Mark Myers Expert Answer(selective Mutism)

Mark Myers Expert Answer to: I have a son who had selective mutism from 6-8 years. He is now 16 and has been diagnosed with OCD. He also appears to be suffering from severe depression. Are these linked? Selective Mutism, as you may well know, is predominately found in children. However, some adults do experience it as well. This disorder is characterized by a person persistently failing to speak in select settings, which continues for more than 1 month. These individuals do talk to other people, usually family members. The diagnosis of Selective Mutism, does fall under the anxiety disorder spectrum. This spectrum would also include OCD. In fact, it is not unusual for OCD, or other types of anxiety disorders to coexist with Selective Mutism. It also does put a person at greater risk to develop other anxiety disorders later in life. view full answer

Mark Myers Expert Answer to: Why do I get agitated by things outside of my control

There are several disclosures that you have made that indicate agitation is not the only issue. Insecurity and unhappiness appear to be issues as well. My guess is that this is something that did not suddenly appear. It most likely was a work in progress. Family history, life experiences, relationships, and your physiological make up all got you to wear you are now. Habits, beliefs, and attitudes have probably been developing for awhile. The positive(click for more)

Pet Owners and Mental Health

There is significant research that keeping pets can improve your physical health, but did you also know that caring for pets also improves mental health? A study published by the APA, American Psychological Association, found that pet owners rated themselves as happier, healthier, and better adjusted than non-pet owners. The key element that made the difference was the perception on the part of pet owners that their pets gave them a sense that their social needs were met, a sense of belonging, and higher reported self-esteem. Pets decrease our sense of loneliness or isolation. Also, pets require individuals to step out of their own thoughts and feelings to consider the needs of another being, thus encouraging engagement in the world around you. McConnell, et. al. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2011, Vol. 101, No. 6, 1239-1252.

Moment,Relationship, and Death

When someone loses a loved one,typically there is going to be an assortment of emotions that person would need to sort through. The common one experienced,of course,is sadness. Another emotion experienced is regret. This emotion could turn to a self defeating belief,which certainly will complicate the grief process. When an individual passes away, weather sudden or prolonged, the survivor(s) will reflect back on the relationship. Instead of focusing on the relationship as a whole, they would pick a moment in time, usually the last interaction(or close to last)they may have had with the deceased. This moment could be something said or not said or something done or not done. A child may have walked away to take a break and a parent who was terminally ill passed. A couple could have gotten into an argument and the spouse died unexpectantly. The thoughts that evolve from this could impact on how a person deals with he loss."He dies alone", "This is the last moment we had", "I never said how much she meant to me". These are all passages in time the grieved could dwell on. In reality, there are very few story book closures we can have. If the relationship was significant, true closure may not happen for a time after death. Naturally we want to squeeze every moment we can out of significant relationships. However, it is important to focus on the relationship as a whole. Focusing on a part of it is truly not reflective on the relationship as a whole. One quiz does not make a grade, one report does not make a career, and one interaction does not define the relationship.

Mark Myers Expert Answer to:I'm extremely depressed and angry about being unemployed for some time. How do I go on without having a mental breakdown?

In today's economy, I am sure you are not alone. There are many people who share your plight. The fear you face is understandable. Individuals could experience the following feelings: worry, unproductive, boredom, self defeated, and pessimistic, to name a few emotions. It is important that you take steps to try to take control over areas of your life that you can. Click for more

Mark Myers expert answer to: Depression: I keep punishing myself, always doing the opposite of what I should. How can I quit doing this? There is a self defeating cycle you have gotten yourself into. When you do not accomplish tasks that you like to, you beat yourself up. The more you beat yourself up the less confident you more

Mark Myers Expert Answer to: Why do I hate myself and how do I stop?

Why do I hate myself and how do I stop? Why you hate yourself is not important as to what to do about it. Often times, individuals find themselves in a bad spot. How they got could be influenced by genetics, life events, childhood upbringing, and/or current relationships(family, friends,work). Rather then focusing on the why's, invest your energies into changing thoughts and behaviors that are allowing you to struggle. more

Mark Myers Expert Answer to: How Can a man Who Doesn't Trust Anyone find A Girlfriend-Wife?

