Emotional
Depression
If you (or anyone you know) have felt sad or blue for more than two weeks, clinical depression may be the cause. Depression is a mood disorder that affects about 20% of the population at some time in their lives. It is not a character weakness or flaw, but an illness that can be successfully treated, usually with a combination of psychotherapy and medicine.
Sometimes people are not consciously aware of being depressed. They may feel physically sick, slowed down and achy and/or not interested in food or sex. They may also withdraw socially and emotionally.
Common symptoms of depression include:
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Arguments with family
- Change in appetite
- Change in sleeping pattern
- Feeling physically slowed down or achy
- Feeling sad, blue, or tearful
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Irritability, moodiness, and social isolation
- Less interest in sex
- Loss of the ability to feel pleasure
- Loss of energy
- Neglect of previously enjoyable activities
- Pessimistic, negative, and repetitive thinking
- Poor concentration, loss of motivation
- Presence of guilt
- Thoughts of suicide
If you have concerns about yourself, a loved one, a colleague, student, or friend, you can contact us at 617-353-5381 to make an appointment for a free and confidential consultation.
In the event of an emergency contact 911.
The Samaritans 24 Hour Helpline: The Samaritans provides a free and confidential 24-hour phone befriending line: 617.247.0220 or 508.875.4500. Or you can reach them toll-free at the Massachusetts Statewide Samaritans toll-free helpline. Call 877. 870.HOPE.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255.
For Deaf + Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889
For help in Spanish/En Español: Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio 1-888-628-9454
Grief
When someone important to you dies, shock and grief are normal responses. When we understand the grief process, take care of ourselves, and lean in to support, grief can lead to healing and personal growth.
Stress
Stress is your body’s response to any change in one’s internal and external environment. Mild to moderate stress has shown to help boost concentration, increase productivity, and can motivate you to succeed. More severe and prolonged stress can negatively effect mood, behavior, sleep, and energy. Learning to recognize productive vs. unproductive stress, and skills for becoming more adept at managing stress will ultimately lead to healthier outcomes.
How can I cope with stress?
The effects of stress tend to build up over time. Taking practical steps to maintain your health and outlook can reduce or prevent these effects. The following are some tips that may help you to cope with stress
- Get proper health care for existing or new health problems.
- Maintain social connections.
- Ask for an accept support when needed.
- Recognize signs of your body’s response to stress, such as difficulty sleeping, increased alcohol and other substance use, being easily angered, feeling depressed, and having low energy.
- Set priorities-decide what must get done and what can wait and learn to say no to new tasks if they are putting you into overload.
- Exercise regularly-just 30 minutes per day of gentle walking can help boost mood and reduce stress.
- Schedule regular times for healthy and relaxing activities.
- Explore stress coping programs, which may incorporate meditation, yoga, tai chi, or other gentle exercises.