Coping With Depression As An Introvert

Many of us think of introverts as being quiet, reserved and thoughtful people who keep themselves to themselves and prefer not to attend social events, and we may be right, but there is often more to an introvert than simply being the opposite of an extrovert.

The world-renowned psychologist, Carl Jung, first described introverts and extroverts back in the 1960’s and wrote that they could be distinguished from one another by how they regain energy. In his preliminary findings, he wrote that introverts prefer being in an environment that is not particularly stimulating and that they need ample time to recharge and recover from stimulants. Extroverts, on the other hand, gain fuel from being around others.

That said and many years on, we now know that these personality traits are not always easily defined, and that some introverts can have elements of extroversion in their personalities, and vice versa. While it’s true that both types of personality can experience problems with their mental health, it’s widely accepted and proven that introverts are more susceptible to depression than many other personality types.

Why could this be?

Many with introverted personalities prefer to spend time immersed in their own worlds, listening to their own inner thoughts and engaging with their own monologues that often take over their mind space. They also choose to speak out less often, and when they do, they choose their words very carefully. Thinking too much and speaking too little are common criticisms of introverts. Due to their restricted lack of communication with others, they may harbor a wide range of emotions that over time, become trapped and can torment them, sometimes having a hugely debilitating effect on their everyday lives.

Overthinking and a lack of social activity can combine to make the average introvert more prone to symptoms of depression than others, and when their thinking processes take over it can cause them to focus on their perceived faults or frailties, which can lead to a downturn in self-esteem.  Alongside this, they may begin experiencing feelings of guilt and even general despair, which when left untreated, can evoke a cycle of hopelessness that can make them feel depressed and alone. 

So, if you’re an introvert, what can you do to cope with depression?

Firstly, if you’re an introvert and suffering from depression, it’s important to remember that you can get over it, and you can tackle the reasons behind the illness safely, provided you seek help from a mental health professional.

In recognizing your own personality characteristics as an introvert, don’t push yourself to face your depression in any particular way. Instead, be honest with yourself and allow yourself to find your own ways of dealing with depression. And, please seek help from a professional therapist if you don’t find your symptoms easing, or if you’re worried that you’re beginning to feel worse.

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Coping With Covid-19 And The Effect On Your Mental Health

You may not think that a physical illness such as Covid-19 can affect mental health, too, but you might be surprised to learn that it can cause a huge emotional burden upon those who suffer from (or are vulnerable to) anxiety, depression or any other mental health concern. Aside from the constant worry about catching it yourself there is the worry that loved ones will fall prey to Covid-19, not to mention the feelings of anxiety or fear when we’re not able to continue doing the things we love outside of our homes, or when we can’t visit friends and loved ones.

However, there are some ways to help combat the unwanted side effects of such a pandemic, and here are just a few tips for coping with Covid-19 and the changes it may bring into our lives:

• Prepare yourself

To help you feel more in control of the situation, you can try preparing for quarantine or self-isolation so that if the time comes, you will be ready to handle it calmly.

• Limit exposure to the news

While it’s recommended to stay abreast of the news and of any developments regarding the pandemic, it’s not usually helpful to remain continually exposed to the media, since this can make you tense and increase your anxiety levels to a point where they overwhelm you. Choose one to four times a day when you’ll spend some time catching up on the news, and limit yourself to those times.

• Staying social doesn’t have to mean meeting others in person

Since social distancing and limiting exposure to others in social settings has been recommended by most governments (even if it hasn’t yet been enforced everywhere), conventional meetings are no longer the way to keep in touch and help combat feelings of loneliness. However, with digital platforms such as Skype, Messenger and WhatsApp, friends, colleagues and co-workers can still chat face-to-face without the risk of spreading any illnesses through direct contact. 

• Continue to enjoy the benefits of regular exercise

Mental health has long been linked to physical exercise, but if you can’t use the gym or go for a run, what can you do to keep fit and keep on releasing those all-important endorphins? You could try following an online work-out video, use in-home gym equipment, or practice yoga.

• Try to maintain a healthy, balanced diet

Round the clock access to your cupboards and refrigerator when you’re confined to your home may make the temptation of comfort eating too hard to resist, but if it isn’t in your home you can’t eat it! Try to stock up on healthy foods to help keep your mind and body well during these difficult times.

• Get enough sleep

While you may not feel so tired if you haven’t left your home for days, it’s important that you continue to get enough sleep, since this can help keep your mind as fresh and healthy as your body.

Perhaps most importantly, it’s worth remembering that it’s perfectly normal to have some anxiety around what might happen during the pandemic, and that you will certainly not be alone with your fears and concerns. If you feel that you would benefit from talking to a professional counselor, we’re offering tele-health sessions that can involve video, telephone or live chat.

Learn More At: heartcenteredcounselors.com

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Counseling, Medication, Or Both? Knowing What’s Right For You

As more and more research is conducted into mental health disorders and behavioral problems, a combination of medication and professional talking therapies have consistently been found to be of the most help. However, no two people respond in the same way to the same treatment, meaning that it’s not always easy to know what will work best for you, and selecting the right combination can be tricky, and you may not always get it right first time.

Medications such as antidepressants have been proven to help many people globally, but it’s widely acknowledged that their effects are not as longstanding as therapy, which can help you to deal with the root causes of your diagnosis. Taking pills alone for a mental health condition, is often seen as a quick fix or short-term solution, and there is always the fear that a patient may become dependent on the tablets and feel that without them, they cannot cope.

Medication taken in conjunction with talking therapies on the other hand, gives the individual the strength to cope with their everyday life while having a healthy outlet for their emotions, and someone to confide in as to the possible root causes of their mental health condition. Therapy also enables the individual to learn essential life skills for managing unwanted emotions, gives them the ability to counter negative thought patterns, and the capacity and desire to forge more positive and productive relationships with others. Each one of these tools can go on to prevent subsequent bouts of depression (for example), giving the individual the very real possibility of conquering their mental illness for good.

Talking therapies may not always have received positive press in the past, but this is gradually changing for the better, as more and more scientists and mental health experts cite the positive results of talk therapy, even in those patients whose problems are biochemical.

Talking therapies are a commitment, that much is true, but while medication may make you feel more ‘normal’ and able to cope with life much more quickly, therapy can help you to better understand yourself and learn ways of leading a contented, full life, for the rest of your life.

When discussing your treatment options with a healthcare professional, your choices should always come from an informed place, and all options should be considered before a treatment schedule is arranged.

Perhaps most importantly, remember that it’s okay to feel confused and even scared about seeking treatment for your mental health, but know that one day you will feel better, and when that day comes, you’ll feel stronger and happier than ever before.

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