What Thriving People Know About Gratitude And Appreciation

What Thrivers Know About Gratitude And AppreciationSome people seem to just know how to thrive.  For the rest of us, we need to learn the skills of thriving.

Today, we discuss one skill easily learned, with incredible impact.  And it is one I work to incorporate into my life.

Thrivers practice gratitude and appreciation.

Gratitude is the attitude and mindset of noticing what is right, what is enough, and what is in abundance in our lives.  You see, our brains naturally look at the world through scarcity — “I don’t have enough.”  But there is another mode, one that switches the brain to love — Gratitude!

When we focus upon and look for the pieces of life for which to be grateful, our brain begins to switch modes.  It re-wires to look for more evidence of abundance.  And when we show appreciation, we carve out stronger bonds with those around us.

Practicing gratitude leaves you more satisfied and happy, healthier, better connected, less depressed, and less anxious.

And you can practice gratitude in just a few minutes each day!

Learn how in this week’s podcast.

How To Beat Depression

How to beat depression.Disclaimer: The information I provide in this blog and podcast are not to be construed as medical advice. Before making any changes, you should consult with your doctor.

This material is my opinion, based in research and experience. It may or may not apply to you.

This week, we continue the Dealing With Depression series.

In the first week, we looked at myths and truths about depression. I discussed the truth about the “chemical imbalance theory,” and gave some information on the effectiveness of medications.

The second week, we looked at defining what depression is. I noted that depression is a systemic issue, and looked at the symptoms of depression.

But during the third week, I raised the issue of whether it really is depression. There are a number of other physical and psychological issues that mimic depression, but are not. Trying to treat another syndrome as if it is depression can be useless an frustrating.

This week, we turn our attention to how to beat depression. What can you do, immediately and long-term, to beat the depression trap?

I offer 8 strategies that are “depression first-aid,” and 4 strategies for dealing with depression in the long term. All of these strategies can be used to augment current treatment for you or a loved one struggling with depression.

 

**Special Note: If you find Thriveology Podcasts helpful, please consider supporting the podcast with a contribution! We have a Patreon page set up just for that. Please visit HERE and consider supporting us, so we can support you and others! Thank you for considering!**

 

Is It REALLY Depression?

Is this really depression?  Conditions that look like depression.“If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck.”  Or so the saying goes.

With symptoms of depression, it is not quite so clear.

Years ago, I had a client in my office who had been working to resolve her depression for years.  Medicine after medicine, doctor after doctor, therapist after therapist, all tried to resolve her depression.

There was little to no improvement.  In fact, it just seemed to be getting worse.

I asked a simple question:  “Have you had your bloodwork done?”

I sent her back to her doctor, and had her request one specific blood test.   My guess was right.  Her thyroid was not working correctly.  Many mental health professionals were so fixated on her depression that they missed the fact that it was an easily treated medical condition.

In this week’s podcast, I cover 8 other issues, medical and psychological, that look like depression — but are not depression and do not need to be treated like depression.

Here is why this is important:  before you treat “depression,” you want to make sure it is depression.  Medicine and psychotherapy do no good, if you are aiming at the wrong target.

Listen in as I discuss some “look alikes” that appear to be depression, but are not.

Other Podcasts in the Dealing With Depression Series:
Truths and Myths About DepressionWhat IS Depression?

 

What IS Depression?

What IS depression?Disclaimer:  The information I provide in this blog and podcast are not to be construed as medical advice.  Before making any changes, you should consult with your doctor.

This material is my opinion, based in research and experience.  It may or may not apply to you.

In the last podcast, I discussed some myths and truths about depression.

But what IS depression?

This is a simple question.  But the answer is complex.

Part of the reason for the complexity is because we are still unclear on what causes depression, what defines depression, and how depressive symptoms can be a part of life.

This week, I want to provide a multidimensional view of depression.  It is not simply a medical condition.  Nor is it a “moral failing.”  Nor is it “all in your head.”

Depression does have a medical impact, does affect one’s thoughts, and has symptoms throughout the body and mind.

Before we take a look at how to address depression, we want to be clear on what we are addressing.  Listen below for my understanding of depression.

 

Truths and Myths About Depression

Truths and Myths about Depression.Disclaimer:  The information I provide in this blog and podcast are not to be construed as medical advice.  Before making any changes, you should consult with your doctor.

This material is my opinion, based in research and experience.  It may or may not apply to you.

Now that I have THAT out of the way, this week begins a short series on dealing with depression.  If you or a loved on suffers from depression, I hope you will find this information useful.  If you do, please share it with others.

Depression is a major health issue.  According to the World Health Organization, it affects over 120 million people.  In the United States alone, in a recent year, there were over 30 million people using a prescription antidepressant.

There is no doubt, depression is very real.

After that, the information becomes murky and confusing.  Is it a disease?  Is it a moral defect?  Is it a thought problem?  Is it a chemical imbalance?

The answer is not so easy.

Nor is the treatment.

In this week’s podcast, I examine some of the truths and myths about depression.  Please listen.

**Links to information as discussed in the podcast:

The Chemical Imbalance Myth

Do Anti Depressants Work or Don’t They?

Why Antidepressants Are No Better Than Placebos

DEPRESSION SERIES LINKS:
What IS Depression?
Is It REALLY Depression?
How To Beat Depression
Crisis or Depression?