When I was a child, I experienced various forms of abuse at my biological parents’ hands.
My father would always get violent whenever he was drunk – which was every day – and would always throw whatever he could get his hands on towards my mother and me. I remembered dreading to come home every day from school because I knew that it would be the same scenario that I would see and experience again.
My father eventually died during a messed-up robbery that he planned with his friends. I did not cry during his funeral because I thought that I was finally free from pain. My mother even sold our house and moved us to another state to forget my painful childhood. Then, she opened a small business, but it was in 2008, and you already know what happened to most businesses around that time. They all sunk, including my mother’s. Before declaring bankruptcy, though, Mom managed to buy a trailer truck that would serve as our temporary home while she still hadn’t gone back on her feet.
Living The Trailer Life
My mother’s boss allowed her to park our trailer truck at the restaurant’s back where she was working. Whenever there was leftover food, she would bring some to me, so I was never hungry. However, one day, my mother told me that she had a new man who wanted to marry her. Of course, I was happy because I thought it meant that I could live in a real house again. It did not matter that I did not know who this man was; I just thought I would be good, and he would love me like his own. But then, Mom said that her boyfriend did not want me in their lives, so I had to stay in the truck. Before leaving, she promised to visit me as often as possible, considering she would still be working at the restaurant.
I felt heartbroken, for sure, but what could a young girl do? I was not even invited to my mother’s wedding; one of her coworkers just showed me the pictures.
As most promises went, my mother broke hers after a month. I would usually see her in the truck after school, but she just stopped coming one day. I saw her manager outside once and asked about my mother, and the lady looked at me with pity as she told me that Mom relocated to Germany with her new husband.
I cried for days because of that, but I felt angry with myself for doing so. I realized that my mother was worse than my father. Dad was a drunkard and violent, but at least he did not run away from responsibilities. Meanwhile, my mother could not even say goodbye to me.
After that, I decided to call social services for myself. I willingly went into the foster care system because that was my only choice, and I did not want to be homeless. I guess I still had a guardian angel somewhere because I only had to stay in the system for a year before an elderly coupled adopted me after learning about my childhood and the depression that I got afterward. They vowed to help me by bringing me to the best depression counselors in the country and giving me the life that my parents never could.
What type of therapy is used for depression?
Over the years, more and more ways of treating depression have been discovered and effectively used. Treatment will differ from case to case as causes and patients may be unique from each other. The most common types of therapy used for treating depression are behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavior therapy, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychotherapy, which also have different forms such as individual therapy, family group therapy, and couples’ therapy.
What are the four types of depression?
Many different types of depression can affect other people. The four most common types of depression are Major, Chronic, Seasonal, and Manic. Major depression is a severe form of depression where you most likely are constantly depressed, and you might have lost interest in daily life. Meanwhile, chronic depression lasts the longest as it can stay with you for an average of a year, and in some cases, it can go longer. When you have manic or bipolar depression, you might feel extreme manias and extreme lows or both at the same time. Lastly, seasonal depression is a major depression that happens from time to time.
Can therapy be bad for you?
According to a study conducted by Scott Lilienfeld, professor of Psychology from Emory University, a few therapy forms could do more harm than good. These therapy types were found to be harmful in their ways:
- Tress debriefing
- Facilitated communication
- Recovered-memory techniques
- Boot camps for conduct disorder
- Attachment therapy
- Dissociative identity disorder-oriented psychotherapy
- Expressive-experiential psychotherapies
How do you know if you need counseling?
It is common to experience mental health issues, and we must reach out and ask for help. So when you are experiencing the following: Inability to work or study, difficulty in maintaining relationships, taking care of your children or yourself, an increase in health issues, and even suicidal tendencies, you will need to go and make sure that you can get the counseling that you will need.
What are the four types of talk therapy?
Talk therapy is a treatment that requires a patient to talk about their traumas, experiences, thoughts, and opinions. You will generally have to talk your heart out, and the therapist will guide you through the conversation. The four therapy types are cognitive behavioral therapy, guided self-help, interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Of course, there are more talking therapy types, depending on what your therapist views as the most effective for you.
