Expat Counseling

Moving abroad is an exciting adventure but it is also a major personal and professional challenge. Without our usual support system of friends and family in close proximity, emotional issues are likely to arise or resurface.

Typical mental health problems that expatriates may encounter include: prolonged sadness, a sense of loneliness and isolation, depression, anxiety, marital issues, grief from missing our previous life, eating disorders, existential problems, and loss of identity. These unfortunate consequences of expat life are not surprising, when taking into consideration that, according to scientific studies, the quality of our support systems and social networks is one of the most important factor for our happiness and level of well-being.

Expat Counseling versus Traditional Counseling

An important element of traditional psychological counseling, also known as psychotherapy, is to help clients create or rebuild their social support system, so that this can be a reliable and genuine source of comfort, love and support when going through challenging times - which we all go through from time to time. In expat counseling we may still need to work on existing support systems, but given that these are not present and easily accessible to the client in the host country, it is vital to help the client deal with the feelings of isolation, loneliness and sometimes sense of despair that comes from the expat life, and turn these feelings into positive and creative forces of energy instead. In other words, the client will be able to turn the disadvantages of the expat life into advantages by using his or hers creative skills and true potential.

In the course of expat counseling it is also relevant to encourage the client to establish an acceptable support system in the host country. Some expats do not wish to spend much time and effort occupying themselves with creating new friendships in their host country, given that their current life is not a permanent one, and because they will eventually leave the host country. Instead they chose to spend their time on pursuing individual goals and maintaining their support systems in the home country. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing so, such an emotionally isolated life can eventually lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety and all of the above and previously mentioned psychological problems. Human beings are social beings, and it is in our nature to need and crave the physical presence and emotional closeness of other human beings, regardless of how much we reason with ourselves that we can do without it.

Who can benefit from this type of counseling?

Expat counseling is helpful for individuals, couples and families who have relocated to a foreign country either permanently or momentarily. It is also helpful for those who are planning to move abroad in near future, or for those who are planning to return to their home country soon, as re-entry to the home culture can surprisingly also present another culture shock. Relocation therapy is also ideal for individuals and couples who have different cultural backgrounds, which can sometimes lead to unfortunate misunderstandings and disappointments between the partners. Last but not least, this form of therapy is popular with individuals who have a multicultural background and who prefers to work through their personal issues with a therapist that has a similar multicultural knowledge and insight.

Camilla Dessing, Lic., MSc., is an fully qualified psychologist with many years of experience consulting individuals, couples and families. She is currently working at the Center For Psychology in Singapore. If you wish to schedule an appointment for individual or couple's counseling, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Dessing at info@singaporecounseling.com. Camilla firmly belief that everybody can change through the therapeutic process and that anyone is able to reduce symptoms significantly or overcome entirely their psychological problems, whatever they are, in therapy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Camilla_Dessing

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8010645

13 Reasons People Become Clinically Depressed And How It Can Be Turned Around

Having 'clinical' depression can affect all aspects of a persons life, strangely enough during my days of dealing with depression waking up in the morning in itself was tiring, even after a good nights sleep. Our self esteem and self confidence takes a beating and that dark gloomy cloud that hangs over the heads of people that are going through depression, unfortunately can not be wished away or just float out of their lives somehow. First let's look at some reasons why people get themselves into a 'clinically' depressed state, and then look at what has worked for myself and others I work with to get back to feeling abundant again.

Reasons People Become Depressed:

Becoming Isolated - It's just natural for human beings to want to be around other people. If the option of meeting that significant other and starting a family is there we feel fulfilled, but if it's not an option, we at least want to feel the closeness that friends, co workers or certain social groups give us. The feeling of being isolated appears when we feel that we just don't belong, and this is a major reason people become depressed.

Medications - Let's remember that antidepressant medication and clinical depression in general is still very poorly understood. But if you are on some kind of antidepressant consider yourself one of the lucky ones if you don't experience side effects such as the one written on the back of my old prescription: "Fluoxetine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed."

Chronic Stress - If you are dealing with chronic stress and anxiety it may be contributing to disrupting normal patterns of behavior, which can then lead you down the road of depression.

Candida Overgrowth - Toxins that become released into the bloodstream due to the Candida fungus in the human body can cause a multitude of symptoms, this can then lead to health anxiety and depression. As i've experienced in my own struggles in the past as well as seeing what has worked for others, curing your intestinal Candida can also cure your depression.

