Depression - Meds, recent POV

Good afternoon, everyone.

It has been a while since I last wrote about Depression.
I was quite skeptical on this matter [using meds for Depression]
Truth is, I feared the unknown and the past experience was not pleasant.

I grew impatient for any results or improvements to arrive.
Which did not happen as I was not able to give time to it as well.

Note : If you are reading me, this is only my point of view regarding this
However, the right medicine for me , might not be the right for you and so on.
If you are experiencing depression, besides reading
(Which is one step already!) I advise you to seek professional help
Whether it is from a psychologist or a psychiatrist, Hospital or natural alternatives.

I would also like to add and ask you not to rush things as I did.
We all aim for a solution to our problems. I know.
I have been through it. I been through ups and downs, highs and lows, «hell and back».

But I am here. And so are you.
I have plenty to write and tell right now, at this very moment.

My point of View
[...] I decided to go to my family doctor as I was feeling very anxious
and had trouble sleeping and eating (due to stomache aches, too).

She prescribed me sleeping pills, an antidepressant and some meds for my stomache.
I started taking one antidepressant [....... toLife] it says.
I was already aware some side effects, while others took me for surprise.

OUTCOME :
Over three weeks have passed since I started treatment
The first days and until at least half of the second week I felt ill as in, nausea...
I lost appetite and 5kgs at the time. I continued to have trouble sleeping.
Some even said I was reaching the point of exhaustion.

But I kept on this treatment and held on onto it.
Plus I was still having appointments at a local psychology college
Giving up was and is not an option. Ever.

So I mainly took the decision of finding ways, tools, resources to relax.
To send any traces of anxiety away. I had to learn to wait.
Because I found out that if I was not that anxious,
I was going to be able to eat and sleep properly, with time.

Afterwards, I am still having a bit of trouble with eating
But my goal is to gain the weight again
Besides feeling better in all the other aspects of Life.
I noticed that I have been feeling calm and I am gaining energy again.
It is getting easier to sleep.

I am hoping to be back on track, renewed.
That and all the other steps I took ,
I shall leave them for another post.

Blessings.

Depression - Being Assertive

Good morning !

What is assertiveness?
Assertive is...saying no without saying "no".
It is standing up, for ourselves and defending our opinions and rights.

As far as I am concerned, being assertive is NOT the same as being rude or agressive.
It takes tact and expertise to know the right occasions / oportunities
To make use of Assertiveness.

"We are not born Being assertive, already. We learn it..."

Remember that you will not be assertive at once.
It requires time!


Why is it important?
Because sometimes we need to stand for our opinions and gain control over our lives ;
We cannot always allow people to take advantage nor use us.
By using Assertiveness you will feel less stress and, therefore, raise your self esteem
Along with point three, you will be able to give out your opinion.

With this technique, we can fight Depression 
and other problems or symptoms such as anxiety, insecurity,
lack of self confidence and poor relationships.
Situations of avoidance and frustration can be diminished as well.


Points to keep in mind : 

+ Body language is important too as it is needed for it to match the atitude.

+ You need to be serious yet pleasant.

+ Focus on what matters and on the problems.

+

• Use "I" statements. Keep the focus on the problem you're having, not on accusing or blaming the other person. Example: "I'd like to be able to tell my stories without interruption." instead of "You're always interrupting my stories!"

• Use facts, not judgments. Example: "Your punctuation needs work and your formatting is inconsistent" instead of "This is sloppy work." or "Did you know that shirt has some spots?" instead of "You're not going out looking like THAT, are you?"

• Express ownership of your thoughts, feeling, and opinions. Example: "I get angry when he breaks his promises." instead of "He makes me angry." or "I believe the best policy is to…" instead of "The only sensible thing is to …"

• Make clear, direct, requests. Don't invite the person to say no. Example: "Will you please ... ?" instead of "Would you mind … ?" or "Why don't you … ?"

Sources : http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/assertive/SR00042

http://www.uiowa.edu/ucs/asertcom.shtml

School - Bullying Events

Good evening, my readers ;

After taking some time out to read and learn,
I have been thinking about some major events that happened during my teenage days:
Bullying, that is.
Specifically, through middle and high school and even, after that.

I decided to share with you some major events of my own life.
Note : I do not know if the ones I will write about in this post will ever come across this,
Yet, I will give it a shot.

I have had ups and downs through out my life.


Middle School :

Situation ONE 

There was a boy called Wilson.

He was suspended and out of school at the time.