Mark Myers expert Answer to: Dating and Relationships: How can a man who doesn't trust anyone find a girlfriend/wife? The fact that you see this issue as your problem,that is a good start. Often times individuals with trust issues may blame their struggles on others(women cannot be trusted) rather than themselves(I have a trust issue). I would first suggest recognizing behaviors and thoughts that would reflect your trust issues. This could be done by writing down thoughts throughout the day. At days end, go back and review your journaling. It is important to start recognizing unhealthy thoughts("Woman cannot be trusted) and behaviors("I need to check up on her") and begin to replace them with healthier thoughts/behaviors .Once you give credibility to your mistrust thoughts, you start losing the battle. Initially there are going to be struggles. Just like a lot of issues, hard work and consistency could break this pattern. I would suggest having an outside source be able to give you objective feedback. In most cases, this would be a therapist who works with a Cognitive Behavioral or Solution focused approach.

Mark Myers Expert Answer to: I'm pretty sure that I have a mild case of depression and it's affecting people around me. How can I rebuild my relationships with them?

Depression could have different points of origins. An negative event... a loss of job, divorce, or other event transpired that causes you to be depressed. There could also be a situation in life that you are in that makes you feel depressed... unhappy marriage, unfulfilled job or health problems are some examples. Lastly, there could be a physiological cause of your depression. Life could be going well but you just feel depressed.

Mark Myers expert answer to: I am angry, irritated, and frustrated most of the time. How do I control this?

The symptoms that you describe(irritability, pessimism, lack of ability to accomplish tasks) could mean that you could be suffering from depression. This diagnosis would need to be confirmed by a professional. What you are experiencing has nothing to do with being a good person.

Mark Myers Expert Answer to: How can I become a happier person?

Happiness is an individual and subjective experience. How someone defines it and views it, is what happiness is to them. A moment of happiness for a teenager or adrenalin seeking adult could be a going down a high thrill roller coaster ride. For others (those of us more ground based) this could be a very unpleasant activity. There is not one universal accepted experience or state of mind that defines happiness. An individual concept of happiness is formed by subjective interpretations of events and expectations set forth by themselves or others.

Mark Myers Expert Answer to:What sort of hacks can I use to snap out of depression?

What sort of hacks can I use to snap out of depression? I've been diagnosed with depression, but don't want to take medication.

Depending on the severity, the length of time it has been going on, and the impact it is having on your life, there are different ways someone can address feeling depressed. The first step is learning more about your depression. Try to determine patterns to your depression. Is it more intense during certain times of the day, talking with certain people, or thinking certain thoughts? Are some days better than other days? Is it more intense during certain times of the year? How long does it last when you are depressed? Keeping a journal would be one way to help determine patterns.

This information gathering is going to be helpful. If you feel depressed more during Winter time(for most people in general this is common to some degree), this may suggest a possibility of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Interventions could include increasing activities, buying a light therapy lamp, or increasing excercise routine.

While gathering information you may also see a pattern to how you think. Are you looking at situations pessimistically? Are you feeling lonely? Are you feeling depressed because of certain relationships or lack there of? How are you sleeping and does lack of sleep impact on your emotions? If you see a point of origin to your depression, you can implement a plan of action to address this.

Some strategies could include: increase/include exercise, vitamins, increase social networks, hypnosis, volunteer, join support group, involve yourself in religious activities or organisations, or changing your way of thinking. Medication does not have to be involved, but in some cases it is necessary. Talk therapy could also be introduced. A therapist could help you in planning out a course of action.

Depressed Patients May Process Hate Feelings Differently

Depressed Patients May Process Hate Feelings Differently
Activity in the brain's "hate circuit" is out of sync across the circuit's three regions, leading to self-loathing and other failures to deal appropriately with feelings of hate, research suggests.

Out of the Darkness, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Standing in a sea of people preparing for the Out of the Darkness Walk for R.I.T.A. is a women holding a board with pictures of a young man who should now be in the prime of his life.
“He didn’t realize how special he was, and how many people cared about him. We’re walking in his memory in hopes that others will know there is always someone they can reach out to,” said Rena Charboneau.
Daniel, a family friend, ended his life at the age of 18. And like the 1,000 other walkers that raised just under $100,000 at the morning’s awareness and fundraising event, Team Daniel hopes their efforts may inspire others to make the outreach effort Daniel ultimately did not.
“We need to talk about suicide, about behaviors that warn us that someone is considering it. We need to realize mental illnesses have treatments that work, and that no one should feel shame in needing help,” said Lisa Riley, co-chair of the walk and president of the capitol region chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Why Laughter May Be the Best Pain Medicine

Laughing with friends releases feel-good brain chemicals, which also relieve pain, new research

indicates.

Until now, scientists haven't proven that like exercise and other activities, laughing causes a release of so-called endorphins.

"Very little research has been done into why we laugh and what role it plays in society," study researcher Robin Dunbar, of the University of Oxford, said in a statement. "We think that it is the bonding effects of the endorphin rush that explain why laughter plays such an important role in our social lives."

