Category: Mental Health

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“The Darkness Within: Navigating the Complexities of Depression”

Depressed girl sitting next to window, looking sad and lost.

I. Introduction

A. Explanation of what depression is: Depression is a complex mental health issue that affects millions of people around the world. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. Depression can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

In recent years, the conversation around mental health and depression has grown significantly. More people are opening up about their struggles with depression, and the stigma around seeking help is slowly diminishing. It’s important to understand that depression is not a personal failing or a weakness, but a mental disorder that requires attention and treatment.

B. Why depression is a relevant and an important topic: This blog will provide an overview of what depression is, the causes of depression, and its symptoms. We’ll also explore different treatment options available to those struggling with depression, and discuss coping strategies to manage depression. The aim of this blog is to provide guidance and support to those suffering from depression, as well as to create awareness and understanding about this important topic.

II. Understanding Depression

A. Overview of the different types of depression: Depression is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and there are many different types of depression that one can experience. Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, substance-induced mood disorder and seasonal affective disorder are just a few examples of the different types of depression. Each type of depression has unique characteristics and requires different treatment approaches.

B. Causes of depression: Depression can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It’s often a combination of these factors that lead to the onset of depression. Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or financial difficulties, can also trigger depression.

C. Common symptoms of depression: Depression can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Common symptoms include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, low energy and concentration, psychomotor slowing, decreased sleep, early morning awakening, decreased interest in activities, anhedonia, guilt, suicidal thoughts, isolation and irritability. It’s important to recognize these symptoms and seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing them.

By understanding the different types of depression, their causes, and their symptoms, individuals can gain a better understanding of what they may be experiencing. This knowledge can help guide them towards seeking help and finding the right treatment approach.

III. Navigating Depression

A. Seeking help: There are a variety of treatment options available for depression, including therapy, medication, ECT, TMS and lifestyle changes. Seeking help is an important step towards managing depression. Therapy can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns, while medication can help regulate mood and alleviate symptoms.

B. Coping strategies to manage depression: Coping strategies can also play a key role in managing depression. This can include self-care activities like exercise, spending time outdoors, and practicing mindfulness or meditation. Engaging in hobbies and spending time with loved ones can also help alleviate symptoms.

C. Understanding the role of medication: Medication can be an effective way to manage depression, but it’s important to understand the role that medication plays. Medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it’s not a cure. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage.

D. Building a support system: Building a support system is also an important part of navigating depression. This can include seeking support from loved ones, joining a support group, or working with a therapist. Having a support system can help individuals feel less alone and provide a source of encouragement and understanding.

By understanding the treatment options available for depression, coping strategies to manage depression, the role of medication, and the importance of building a support system, individuals can take proactive steps towards managing their depression and regaining a sense of control over their lives.

IV. Overcoming Depression

A. Embracing a positive mindset: Overcoming depression often requires a shift in mindset towards a more positive outlook. This can include practicing gratitude, reframing negative thoughts, and focusing on personal strengths and achievements. A positive mindset can help individuals feel more hopeful and resilient.

B. Developing healthy habits and routines: Healthy habits and routines can also play an important role in overcoming depression. This can include regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet. These habits can help regulate mood and provide a sense of structure and stability.

C. Continuing therapy and medication as needed: While therapy and medication can be effective in managing depression, it’s important to continue these treatments as needed. Individuals should work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment and make any necessary adjustments over time.

D. Finding purpose and meaning in life: Finding purpose and meaning in life can also be a powerful way to overcome depression. This can include pursuing a passion, volunteering, or setting meaningful goals. Finding purpose and meaning can help individuals feel more fulfilled and give them a sense of direction and motivation.

E. Staying connected and maintaining a support system: Maintaining a support system and staying connected with others is also important in overcoming depression. This can include staying in touch with loved ones, attending support groups, or participating in group activities. A support system can provide a sense of belonging and help individuals feel less alone.

By embracing a positive mindset, developing healthy habits and routines, continuing therapy and medication, finding purpose and meaning in life, and staying connected with others, individuals can work towards overcoming depression and regaining a sense of hope and joy in their lives.

