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Depression

Burnout & Depression

Burn-out and depression

Burn-out and depression are two mental health issues that have become increasingly common in recent years. While the terms may be used interchangeably, they refer to different conditions.

Burn-out is a physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork, while depression is a more serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Burn-out typically develops when an individual feels overwhelmed, either from work pressures or personal responsibilities such as caring for family members. The symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating and reduced motivation. It’s important to recognize these signs early so that you can take steps to reduce your stress levels before it gets out of control. Taking breaks throughout the day, setting realistic goals and expectations for yourself, getting enough sleep each night and engaging in regular exercise are all effective methods for managing burn-out symptoms.

Depression on the other hand is often triggered by life events such as divorce or job loss but can also arise without any obvious cause at all. People experiencing depression may feel hopelessness, emptiness or guilt; have trouble sleeping; lack energy; suffer from frequent headaches/stomachaches; struggle with concentration; withdraw from social activities and lose interest in hobbies they previously enjoyed. Depression requires professional help because it’s not something you can simply “snap out of” – treatment options range from therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy has been found particularly helpful) to medications like antidepressants which help restore balance to neurotransmitters involved with regulating emotions (although this should always be discussed with a doctor first).

It’s important to remember that both burn-out and depression are treatable conditions if caught early enough so don’t hesitate to seek help if you think you might be affected by either one – talking about how you’re feeling could make all the difference! Additionally there are many lifestyle changes everyone can make regardless of whether they experience mental health issues: eating well balanced meals including plenty of fresh fruits & vegetables; exercising regularly (even just going for a walk will do); practicing relaxation techniques like yoga & meditation; avoiding drugs & alcohol where possible etc.…

All these things combined should leave us feeling happier & healthier overall!

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Pregnant woman - Schwangere

Depression and pregnancy

Depression and pregnancy are two conditions that can occur simultaneously. While depression is common in the general population, it can be especially difficult to cope with during pregnancy. It’s important for pregnant women who experience symptoms of depression to seek help from their healthcare provider so they can receive appropriate treatment.

Depression during pregnancy is a serious issue that affects up to 20% of pregnant women. Symptoms may include feeling sad, hopeless or overwhelmed; having decreased energy levels; difficulty sleeping; loss of appetite; and thoughts of harming oneself or the baby. Women with more severe forms of depression may even have suicidal thoughts or attempts at self-harm.

While it’s not always possible to prevent depression during pregnancy, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help improve your mood and energy levels. Additionally, make sure to get adequate rest and practice stress-reduction techniques like yoga or meditation. It’s also important for pregnant women who experience depression symptoms to seek professional help from their healthcare provider.

Treatment may include counseling, medication, lifestyle modifications or all three. It’s important to note that some medications used in the treatment of depression are not safe during pregnancy, so it’s essential that you discuss any potential risks with your doctor before starting any kind of treatment plan. There is also evidence that suggests certain types of psychotherapy can be beneficial for pregnant women experiencing depression symptoms as well as those at high risk for developing postpartum depression (PPD).

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been found to reduce depressive symptoms in both pregnant women and new mothers who have PPD after delivery. Furthermore, research indicates that interpersonal therapy (IPT) is an effective option for treating mild cases of prenatal depression without the use of antidepressants or other medications.

In addition to seeking professional care if needed, there are several self-care strategies pregnant women can use when feeling overwhelmed by negative emotions:

  • Connecting with loved ones – Having someone close by whom you trust can provide emotional support during difficult times;
  • Practicing mindfulness – Paying attention to the present moment without judgement helps bring awareness back into balance;
  • Being active – Exercise releases endorphins which naturally elevate mood;
  • Getting creative – Creative activities such as writing poetry or painting have been found helpful in managing negative feelings;
  • Taking breaks – Taking time out from daily responsibilities allows us space we need away from our worries;
  • Seeking additional resources – Talking with a therapist experienced in treating perinatal mental health issues can be invaluable too!

Depression during pregnancy is a serious issue but one that doesn’t have go untreated successfully if proper steps are taken early on by both expecting mothers themselves and their medical providers alike!

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Mental health awareness during COVID – 19

Mental health awareness is not a fleeting trend caused by the current pandemic.

The pandemic has made us come out of our comfort zones, with many of us facing challenges we didn’t have to before. This has resulted in heightened stress levels and emotions that are often overwhelming, forcing us to cope with the aftermath. For many of us, our mental health has deteriorated and is in need of care.

