You know that values can help you live more effectively as your real self, but did you know they can bring more direction to your life? But how do I do that? To get more direction in your life, live out your values; apply them. They can make your life feel purposeful and good. To start, simply base your goals on your values. That’s what this post is about.
Read MoreDo you really know yourself? What you really want? This is the first of several posts on values. Values can help you limit anxiety and prevent depression in your life. Knowing your values helps you know yourself, and can guide your goals, priorities and behaviours to live more effectively. The aim here is for you to know what values are, and to know your own values.
Read MoreWhy does loneliness feel so bad? Of all the risk factors for depression, a lack of love – which ends up in loneliness – is the most destructive. Loneliness is a type of chronic pain, a chronic stress; it chronically makes us feel bad. We are social creatures who try to avoid loneliness; many people try to find relief in alcohol and drugs. But these only contribute to depression.
Read MoreDepression and heart disease are related. What? You’re kidding me! But it’s true:
Depression can lead to heart disease
Heart disease can lead to depression
They share an underlying disease process called “inflammation.”
Read MoreStrange. We doctors know the risk factors for heart disease really well, but the risk factors for depression are a little … well … hazy. Most researchers and clinicians would generally agree on these being the major risk factors. I have arranged them into an easy to remember acronym for you.
Read MoreI’ve been a doctor for twenty years now, and I’ve seen lots of people with lots of mental health problems. Day one as a doctor was in psychiatry and, as I was in an area of need, I kept working in psychiatry even while I was doing cardiology, surgery, accident and emergency and all the other things junior doctors do. I became a consultant psychiatrist almost twelve years ago and soon learnt that we need to help people before they get problems, before they need to see someone like me.
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