Tag: life

Posted in motivational, psychology

Living with Depression & How to live a Good Life

Posted on by M Artisans

Diagnosed with depression but managing to stay hopeful. This illness doesn’t have to hinder you from living a good life.

Been in a persistent cycle of depressive episodes, and it strikes anytime, any day, even in the middle of an important event. You feel helpless.

Depressive episode is a period of depression that persists for at least two weeks. The length of an episode varies depending on the severity and individual factors, some may last up to 6-8 months.

Depression: A Widespread Illness

Depression is a prevalent illness, perhaps more widespread than commonly perceived. Even famous celebrities who have tragically taken their own lives due to depression serve as a poignant reminder of the severity of this condition. It is an issue that undeniably presents a significant challenge in our society.

There are proven ways to live better with depression (adopted from Psychology Today).

  1. Start accepting and stop resisting. It is okay if you don’t feel okay. Denying your feelings will just make it worse. Carl Jung once said, “what you resist persists.”
  2. Change the way you think about depression. Renaming this familiar foe to a more positive approach. What helps me is to keep a journal, writing my thoughts and feelings before going to bed. That way, we can keep the feelings from our head to paper.
  3. Focus your energy to self-care. One major symptom I’m experiencing is complete loss of interest and pleasure. Bathing has now become a chore, but guess what? surprisingly it changes my mood for the better. Coming out of the bathroom refreshes me both physically and emotionally.
  4. Make small daily efforts. Depression is not something we can instantly turn off. Small baby steps can and may help. There is one technique – Behavioral Activation, a psychotherapy that engages individuals in engaging or pleasant and healthy activities.

Coping with depression begins with the effort to get through each day, regardless of whether a depressive episode occurs or not. There are many ways to improve your life with depression, like talking to a friend, watching a K-drama. Either way, learn, thrive and survive… you are not alone, hugs.

Disclaimer: The information in this post does not intend to replace, dictate, or completely define the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a medical professional. It is a form of sharing some personal experience and is intended solely for those seeking general information on certain conditions.
Posted in psychology

Anhedonia, Anxiety, Guilt & Cherophobia

Posted on by M Artisans

The four major symptoms I noticed with my depression.

I knew from the first time I posted about depression that I was going to be vulnerable. Not everyone will be able to comprehend and sympathize. That’s what makes this disease even lonelier. You try to mimic being okay when you’re not cause you don’t want to bother the people around you.

Sharing my journey may be a way for some to feel less alone.

Anhedonia

  • is the inability to experience joy or pleasure. You feel numb and less interested in the things you used to enjoy, just like when I used to be obsessed with playing mobile games, and now I have lost interest.

Anxiety

In a previous post, I discussed anxiety with Pseudo-dementia. Celebrities like Emma Stone, Ryan Renolds, and Chris Evans have their share of anxiety issues.

  • Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses that cause constant and overwhelming anxiety and fear. 

Guilt

  • According to PubMed Central, people with major depressive disorder (MDD) are more prone to experiencing moral emotions related to self-blame, such as guilt and shame.

It is a less talked about symptom of depression, but very evident in my case. I struggle with self-blame a lot! I cry and weep for the troubles I think I have caused and the people that I have hurt. Dealing with it almost every single day (see previous post).

Cherophobia

It seems that at this moment, I wouldn’t necessarily call it fear but rather a sense of concern. There is a worry that experiencing happiness may lead to negative consequences. You try to avoid the feelings of happiness and the consequences of being happy.

More about this in my previous post…

Disclaimer: The information in this post does not intend to replace, dictate, or completely define the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a medical professional. It is a form of sharing some personal experience and is intended solely for those seeking general information on certain conditions.
Posted in motivational, psychology

Self-blame and Depression

Posted on by M Artisans

According to PubMed Central, people with major depressive disorder (MDD) are more prone to experiencing moral emotions related to self-blame, such as guilt and shame.

DSM-IV-TR recognizes excessive or inappropriate guilt as one of the core symptoms of MDD. 

  • Disclaimer: The information in this post does not intend to replace, dictate, or completely define the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of a medical professional. It is a form of sharing some personal experience and is intended solely for those seeking general information on certain conditions.

Guilt is a less talked about symptom of depression. It was depicted in a Korean drama I watched – Daily Dose of Sunshine. They showed guilt in a beautiful way stemming from the protagonist’s role as a psychiatric nurse. Highly relatable as I constantly deal with sadness and self-blame almost every day.

According to Psychiatrist Gregory Brown and author of The Self-healing Mind, “Guilt is a major barrier for treatment of depressive disorders. People think – my problems aren’t big enough or so serious to warrant feeling depressed or I have money, a great family and so many other resources, I shouldn’t be feeling this way – They end up suffering in silence.”

Before depression, I used to believe that people should be content with what they have, and I couldn’t comprehend why anyone would feel depressed despite having all their needs met.

what does she have to depressed about?