V. Conclusion

A. Recap of key points: Depression is a serious and complex condition that can impact many aspects of an individual’s life. In this blog, we discussed some key aspects of depression, including the symptoms, causes, and treatments available. We also explored strategies for managing and overcoming depression, such as seeking help, developing healthy habits, and finding purpose and meaning in life.

B. Encouragement and support for those dealing with depression: If you are currently dealing with depression, we want to offer our encouragement and support. Remember that you are not alone, and that there are people and resources available to help you through this difficult time. It’s important to seek help and support, and to be kind and patient with yourself as you work towards managing and overcoming depression.

C. Resources for further help and information: If you’re looking for further help and information on depression, there are many resources available. This can include online support groups, self-help books, and professional counseling. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and to continue exploring different treatment options until you find what works best for you.

In conclusion, we hope that this blog has provided you with some useful information and strategies for managing and overcoming depression. Remember that depression is a treatable condition, and that with the right help and support, you can work towards regaining a sense of hope, joy, and purpose in your life.

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“Alone But Not Lonely: Navigating the Complexities of Solitude”

An image of an escalator in a subway station. The escalator is moving upwards and is surrounded by walls and railings. People can be seen standing on the escalator

I. Introduction

  • Explanation of the topic and its relevance to readers: Loneliness is a universal human experience that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. In recent years, researchers and mental health experts have identified loneliness as a growing public health concern, with studies linking it to a range of negative outcomes, from depression and anxiety to heart disease and diabetes. At the same time, solitude – the act of being alone – is often seen as something to be avoided or feared, with many people associating it with feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, the two concepts are not the same. In this post, we’ll explore the complexities of solitude and loneliness, their benefits and drawbacks, and strategies for managing both
  • Definition of loneliness and solitude: Loneliness is a subjective feeling of social isolation or lack of companionship that can occur even when one is surrounded by other people. Solitude is a deliberate act of being alone, often for the purpose of introspection, rest, or creativity.
  • Clarification of the difference between the two concepts: While loneliness and solitude can sometimes overlap, they are not the same thing. Loneliness is a negative feeling that arises from a sense of disconnection from others, while solitude can be a positive and intentional act that provides a sense of freedom and personal growth.

II. The Benefits of Solitude

  • Discussion of the positive aspects of solitude: Solitude can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. When we spend time alone, we have the opportunity to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and goals, and to connect with our inner selves. This can lead to increased creativity, as well as improved productivity and a sense of calm.
  • Examples of famous people who valued solitude: Many successful people throughout history have valued solitude and credited it with their achievements. For example, the writer Virginia Woolf once said, “The only way to escape the mundane is for you to constantly be evolving,” and spent much of her time alone in order to create some of the most innovative and influential works of modern literature.
  • Explanation of how solitude can be empowering and liberating: Solitude can also be a source of empowerment and liberation. When we are alone, we have the freedom to explore our interests, hobbies, and passions without fear of judgment or interruption. This can be a powerful experience that leads to greater self-confidence and a sense of independence.