Childhood Abuse Or Hurt - A child who has been surrounded by abuse is much more likely to experience clinical depression at a later age then one who has not. In fact, the numbers show that 59% of physically abused children will become depressed later on in life. PTSD, learning difficulties and generalized anxiety are also part of the assortment of mental difficulties someone could experience later on in their lives.

Substance Abuse - It's estimated that 80% of people who have a chemical dependency or a certain addiction, also experience a co-occurring mental health problem such as generalized anxiety disorder or depression. Making the most of this one life that you are given, and firstly admitting that you need help is the first step to success, no one can truly create lasting change but yourself.

Loss of a Loved One - Grief is a normal emotion to the news of losing a loved one that commonly leads to major depressive disorder. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are all part of the grieving process.

Change - Sometimes when we lose that familiar feeling in our lives and get hit with a new job, a new marriage, a divorce, moving somewhere new, retirement etc, life can quickly become dissatisfying or dull. A seemingly positive change that has been planned for some time can bring unexpected changes that can bring about depressive episodes.

Nothing To Live For And Feeling Lost - There's nothing worse than having a stale life, something that gives you that jolt when you wake up in the morning is key for each one of us. This can come in the form of a new hobby, becoming educated about something you're interested in, taking part in a new social group, or maybe even teaching people something that you may be an expert at.

Financial Problems - Your money flow is the result of your continuous thoughts, that lead to your continuous emotions, that lead to your continuous actions. But isn't this true about everything in life? Yes, financial problems can certainly lead to depression but can be reversed for most people by applying what they already know.

Physical Illness - There is no doubt that clinical depression is a painful condition and often times occurs in association with a severe physical illness. Not only can physical illnesses lead to depression - the opposite occurs as well, which makes recognizing and treating depression all the more urgent.

The Media - With the average American exposing themselves to the media for just over 5 and a half hours per day, it's no surprise that this kind of exposure leads many into a state of depression. With the different messages being transmitted through the media that continuously reinforce aggression and other forms of risky behavior, it's no surprise that the media inspires anxiety and fear. Add to this the fact that media exposure at night time can disrupt sleeping patterns as well, and we have quite an interference in the development of our emotional and cognitive development.

Fear - It's easy to get into a pattern of negative thinking that breeds fear in us all, but the biggest obstacle that stood in my way during my 6 year struggle with an anxiety disorder was the fear of failure, which led me to live a confined and fearful life. What I've come to understand is to try something and fail, is not failure. But to not try at all, that's failure. So if the fear of failure is adding to your depressive state than understand that regret weighs more heavily on your shoulders then failure ever will.

Now That We Know What Could Be Contributing To Feeling Depressed, What can We Do About It?

The emotions that you are feeling are nothing more then a feedback mechanism. Feeling the emotion of fear for example means that the solution will come by stepping out of your feared comfort zone in a slow and systematic way. Feeling the emotion of isolation from others means that it's time you changed your approach to the situation that is isolating you from others, if financial problems are getting you down, become an entrepreneur and sell your expertise! For everything that is adding to the feelings of depression, there is an answer for, all you need to do is find the specific thing that is the cause, and listen to what kind of feedback you are getting. I've learned that the worst thing you can do is play the victim (as easy as it is to do so when depression strikes), as mentioned we get one shot at life and when the end comes I want you to look at your past and truly feel like you gave it your all each and everyday!

Dennis Simsek (also known as the anxious athlete) is the founder of the popular End The Anxiety audio program that has helped many overcome their anxiety disorder related issues naturally. This is not a 'quick fix' solution but a proven strategy that in time will GUARANTEE your natural recovery from anxiety related issues. Visit http://www.anxietyend.com now and listen to a sample of the best anti anxiety program online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_A_Simsek

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8057272

Signs That You May Be Having A Nervous Breakdown

Are you having a nervous breakdown?
If you think that you may be having a nervous breakdown, it will be helpful to get some information about break downs and why they occur. Here you're going to get a few tips so you can figure out what you're going through, and then you can take care of it.