Learning to cope with stress, depression and anxiety while going through these challenging times, and the strains this has put on our mental health, is important. In this blog, we will try to raise mental health awareness and advise you on how to become more resilient.
The Coronavirus outbreak and learning how to take care of your mental health
Even though it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, stressed, worried and even depressed at times, you could say that the Coronavirus has somewhat caught us off guard.

The outbreak has made us reflect on our lives in more ways than one. Our fears have been amplified, there has been some panic, our imaginations may have going wild with every bit of information about the pandemic progression we come across, such as the numbers of people dead or affected by the disease. All of this has been accompanied by the total disruption of our day-to-day lives.

For some of us, isolation has given us a chance to reflect, improve ourselves in multiple areas of our lives and to grow. However, what has happened to the rest of us who started struggling with our own sense of identity? The ones whose ability to cope with their emotions has been drastically reduced? Those who had to face unemployment, the death of a loved one or homeschooling?

In these deeply trying times, it has never been more important to turn to our mental health and figure out ways to improve it and protect it.

Ways to manage your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak

Mental health awareness means we are aware of the strain the entire “new normal” situation has put on our daily lives and not staying idle any more, but rather doing something about it.

Here are some tips that have proven to be useful when managing your mental health.

# 1 Prioritize sleep

Yes, prioritizing sleep is crucial for human well-being, as simple as it sounds.

This especially refers to the individuals who fight depression and anxiety daily – creating a bedtime routine followed by a relaxing activity, such as reading or listening to a podcast or music, is sometimes all you need to unwind before bed.

# 2 Managing stress by having a routine in place

This refers to any daily routine that works well for you. Having good routines in place in the morning and in the evening, at work and for eating can help you manage stress and cope better.

# 3 Seek support from your surroundings

During the outbreak, so many of us have faced (and still face) increased “alone” time, due to social distancing measures. Staying connected with your loved ones will help you feel less isolated. However, if this is not enough, you can always seek help in the shape of a support group, whether it’s in person or online.

# 4 Invite gratitude into your life

Even though it may seem clichéd or particularly challenging to try and feel grateful when the world seems to be on fire, finding ways to introduce gratitude and mindfulness into your life can help you to cope better. How? Once you start reflecting on the good things happening in your life, you can trigger the much-needed feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin.

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Learn how to raise mental health awareness and be of help to others

Educating others about mental health and removing any stigma is equally as important as taking care of your own mental health.

# 1 Educate yourself to give educated advice

Mental illness is not to be taken lightly, and no one is immune to it.

Often misunderstood and stigmatized, mental illness needs to be taken seriously to be treated sucessfully. What you can do as an individual, is to educate yourself first, and share what you have learned with others. One of the best ways to learn is to volunteer for mental health organizations that host different mental health awareness-oriented events and initiatives. This can ultimately lead to you promoting or even coordinating a mental health screening event, which can encourage people to be more proactive about their mental health.

# 2 Talk to others and let them know you are listening

There is not a single person around you that isn’t struggling in some way. By listening to them, and picking up on any indications they are unwell or suffering from depression or anxiety,you can lead them to the first step to recovery by directing them towards resources available to them, especially since most people don’t even know who to speak to.

#3 Share your story

If you have struggled, or are still struggling with some form of mental illness, we encourage you to open up about your experience. This often induces a major sense of relief in another person, knowing they are not alone in their experience and this may inspire them to seek treatment. Another thing you can do is to help people understand that physical health can very much impact our mental health. For example – by making sure that we are eating enough and sleeping well, we are already influencing our mental state in a positive way.

Take mental health seriously and equip yourself to help others.

The past year was hard and the end is not near.

Even though we try to listen and try to be of help – we struggle too, and that is fine.

We must always remember that the experience of the past year was not the same for everybody. Some had it worse. Some had it easier. Even though the vaccine brings hope, some of us will keep struggling for years to come, which will put an even bigger strain on our mental health.

Any of us can experience a problem connected to mental health, any of us can lose a loved one, a job, or experience a loss of identity or financial uncertainty. The least we can do is to be kind and empathic, and most importantly – aware of the needs of others as well as our own.

If you or somebody you know is struggling with any emotional or mental health issue, especially regarding depression induced by the outbreak, make sure to fill in our questionnaire, or get in touch with our depression specialists. We are here for you!