I was inside of the school and he was off the of the limits of it.

He started to make fun of me (the same old names).

I stood still at first, and stared at him.

Then I walked closer towards him.

There was a big wall and a metal bars (grids?) separating both.

We started talking. I gave advise to him, in order for him to study somewhere else.

He thanked me and told me that "I was a good person, overall".

Situation TWO

(Years later) 

A group of three boys would torment me during the school time break.

(The same that on 9th grade insulted and nearly beaten me 

at a bus stop while waiting for the same bus as them)

After the conversation their teacher had with them...

Days later , they appologized to me. 

High School :

Situation THREE

Another Physical Ed. Class. 

I think it was that or I was made fun at, at the time.

I was sitting and crying on the bus.

This old lady hugged and told me "everything was going to be alright".

I didn't know her and she didn't knew me.

It meant the world to me and I will never forget that.

Situation FOUR

When I gained courage to enter a poetry contest.

My classmates knew about it, eventually.

They supported me and started to gain interest about my work, my writings.

The final result on the contest was first place and three books as an award.

Out of School :

Situation FIVE

At a Part Time Job.

I was leaving the building and heading towards the bus stop.

There, I found one of the persons that had made fun of me in the past.

He was completly diferent and happy to know that I had a job at the time.

With this , I want to bring a message of Hope to you

And guarantee that: 

" No matter how cloudy and stormy your day, your life is

That there will be better mornings and better moments ".

Respectfully.

Life´s Advice - Psychotherapy and Tools

Good evening, everyone !

I have been asked, even more than just once if I have knowledge
And/or if I am connected to Psychology.
I shall leave that for other people to evaluate.

But then, when time passes
The answer will be left at open.

I have learnt much while studying during my course
And mostly, thanks to life itself.
It can bring many,many lessons along,
IF we are willing to learn.

It is a long process
And I am going to be completly honest :
There will be times of joy, there will be sadness and frustration.
There will be tears, there will be times of exhaustion
And when you stop and look behind, you will realize
" I have achieved so much, I have changed ! "

It will be worth it and it is.
Psycotherapy was a really valuable tool and taught me many things
And still does. It is helpful because:

A) It boosts your self confidence.

B) Helps you with expressing your feelings towards someone else.
Note : Again, it will take take time .
Maybe you will feel and create empathy towards your psychologist at the first time,
Or later or even with someone else, later on.

C) Psychotherapy is where you can talk about what is troubling you
There, you can about just nothing, anything, everything.
However, if you feel like holding back, maybe you haven't created that bond
That empathy with the professional yet. It will require time, trust me.
Amongst four professionals I created a strong therapeutical bond with the first and last one.
When that happens you will feel like nothing is too difficult to tell.

It might be difficult to start if you think that that person is a stranger.
Think of it like this " I AM HERE ONLY TO GET BETTER "
And this one person IS going to HELP 
A special and unique human being : ME (YOU) "

D) Helps your thoughts...
Often, whilst a person is depressed or stressed
He or she may have difficulty in organizing his/her thoughts
And its organization.

Therapy CAN and will help you stablish goals
Then priorities, then time to do so.
As in a "TO DO LIST"

QUESTIONS : 
What do I / Aim for and wish ? 
When can I do ? When will it be?

Note : 
What - Objectives.
When - Stablishes time to accomplish and/or complete those tasks.
(When...) Will it be? - an expression which is clearly set for the future.

Another step :
First we can start off by writing down our personal goals
The ones that come to head and mind at the very start
Then others, and so on...
Afterwards you shall divide everything in two lists

Personal Goals and Professional Goals
And, yet opcional, you can also create another blank paper sheet
By the name of Dreams and Aspirations.
We all deserve so and should dream.
May those be a flame and a MOTIVATION
for you to always, always keep you head high
and have a constant motivation.

My motivation is connected to what I have achieved
Along with waking up alive every morning
Having health and keeping in mind that my work
And/or course will take me somewhere, will be useful
Or even, that I shall gain anything with them.

So, after reading this , what is your motivation?

P.S.: Feel free to comment or follow our facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/BlogSpotLife

God bless*

Self Injury - Being Clean

Good afternoon.
How are you??
I have been clean for quite some time.
Months, I have been cut free.
With success, I am free

Over 8 months, maybe, just to have a glimpse of time.
I hope you are okay and that if it is your case,
That you find your pathway to recovery.

I shall be here and help you if you need so , too.