III. The Downside of Loneliness

  • Discussion of the negative aspects of loneliness: While solitude can be beneficial, loneliness can have a detrimental effect on our mental and physical health. Studies have shown that chronic loneliness is linked to a higher risk of depression, anxiety as well as an increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
  • Explanation of how loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety, and other health problems: Loneliness can be a vicious cycle that leads to feelings of helplessness and despair. When we feel lonely, we may withdraw from social activities and become less likely to engage with others, which can lead to further feelings of isolation and loneliness. Over time, this can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health.
  • Examples of how loneliness has affected people throughout history and today: Throughout history, loneliness has been a common theme in literature, art, and music. Many artists and writers have explored the theme of loneliness, often as a way of expressing their own feelings of isolation and disconnection. Today, loneliness is a growing public health concern, with more and more people reporting feelings of social isolation and disconnection.
  • IV. Strategies for Managing Solitude and Loneliness
  • Practical tips for coping with solitude: When we feel lonely or isolated, it’s important to find ways to cope that work for us. One way to manage solitude is to engage in activities that we enjoy, such as reading, writing, or creating art. This can help us feel more connected to ourselves and our interests. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can also be helpful in reducing feelings of anxiety or depression.
  • If we’re struggling with chronic loneliness: It may be helpful to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide support and guidance in finding ways to connect with others and build meaningful relationships.
  • Advice on how to combat loneliness: Connecting with others is one of the most effective ways to combat loneliness. This can be done by attending social events, such as parties or gatherings, or by volunteering in our communities. Joining support groups or online communities can also be helpful in finding people with similar interests or experiences.
  • It’s important to remember: Building relationships takes time and effort. We may need to step out of our comfort zones and try new things in order to find people with whom we connect. But with persistence and a willingness to be vulnerable, we can build meaningful connections with others.
  • Discussion of the importance of finding a healthy balance between solitude and social interaction: While solitude and social interaction are often seen as opposites, they can actually complement each other. It’s important to find a healthy balance between spending time alone and spending time with others. This can vary depending on our individual needs and preferences.
  • If we find ourselves spending too much time alone: We may need to make an effort to connect with others more often. Conversely, if we find ourselves constantly surrounded by people and feeling overwhelmed, we may need to carve out more time for solitude.
  • Ultimately: Finding a healthy balance between solitude and social interaction can help us feel more fulfilled and connected in our lives. It may take some trial and error, but with patience and self-awareness, we can find the right balance for ourselves.
  • V. Conclusion
  • Recap of key points discussed in the article: In this article, we’ve explored the many different aspects of loneliness, including its causes, effects, and ways to manage it. We’ve discussed the importance of building meaningful connections with others, as well as finding a healthy balance between solitude and social interaction. We’ve also talked about the different strategies that we can use to manage loneliness, from engaging in hobbies to seeking professional help if necessary.
  • Emphasis on the importance of addressing loneliness: Loneliness can be a difficult and painful experience, but it’s important to remember that we’re not alone in our struggles. Many people experience loneliness at some point in their lives, and it’s important to address it in order to improve our overall well-being. By taking proactive steps to manage our loneliness and build meaningful connections with others, we can improve our mental and emotional health.
  • Encouragement to take action: If you’re experiencing loneliness, know that there are resources and strategies available to help you. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, trying a new hobby, or seeking professional help, taking action is the first step toward managing loneliness. Remember, building relationships takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it.
  • Final thoughts: Loneliness is a complex and challenging experience, but it’s one that we can overcome. By taking proactive steps to manage our solitude and build meaningful connections with others, we can improve our well-being and lead happier, more fulfilling lives. So don’t be afraid to reach out, take a chance, and connect with others. The power to combat loneliness is within your reach.
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A Painful Loss

A painful loss - sun rays beaming down on lake surrounded by hills

Unexpected Encounter with Death

A painful loss

You know it’s coming

Like a breeze in the distance

The signs are obvious

He’s symptomatic

The heart fails

Like he’s impaled

Bradycardia it entails

Rushed to the animal hospital

He’s 14 years of age

Put him down they say

It’s his end of days

But how can we?

He’s been my baby since I was 20

Bleek

A Painful Loss – As Technology Steps In

A pacemaker it is

20k it costs

It’s only money

But it’ll help prevent an early loss

The doctors say it’s risky

He’s already old

There’s sound coming from the backroom

The veterinarian walks in

Bleek is moving and eating

His appetite is back

His life-force is intact . . .

The pacemaker is working

The medical team claps

He’s discharged back

But will he truly recover from this procedure?

He’s 14 or 104 years old in dog years

Nevertheless we hold back our tears

No one at home and all alone

He starts to eat and drink

Death missed its shot

Bleek is back on top . . .

Six Months Later

He’s doing great

Running in the park smiling

We can’t believe he’s striving

My little boy with white whiskers

Blind since a young age

When he wandered in our yard following a bigger dog

Left at our door as delivered by an angel

Every day remains a blessing

Death retreated in the distance

But not so fast . . .

