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Managing Depression and Schizophrenia: Methods to Combating the Quicksand of Symptoms

Stress, genetics, and life disruptions effects our mental health. Stress is a common trigger for health conditions. Depression is an uncomfortable stage of existence. It's like being out of shape and trying to run a mile. Knowingly starting the mile at a disadvantage. Being out of breath and eventually walking it out portrays a snit bit of the internal battles I live with every day.


Depression the Quicksand

My depression tries to rob me of my peace to manage daily events. Poor hygiene and high anxiety threatens my livelihood and routine. Depression reinforces how low energy, mood, and lack of motivation to keep moving lessens my quality of life. For me it's like walking in quicksand and reaching for help in any way possible yet unable to get out.

    Signals that low moods are dominating my life is the severely heightened need to sleep longer hours and take three-hour naps. Getting inadequate rest after 12 hours of sleeping. When my depression worsens it effects my pay, because I'm forced to work less hours to juggle my health challenges.


What does your depression look like?


Common Symptoms of Depression

Unfortunately, all of us can identify with at least one sign and symptom of low moods. Depression emphasizes an endless range of symptoms. The signs and symptoms include drowning in fatigue, poor sleeping patterns, agitation, forgetfulness, negative self-talk, decreased confidence, and high anxiety.


How can an individual manage stress and daily events with limited faculties?


Depression Versus Schizophrenia

Like depression, schizophrenia, is a distressing, anxiety-filling, dreadful condition. As we know, schizophrenia symptoms can be debilitating due to an individual's lack of insight. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia mimics depression such as lack of motivation. I understand these symptoms all too well.

    When I'm symptomatic my judgment and perceptions of situations are skewed. I can't carry out practical solutions to problems because of challenges with my thought processing.

    For example, psychosis might enable a person to believe their willpower is sufficient to drive through Texas on an empty tank gas. Knowing the tank is low while driving, yet, and still, passing up gas stations. Finally, when the car stops we struggle to recall the fact that the automobile requires fuel.


Managing Mental Health

Fortunately, my doctor and I work well at adjusting, changing and experimenting with medication cocktails to restore my wellness. For years, my doctor and I steadily aim to reduce the effects of symptoms. Initially, the new medication regimen seems to work at controlling the low moods and my desperation to press forward at work and home.

    In addition to treatment I recycle my coping tools. To get a handle on the illness I wash away the layers of depressive energy in the shower. Go for a walk to clear my thoughts to change my atmosphere. Then I perform easy tasks such as house chores to complete an assignment and boost my confidence. Moreover, I recite affirmations. Opposed to the frequent negative self-talk the "I can'ts," I intentionally tell myself that "I can!"


Conclusion: Wellness Techniques

Here are some of my tips to help you combat low moods and lack of motivation. Get out of bed. Get up even when you don't feel like getting up. Take control of things you can. In other words, strive to shower and wash away your depression daily. Exercise or walk outdoors to change the scenery.

    Be open with your doctor and practice their recommendations. Opposed to saying "I can't." Remind yourself that you can!

    Lastly, I encourage you to discuss your concerns with the doctor, take your medication, and consider the coping skills discussed to help pull you out of the quicksand.


How will you respond to the challenges life poses against your wellbeing?

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