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Depression and burnout

Although the term “burnout” is widely used today and was first used by a specialist (Herbert J. Freundenberger) in 1974, burnout was not considered a diagnosable syndrome until the appearance of the ICD-11, “International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems”. This Is the official standard diagnostic tool for specialists. This means that burnout is not a recognized disease. This is partly due to the fact that there has been no complete clarification of the main and secondary symptoms that must be present in the case of burnout. It is also very difficult to differentiate it from depression, since the symptoms that patients attribute to it are very similar to those of depression, as you can see below.

The WHO, the World Health Organization, has updated and summarized the existing definitions of burnout as follows: The basic prerequisite is the connection between the symptoms and the patient’s professional life; the term “burnout” must therefore not be used for other areas. Chronic stress at the workplace results in a negative attitude towards the job and lower performance.

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Accordingly, the syndrome in ICD 11 will cover three dimensions:

1.) A feeling of exhaustion

2.) An increasing mental distance or negative attitude to one’s own job

3.) Reduced professional ability

As this feeling of exhaustion is also one of the main symptoms of depression, it will definitely be necessary to have the two disorders clarified by a specialist and to specifically exclude the other symptoms of depression.

Since there is a lot of overlap, many “burnout” patients benefit from an antidepressive therapy or psychoeducation because it helps them to develop healthy boundaries and to get more in touch with their own needs and health. Try out our psychoeducation program and see what it can do for you!

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Different health professions: Psychiatrists, Psychotherapists, Psychologists – Who does what?

It is easy to lose your bearings, when faced with the jungle of different health professions. Although many people notice that they are not feeling well and that they need help, they do not know where to go. There are psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and then there are also psychologists – but who is the right person to contact now? First of all, you should know the difference between them in order to make a well-grounded decision:

In most cases, the family doctor or general practitioner is the optimal first port of call if you suspect that you might be suffering from depression. They will test you or refer you to a specialist to rule out physical causes for your symptoms. If psychotherapy is needed, they can also make a referral.

Psychiatrists are always doctors, i.e. they have completed a degree in medicine and then completed specialist medical training in psychiatry. This means that they are authorized to prescribe medication and make diagnoses. During their training they also acquire psychotherapeutic knowledge and can also use psychotherapy (which is often referred to as “talking therapy”). The psychiatrist is the right choice if there is a disorder that requires both psychotherapeutic and medicinal treatment. If you are unsure whether this is the case for you, you can have this clarified by the psychiatrist.

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Neurologists, like psychiatrists, have also studied medicine with subsequent specialist training – however, their treatment focuses on nerve diseases and not on mental disorders. For example, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or polyneuropathies, i.e. sensory disorders of the nerves, are typically treated by a neurologist. However, a neurologist can also examine brain activity, e.g. by means of an EEG. This can be an important step towards correct diagnosis for people with sleep disorders or depressive symptoms. The neurologist can therefore play a role in preliminary examinations and prescribe medication, but is not authorized to carry out psychotherapy on the patient. Some doctors are psychiatrists and neurologists at the same time, because until about 10 years ago, the training for the two branches was not yet separated.

Psychologists, on the other hand, have completed a wide-ranging study of psychology; although therapeutic content is also taught, this are not comprehensive enough to enable them to treat you. It is also not possible for psychologists to prescribe medication. Pure psychologists can therefore work primarily in an advisory capacity or in diagnostics. They are therefore often found in counselling centers or clinics. If you want to get some initial professional advice or an assessment, or if you are in a crisis, for example, a psychologist can be your first point of contact. As soon as you have a medical disorder and therapy is started, the work of the psychologist stops.

The role of the psychotherapist is the one that differs most from country to country. In Germany, for example, psychotherapy training currently still requires you to be a psychologist, i.e. have a degree in psychology. The psychotherapist can thus be seen as a psychologist with a therapeutic specialization. In Austria, on the other hand, the previously completed higher education qualification can also be obtained in other areas. Psychotherapists may also give diagnoses and, of course, treat patients, but may not prescribe any medication. Psychotherapists differ from each other in the use of different forms of therapy. Depending on the disorder, different therapies are recommended. If therapy without medication is suggested to you, then the psychotherapist is your first choice.