Bleek suddenly stops eating . . .

He ate something unknown off the grass . . .

Oh no, please Bleek what’s wrong now?

He’s diagnosed with pancreatitis in March 2022

Not eating well, he starts slowing down

Death are you back striking at him again?

But his appetite slowly comes back

But it doesn’t last long

He’s eating out of my mom’s palm

Does he even want to be alive?

Bleek tell us, are you okay?

Staring Death In The Eyes

Saturday afternoon I still remember the day

Laying in my bed at 1pm chilling away

My mom FaceTimes me

Yay I get to see Bleek!

It’s not a happy call, truly bleak indeed

I see him standing on the grass barely holding himself upright

She’s afraid he won’t last much longer

Does we put him to sleep?

I realize death is here to keep

Sunday arrives and it’s Easter

Back on FaceTime and Bleek looks like he’s in a coma

I’m shocked staring at the screen

3 days before going back home . . .

Is he really going to die before then?

As my mother cries and holds him like a baby

His eyes glow and open up

He takes his final walk around the house

He’s not giving up . . .

But then lays down with a sideways collapse

Back on the couch to relax . . .

That night death settles in the air

His breathing becomes heavy

With sadness in the air . . .

My mother wakes up at 530am

Bleek still on the couch downstairs

In a pool of diarrhea and vomit . . .

Immediately she places him in the car

20 minutes into the drive . . .

He takes his last gasp of air

And gives up the ghost . . .

Three Days Later

As I drive on the PA turnpike back towards New York

Staring at the hills and mountains

75 mph I cry

Thinking that Bleek died 72 hours prior

Couldn’t he live a little longer

I just wanted to hold him a little stronger . . .

Let him die in my arms during my vacation

Why did life have to take him away

3 days before my vacation . . .

Maybe Bleek chose this fate

Dogs do understand what we say

Did he know I was coming home for a few days to stay?

Did he choose to give up the ghost

So I don’t see him in such a state of disbelief?

I arrive home and unpack in my bedroom

Immediately I cry in disbelief . . .

Bleek is not here to watch me unpack as he used to do . . .

But I feel his presence as if he left a goodbye

Perhaps before he died he left me a spiritual message

“I’ll always be by your side”. . .

A Painful Loss the Day After Easter

As I drove back home 4 days later, while on the PA turnpike heading back to New York, for a split second it sounded like I heard his cry. It was a similar cry as the one he would do when waiting downstairs for me to come down from the second floor. And today, 4/29/22, as I was chilling on my laptop, I thought I heard his cry again in the background . . . I thought to myself, “It can’t be. It must be a dog outside whining or something. But I thought to myself… would I really hear a similar dog’s cry from a fourth floor apartment?”

I have been praying to God to send messages to Bleek on my behalf because I truly believe that he is in heaven. I have also come across articles that state that animals’ souls have lower vibrational energy than human souls and that it’s harder for them to send us spiritual messages from the afterlife; angels and other spiritual guides often help them. Could it be that Bleek has tried contacting me twice in the form of a very distinct cry which I attribute to him? What message is he trying to send me?

I kinda knew since March that Bleek wasn’t going to live into 2023, but I never thought that his death was going to happen so soon; definitely not 3 days before my vacation back home. One of the most painful parts about this experience is him dying 3 days before going back home. I can’t comprehend the timing and why I couldn’t just hold him one last time… It truly was a painful loss.

All I wanted was one last time . . . But if Bleek is making contact with me from the afterlife, then I will keep praying for his wellbeing. I do believe animals have souls and God provides them with an amazing home after their life here on Earth, with us human companions.

What is your experience?

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Evaporation of Time

Tree in front of ocean during sunset

Evaporation of time, it’s 2019

Next moment of clarity it’s 2022

Time never said goodbye to you

Month by month

Memories by seasons

Reminiscing for various reasons

We learn from our past

But don’t be weak

Confrontations a task

Time waits for no one

It floats too freely

Rarely uses its breaks

We become too needy  

It doesn’t matter

It’s time . . .