How do you know if you are having a nervous breakdown?
Basically a nervous breakdown means that you're not able to function properly in your day to day life after some kind of an event. Perhaps you feel like you've reached a limit to what you can do for yourself, and you see no way to get back to the way you used to be. Whatever the case may be, there could be something like anxiety or depression that you have that can make you more nervous than most people. Generally you need to get those things fixed if you want to get rid of the chance that you'll have a nervous breakdown.

It's very important that you remember that you should call a suicide hotline or tell someone if you feel like hurting yourself or other people. You can even take yourself to the hospital and let them know what's going on and they will be able to get you the help you need. It can get expensive if you do go to the hospital, but that's nothing compared to what could happen to you if you decide to take your own life or try to hurt another person due to your mental state.

You may want to start going to counseling and even maybe get on some medications. Generally you have to see someone different to work on your medications, and then you can see someone that you can tell all of your problems to. Whatever the case may be, it's always a good idea to figure out what to look for when you're taking medications in terms of side effects. A lot of people have a hard time dealing with these side effects so they have to switch medications. Don't be afraid to bring up medication changes to a doctor because their job is to make sure you're on something that works for you.

Try to keep yourself away from stress for a while when you feel like you're at your breaking point. When you have a nervous breakdown, it's generally because you're too stressed out and have too much on your plate to do. If you can, just take a little while off of work and make sure that you have someone do your house chores for you if possible. Just try to take it easy because this kind of a breakdown is your body's response to a lot of stress.

Now it's probably easy for you to tell if you're having a nervous breakdown or if you know someone that has. This isn't going to be easy to get through, but know that it will end and you will be able to get help if you need it.

Get help if you think you are having a nervous breakdown. Go to http://www.livestressfreelifestyle.com for my free eBook.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Quel

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8061236

Waging a War Against Depression Through Exercise

This time of year many people suffer from depression and / or anxiety. It is getting colder outside, it starts to get darker sooner, and the majority of your free time is spent indoors. If you suffer from depression, anxiety or just pure frustration at what's going on in your life - there's good news. Medical Studies have shown that the difference between exercising regularly and doing nothing can have a dramatic effect on your mood, perceived depression and overall outlook on life. Just how much of an effect, and why is exercise overall so important for you to stay happy, let's take a look?

Exercise's benefits are most often connected with the physical effects on your body, but go through an exercise session yourself and you can see right away the effect it has on your overall mood, and actions throughout the day. Just think about this, exercise not only helps you to reduce stress, boost energy, strengthen your heart and muscles, reduce body fat, improves health it also indirectly ward off worry and anxiety. Whether you're worrying about the economy, anxious about possibly losing your job, frustrated with your kids, or even in fear of a speech you have to do the next day, whatever the case exercise can help relieve overzealous feelings and bring you back to center.

Often times, people turn to these "depression" pills you see on TV, or even worse accept depression as a "condition" that they are victim to. While the case is likely to be that they just aren't exercising, getting out of the house, and just dwelling on their own problems. Research has shown time and time again that exercise is an effective, but often underutilized method to help combat depression symptoms. Anyone can get down if they constantly think negative and about their problems rather than positives and solutions. Exercise serves as a great distraction and helps you break out of the downward spiral and onto a new path, often a much brighter path, especially if the exercise you're doing is an outdoor activity. Depression is mostly brought on when you stay in the same place in isolation. For example when you are incessantly in your house and don't get out of your home. Outdoor activity is a wonderful way to brighten your mood and put cheer into your day, this is especially important during the winter when feelings of depression are more common, indoor activity is a great option then.

Or you can get out and join a group of some sort, and make new friends. Joining small study groups at church or spending time with brothers and sisters in Christ socializing and interacting is critical in warding off feelings of depression. Even if you don't feel like exercising at the moment, rest assured as soon as you take that first step, stride or whatever you do your mood will start to improve and you'll want to go further. Just try it; when you're in a really bad mood or just frustrated with life, all you need to do is just grab your iPod and tennis shoes, go for a run, spend time meditating, praying and focusing on all the good things that God has given you and by the end of your run you will totally forget what it was that you were so stressed about.

One of the reasons, is exercise may increase levels of mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain, reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, and give you an outlet for your energy which in turn will also improve your quality of sleep. Plus if you just think about it, knowing that you're doing something positive for yourself, gives you a sense of confidence and accomplishment, which in turn will likely cause you to take more positive actions subsequently.