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Self-help groups for depression

There are some positive effects of self-help groups that have been demonstrated in depression and other diseases. These make them a good support tool for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Self-help groups offer low-threshold access for those affected, i.e. no special requirements or tests are required in order to participate. Self-help groups are characterized primarily by the mutual exchange of experiences; talking to others about your own illness and how to deal with it is the focus. This is often a new experience for the participants and can take place in a protected setting. The groups can either be guided or unguided; they can therefore be carried out with or without specialist staff. If there is specialist staff, specialist information is often discussed, but the evaluation of the respective problems of the participants is mainly done by the participants themselves – hence the name “self-help”. This clearly distinguishes this group work from group therapy. However, there is no need to worry about confidentiality and professionalism; there are always moderators who make sure that the boundaries between the participants are respected and due to the involvement of each individual, the participants often experience an enormous empathy and help that is otherwise rather difficult to get.

Participants in self-help groups particularly value the fact that they are free from the feeling of being alone with their illness; they can get to know other affected people, exchange ideas, gain experience in dealing with their illness, receive specialist information and help – and give it themselves. The self-esteem and self-confidence of the participants can be significantly increased. They increasingly get the feeling that they can deal better with the situation and are no longer overwhelmed by it. Feelings of helplessness are reduced.

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These positive changes increase in the course of time; the more frequently and regularly participants attend their group, the better the way they deal with the disease, the more cheerful and less isolated, the more self-confident, the more influential the participants feel. This is especially the case for long-term participants who show an increased resistance to stress and better composure. In fact, self-help groups can make a similarly important contribution to well-being as that of family or partners.

Despite all the positive support that a self-help group can offer, it is important to know that they are not an alternative to medical treatment. They are much more suitable, as is psychoeducation, as an effective tool for the mature patient to deal more successfully with his illness.

If you don’t feel like talking about your personal business with others or you want to stay anonymous, but still exchange ideas, there is also the option of our edupression self-help program. We do not only offer you a forum to exchange your experience with others but also a huge, in-depth-journey into the science of depression and how to overcome it.

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Indications and Symptoms of Depression

Unfortunately, even today, the first signs of depression are rarely recognized correctly: This is partly due to the very unspecific and different characteristics of the early symptoms. The harbingers of depression can be pain, e.g. in the head or stomach area, lack of energy, slight irritability, reduced interest in sex, a generally depressed mood, changed sleeping behavior and reduced or increased appetite. Obviously, these are symptoms that almost everyone has had before. This is why it is so important to have a specialist examine you when these symptoms occur, especially if they extend over a longer period of time. The specialist is able to differentiate between other clinical pictures. In addition to their experience, they refer to the official diagnostic guidelines of the DSM-5 and the ICD-10, which have officially defined the exact symptoms of depression.

According to the DSM-5, depression must meet at least 5 of the following criteria for at least 2 weeks to be diagnosed as major depression:

“1) Depressive mood

2) Significantly reduced interest

3) Significant weight loss or loss of appetite

4) Insomnia / increased sleep

5) Psychomotor restlessness/slowing down

6) Fatigue/energy loss

7) Feelings of worthlessness/guilt

8) Concentration and decision problems

9) Death, suicidal thoughts or actions”

Depressive mood or diminished interest must be present to make a diagnosis.

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ICD-10 identifies the presence of a depressive episode as follows:

“In the typical mild (F32.0), moderate (F32.1) or severe (F32.2 and F32.3) episodes, the patient suffers from a depressed mood and a reduction in drive and activity. The ability to enjoy, interest and concentration are diminished. Pronounced fatigue can occur after every slight effort. Sleep is usually disturbed, appetite is reduced. Self-esteem and self-confidence are almost always impaired. Even with the light form, feelings of guilt or thoughts about one’s own worthlessness occur.

The depressed mood changes little from day to day, does not react to life circumstances and can be accompanied by so-called “somatic” symptoms such as loss of interest or loss of joy, early awakening, morning low, clear psychomotor inhibition, agitation, loss of appetite, weight loss and libido loss. Depending on the number and severity of symptoms, a depressive episode can be described as mild, moderate or severe.

Severe depressive episodes can occur with or without psychotic symptoms. They are characterized by several of the agonizing symptoms listed above. Typically there is a loss of self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness and guilt. Suicidal thoughts and actions are common, and there are usually some somatic symptoms. In a severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms, hallucinations, delusions, psychomotor inhibition or a stupor are so severe that everyday social activities are impossible and life-threatening.”

You can see from the large number of symptoms and the different forms of depression that diagnosis is not easy, especially as many of the symptoms can also be caused by physical causes such as a malfunction of the thyroid gland. This is another reason why a thorough examination by the doctor is indispensable before you can be sure of a diagnosis.

