Proud To Be An Unconventional CoupleHow Hailey Baldwin Dealt With Being In A Love Triangle Involving Selena Gomez