Depression

Depression is a common illness that affects up to 12% of men and 25% of woman during their lifetime. The symptoms may persist for most of the day, nearly every day, or throughout

the day. It may develop over days to weeks. The severity of it could also vary among individuals. Depression is not merely feeling down and out. It could have a profound and devastating

impact on individuals and families. Depression is a medical illness that can be treated with counseling and\or medication. It is not a

weakness or character defect. 

Individuals suffering from depression are likely to experience:

# A depressed mood for most of the day

# Loss of interest in pleasurable\recreational pursuits

# Sudden changes and excess in eating and sleeping habits

# Feeling fatigued or rundown

# Persistent feelings of hopelessness

# Difficulties concentrating and\or making decisions

# Anxious feeling

# Feeling hopeless

Causes of Depression

There are both physical and psychological causes of depression. Some people are born being more susceptible to depression through family history, illnesses, and chemical imbalances. Others may be experiencing psychological or emotional causes involving death of loved ones, divorce, loss of job, or

other life circumstances.

Treatment for Depression 

 If you are treated by a therapist, a variety of approaches may be introduced. One approach in and of itself, may not be the answer. A combination of approaches might significantly reduce your symptoms. Therapy can help you gain new insight and awareness into thoughts as well as, behavior that contributes to depression.

Altering lifestyle and approach to life often have a positive impact on an individual. Included are some suggestions for addressing symptoms of depression. Nutrition Significant progress has been made in

investigating how nutrition can influence mood and behavior. Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant which

can affect sleep. Processed and sugary foods tend to deplete the body’s energy reserves in the long run

which could influence fatigue factors. Consider the use of vitamins and mineral supplements. Your doctor or

other trained professionals can assist you in making nutritional choices. 

Exercise

Exercise can help disrupt the pattern of depression and fatigue. The body becomes better able to handle the

effects of physical and emotional stress. Exercise can positively affect the neurochemistry of the brain.

Many find that going for walks, especially in the morning, can improve one’s outlook on life. Exercising could also improve an individuals self confidence in setting and achieving physical goals. 

Supportive Relationships 

There is an increasing correlation between supportive relationships and health. Relationships provide encouragement and help fulfill a very important human need. Often being with others helps balance the focus

between oneself and others. It is important to identify individuals who are truly supportive. Be careful to choose supportive people rather than those who may be negative or demanding. It is also important to understand peoples limitations in giving support. Some individuals may not be able to offer the consistent support that you need. If you expand your resources through community networks (i.e., Y.M.C.A.’s,

support groups, etc.), this would enable you to have the ongoing support you require.

Education Individuals can learn about the treatment of depression from doctors, books, the Internet, and peers. Knowledge can be empowering and reduce depression symptoms because individuals understand their symptoms better. 

Realistic Expectations 

Sometimes, individuals have difficulties setting realistic expectations. Their goals for themselves are usually very high or low. Cognitive restructuring can be helpful in providing structure for realistic goal setting.

Rational Thoughts

Thoughts play a key role in influencing feelings and behavior. Cognitive restructuring can assist you in learning

how to change often predictable and self-defeating thoughts. Through increased awareness and practice,

unrealistic thought patterns can be replaced with more rational ones. 

Medication

Medication can help stabilization of functioning and create opportunities for other aspects of treatment to be

beneficial. Medication is often utilized when there is significant impairment in day to day functioning. Because each person differs biologically and psychologically, it is important to discuss the use of medication with your

doctor or psychiatrist.

What are the signs of Depression?

A person may be depressed for a variety of different reasons including: a life event (death of loved one, divorce), substance abuse, a situation in life (being in an unhappy marriage), a feeling of depression without any noticeable starting point, a medical condition or any combination of the above.

The symptoms of depression include any of the following symptoms: feeling sad for most of day, decrease in pleasurable pursuits, weight gain/weight loss, fatigue, feeling guilty or worthless, isolating, sleep difficulties, difficulties concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death. Any single one of these symptoms could bring a person to see their doctor or.


Diagnosing depression may not seem as easy as one would think. A person may be depressed but not necessarily identify their symptoms as being the cause. Some one may see a doctor for sleep difficulties, but upon further questioning might have other symptoms of depression. A thorough exam should uncover other symptoms that would lead to a diagnosis of depression. If any of the aforementioned symptoms persist for a while or impact your life, you should seek out help. If you are seeking out help from your doctor, it is important for both patient and doctor to discuss other symptoms or events that are occurring in a person's life as opposed to just looking at the initial symptoms.