Lesser known symptoms of depression

When people think of depression, they often picture sadness, crying, and a persistent sense of hopelessness. But depression can manifest in many ways—some of which might be less obvious. Understanding these lesser-known symptoms can help us recognize when someone might be struggling, even if they don’t fit the stereotypical image of depression. Here are a few signs that may fly under the radar:

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Self Space
High Functioning Anxiety Explained

Anxiety is a common mental health experience, but not all anxiety looks the same. One variation that often goes unrecognized is high functioning anxiety. Unlike more visible forms of anxiety, people with high functioning anxiety may appear calm, composed, and even highly successful on the surface. Yet beneath that exterior lies a constant undercurrent of worry and self-doubt.

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Self Space
The Importance of Setting and Respecting Boundaries in a Relationship

Boundaries are essential to any healthy relationship. They create safety, trust, and respect by defining where one person ends and another begins—emotionally, mentally, and physically. Without them, misunderstandings, resentment, and conflict easily arise. We’ll explore why setting and respecting boundaries is so crucial and how it can actually strengthen your connection with your partner.

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Self Space
Minimizing Weight Biased Harm in Healthcare

In most healthcare training programs, professionals are educated on the importance of recognizing biases related to race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and other marginalized groups. However, weight bias often goes overlooked, despite its significant impact on patient care.

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Amanda Kieser
10 Strategies to Find Motivation with Depression

When you’re experiencing depression, finding motivation for even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. Depression can sap your energy, affect your ability to focus, and make once-enjoyable activities seem impossible. That said, there are ways to gently push forward, even on the hardest days. Here are 10 strategies to help you find motivation when depression feels like it’s holding you back.

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Self Space
How to Find a Therapist in Seattle

Finding a therapist can be transformative. Searching for a therapist, however, can feel overwhelming—especially in a city like Seattle where options—not to mention traffic, bridges, and bodies of water dividing the city—abound. Whether you're looking for help with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or personal growth, this guide will help you find the right therapist for you.

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Self Space
5 Tips for Talking to Your Child About Their Mental Health Struggles

Talking to your child about their mental health can feel overwhelming. As parents, we want to protect our kids, but sometimes, shielding them from difficult conversations about their emotional well-being can do more harm than good. Encouraging open dialogue and creating a supportive environment are essential for helping children navigate their mental health struggles.

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Self Space
Dealing with Anxiety During Back-to-School Season

As back-to-school season approaches, many people—students, parents, and even teachers—can experience a surge of anxiety. Whether it’s the pressure of new academic challenges, social transitions, or simply the shift in routine, this time of year can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help ease the stress of the new school year:

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Self Space
What Is Psychoanalytic Therapy and How Does It Work?

Psychoanalytic therapy has long been one of the most intriguing and complex approaches to understanding the human mind. Rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud, this form of therapy delves deep into the unconscious to uncover the thoughts, feelings, and memories that influence our behaviors and emotions. But what exactly is psychoanalytic therapy, and how does it work in practice?

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Self Space
The Connection Between Perimenopause and Mental Health

As women transition into midlife, they undergo hormonal shifts that can have a profound impact on their mental and emotional well-being. During perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, which may affect not just physical health, but mental health as well. Let’s explore ways to navigate this challenging but natural transition.

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Self Space
What to Say When Someone Loses a Parent

Losing a parent is a profound and heart-wrenching experience. Whether you're a close friend, family member, or acquaintance of someone who is grieving the loss of a parent, finding the right words to offer comfort can feel daunting. The intention is always to support, but sometimes, the fear of saying the wrong thing can leave us paralyzed.

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Self Space
How to Evaluate your Progress in Therapy

Therapy can be a transformative journey, but it’s not always easy to measure progress. We aren’t closed, linear systems and our progress is rarely a clear upwards path. Instead, it often looks more like rolling hills that trend upwards overtime, but can be marked by both progress and regressions as we work through both the dynamics that have shaped our past, along with the stuff of daily life in the present. Here are some practical ways to try to get a clearer view of your progress in therapy:

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Self Space
The Healing Power of Art Therapy

Art can serve as a bridge to our inner world, bypassing words and unlocking a sense of playfulness, curiosity, and spontaneity often buried beneath adult responsibilities and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Through the creative process, we can tap into our emotions, using imagery and metaphor to solve problems and gain fresh perspectives. Here’s a glimpse into how a typical art therapy session might unfold.

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Becca Trayner