One of the hallmarks of depression is the desire to remove oneself from social contact.
This can take several forms: *lack of eye contact: Sometimes protecting one's space can involve difficulty making eye contact, making depressives seem aloof or disinterested in social contact.
This may exacerbate depression since lack of interaction cause a feeling of hopelessness, which in turn leads to more depression, leading to more and more isolation.
To solve this problem, I used to look at myself in the mirror each morning before going to work and practice making eye contact.
At first, it was actually painful, but I eventually became comfortable with it.
*flat affect: Flat affect manifests as a stunted facial expression.
Again, this can be both an effect of and a cause of depression.
Not many are comfortable being in contact with someone whose facial expressions are limited.
To solve this problem, once again, I used the mirror, standing in front of it and making facial contortions until I felt at ease.
*Social isolation: Sometimes depression can bring about a desire to become cloistered and removed from society.
It's a downward spiral, because we have to live in community.
But if our actions run contrary to bonding with others, we can be viewed as odd or eccentric.
Fortunately, the mental health community offers group support to help depressives overcome social isolation.
Each group is tailored to specific situations.
Four such organizations come to mind; 1.
ACA, AA, and Alanon: Addictions and depression often go hand in hand.
Patients may become addicted due to prolonged feelings of hopelessness and in turn become more depressed due to the life changing aspects of addiction.
These well known groups provide support for alcoholics and their families.
The twelve step principles encourage patients to break bondages of addiction and co-dependence.
2.
ISA - incest survivors anonymous.
These groups provide safe places to vent emotions often tied to sexual abuse.
3.
Emotions Anonymous: These groups, often located in hospital settings, provide safe settings for for those who need to share emotional burdens.
4.
Finally, we can create our own groups, just by being willing to step out there and take risks and begin to socialize.
Find a church group, volunteer to teach Sunday School, go dancing.
Do Karoke, Just get out there and move! It can be done.
Trust me, if I broke out of my shell, anybody can! Dear readers, please feel free to share ideas about improving eye contact, developing a lively affect, and keying into social situations
This can take several forms: *lack of eye contact: Sometimes protecting one's space can involve difficulty making eye contact, making depressives seem aloof or disinterested in social contact.
This may exacerbate depression since lack of interaction cause a feeling of hopelessness, which in turn leads to more depression, leading to more and more isolation.
To solve this problem, I used to look at myself in the mirror each morning before going to work and practice making eye contact.
At first, it was actually painful, but I eventually became comfortable with it.
*flat affect: Flat affect manifests as a stunted facial expression.
Again, this can be both an effect of and a cause of depression.
Not many are comfortable being in contact with someone whose facial expressions are limited.
To solve this problem, once again, I used the mirror, standing in front of it and making facial contortions until I felt at ease.
*Social isolation: Sometimes depression can bring about a desire to become cloistered and removed from society.
It's a downward spiral, because we have to live in community.
But if our actions run contrary to bonding with others, we can be viewed as odd or eccentric.
Fortunately, the mental health community offers group support to help depressives overcome social isolation.
Each group is tailored to specific situations.
Four such organizations come to mind; 1.
ACA, AA, and Alanon: Addictions and depression often go hand in hand.
Patients may become addicted due to prolonged feelings of hopelessness and in turn become more depressed due to the life changing aspects of addiction.
These well known groups provide support for alcoholics and their families.
The twelve step principles encourage patients to break bondages of addiction and co-dependence.
2.
ISA - incest survivors anonymous.
These groups provide safe places to vent emotions often tied to sexual abuse.
3.
Emotions Anonymous: These groups, often located in hospital settings, provide safe settings for for those who need to share emotional burdens.
4.
Finally, we can create our own groups, just by being willing to step out there and take risks and begin to socialize.
Find a church group, volunteer to teach Sunday School, go dancing.
Do Karoke, Just get out there and move! It can be done.
Trust me, if I broke out of my shell, anybody can! Dear readers, please feel free to share ideas about improving eye contact, developing a lively affect, and keying into social situations
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