Tag: psychology

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 life, motivational, psychology

Pseudo Dementia and Anxiety

Posted on by M Artisans

Day 2 of 2024, upon reflecting on the past year, I have observed certain symptoms that accompany my experience with depression. Watching K-dramas, especially the latest one titled “Daily Dose of Sunshine” enlightened me on how many symptoms co-exist with depression.

Pseudo Dementia

Mood-related conditions such as depression can lead to Pseudo Dementia. This condition exhibits symptoms similar to dementia but does not involve neurological degeneration. Due to its association with depression, it is occasionally referred to as depressive pseudo-dementia. For more information on this topic, you can visit this link.

The symptoms may include:

  • problems with speech and language
  • lapses or losses of memory
  • difficulty paying attention
  • difficulty regulating emotions
  • difficulty organizing or planning

It may be noticeable online (or on social media) due to fewer posts I made since being diagnosed with depression. The struggle is more on my lack of energy and a generalized feeling of fatigue and low mood.

The following symptoms may also manifest since it is related to depression:

  • a loss of interest in activities
  • a depressed mood that lasts for weeks at a time
  • social withdrawal
  • suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • insomnia or hypersomnia
  • general fatigue
  • a loss of appetite or overeating

Anxiety

During the holiday season, despite being surrounded by family and friends, I found myself grappling with worries and anxious thoughts. The stress of the festive season and the ensuing challenges triggered my anxiety disorder.

I didn’t know I had this phobia called trypophobia, and if you have one please don’t even try searching it online or they will show you holes. It is a general feeling of uneasiness, fear, and cringe at holes or patterns (ex., honeycomb).

Dealing with anxiety entails experiencing uncontrollable fear or worry. Depending on the type of anxiety, these feelings can arise during routine activities such as socializing with new acquaintances or tackling challenges at school or work.

Both anxiety and depression are very common and frequently co-occur.

All these conditions, if you have them, are not a result of weakness but are medical conditions. And even though we may still face criticism from those who don’t completely understand, I urge you to seek help and reach out to friends and family.

❤

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 life, psychology

Gen Z is More Stressed

Posted on by M Artisans

Generation Z or Gen Z refers to the generation that is born between the years 1997 and 2012. The first generation to be raised entirely with the internet and smartphones.

Growing up in tumultuous times that include multiple stressors such as climate change, conflicts, and political unrest. There’s a lot going on and all at once, TMI for sure! They are not just dealing with everyday stress, they are in constant bombardment of information and pressure.

In fact, many recent surveys and studies showed that these young adults are the most stressed, pressured and exhausted group.

They have a ton of reasons to feel more stressed than previous generations. Stress that can contribute to psychological concerns like anxiety and depression.

Here are the examples of stressors for Gen Z’s;

  • In one survey, it was reported that almost half of Gen Z are on their phones or online for 10 or more hours a day. That means more screen time and less time connecting with others in person, this could increase feelings of isolation and loneliness. There’s also less time going outdoors and being with nature.
  • In the American Psychological Association report, 91% of Gen Zs are experiencing physical or psychological symptoms due to stress. Causes of stress are money/work, debt, school and hunger.
  • Issues like climate change, political conflicts and fear of the future in general.
  • Exposure to harmful content through social media at a young age.
  • Research from University College London found that Gen Z was more likely to self-harm, have poorer body image, lack sleep, be overweight and have depression.
  • They also face pressure related to social media and the need to perform and conform for a picture-perfect image (and life).

Coming from a parent of a Gen Z, it’s not all negative for our children. Actually, because of social media, they’ve increased awareness of the importance of mental health. They are interconnected globally through the internet. They are more likely to seek psychological help and speak up about their concerns.

We should be the first advocates of their physical and mental health. Understanding, patience, and open communication among families – these are some of the keys in addressing and helping our Gen Z children.

❤

Posted in life, psychology

What it means to be considerate?

Posted on by M Artisans

Coming across vlogs “showing off” their lifestyle rendered some deep thoughts and reflections. There’s a Filipino term called – “malasakit“. Uniquely Filipino because there’s no exact English translation. It is a Filipino value of caring and acting on the needs of others.