Evaporation of time - it flies by

What is Time . . .

It’s not genetic

But we were born with it

9 months in the womb

We didn’t choose that

Time knew us

Before we knew ourselves

So, in that case

Time comes before all else?

Is it an illusion of the mind?

A landmine that explodes

As we become alive

Shatters our perception into a million pieces

If time didn’t exist

Would we be whole like Jesus?

Or am I wrong and just being dramatic?

My creative mind at work

My bad

Let’s get back and clarify it.

Time is The Mechanism of Life

God created it as a guide for our lives

It provides structure and direction

Through time and light

For without it we would be even more lost

No sense of structure

What sense of cost?

The jungle would run wild

Day and night would cease

Light or dark wouldn’t matter

Call it brain freeze . . .

But it is the glue to humanity

Something that can’t be altered

It can’t be copied

Its code is impossible to retrieve

God created it

And you can’t receive

Many will come and one has already been

Why he keeps trying

I might never understand within . . .

Evaporation of time - water drop

Trust the Process – Evaporation of Time

Mind games will always exist

The chemistry of the brain

Too complex to not persist

Mental health must be treasured

Mental illness often persists

Work it out like you do your body

Once you get better

You won’t feel sorry

You realize

Time was there

And it helped you all along  

You just never trusted it

Cause you weren’t ready to go on . . .

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Never Coming Back

Never coming back - purple diagram of brain

It creeps in the background and you’re never coming back

The thoughts spike in

Your mind allows them within

You lose control

Paranoia like a swirl

Is my mind being attacked?

You lose confidence

You rewind laps . . .

Analyzing your sanity

But no this can’t be!

There’s a war on your mind

It fluctuates in severity

Sometimes it stings

Most of the time you’re okay within

Never coming back - entering another dimension

Never Coming Back – An Alternate Dimension?

Never coming back

Yeah, that’s how it feels

You lose touch with reality

As you fight to maintain presence in actuality

No it’s not the metaverse

We’re not there yet

But psychosis in meta? Oh forget it

Addiction runs rampant

Many lose touch with reality

They fight through the psychosis

To obtain that obsessional feeling

Their high surpasses any importance or meaning

The hijacked mind

Can it even function evenly?

If you find a way

Let us know

The community is waiting for answers

You best know.

Never coming back - orange van with surfboards on top

Surfing Your Way Back to Reality

You drink 10 bottles of water

Not only that

You splash your face ten times

Dang . . . still doesn’t work

Last call for alcohol?

Maybe . . .

But even that tastes bad

Can gum save the day?

At this point you’re desperate

Anxiety mixed with psychosis

A mental cyclone, like overdoses

Whatever you do

It starts to work

You start to remember logical thoughts

And patterns of your true self

Yes, this makes sense again

I’m not psychotic!

But mind games manifest at the wrong time

You start doubting yourself

At the wrong time . . .

This is getting tiring

My mind draining

I’m running slow like an old tire

Rolling bushes are faster to retire

Time becomes your friend

Or at least you think so

But the liver is on your side

Metabolizing to heal you

You still think so . . .

It’s starting to work

Your reality becomes thicker

You realize more and more

It was just psychosis

And now no more

How thankful you are for your mind

You become more appreciative

Life and time . . .

Complain less and appreciate more

Your mind is a treasure

Through Christ, life ever more

Smiley face

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Metaverse and Mental Health

Metaverse and mental health - person's eye looking at city

Running Away from Your Anxiety

Imagine a world where reality no longer matters. People are no longer motivated to be successful, to educate themselves or to work hard. Some will even toss their morals straight out the window. Reality will no longer matter because virtual reality will become the norm. Whether morning, noon or night, in this world, people will have fallen in love with the metaverse. They will longer feel alive in the real world. Religion? Forget about it. Virtual reality will become their newfound religion. The metaverse and mental health are going to cross paths in many ways. This article will focus on the metaverse and anxiety.

