As we’ve all taken positive steps forward in feeling more comfortable talking about mental health, the learning curve can still feel steep. This is especially true when there are so many important nuances to recognize with something as important as depression.
Like, what’s the difference between bipolar depression versus depression? What about clinical depression, which is also known as severe depression? How do you know which category you fall into? What are the signs?
The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) reports that approximately 20 million women and 10 million men in America will have an eating disorder during their lifetime. Among the different types of eating disorders is anorexia nervosa, characterized by weight loss, difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight, and distorted body image.
Holidays, family get-togethers, and social gatherings tend to revolve around food. This is a way a lot of us show love and community. But when you or a loved one struggles with an eating disorder, it can also be the cause of a lot of stress. One way to navigate these tricky situations is with mindfulness and gratitude. Noticing the little things and appreciating what’s around you can go a long way toward making holidays and every day richer, healthier, and happier.
Trauma is usually talked about in terms of big, life-altering events: the sudden death of a loved one, a natural disaster, a violent assault. In reality, trauma comes in all shapes and sizes, and while these big events are indeed traumatic, little events can be traumatic, too.
Whether you’re struggling with eating disorder issues, mental health challenges, or both, interacting with people who have shared similar experiences offers a powerful connection. Acceptance. A sense that you’re working together toward a common goal. Plus, if you’re awake in the middle of the night and could use someone to talk to, you’ve got someone close by who may be able to lend an ear.