If you want to learn how to find out if a depressive episode is likely to occur, so you can do something about it before it takes hold, our Edupression Mood Chart and Psychoeducation program can help you to do this.

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My partner is suffering from depression – what now?

Depression is not only an enormous burden for the patient, but also for their close ones.

The closer you are to each other, the more you will feel the effects of the disease – including exhausting and hopeless resistance when trying to support or cheer up the person suffering. For this reason, it is very important that people with a partner suffering from depreszsion know exactly how to give the best possible support to their partner and themselves.

The first and most important step you can take as a relative, is to accept that you cannot eliminate the illness yourself and you should also accept that it has nothing to do with you or your behavior.

Depression is a disease that needs to be professionally diagnosed and treated. This means that if this step has not yet been taken, you should make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible to plan how to proceed. This is also an important form of relief for you.

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It is important that you continue to take care of yourself and not just your partner as the treatment progresses. Otherwise you will notice that you will quickly feel hopeless, exhausted, angry or sad – and in this state support is also difficult. Therefore, make sure that you surround yourself with other people with whom you can laugh and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, while you are taking care of your sick partner.

Groups of relatives, with whom you can share your feelings, and work through the often frustrating experiences with your depressive partner, are also very helpful. They can give you concrete advice, you can recharge your batteries, and you will feel that you are not alone with your situation.

Finally, a very basic tip: of course it is enormously helpful to know as much as possible about the illness of depression and the effects and the therapy possibilities, etc. – this not only creates understanding for the partner, but also gives you concrete advice on how you can support your partner in the best possible way.

We therefore recommend the use of our edupression psychoeducation program.

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Ways out of depression

The first step in finding your way out of depression is one of the most difficult for many sufferers: allowing and accepting a diagnosis of depression. The difficulty in accepting this disease has several understandable causes.

Often, the symptoms experienced are not associated with depression.
Physical pain, irritability and fatigue are phenomena that are not necessarily associated with a depressive episode.

Another reason why many patients try to differentiate themselves from this diagnosis for as long as possible, is their inexperience with the subject of “mental illness”. Each of us has often had colds, fallen victim to one or the other intestinal virus and has survived minor falls and accidents.

But perhaps you have never been mentally ill. Mental instability is associated with extremely unpleasant images that are threatening and frightening. That is why depression is still a social taboo today. It is surprising that one in four people suffer from this disease once in a lifetime. Those who accept the diagnosis, take it seriously and work together with depression specialists, will quickly realize that this disease has been well researched and can be treated successfully.

There is a lot of knowledge about effective drug and psychological therapies. This knowledge can calm you down and, above all, lead you on the right path – out of depression.

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If you are willing to take this first step, you will find a lot of support from science, the medical care system, various depression experts and also from edupression.com. Scientific studies have proven that these supportive factors can help you to overcome depression.

In addition to medication, this also includes certain forms of psychotherapy, activation programs and exercise. The more you know about depression, the sooner you will choose the right therapy, find the right depression specialist, experience a successful treatment response and return to your old self.

Immerse yourself in the exciting world of neurology – a world that needs to be brought back into balance in the event of depression. Learn to recognize symptoms of depression and how to deal with them properly.

We will introduce you to diagnostic criteria and the different severity levels of depression, as well as scientifically proven therapy options that you can implement immediately.

Get to know the different phases of treatment and which depression specialist is suitable for which therapy intensity. Strengthen your inner balance, calmness and concentration with a variety of therapeutically effective exercises.

Welcome to edupression.com – empowering you to beat depression.

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Depression and physical activity

People suffering from depression tend to be less interested in excessive exercise and physical activity. However, this is exactly what feeds the spiral of depression – in fact, physical activity of all kinds is ideal for counteracting depressive symptoms.

Exercise in the great outdoors and group or team sports have proven to be particularly effective.

Individual sport also has some advantages, but there is a lack of a social component and a sense of belonging, both of which have an additional positive effect on self-esteem.

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The advantages of exercise can also be effectively understood through neurobiological connections: sport, like some antidepressants, increases the serotonin level in the brain, which has a positive effect on mood.

It also causes the body to break down stress hormones. In addition, being physically active has a positive effect on most people – you overcome your inner “couch potato”, and this increases your feeling of self-confidence.

You learn that, despite depression, you are still able to manage activities successfully. If you would like to know which intensity, frequency and sports are best suited for the prevention and therapy of depression, try out our psychoeducation program.

Here you will find detailed information on these topics and you can find activities suited to your individual needs and interests.

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