With all the anxiety that we’re already experiencing since March 2020, the metaverse will become an escape for the masses’ mental health problems. Who needs antidepressants for panic disorder when you have the metaverse? Why see a shrink when you can put on a headset and escape reality? When you feel like rushing out of a room due to a sense of doom from your panic, you will instead put on a headset and escape into VR. For all the good reasons why one should have to take care of their mental health, they will all vanish in an instant when the metaverse will go mainstream.

Some will do it consciously while others will not pay attention to it; running away from anxiety will become the norm for many. It will be easier to enter the metaverse when feeling anxious and waste countless hours in another state of consciousness. When returning back to reality, people will feel miserable because their anxiety will still be present. They will do the bare minimum to get by, thinking all day long about the metaverse until the first opportunity to reenter it. Reality will become a hurricane of anxiety! People will no longer have any motivation to treat their mental illness; the metaverse will be their medication.

Metaverse and mental health - white woman wearing black virtual reality headset

The Metaverse is Not a Solution for Mental Illness

No virtual reality platform, video game or illicit and unstudied substance will ever be a proper treatment for mental illness. People will continue to use these avenues as ways to escape their suffering, but no shortcut has ever properly treated a mental illness. The treatment of a mental illness often requires three important factors:

  1. The courage and desire to seek help
  2. Therapy
  3. And oftentimes, medication

The metaverse and substances will never be a treatment for mental illness, but more of an escapism. It will be easier for people to enter another world than to spend countless hours with a therapist or take a chance with psychotropics. I am not here to blame the metaverse, but only to spark food for thought. Many people abuse substances to attempt to treat anxiety and depression, but drugs only make their symptoms worse. Who is to say that people will not attempt to treat their illness with the metaverse?

Use the metaverse for entertainment and psychiatry for your mental health concerns; don’t mix the two.

Smiley GIF
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The Metaverse

The metaverse - white man wearing Oculus headset

Mental Health and Virtual Reality – Do they Mix?

The metaverse is a virtual-reality space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users. People will be able to wear a device or log onto a platform on their computer or television and enter the metaverse. What you will be able to do in VR is endless. Imagine being able to play table tennis, hang out with friends at virtual bars or go hiking on your favorite Appalachian trail. Everything you’ve always wanted to do in real life, you will be able to do so in the metaverse. While it sounds good, you can also imagine all the downsides that VR will bring to society.

So how is the metaverse going to affect mental health? Well for starters, people might become more disconnected in real life. Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic not going away, they will be more tempted to stay indoors and hop into their VR niche. It’s going to be much easier to come home from work and put on a headset than make an effort to meet up with friends. People will rely even more on technology to socialize and lose more of those in-person benefits such as touch, physical closeness and empathy.

The Metaverse and Psychological Addiction

Everything you’ve always wanted to do, you will be able to on the metaverse. Ever wondered how heroin feels? You obviously don’t want to try it in real life, but what if the metaverse will offer “heroin bars?” You will be able to consume the drug and feel as intoxicated as in real life! This might lead to higher addiction rates, despite being virtual experiences! Also imagine all the people who are struggling with their love life. What if the metaverse can offer prostitution, perhaps even for free? All you will have to do is hop into VR and experience a “virtual sex session.”

Everyone is excited about all the positives of the metaverse, but we cannot ignore the negatives. Look how hooked we are to our iPhones, internet and Netflix. Now imagine taking these experiences and intensifying them by 100x, literally transporting our consciousness into an alternate reality. Your brain is going to release great amounts of the “feel good” neurotransmitter called dopamine. My concern is when you’ll tap out of VR and come back down to reality. What will happen to your dopamine levels? For all the people who complain that “reality sucks,” they will likely be tempted to spend more time virtually. Repeat this process enough times and we can likely see society developing a “virtual reality” addiction.

The metaverse - white man wearing cyber glasses

The Positives of The Metaverse

Okay, not everything will be bleak. Perhaps many people who are lonely, avoidant, anxious or depressed will find relief in the metaverse. They will be able to socialize with others without the fear of feeling rejected as in real life. They will be able to conquer their phobias and anxieties by titrating experiences at their own pace and comfort level. People with depression might be able to enjoy any activity they desire, which they could not otherwise in a depressed state of mind at home. Those who are shy and avoidant will be able to interact with others at their own pace. People who are autistic will more easily connect with others who are also autistic and enjoy similar activities. Perhaps some people will also meet their partners in the metaverse and fall in love!