I know even myself, if I exercise first thing in the day, my day always seems brighter. If I happen to skip an exercise session or wasn't able to fit it in, that day just doesn't seem to run as smoothly. Things seem mentally harder, I'm generally more irritable, and I can sometimes just boil up with frustration at people and the world. So I can attest to the benefits of exercise on your mood from personal experience.

This doesn't have to be anything advanced or even super vigorous. Anything that gets your blood flowing, muscles active and mind off of whatever worries you may have during the day. Whether that's walking, yoga, biking, jogging, swimming or lifting weights, they all provide the same benefits toward stress and depression. And the time period is not as critical, even just 10 minutes at a time can have a positive effect. While you would certainly want to ramp up the time to see optimal effects for both mood and physical fitness, starting anywhere is a great way to break a downward spiral and start going up.

So next time you are feeling down or just bummed, rather than turn to one of those "anti-depressants", caffeine, or some other stimulant that may only temporarily help, turn to exercise. It really is the best anti-depressant and ongoing tool to help you maintain a positive mood and outlook on life. You will not only mentally feel better but you will start to transform your body and become a better steward of the body God has given you, and you will become a better witness for the good news of Jesus Christ to all that you come in contact with.

Jennifer Hayward is one of the founders of the Christian Fitness Ministry, Fit for Faith Ministries. They can be found at http://www.fitforfaithministries.com,

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Hayward

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8057558

3 Tips to Beat Depression With Positive Mental Movies

When bouts of depression hit, our bodies slow down, and our thoughts go into auto repeat about how bad we feel. It can be very hard to pull away from negative feelings when all we can think about is being depressed.

What if, instead, we could give our minds something better to do, that would draw our attention completely away from where we are? Well we can, by creating mental movies of anywhere else we would rather be.

1. Happy Moments Replay.

One easy way to distract our minds is by replaying happy moments in our lives. Remember walking on a beach, looking at a sunset, lighting a birthday cake. If you can immerse yourself in how good the moment felt, it can sometimes be enough to break the cycle your mind is going through.

Happy memories are easier to recall when you are having a good day. Make a list, while you are feeling cheerful, of memories that make you smile. Then you can use your list when you need some help beating depression.

2. The View From On Top of the World.

What if you had everything you ever wanted? What if you reached the pinnacle of success? Can you imagine what that would feel like?

When we try to imagine ourselves achieving all our goals, our minds tend to put up lots of roadblocks about why we are not good enough, or why success is for other people. But if you tell yourself not to worry, this is just a daydream, then your negative thoughts often let go and just let you imagine to your heart's content.

Imagine yourself doing amazing things you never even thought of; riding in a space ship, discovering buried treasure, flying on a trapeze. See yourself winning at the most marvelous things you can imagine, and feel the satisfaction from doing something great.

If you see yourself accomplishing astounding feats beyond your actual dreams, then your real goals may seem much easier to attain.

3. Star in Your Personal Blockbuster.

If imagining success just feels too difficult, get your mind out of your own story all together, and write yourself into someone else's. You could create your own sci-fi fantasy or historical romance movie, and cast yourself in the lead. Or you could write a new character for yourself into a favorite book or film that you already know well.

The further away your story is from your present place and time, and the more wrapped up in it you can get, the more like a vacation it will be for your mind.

Our brains are amazingly smart, except for one thing. They can't always tell the difference between real experiences and ones that are just imagined. So when you return from an imaginary journey where you just saved the world, your mind will believe you are heroic. You'll feel less depressed, and stronger about facing your ordinary day.

Have a favorite daydream? Share your story below, and share this with a friend. We'd enjoy hearing from you.

For more tips and great information on how to beat depression, check out ClearYourStress.com. You'll also find many guided exercises and meditation methods to relieve stress, connect with your inner wisdom, and enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Visit ClearYourStress.com now to get started.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Wolfe

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8061893

Beginning A New Life After Making Mistakes

Did you make many mistakes in life? Are you ashamed of your actions? Are you blocked by what happened in the past?

There is a bright solution for you. Now you can breathe again.

You are not really responsible for making mistakes and sins. The real reason why you make mistakes and you are a sinner always is the intervention of your anti-conscience into your conscious mind. Your anti-conscience is your absurd and evil primitive conscience. It didn't evolve with time because it refuses to change its behavior. It has a self-destructive and satanic nature.

