Advancing Psychology
How do we balance empathic warmth and tough accountability in supporting those we love the most? An interesting look at the challenge of balancing both without falling into the realm of codependency.
"Helping a loved one achieve his or her goals can require criticism rather than warmth, harshness rather than comfort. It’s difficult to give complacency-shattering feedback while simultaneously making someone feel valued [and] loved."
Compelling evidence that depression can spur invaluable grappling, self insight, and life-changing transformation!
"If depression is a strategic response that we are programmed to carry out, consciously or unconsciously, does it make sense to try to suppress its symptoms through, say, the use of antidepressants? Hagen describes antidepressants as painkillers, arguing that it would be unethical for a doctor to treat a broken ankle with Percocet and no cast. You need to fix the underlying problem. He regrets the fact that the DSM, psychiatry’s diagnostic manual, has removed from major depressive disorder’s diagnostic criteria any exception for life circumstance, even bereavement. This is part of an effort to make diagnosis more objective and scientific, and encourage the profession to focus on observable symptoms rather than causes."
Sleep... the #1 most important ingredient for mental health. Learn how sleep hygiene can transform the quality of your sleeping & waking life.
Here are some useful strategies on sleep hygiene from the American Sleep Association:
Maintain a regular sleep routineAvoid naps if possibleDon’t stay in bed awake for more than 5-10 minutes.Don’t watch TV or read in bed.Drink caffeinated drinks with cautionAvoid inappropriate substances that interfere with sleepExercise regularlyHave a quiet, comfortable bedroomIf you are a ‘clock watcher’ at night, hide the clock.Have a comfortable pre-bedtime routine
We play an active role in choosing whether to harness or be hindered by our anxiety. This research suggests that we can cultivate the ability to utilize our stress to enhance our performance.
"Anxiety is a normal, healthy emotion. It’s meant to alert you to danger. When you encounter a dangerous situation, your fight or flight response is activated. That surge of energy encourages you take action that will keep you alive. But most people experience anxiety in situations that aren't actually life threatening. Going to a job interview, speaking up for yourself, or giving a speech probably won’t kill you. But when you’re in those situations, your body may react as though you’re dangling from the edge of a cliff with one arm. Historically, anxiety has often been viewed as the enemy. ...But new research suggests that anxiety doesn't always have to impair performance. In fact, it may enhance it."
Excellent NYT opinion piece by Seligman and Tierney on the origins or our difficulty in maintaining mindful presence in our daily lives.
"What best distinguishes our species is an ability that scientists are just beginning to appreciate: We contemplate the future. Our singular foresight created civilization and sustains society. It usually lifts our spirits, but it’s also the source of most depression and anxiety, whether we’re evaluating our own lives or worrying about the nation."
'Deconstructing Depression'... an article that evolved from my 5-year dissertation study is now published- looking at unique subtypes of depression, some of which may be strength-based, and suggesting that depression can both debilitate us or prompt life-changing growth and insight. Have we made a longstanding mistake pathologizing all depression?