Let’s be realistic; you’re never going to be able to experience all the activities you’ve ever dreamed of. In reality, work, relationships, stress and other factors always tend to get in the way. But in VR, you will be able to go skiing, skydiving or visit Paris for the first time within the comforts of your home. Technology is going to become so advanced that skydiving will likely feel as if you are actually falling in the sky. Maybe you won’t even have to leave home to go to work. Your employer will provide you with a number or code that you will be able to use to clock in virtually and work from home. Sitting at home and working virtually rather than sitting in traffic for an hour will likely result in reduced stress!

For people who have always struggled to exercise and get in shape, the metaverse might become an easier outlet to get started. Don’t have enough money to afford a Peloton or motivation to head to your local gym? No worries! Just hop onto VR and start cycling away. Building confidence while exercising virtually might prove to have a beneficial effect on your mental health.

The Future is Virtual

In conclusion, it’s too early to predict all the positive and negative aspects of the metaverse. I’ve touched upon a few of them above just to get our minds to anticipate what the future might have in store for us. But as with any new technology, there will always be some downfalls that we need to prepare ourselves for. Everyone will be susceptible to different pitfalls and we will have to manage them when the time comes. But if we can at least anticipate them before the metaverse goes mainstream, we can mentally prepare ourselves beforehand so we don’t experience any major surprises.

What are your thoughts on the metaverse? Do you think that society is doomed and this is just another form of control by the elite? Or do you believe that VR will bring more benefits than risks? I’m tempted to believe that it will be an equal mix of positive and negative aspects. I believe that the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual reality might make us more distant in person. This will cause us to rely more on technology as a form of communication. I also believe that we are going to become even more disconnected from nature than we already are. Think about it, who wants to go spend time in a forest when you can just hop onto VR and do it from your couch? My main concern is that humanity will consciously transition from reality into VR and experience great difficulty transitioning back.

Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)

The metaverse - smiley GIF

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

Cloudy red sunset

When the Sun Sets, the Sadness Rises

Couple more hours ’till 7pm… The sun approaches 5pm and your sadness is thriving. You scratch your head wondering why this repeats year after year. You hate the darkness; it makes the day feel shorter. A shorter day means less time to have fun. Less fun means more isolation. More isolation attracts sadness. Feeling sad means you’re in a rotten state of mind again. And the pattern only continues as fall progresses into winter. Once winter arrives, you pray that you can see spring again; or at least people with seasonal affective disorder do.

The key to avoiding sadness is learning how to be positive regardless of changes in your environment. You don’t have control over what happens around you, but you have control over your mind. It’s when you lose control of your mind that you become most susceptible to outside forces. And when this happens, you become an easy target. In this case, time is the outside force. As fall approaches, it gets darker out earlier in the evening. When winter arrives, 4:20pm becomes your last hit before the darkness settles in at 5pm.

White woman suffering from seasonal affective disorder, standing outside in snow

So What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD is a depressive disorder that causes people to become sad during seasons with shorter daylight hours. In addition, less sunlight during the winter months also contributes to symptoms such as fatigue, sadness, weight gain, loss of interest in activities, etc. The most common months to experience SAD are January and February. Other symptoms may include:

  • Craving carbohydrates
  • Hypersomnia
  • Loss of energy
  • Pacing and the inability to sit still
  • Feeling worthless
  • Difficulty thinking
  • Suicidal thoughts

The disorder usually starts between the ages of 18 and 30. Treatment involves light therapy, antidepressants and/or psychotherapy. SAD goes away during spring and summer, but therapy and medications help alleviate the symptoms sooner. Seasonal affective disorder occurs due to a biochemical imbalance in your brain, believed to be caused by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight. It’s unknown why some people experience SAD and others do not. It definitely does not help if you live in a location that lacks sufficient sunny days during the year.