You cannot be considered responsible for your actions when you are controlled by your absurd and evil anti-conscience because it is a primitive conscience. You are not a conscious human being when you are controlled by your anti-conscience, even though this is not visible to the outside world.

Now, you may conclude that if this is true, we cannot consider anyone responsible for anything. Yes, this is a fact. We cannot blame anyone for being absurd and evil because human beings inherit absurdity and evilness from birth. Everyone must be absolved.

Of course, you have a certain responsibility when you accept what is bad, and this is why you are judged by God based on your goodness. You are responsible for your initial acceptance of what was bad.

However, you cannot be considered responsible for making serious mistakes. When your human conscience is alive you have to condemn what is bad. When your anti-conscience destroys your conscience because you accepted what was bad, you act like an idiotic rational animal.

The fact that you are a rational animal doesn't mean that you are intelligent enough. On the other hand, you must develop your sensitivity if you want to be a balanced person. Intelligence without sensitivity cannot help you understand your reality.

You will be able to better understand this truth thanks to the precious meaning of dreams.

Through dream translation you enter into direct contact with God. You understand everything about your mental health, your life, your future, and a lot more. You verify that you are not responsible for your actions because you can see your anti-conscience into your brain and psyche. The unconscious mind sends you numerous dreams reflecting your anti-conscience's hidden intentions.

You understand when you are controlled by your anti-conscience, and you learn how to stop being controlled or influenced by your absurd and evil anti-conscience.

Your anti-conscience is a terrible demon, totally different from you. You are the human being concentrated into your tiny human conscience. You are not responsible for the existence of your anti-conscience.

You wouldn't make mistakes if you hadn't inherited this absurd and evil primitive conscience. However, you need this absurd conscience because without it you wouldn't be able to think, feel, sense, and perceive the abstract side of your reality.

The solution for you is the transformation of your anti-conscience into human content by obeying God's guidance in your own dreams. You will stop making mistakes and never again regret having done something. It doesn't matter how many mistakes you made, even if you have committed horrible crimes. Your absolution is obvious only because you had no conditions to fight absurdity.

God knows that you are not able to win your satanic anti-conscience without His help.

However, only if you will recognize your mistakes and you will truly desire to correct all mistakes is your absolution possible. Otherwise, you will be judged like a sinner. You cannot be forgiven without asking for forgiveness.

God knows how to make miracles. You don't have to worry about how you will correct your mistakes. God tells you how. The difficult part is to actually do everything you have to, so that you may correct your mistakes. Or better saying, the difficult part begins with the acceptance of your inferiority.

You have to accept the position of a sinner, and desire to change your behavior and begin a new life. You cannot protect your ego. This is very hard when you are proud of yourself and you have an important social position. You cannot accept being humiliated to the point of having to admit that you made costly mistakes and sins, and declare that you regret having done what you did.

God is revolted with the human race exactly because we prefer to suffer (and generate suffering) than to recognize the truth and humbly admit our faults. We don't have the courage to admit we made mistakes, and we don't have the courage to do anything to correct these mistakes. We prefer to hide our guilt.

We have no courage to demoralize our ego. However, we must admit the truth in order to eliminate our absurdity. We cannot hide the truth and evolve. We have to admit the bitter truth and then, begin a new life, without our evil self.

If you want to follow an evolutionary process and attain higher levels of knowledge you have to find peace after separating yourself from your evil side. You have to admit your mistakes, without being a hypocrite.

God created you, the human being who loves goodness and happiness because He needs your help in order to eliminate your evil side through consciousness. You have to obey God's guidance in your dreams and in your religion, so that you may get rid of your evil enemy, and begin a new life without having this monster constantly bothering you.

In order to do so, you cannot have the behavior of a thief. You must have the behavior of a balanced human being who is able to recognize your mistakes, without having the selfish and absurd attitude of someone who cannot be in an inferior position. You have to be humble and respect the truth.

Your new life will be the life of a wise and sensitive human being who understands the importance of goodness. This new life will help you forget your sad past and all your traumatic experiences. You have the right to begin again after recognizing your mistakes.