Be Considerate

Being considerate is synonymous to kindness. It can come in different forms and sizes. When you think of others before yourself, considering their feelings, concerns or priorities before your own. Begins with sympathy and thoughful rumination.

Being nice is a broader term – like civility. Being considerate entails a real and active interest on other people. There’s more effort than just being nice or civil.

There are 7 habits of Considerate People.

1. They practice empathy

Empathy is described as sensing what people are feeling

– Goldman Madel

It is different from sympathy, as empathy involves shared perspective or emotion. Considerate people not only feel for (with) others but actively see the world beyond themselves. Treating people with respect and compassion.

2. They smile often

Pexels.com

There’s a saying that kindness begins with a smile. Smiling evokes a positive emotion and reaction. In Positive Psychology, people are encouraged to smile more. You feel good and affect others, too.

3. They are intuitive of other people’s needs

From my Emotional Social Intelligence (ESI) class, there’s Cognitive Empathy. It is the ability to understand what another person might be thinking or feeling. When you walk in another person’s shoes and make them feel they are valued – that’s consideration.

Pexels.com

4. They mind their manners

Being polite doesn’t begin and end with saying please and thank you. It is way more than that. The golden rule – treat others the way you want to be treated.

5. Be emotionally intelligent

Emotional and Social Intelligence – is the ability to be aware of your own emotions and those of others in the moment, and use that information to manage yourself and your relationships (ESI UC Davis).

ESI is not a soft skill and is now in the Top 10 most important workplace skill needed for success (World Eco Forum 2020). It is twice as important as technical and cognitive skills combined.

6. They are patient

Patience is difficult to have these days especially when attention span is shortened to a few seconds. Being patient comes with kindness, as you “consider” other person’s situation or reason.

Pexels.com

7. They apologize (when needed)

One of the traits of a toxic individual is – non admission to mistakes. Apologizing when you’ve made a mistake instead of passing the blame is crucial when being considerate.

Pexels.com

❤

Posted in psychology

Narcissistic, my God i luv it!

Posted on by M Artisans

Ive’s Narcissus concept in “Love Dive” became an instant hit since its debut comeback. They even won multiple awards with this song (congrats Ive). Not only it is catchy but the dance choreo (my favorite) is addictive. There’s a particular move – “mirror princess” where members look into a “mirror”. A symbolic of Narcissistic adage.

Love Dive – Ive

What is Narcissistic?

– by Merriam-Webster definition, relating to or characterized by narcissism; extremely exaggerated sense of self-importance, marked by or characteristic of excessive admiration of or infatuation with oneself.

Narcissism comes from the story of Narcissus. In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a hunter known for his beauty. He fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, staring at it until he drowned. At that spot, a flower bloomed which is now called as the narcissus plant or the daffodil.

A tragic story like many mythologies I’ve read, has a lesson worth noting. Pride and self-obsession for Greeks are obstructions to piety and religion. Proving the cruel fate of Narcissus.

Daffodil photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Narcissistic personality disorder NPD is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism.

Mayo Clinic

A narcissist can have many problems in different areas of life. They are disappointed when they’re not given the attention they believe they deserve. And symptoms are as follows;

  • Have an unreasonably high sense of self-importance and require constant, excessive admiration.
  • Feel that they deserve privileges and special treatment.
  • Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements.
  • Make achievements and talents seem bigger than they are.
  • Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate.
  • Believe they are superior to others and can only spend time with or be understood by equally special people.
  • Be critical of and look down on people they feel are not important.
  • Expect special favors and expect other people to do what they want without questioning them.
  • Take advantage of others to get what they want.
  • Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others.
  • Be envious of others and believe others envy them.
  • Behave in an arrogant way, brag a lot and come across as conceited.
  • Insist on having the best of everything.

The hallmarks of NPD are grandiosity, lack of empathy for other people, and the need for admiration. They are described as self-centered, manipulative and demanding. They also have trouble handling criticism. To them, criticisms are just personal attacks.