Self-blaming moral emotions as per PubMed Central pertains to emotions like guilt, shame and self-contempt which may be exaggerated in mood disorders. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive and inappropriate guilt nearly everyday (American Psychiatric Association 2000).

If you’re struggling with depression, being in that same condition I know I’m unable to give advice. Despite studying psychology in the hope of finding relief, I still find myself in this state. But depression is an illness that no one wants.

Here are some tips to help you deal with guilt when you have depression;

~ Practice self kindness like positive self-talk and gratitude

~ Move and keep your mind occupied. Physical activity as simple as walking can increase your endorphins (happy hormones).

~ Keep a journal. Writing or in my case drawing is diverting my mind and thoughts to express and transform negative emotions through art.

~ Talk to someone. Remember you are not alone. A family or friend can provide you with a different perspective and talking to them can help you release and process those unwanted emotions.

Small baby steps is okay, take it easy and be kind with yourself…

❤

Posted in Kdrama

See You in My 19th Life (Korean Drama)

Posted on by M Artisans

This is a beautiful love story! Adapted from the webtoon “See You in My 19th Life” (이번 생도 잘 부탁해) by Lee Hye (이혜). A tale about love that spans several lifetimes.

No spoiler here.

This newly released drama has exceptional cinematography and superb acting, particularly my favorite – Shin Hye Sun. It is slightly different from the webtoon but they created a wonderful fantasy tale about love and memories.

One of the elements I loved the most is the portrayal of the lead actress’s infallible, persistent, and unconditional love. While the male lead (Ahn Bo Hyun) struggles with past traumas and guilt. Their chemistry is just perfect!

The role and acting of her sister (Ha Yoon Kyung) is equally impressive, she is adorable and sweet.

I’m not done with the drama yet, still cherishing every episode…

❤

Posted in motivational

Being a Bitter Person

Posted on by M Artisans

Someone who is bitter is anger and unhappy because they cannot forget bad things that happened in the past;

– Cambridge Dictionary

What does it mean to be a Bitter Person?

Bitter people have two core emotions ~ anger and unhappiness. They have a lot of drama and excuses in their lives. They have a hard time seeing the positive in every situation. Resentment is the closest emotional construct to bitterness according to experts. They harbor deep-seated resentment and carry negative emotions. They have an endless sense of dissatisfaction and an inability to let go and move on from past grievances.

According to Psychology Today, the root of bitterness is “hurt” and “emotional pain”, having complex emotions that also include disappointment.

A bitter person is often angry, sad and disappointed. They seem to be preoccupied with too much negative feelings. And greatly affects people around them. They can cause harm and even destroy relationships.

You may be dealing with someone bitter in your life, knowledge and understanding is the key to handling them.

Here are the characteristics of bitter people;

  1. Bitter people are constantly jealous and envious – they are not happy and contented with their lives. They want what you have and constantly compare themselves with other people.
  2. Bitter people use drama to get attention and sympathy – They often find themselves bored and lonely so they create dramatic situations to get sympathy and attention.
  3. Bitter people focus on the negative – they are often judgemental and talk about the faults of others. They live in negativity and don’t like you to be happy.
  4. Bitter people are narcissistic – we have a separate post on this topic, the kind of people that are selfish and detached.
  5. Bitter people hold grudges – they hold grudges and they can’t let go of something for a long time. Feeding on anger and hatred.

No matter how much you want to help this person, you have to understand that for them they don’t really want your help. If these people were open to advice, they wouldn’t be so miserable in the first place.

There’s still something you can do about it if you want to help them though. Find the courage to sit down and talk to them about their bitterness and how they can improve themselves.

It is possible to be bitter and not be aware of it, so if you care for that person tell them, pray for them…

Posted in motivational

Characteristics of a Good Work Environment

Posted on by M Artisans

Work Environment; Someone’s environment is all the circumstances, people, things, and events around them that influence their life. 

– Collins dictionary

A good work environment is essential for employees’ productivity and well-being. Every employee needs a good working environment to motivate them and gives out the best in them.

A healthy work environment has many components, a primary factor is relationship with co-workers. A positive culture, non-toxic and amiable co-workers is the main ingredient in a healthy workplace.

Another key characteristic of a healthy work environment is the way they appreciate their loyal employees. To be recognized and noticed is part of our Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs.

Next feature is open and transparent communication between the employer and employees. A transparent and open form of communication addresses the employee’s need to feel that what they have to say has value and is being listened. It is what makes employees feel that they are part of the organization and they are being valued there. Wouldn’t you agree that this characteristic is highlighted in small businesses? Mainly because their size is synonymous to unity and closeness among the co-workers and with the employer. Employees could directly talk to their boss for urgent problems without the need for formalities or go through complex processes unlike in big corporations.

The environment that employees work in can impact their feelings of well-being, workplace relationships, collaboration, and productivity. It can greatly influence how you feel about your job so it is important to find an employer that fosters a positive environment.

Team spirit. We are social beings, we have the need to belong to a group and get support from them. Day to day struggles will become less daunting, because they work together and support each other, workload becomes lighter and thus more positive.