What is the best natural antidepressant?
There are several different natural antidepressants that you can find almost anywhere. Omega 3 found in fish can be a natural antidepressant. Also, food with zinc and folate can be another antidepressant that would not require much of a budget. Of course, it is still most recommended that we consult a doctor before we go into natural treatment methods to get the most effective treatment that we need.
How can you avoid mental illness?
You should surround yourself with people who are focused on the same things as you. These people also have to be supportive and understanding of your emotions. We must be surrounded by like-minded people who do not invalidate how we feel because this helps us process our emotions more healthily. Also, make sure that you give yourself time to have fun. Do the things you love, and make sure that you also take a step back from making you stressed. In short, put yourself first and think of what is best for you.
Does talk therapy work?
Several studies have been published explaining how talk therapy helps, and it shows us that, yes, talk therapy is a helpful tool in treating depression. A person can express themselves in a space where there is no judgment or prejudice. So make sure that you can talk to a therapist who understands what you are going through.
How do you know when someone has a mental illness?
Some signs and symptoms can point to a person being mentally ill. You have to make sure that you can spot these signs because this might help save the lives of the people you love. Make sure to watch out for withdrawal, loss of interest in daily activities, excessive feelings of happiness, frustration, fear, anger, and sadness, inability to concentrate, and they might become more introverted and quiet. There are also cases when a person who has been quiet and withdrawn for an extended period suddenly goes back to “normal”; they might have just decided to end their life, and they are making sure that their last day is a happy day. So check up on the people you love.
What can replace antidepressants?
It is very much advised to be taking antidepressants and going to therapy to assure that progress is happening and that you do not revert to your depressed state. However, suppose you are looking for more ways to take antidepressants without taking more medication. In that case, you can always go for natural antidepressants such as different herbs and vitamins and minerals like zinc, folate, and Omega-3 fatty acid.
Do Plants help with depression?
There are ongoing researches that are suggesting that being surrounded by plants does not just help with air purification, oxygen production, and beautification. Still, it can also bring a calming effect on a person’s mood, stress, and even blood pressure. So try and surround yourself with bamboo palms, chamomile, basil, aloe vera, Chinese evergreens, and ferns. These plants can help you with your depression and more.
What should you not say to a mentally ill person?
When you know someone is going through something or if you know they have been diagnosed with a mental illness, make sure that you do not say “it is all in your head,” “others have it worse,” “it’s all part of God’s plan,” “you have a good life, you are always happy,” and “this too shall pass.” Make sure that you do not invalidate how they feel. Try and ask if they need your advice or if they need you to listen. This way, you can avoid giving out unsolicited advice and hurt the feelings of your loved ones. Put yourself in their situation and their shoes. If it were you, what would you not want to hear?
How do I heal myself mentally?
You have to make sure that you start to do things that make you feel good, making you feel happy and fulfilled. Identify what is causing you distress and pinpoint the people and situations in your life that are toxic. When you do, cut them out of your life for good. Do not put yourself in situations where you are being manipulated, invalidated, or abused. Make sure that you value yourself and that you are taking care of yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people and understanding. Be with people who love you and who do not feed you with toxic and harmful energy.
Where can I take someone mentally unstable?
You can take them to many different facilities that can help them through their struggles. You can also make sure that you take them to a place where they feel relaxed and share their thoughts and feelings. You should take them to a place where they can get the help they require, such as mental health facilities and therapy clinics.
What’s good for mental health?
The best thing for your mental health is to cut off the toxic people in your life. Make sure that you are surrounded by people who love you and support you. This way, you are filled with positivity and motivation. You can also try and do the things you love, and you can try to find new hobbies. You have to make sure your body is healthy, so your mind is healthy as well. Put yourself first. It is not selfish; it loves yourself.
Final Thoughts
I am already 32 years old. My past is way behind me. I currently work as a depression counselor, given that I have seen the significance of becoming one during my troubled years. I never heard from my mother again, but I finally made peace with that years ago. Now, I strive to help young people deal with their mental issues and situations to grab better opportunities for themselves.