What is your experience with SAD? If any, what have you found to be helpful?

Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)

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Feeling Sad for No Reason

Sad woman in black cardigan near trees

See Where Sadness Takes You

Don’t hide from your sadness; see where it takes you. Observe how it makes you feel and what thoughts it brings to the surface. We all tend to shy away from sadness and use the unconscious, immature defense mechanism known as denial. We all tend to carry on like sadness is “Not for me.” But it is for you! You have to stare sadness in the eye and tell it, “You’re back. What are you going to teach me this time?” Feeling sad for no reason is not a thing. There is always a reason as to why you’re feeling sad; you just have to discover it.

Sadness should not bring you embarrassment; it happens for a reason. Your job is to find out the reason and learn from it. If you suppress your sadness, do you think it’ll go away? Maybe only temporarily. Suppression means that you are consciously moving a negative emotion or thought into your unconscious mind. This prevents you from experiencing the negative emotion or thought. But oftentimes, it comes back out at a later date, causing you to feel sad again.

White woman feeling sad for no reason

Feeling Sad for No Reason – There is Always a Reason

Many people don’t want to learn about the reasons behind their sadness. It’s easier to suppress your thoughts or medicate yourself with substances. Many people drink alcohol, smoke cannabis or consume hard drugs to counteract their sadness. Drugs are great tools for alleviating sadness, but they only work temporarily. Once you come down from the high, the sadness resurfaces, sometimes even more powerfully. Don’t be afraid to seek the reasons behind your sadness.

When you’re feeling sad, this is a sign that something needs to change in your life. I know it’s not easy to make changes when feeling sad, but it’s worth it. Sitting there and feeling sad all day long does not accomplish anything. You need to be honest with yourself and discover the reasons behind your sadness. But also just discovering the reasons is not sufficient. You need to implement the necessary changes to avoid feeling sad again. If you’re lonely, then make the effort to be social and meet up with people. If you’re drinking too much, make the effort to cut down on the booze. There is always something that you can improve on that will prevent you from feeling sad again.

You just have to seek, implement and change.

Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)

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Nobody Cares Work Harder

Red brick wall with live, work, create quote

Whenever you find yourself complaining about the difficulty of your job, remind yourself, “nobody cares, work harder.” After training your mind to work hard over many years, you start deriving pleasure from the process. Anyone would prefer to relax and not have to work for a living if they had the opportunity, but even then, happiness is not guaranteed. Hard work has the potential to bring you satisfaction which often translates into happiness. But you must balance your hard work with free time and leisure activities. If it’s all work but no play, then happiness will fly away.

Whenever you are experiencing those long grueling days at work, remind yourself that you are not the only one going through them. Happiness will be your reward before your turn off the lights at night. But you must enjoy what you do. This cannot be reiterated enough. If you went to college and are now working a job you dislike, somewhere along the way you made a mistake. Rather than continuing to devote the rest of your life to something you don’t enjoy, make a change today. You control your present which influences your future.

Nobody cares work harder blue neon sign on wall

Nobody Cares Work Harder and Stop Complaining

A common mistake many people make is complaining a lot about their job. The complaints are endless and often quickly pile up. One of them is that their job or schoolwork is too difficult and demanding. Nobody cares work harder! People don’t care about the process; they are only impressed with the results. In reality, the results don’t matter that much. What matters is the hard work you clocked in for many years to achieve those results. Why don’t people care about your hard work? Because it’s not attractive. They don’t want to hear about your complaints. People want to see the fancy cars and flashy clothes that your hard work earned you.

Besides luck which cannot be depended on, the solution to getting impressive results in life is working harder. No one can put in the work for you; only you can do it. So stop complaining and work harder. Don’t forget to also keep your dreams alive. Dreams provide the sugar that keeps your work effort bitterly sweet. Without some occasional sugar, your hard work becomes dull. Don’t make the mistake of working hard without dreaming. I like to remind myself of this formula:

60% hard work + 40% dreams = 100% success

Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)

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