These people think there’s nothing wrong with them. They are resistant to changing their behavior even when it’s causing them problems. Their tendency is to pass the blame to others.

Narcissists believe they are better than everyone else and often exagerrate their own achievements and talents. They live in a fantasy world that supports their delusions of grandeur. They have a sense of entitlement and consider themselves as special.

For their overly inflated ego that needs to be constantly fed so they surround themselves with people who are willing to cater to them. This kind of relationship is usually one-sided. Since they lack empathy, they often take advantage of others to get what they want.

There are more topics (and medical terms) related to NPD, however I’d like to emphasize the problem with them – they are not even aware of their own behavior. Thinking – what could be wrong really? Yes, it is sad especially when you know someone who is one! but stay calm – real and lasting relationships are based on mutual respect and love.

Since narcissists are not capable of reciprocating your love and affection, it’s all about them as the center of the universe. It is best to set healthy boundaries and don’t take things personally. It’s not about you, it’s them.

And lastly, don’t argue with a narcissist.

It’s pointless.

Ending with this reminder – spend time and make memories with people who are worth your precious time (and life).

❤

Posted in psychology

The influence of people around you

Posted on by M Artisans

Yes people come and go in our life and they also influence us in one way or another. My constant prayer as a parent is for my child to meet friends who will be of “good” influence to her. I grew up in a traditional manner, raised by strict grandmother and parents, choosing good friends is important.

A motto that marked indelibly in my heart is this saying;

Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.

– anonymous

There are many versions of this quote but they all mean the same thing. In Social Psychology, this influence is being recognized and scientifically proven. Your closest associates (sometimes called – reference group) can determine much of your success in life. Our friends influence us subtly yet powerfully, and that can either be good or bad.

Research shows we do not have as much control over our thoughts and behavior as we think. We take cues from our environment, especially other people, on how to act.

– Psychology Today

Another powerful quote by Jim Rohn – “You are the average of the 5 people you hang around with.” The first quotation stayed with me since highschool. And recently, studying Psychology out of interest helps me gain more insight in relationships and human behavior.

You can’t choose your family, but you have the power to decide who to be close with. You also have the power to avoid certain people – toxic ones, for they will definitely shape who you are.

From my notes in Managing Emotions (Social Emotional Learning SEL) by Yale University – Humans are social creatures, we are influencing each other’s feelings whether we realize it or not.

Photo by Min An on Pexels.com

Surrounding yourself with good people is not a strategy, it is a necessity. Having family and friends who motivate and help you become better (or best) version of yourself is a blessing.

❤

Posted in psychology

Brainwashing in Toxic Relationships

Posted on by M Artisans

Brainwashing is defined in the Psychology Dictionary as that which “manipulates and modifies a person’s emotions, attitudes, and beliefs.” It reduces a person’s ability to mentally defend themselves and makes it easier for another person to control them.

Brainwashing (also known as mind control, menticide, coercive persuasion, thought control, thought reform, and forced re-education) is the concept that the human mind can be altered or controlled by certain psychological techniques.

– Wikipedia

History

The term brainwashing was first coined in the 1950s when journalist Edward Hunter in his article in Miami Daily News entitled – “Brain-washing Tactics Force Chinese Into Ranks of Communist Party.” He described how Mao’s Red Army used ancient techniques to manipulate the masses. He called this hypnotic process – brainwashing, the process to change the mind drastically (Smithsonian Magazine).

It is a theory that a person’s core beliefs, ideas, affiliations and values can be replaced, so much so that they have no autonomy over themselves and cannot think critically or independently.

In 1956, Albert Biderman studied how prisoner of war camp personnel got U.S. prisoners of the Korean War to give them tactical information, collaborate with propaganda, and agree with false confessions. Biderman stated that inflicting physical pain was not necessary to “induce compliance,” but psychological manipulations were extremely effective for that purpose. His report included what has come to be known as “Biderman’s Chart of Coercion.”

