Change is Possible!
Depression Warrior
by Laura Becker
1y ago
I’ve started this post so many times, I can’t count them all, lol. I feel the need to talk about a science-based theory called neuroplasticity, and even though it’s a simple concept, it’s hard to explain. I will try my best. If you’ve been reading the Keepin’ it Real blog for any amount of time, you know I suffered greatly from major depressive disorder (MDD) for more than 30 years. I was suicidal much of that time and endured a... Read More Read More ..read more
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6 Tips For Taking Your Meds as Directed
Depression Warrior
by Laura Becker
1y ago
Photo credit: Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash.com   Happy 2023!! The last three years have lasted what seems like a decade, but if we can survive the surrealism of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year should be a breeze. Right? I hope you had a nice time over the holidays and that you got to spend time with the people who mean the most to you. If you struggle to take your meds, this post is for you. MEDS CAN HELP – IF... Read More Read More ..read more
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All About Antidepressants
Depression Warrior
by Laura Becker
1y ago
I would probably be dead if I hadn’t found the right antidepressants. Sounds like a dramatic statement, eh? That’s because it is. And it’s true. If not for the two I’m currently taking, I’m confident I would either be dead or in a state hospital by now. How about you? Do you take an antidepressant (or two or three)? PATIENCE REQUIRED The worst thing about antidepressants is that it can take up to a month (and possibly longer) to figure... Read More Read More ..read more
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You Don’t Have to be a Victim Anymore
Depression Warrior
by Laura Becker
1y ago
Image credit: Michael Dziedzic on unsplash   Victim. That’s how I saw myself for three decades, only I didn’t realize it. I was a victim of depression and all the negative thoughts, falsehoods, and forces it entails. It grabbed a hold of me, thrashed me around, and spit me out. It nearly killed me – more than once. I tried to fight it, stuff it, sidestep it, ignore it, deny it, and I constantly tried to work through it. But... Read More Read More ..read more
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9 Simple Self-Care Tips for Your Worst Days
Depression Warrior
by Laura Becker
1y ago
Image credit: Thomas Bormans on Unsplash   Welcome to Mental Health Moment (MHM) #13! MHMs are short posts that I write every once in a while as a break from my usual 1500- to 1800-word posts, for your convenience. ? This one is a list of simple and effective ways of feeling productive, even on the days when you don’t think you can do anything. LIFE IS NOT BLACK AND WHITE As one of my therapists told me several years... Read More Read More ..read more
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The Thought-Feeling-Behavior Cycle
Depression Warrior
by Laura Becker
1y ago
Image credit: Brian Mann on Unsplash   I just got home from therapy with Jacqueline, and we did some good talking. In response, I have something a little different to start off today’s post: A pop quiz! Shout out the first thing that comes to your mind: Which comes first – thoughts, feelings, or behaviors? The answer is: All of the above! That’s right, folks. Today’s post is about the never-ending cycle of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. WAS THAT A... Read More Read More ..read more
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Surviving the Holidays
Depression Warrior
by Laura Becker
1y ago
Image credit: Valentin Petkov on Unsplash   The holidays are upon us once again! And whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, or any other holiday, you might be feeling a little extra stress. How am I going to make it? you may be asking yourself. To that, I say that you’ve survived every previous holiday, and you’ll survive this one, too. THE STRESS OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON There are a few extra variables involved when we celebrate the holidays.... Read More Read More ..read more
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Can You Change Your Thoughts and Feelings?
Depression Warrior
by Laura Becker
1y ago
Image credit: Scott Graham   I recently read a blog post written by another mental health advocate. She stated that it’s basically impossible to change your thoughts or your feelings. She went on to say that people who think you can change them are just plain wrong. I take offense to that. SPEAK FOR YOURSELF There is a difference between knowing something factually and believing that something is true. I’m big on semantics, so to me, the words we use... Read More Read More ..read more
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Mental Health Moment (MHM) #12: A Message of Hope
Depression Warrior
by Laura Becker
1y ago
Image credit: Dayne Topkin   **MHMs are shorter posts designed to be a quicker read than my usual posts. Today’s MHM tackles something we don’t talk about enough: Hope.** I wasn’t officially diagnosed with major depressive disorder until I was 47 years old. That was partly my fault, because I did not seek psychiatric help until I was 33, although I’d been in therapy for several years. I’d been very depressed most of my life; I don’t really know why... Read More Read More ..read more
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Why Do We Stop Doing the Things That Help Us?
Depression Warrior
by Laura Becker
1y ago
Yoga. Tennis. Playing the piano. Softball. Bowling. Photography. Reading for pleasure. What do these things have in common? They are all things that help me feel better. The bigger question is why do I stop doing them when I know they will brighten my mood and could actually help to delay (or derail) a depressive episode? I know I’m not alone in this, although for the longest time, I thought I was. Why do we stop doing the things that... Read More Read More ..read more
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