depression.

        In most cases, you run into someone who at one time or another has felt a symptom of depression. Above are a few symptoms of depression that people will most commonly feel. But commonly, you will meet people who struggle with many or all of these symptoms at once, and they more commonly than not, have been diagnosed with depression. When people have severe depression, it is important that you take them seriously. Below are a few pictures from photographer Christian Hopkins who represents what it looks like to have depression through a series of photos.

help yourself, help you.

   

        While attending therapy the other week my therapist told me about a technique called "mindful thinking" or "mindfulness". Basically what it is, is a psychological concept is the focusing of attention and awareness, based on the concept of mindfulness in Buddhist meditation. Mindfulness is defined as being attentive and aware, non-judgmentally, whereas meditation is engaging in a mental exercise (as concentration on one's breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness. You can practice being "mindful" either way, by thinking positive thoughts every time you start to think in a darker stat, or meditate. Some useful methods to practice mindfulness are:

• Meditate! Practice slow steady breathing and acknowledging everything that tries to pull at your attention and letting it go. It helps to focus on one thing in the room. Closing your eyes and sitting straight up is the recommended way to meditate. 
• Counteracting bad thoughts with positive ones.
• Focusing on one thing and putting fourth all your attention on that thing helps focusing for meditation.

Hopefully these tips can be used to help rid yourself of depressive thoughts when down to try and help yourself help you! :)