My testimony is out there... 
Read it if it can be of help.
Self Injury can be a result of Depression condition,
Or even,
A condition itself which camuflages other problems happening
with the person who is suffering :

For example,

As a result of family issues, bullying, relationship problems, eating disorders.
It can be linked or hand to hand to any of those,
As a way of copying or even, punishing oneself.
It is estimated that many have hurt themselves

Thousands, maybe millions of people, in certain points
Of their lifes.

Where to find help? 
Info and Support 
Sugestions are welcome,

You can contact us anytime as well at Contact us. 

What is SI / SH ? Self Injury and Self Harm
The document on awareness : SI Awareness

Advice : Butterfly Project , SI 
Let that butterfly live :)

Social - Being Underestimated

Good evening fellow readers,
The subject for today is about
Being Underestimated .

It is a very important subject on which I felt the urge of writing about...
As some persons might have been or are experiencing this in their lives (at certain point).

Let NO ONE ever take your dignity away
Nor put in cause your value.

And even if you get/are stuck by any comment
I know and I am sure that none of those is made out of truth
But instead, made out of either envy , jealousy or from persons
That want no good for you. Hear nothing of that.


"No weapon formed against me shall prosper" 
(DMX - Lord, Give me a Sign)

-- I heard this lyrics of a song, yet it is a useful quote
In this situation. Do not allow anyone to bring you down.

Instead, keep focusing of your goals :
Surprise them, amaze them with your abilities...

I remember when I was bullied in highschool...
I wasn't as good as my classmates in Physical Education Classes.
I started to write as a coping method.

Then I learned my strongest subjects : Language (PT) and English.
While I was made fun about in one part,
I shall say that I surprised my classmates
When I was able to get good grades on the two subjects I was keen on.

If I made it through School, you can make it through as well.
It can be applied to other areas of life, for example any type of relationship.

Bottom line is :
Do not allow anyone to bring you down
In any circunstances...

And even if you feel down or weaker,
Please pick up your weapons and remain fighting.
Reveal the warrior in you

Because you are stronger than you can imagine.
You are a wonderful human being...

Anything that happens
Hold onto us.
Bring me your troubles and insecurities
and I shall do the best to help.

We shall never underestimate
Because we know your value! 
Take care.

Life´s Advice - Gratitude

A blessed weekend to everyone out there!
Being Grateful.
I chose this topic
As it is a subject very related to me

And , personally,
I believe we may go through this
At a certain in our lives,

We either learn or not to be grateful 
We either choose or not to practice 
Gratitude In OUR lives. 

Practicing gratitude in... 
Each and everytime you breathe a gasp of air... 

Each time you wake up in the morning, 

Each time you are alive, 

Each time you have health (even if it is a little bit) 

To carry through the day, 

Each time you have food on the table, 

Each time you have a place to sleep, 

Each time you have someone to love, 

(Whether is a family member, your better half or good friends) 

So... Practice Gratitude, as many times as you can,
Every day and even when you feel upset or sad.
It is not about what you wish to have or about what you want to have and don't have

It is about what you already have 
Even the slightest, most simple things 
AND TO BE THANKFUL FOR THEM. 
Blessed be*

Life´s Advice - Inner Weights and Trauma

Good morning!
Woke up rather early, here.
My chosen topic for today is about weight.

As in, emotional weight caused by trauma,
 Significant events and/or fear.

The advice I leave to follow from this day on is to Change and Let Go.
By personal experience, I was stuck in this certain time of my life
Seventeen and eighteen years old, to be exact.

I didn't know what I exactly holding onto, to be honest.
Was it the trauma? pain? addiction? bitterness?
lack of forgiveness? nostalgy? sorrow?

1. The first step is to recognize that a problem exists. 
If you feel that you are heavy hearted by any reason above;
It is time to act and react towards what is leaving you
in that state of either apathy or deep pain.

The weight is there... 
- When it holds you back from being yourself. 

- When it stops you from doing what you used to, 

- Taking along with one or many things that you used to enjoy 

- Whenever you procrastinate.  

- Whenever you let go either by disbelief, 

- Either by guilt...sorrow...sadness... 

What could have happened, 
What could have been, 
What would have been, What could be done. 

It may seem little, but all together carry serious consequences.
By letting go all of that,
You shall feel less heavy on that matter.

And fear? It only is a monster if you allow it to become so.
And it becomes a monster when you you give importance to it
Whenever you drink it, like a poison Whenever you carry it, as heavy luggage.
So please, let go... I shall be here to assist you.