In Biderman’s chart, he summarized the tactics in brainwashing;

  • Isolation
  • Monopolization of perception (fixes attention on immediate predicament; eliminates “undesirable” stimuli)
  • Induced debilitation; exhaustion
  • Threats
  • Occasional indulgences (provides motivation for compliance; hinders adjustment to deprivation)
  • Demonstrating superiority
  • Degradation
  • Enforcing trivial demands

Not all eight elements need to be present in order for brainwashing to occur. Each element can have some power to distort reality, interfere with perception, reduce a person’s self-confidence, and gain compliance.

How are you brainwashed?

Based on the mechanisms from Biderman’s chart, you can somehow notice that this person is trying to control you. But first, this person who will try to brainwash you will want to know everything about you in order to manipulate your beliefs. Everything – find out what your strengths are, your weaknesses, who you trust, who is important to you and who you listen to for advice.

They will begin with isolation, it may come in a form of not allowing an access for family or friends. The brainwasher must have a complete control of the target.

In the process, brainwasher will attack the victim’s self esteem, making them vulnerable and easier to control. This can be done through physical or verbal abuse, threats, etc.

you are not who you think you are.

– how stuff works

The abuser denies everything that makes the target who he is: “You are not a soldier.” “You are not a man.” “You are not defending freedom.” The target is under constant attack for days, weeks or months, to the point that he becomes exhausted, confused and disoriented. In this state, his beliefs seem less solid (exhaustion).

Most psychologists believe that brainwashing is possible in the right conditions and settings. Plan must be systematic and relentless making it tiresome for the victim.

While the identity crisis is setting in, the brainwasher is simultaneously creating an overwhelming sense of guilt in the target. He/she repeatedly and mercilessly attacks the subject for any “sin” the target has committed, large or small. The victim now feels a general sense of shame that everything he/she does is wrong.

The ultimate goal of brainwashing is Blind Obedience. The victim follows orders without question. This is usually achieved by positively rewarding the person when they please the brainwasher and negatively punishing them when they do not (indulgences and punishment).

Brainwashing is real.

Yes, it is not just in fictional books and movies. Brainwashing is real!

However, this mind/psychological control should not be feared, and target/prospect having knowledge makes any tactic less effective. Here are some ways that you can do to avoid being brainwashed;

  • Don’t believe everything that you read
  • Don’t buy into fear or scare tactics
  • Watch for someone’s hidden agenda
  • Look out for less obvious messages, try to listen for both sides of the story
  • Follow your own path
  • Do your own research
  • Listen to your own intuition
  • Don’t follow the crowd
  • Don’t be afraid to be different

hugs,

Posted in life

Dysthymia

Posted on by M Artisans

During our Psychology Class at Yale University, I first encountered the term Dysthymia.

Under Mood Disorder – Dysthymia or Persistent Depressive Disorder PDD (dis-THIE-me-uh), is a continuous long-term (chronic) form of depression.

In the book I’m currently reading – I want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteobokki, this term was mentioned and I hurried to my notes to review.

Endometriosis contributes severely to my condition. Depression affects women twice as often as men regardless of having endometriosis or not.

The association between endometriosis and psychological disorders has been reported in several previous studies, with depression and anxiety being the most common conditions. The incidence of such symptoms is higher in women with endometriosis than in any other gynecological condition.

– EndometriosisNews.com

According to John Hopkins Medicine – Depression is a mood disorder that involves your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects how you eat and sleep, think about things, and feel about yourself. It’s not the same as being unhappy or in a “blue” mood. It’s not a sign of weakness or something that can be willed or wished away. People with depression can’t “snap out of it” and get better.

People experience depression in different ways.

Symptoms may include:

  • Lasting sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Less ability to concentrate, think, and/or make decisions
  • Less energy
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Weight and/or appetite changes due to over- or under-eating
  • Changes in sleep patterns, such as fitful sleep, inability to sleep, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
  • Low self-esteem

To diagnose Dysthymia, a person must have a depressed mood for atleast 2 years (since it is persistent and long term). Or one year for children and adolescents, along with at least 2 of the above symptoms. The symptoms of this illness may look like other mental health conditions. Talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

*Disclaimer: This post does not intend to replace, dictate or fully define diagnosis and treatment by a qualified physician. It is intended only for informative purposes.