Is “procrastination” your middle name? If you often tend to avoid doing stuff, people may label you as lazy. But according to psychology, there’s so much more to it than simply laziness!
In 2008, researchers found that people often put off responsibilities as a way of coping with anxiety. You may feel so overwhelmed, so done with everything, that you don’t feel like facing the task!
Depression can be a culprit too. Licensed clinical psychologist Shauna Pollard says that while battling depression, you may indulge in self-defeating thoughts which can make you feel like you don’t even want to try! Depression also lowers your energy and makes it so much harder to get stuff done.
So, you see, it’s not just about being lazy! If you struggle with productivity, visiting a mental health professional might help you find the root of this issue and fulfill your potential!
Writer: Stela Košić
Editor: Caitlin McColl
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Voice Over: Amanda Silvera (http://www.youtube.com/amandasilvera)
Animator: ChiquitaFoncy (https://www.instagram.com/chiquitafoncy/)
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong
DISCLAIMER: This video is not intended to diagnose or self-treat. This video is also not meant for diagnosis. If you believe you may be struggling with mental illness, please reach out to a trusted mental health provider.
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How to Treat Depression
Depression is a disorder that causes extreme feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It also affects your thinking, feelings and behaviors. You can get treatment for depression. Almost all people with depression recover. Depression is treatable with medicine and therapy, or a combination of both. The best way to start treating depression is to talk with a mental health professional. They will ask you questions and do a psychiatric exam. Then they will recommend a treatment plan.
Some people are more likely to have depression. This is because depression can run in families. Depression can also be triggered by things like a bad illness, a stressful event or losing a job. Depression can also happen because of certain medicines or it can be a side effect of some other medical conditions. It is more common in women than men and it is more likely to happen as you get older. It is more common in people who live in difficult social or economic circumstances. It is also more common in people who have a history of physical trauma or abuse.
People who have a first-degree relative (mother, sister or brother) with depression are three times more likely to have it than other people. Depression can also be caused by some medications, such as anticonvulsants and hormone therapy. It can be a side effect of some chronic conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid problems. It is also more common in people who are taking a lot of medication, such as blood thinners and pain medicines. Depression can be made worse by stress, loneliness and alcohol use.
Many different types of psychotherapy (talk therapy) are used to treat depression. One of the most effective is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Your therapist will help you learn to change your unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. They will also teach you new skills that will help you feel better and keep depression from coming back. Psychotherapy usually takes 10 to 15 sessions.
Some doctors will prescribe antidepressants to treat depression. The type of antidepressant you will take depends on a few things. Your age, how you feel and what other medications or supplements you are taking. It can take 4 to 8 weeks for some antidepressants to start working.
Some antidepressants can cause side effects, such as a dry mouth or sleepiness. If these symptoms bother you, your doctor can adjust the dose or switch you to another medicine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will have to make sure that the medication is safe for you and your baby. They can also suggest that you try a natural antidepressant, such as St. John’s wort. Some natural supplements may interact with certain antidepressants, so it is important to talk to your therapist about them. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call 911 or your local emergency number. Or you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. For hearing impaired callers, the number is 711. You can also text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