Christina Sponias continued Carl Jung's research into the human psyche, discovering the cure for all mental illnesses, and simplifying the scientific method of dream interpretation that teaches you how to exactly translate the meaning of your dreams, so that you can find health, wisdom and happiness.
Learn more at: http://www.scientificdreaminterpretation.com

Click Here to download a Free Sample of the eBook Dream Interpretation as a Science (86 pages!).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christina_Sponias

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8062162

How to Deal with Depression When Mourning the Death of a Loved One

Are you filled with despair and emptiness? Has life lost its meaning for you, and no one could possibly understand your feelings? Do you believe there is no future without your loved one? It is likely, if you are feeling this way that you are suffering from what is often called normal reactive depression. You are down and reacting because something or someone you cherish is gone.

We are not talking here about clinical or biochemical depression, although reactive depression can evolve into the clinical type. Depression from the loss of a loved one usually does not require medication, although in some instances it is prescribed, and is useful on a temporary basis. Here is what you need to know.

1. Not everyone gets depressed after the death of a loved one. It is perfectly normal not to suffer depression as it is to have to deal with it. However, after the death of a loved one, thoughts and attitudes often trigger loneliness and resulting depression, which occurs early in grieving. It features confusion, little motivation, altered self-esteem, lack of meaning, reduced functioning in one's social circle, insomnia, and low energy.

2. If you are depressed, acknowledge it. Describe it in detail, where it hurts, and what it feels like. "What is the message or messages this emotion is delivering to me?" is an important question to address. What do I need to accept? To let go of? The refusal to accept the loss is often a root cause of depression. Depending on what you believe about your depression will lead to choices that either help you manage it, or prolong it.

3. Talk to your best friend. Remember, the more you isolate yourself--and this is what depression tends to do--the more you will increase emotional and physical stress. Saying how you really feel (especially what you fear and how angry you may be) to someone you are confident of being with, is an excellent antidote for your grief and to deal with depression. And, forgiving yourself and others, will also release depressed feelings.

4. Use a universal treatment for depression: exercise. Physical activity will have an affect on brain chemistry and help in the management of depression. Take 10-15 minute walks, preferably with someone. This will activate your endorphins and affect mood.

5. Find a symbol of comfort and guidance. Create a symbol that will bring back loving memories of the person who died and/or of your Higher Power who is with you at all times, and will help you through your great loss. Keep the symbol in a place where you will see it often and use it as a cue to think of loving memories--and to accept the new conditions of life.

6. Are deep seated negative beliefs (I can't go on alone, I'm being punished, I'm never going to feel better, I'm worthless, etc.) adding to your depression? Regain your power. Take it back from those beliefs that say you are less and not more. Believe you can get well. Create opposing affirmations and keep repeating them throughout the day.

7. Start learning to tolerate uncertainty. This can be accomplished by turning toward your spiritual and symbolic beliefs. You will increase your options by letting your spiritual beliefs guide you and strengthen your faith that you will get through this hurtful loss. Know what you can and cannot control. You can control how you deal with major changes; you cannot control what others say and do or what has already happened.

8. Let possibility educate you out of depression. Here is where your imagination can help in a very positive way. Are you open to exploring the numerous choices there are for dealing with loss? Begin to learn about them from others, support groups, readings, and the experts. By creating options for dealing with fear, anger, guilt, and negative thoughts, you can change your view of what lies ahead.

9. Check your eating habits and whether you have an insufficiency of amino acids. Protein consumption at all three meals can affect neurotransmitters and your energy levels. Reduce carbohydrate (not complex carbs), sugar, alcohol, and fast food consumption, and increase fruits and vegetables. The way you feel physically will add to or detract from depression.

Whenever you feel depression creeping back in, immediately ask yourself this key question, "What are my choices here?" If you are burying your feelings and not facing them, depression is a common result.

Refuse to withdraw from life; make connections and express your feelings to a support group or to your best friend. If your depressive symptoms go on for more than a couple of months, be sure to consult a professional counselor. You can get through this darkness and into the light by taking action early (don't wait for it to worsen) to deal with this pervasive emotion.

Dr. LaGrand is a grief counselor and the author of eight books, the most recent, the popular Love Lives On: Learning from the Extraordinary Encounters of the Bereaved. He is known world-wide for his research on the Extraordinary Experiences of the bereaved (after-death communication phenomena) and is one of the founders of Hospice of the St. Lawrence Valley, Inc. His free monthly ezine website ishttp://www.extraordinarygriefexperiences.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lou_LaGrand

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/564443