Trust. It is very important to build trust for a proper and smooth working of an organization. The employer should have trust on his employees and vice-versa. Trust is the basic foundation of all relationships.  Trust is all about doing what you say you are going to do and being who you say you are.

A healthy environment promotes communication, helping, healing and education between employees. They grow and improve together and value friendship and loyalty.

❤

Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com
Posted in Catholic faith, faith, novena, prayer

Novena to Sto. Niño (de Cebu) 2nd Day

Posted on by M Artisans

ACT OF CONTRITION

PETITION

Oh most loving Jesus, who has shown your love to us by dying on the cross and by giving yourself to us in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we beseech you to share with us your love so that we may always love you with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength. And also so that we may love our neighbors as ourselves. This we ask you in Your Holy Name. Amen

  • Pray 3 Our Fathers
  • 3 Haily Mary
  • 3 Glory Be
  • Ask Sto. Niño for your petitions…
  • Supplications to Sto. Niño

Continues on next post…

Posted in Catholic faith, novena, prayer

Novena to Sto. Niño (de Cebu) 3rd Day

Posted on by M Artisans

ACT OF CONTRITION

PETITION

Oh Jesus, who has said, “Learn from me because I am meek and humble of heart”, grant us the virtues of meekness and humility so that we may progress in our spiritual life, and so that our neighbor may see your image in us. We ask you this in your Holy Name. Amen

  • Pray 3 Our Fathers
  • 3 Hail Mary
  • 3 Glory Be
  • Now ask Sto. Niño for your requests…
  • Supplications to Sto. Niño

To be continued…

Posted in Catholic faith, novena, prayer, prayers

Novena to Sto. Niño (de Cebu) First Day

Posted on by M Artisans

ACT OF CONTRITION

Oh, my Dear Jesus! You are our King and our God, because of Your love for us, You came down from heaven born of the Virgin Mary. My heart weeps, for in spite of Your goodness we have committed many sins. Forgive us, oh Jesus, for our sin of ingratitude in return for Your goodness. Strengthen our will to resist temptation and sin. With your grace, we will be able to fulfill our promises and share with Your glory in heaven.

Oh Holy Child Jesus, who is ever good and loving, we kneel before You our God. With humility we implore You to give us Your mercy and grant us all the favors we ask of You in this novena, so that we will enjoy the blessings of heaven. Amen

Supplications to Sto. Niño

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.

In every need let us come to you in humble trust, Sto. Niño, help us.

In all our doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Sto Niño, help us.

In hours of loneliness, weariness and trials, Sto. Niño, help us.

In disappointments, troubles and sorrows, Sto. Niño, help us.

When others fail us and your grace alone can assist us, Sto. Niño, help us.

When we throw ourselves on your tender love as our only refuge, Sto. Niño, help us.

When our hearts are cast down by failures, Sto. Niño, help us.

When we are ill, and our head and hands cannot work and we are lonely, Sto. Niño, help us.

When we feel impatient and our cross irritates us, Sto. Niño, help us.

Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls and shortcomings of every kind, Sto. Niño, help us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world; Spare us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world; Graciously her us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world; Have mercy upon us, O Jesus.

Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.

V/. Praised be the name of the Lord. R/. Now and forever.

LET US PRAY

Oh, sweet and merciful Jesus! Senyor Santo Niño, the source of all goodness, we kneel before Your sacred image, imploring Your divine aid for universal peace and brotherhood among all men. Enlighten the believers and the heathens so that they will believe you as their true God. Restore the faith of those who have wandered away from you, bring them back to your fold with repentance in their hearts.

Grant also to faithful departed in purgatory the remission of all their sins so that they will rest in peace forever. Finally, nourish and strengthen our faith so that we will serve you faithfully here on earth. Amen

FIRST DAY

PETITION

Oh, ever-wise Jesus, who, in your wisdom had sent zealous missionaries to preach the gospel to our forefathers so that they would see the light and embrace the Catholic faith, we humbly ask you to give us a living faith so that we may always please you in all that we do. We ask you this in your holy name. Amen

  • Pray 3 Our Fathers
  • 3 Haily Mary
  • 3 Glory Be
  • Now ask Señor Sto. Niño to hear your prayers and grant your petition/s…
  • Supplications to Sto. Niño

to be continued on next post…

Posted in Kdrama

Doctor Cha Drama

Posted on by M Artisans

Coming from a medical background, this on-going Korean Drama is relatable in all levels. Now on Netflix, this new series is full of comedy & drama, depicts the sacrifices of a mother to her family. Starring Uhm Jung-hwa in the titular role, along with Kim Byung-chul, Myung Se-bin, and Min Woo-hyuk.

It has been dominating the TV rankings since its released. According to Soompi, “Doctor Cha” took No. 1 on Good Data Corporation’s weekly list of the dramas that generated the most buzz.

The acting of Uhm Jung-hwa is notable and very good indeed, her character was a full-time housewife who after 20 years decided to go back to her medical practice. A kind of drama that keeps you sane in this crazy modern world. ❤