Self Esteem/Motivational Videos - Life´s Advice

Everyday or even in your spare time
See this. Even if it aparently makes no sense now or so
It will later, believe me! <3















I hope you receive only the best.
But never forget God and to be humble
Even to your own enemies.
Take care...

Motivation for the Masses! - Life´s Advice

Greetings!
My gifts for you...
Some might be in Portuguese.

















1. Do not be afraid of failing
For in each failure and mistake, there is a lesson
For each failure, there will be a victory.

2. Always aim for your dreams
Regardles of dificulty

3. Love yourself as you love others.
Love others as you love yourself.

4. Bring joy and light to people's hearts.

5. Allow yourself to do at least
one great action today whether is for a family member,
a stranger or a friend.

6. Worship your God,
Respect your fellow brothers and sisters.

7. Respect the elderly
For they have much wisdom
And crossed either many paths and/or many lives.

8. Deny whatever insults or desrespects your Lord.

9. Believe in your path to happiness
Believe in your path to freedom.

NOTE : Path to Freedom I define as one
where and when the person puts down
his/her bad or dark habits behind.
That is why another one of my blogs
It is called Path to Freedom.

The "x" behind Path to Freedom
Is like "X" marking the spot.
"X" as ex...harmful things
That were abandoned
In order for a better life
And search for a greater goal.

Life - Once upon a time...

There was this girl...

Taught on how to hate herself...
She learned how to fight back.
(We fight back our enemies, by suceeding.
Reach for your goals, even if you think they're high.
They won't be).

Was forced to see failure...
Yet she destroyed it and aimed for victory!
(There is no failure, just lack of trying)

Saw disease...
Yet she healed her demons away!

Saw suicide in many corners...
Yet she found a proper exit.
To keep on LIVING for the ones who love her!
(We all deserve to live)

Was forced NOT to belief
She has found Him once again.
She doesn't need much more...

My faith is my shield...
God is my Father...
Love is enough.

God bless.

Self Esteem II

Family was supposed to help isn't it?
So yesterday night I was already messed up
With those words between me and my sister;
She eventually left and we were to meet again
Besides my grandma
and brother on Sunday are to go to the movies.
I don't feel excited at all, to be honest.

My mom found me almost crying
She decided to ask me what was wrong
So I explained her...
(She used to be so understanding)

I explained how things aren't going exactly
Like what I expected...and like they were told.
I said I, more than anything want to furfill my dreams
Which I don't believe it'll be here.
She said that besides needing the money

I'ld need somewhere to stay and so,
Permitions, vacations...
So don't expect to be there in less time than a year

After that I put my head on the pillow
And what I was saving the whole day inside of me got out
She said "do not bring yourself down"
Petted my head and left.

Self Esteem I

...I thought that things
Were finally going alright ;
And that work would be payed.
Instead she likes to take me to places
Just to see things and such

Then dinner. I don't want to sound ungrateful
In fact, let's say my expectations are broken...
I could have gone home
And have dinner with my "family"
She (sis) says she is
...Trying to get me out of my "vegetable" type of life.
Then I had some other things
That I had to hear and shut up...

She says it is for my own good
And that she is trying to help me ;
Is it? I hear things like :

"You're not entering in the car right ,
You're looking like a corcunda!".

"You're not walking
with your feet straight..."
(Guess what? I was born like this...)

"You're too shy
and embaraced towards people" ;

Believe me , it hurts.
Yesterday we went to the hair salon
Because she wanted to get her hair done
I was trying to be outside
But my sister turned back and told me to get in.
My self esteem lost some points
And broke into pieces.

To be honest, I miss my long hair...I really do....
There I was trying to cover that all ;
I was hours waiting and with this feeling inside of me
A knot in my throat.
I was head down, texting a friend
I wanted to cry my eyes out already.
But I couldn't,
People would notice that obviously...

Night :
Not so famous we had dinner...me and my sister.
At home the neighbors were there again.
My sis went to put my hair straight ;
It looked alright...sort of.
I will have to wait quite some time
For my hair to grow again...

As my hair was a little better than usual
So I asked her if she could take me some pics...
More criticizing regarding the color quality
She said I looked like a zombie in some...
Then that others were alright ;

She told I looked angry...upset...
I told her it was "nothing"
and I kept on listening to music.
I ended up talking with her;

She replied that she...
Was saying those things for my own good
(Really? There are other ways of saying)
And that she didn't wanted for me to made fun of
While we were the two going out (...)