Dealing With Depression and Loneliness

No matter how many people are around you or in your life, depression can still bring loneliness. Try these tips to reconnect and break free of the isolation of depression.

Everyone feels lonely from time to time, but for some, loneliness comes far too often. Feeling lonely can plague many people — including the elderly, people who are isolated, and those with depression — with symptoms such as sadness, isolation, and withdrawal. Loneliness can strike a person who lives alone or someone who lives in a house filled with people. “Loneliness is subjective,” says Louise Hawkley, PhD, a research associate in the psychology department at the University of Chicago. “You can’t argue with someone who says they’re lonely.”

Although depression doesn’t always lead to loneliness, feeling lonely is often a predictor of depression one year or even two years later, and it certainly leads to sadness, Dr. Hawkley says. Freeing yourself of feelings like being isolated by depression is part of the healing process.

How to Fight Depression and Loneliness

Feelings of loneliness don’t have to be constant to call for action, but you will need to give yourself a push to get back into the thick of life and re-engage with others to start feeling better. These strategies for fighting depression and loneliness can help :

·      Make a plan. There are two basic types of loneliness. Acute loneliness results from losing a loved one or moving to a new place, for example. In these situations, chances are you know at some level that you’ll have to go through a period of adjustment to get through this feeling of loneliness. The other type of loneliness is the chronic subjective type, which strikes despite your existing relationships. Both require a plan of action. One strategy is making a point to meet people who have similar interests, Hawkley says. Volunteering and exploring a hobby are both great ways to meet kindred spirits.

·     Do something — anything. In depression treatment there’s a theory called behavioral activation, which is a clinical way of saying, “Just do it.” If you’re feeling lonely and want to change it, any small step you take — even striking up a casual, friendly conversation with the barista at your corner café — is a good move.

·    Explore your faith. There are only a few strategies that are proven to successfully protect against loneliness, and this is one of them. “People who have a personal relationship with their God or a higher power tend to do well,” Hawkley notes. There are a lot of factors at work here, one of them being that faith communities provide many opportunities for positive social encounters. You don’t have to have a close friend in the community to get the benefit, Hawkley says — just feeling that you belong in the group is enough. In addition, faith can help you accept the things in life you can’t control.

·     Bond with a dog. “Pets, especially dogs, are protective against loneliness,” Hawkley says. There are many reasons why this strategy works: Dogs get you out and about, they’re naturally social creatures, and you’ll have a living being to care about. If you’re not in a position to own a dog, find ways to help care for other people’s dogs or volunteer to help dogs at a shelter that need loving attention. Other pets, such as cats and fish, can also help ease loneliness.

·       Have realistic standards. “Loneliness is a mismatch between your ideal and what you actually have,” Hawkley says. Part of the solution may be to accept that you can have fun and light conversation with a variety of people, and that it’s okay if they don’t become lifelong confidantes. Also, reflect on whether you have any unrealistic standards that are making it hard to connect with others and stop feeling lonely, such as expecting too much from a new friendship too quickly or relying on another person too much.

·     Think beyond yourself. Depression can make you feel very self-focused, meaning that everything is all about you. But remind yourself that if you ask a co-worker to join you for lunch and the person can’t make it, you shouldn’t automatically assume that he or she has rejected you. The person might have a previous lunch date or too much work to leave his or her desk.

·     Reach out to a lonely person. Whether you’re feeling lonely now or just know how it feels, you may get an emotional boost from befriending someone else who’s lonely. Some people may view loneliness as contagious, and therefore lonely people often become even more isolated. “We believe there is a responsibility in the community to reach out to people who are suffering,” Hawkley says. In doing so, you can help others and yourself, too. Examples include volunteering for an organization that helps elderly people or visiting a neighbor who’s lost a spouse.

·       Call, don’t post. Social networks are fun and can provide an essential social outlet for some people, but Hawkley says research suggests that, on average, people do best if more of their relationships happen face-to-face or over the phone. Use a pal’s post as an excuse to call and talk about it instead of posting a comment back.

·      Make time for relationships. Everyone is busy, but relationships won’t wait until you’ve finished your PhD, raised your kids, snagged the next big promotion, or moved to your ideal city. Build them now. “No one on their death bed wishes they’d worked a few more hours,” Hawkley says.

·       Talk to a trusted friend or relative. Get some feedback and ideas, as well as a sympathetic ear, from a family member or friend with whom you trust your thoughts and feelings. This person could have some ideas about groups you might want to join to meet positive people.

·     Meditate. “Mindfulness teaches us that we are more than who we think we are,” says Jeffrey Greeson, PhD, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center. Developing a meditation practice can help you identify and release some of the thoughts that could be keeping you feeling lonely and undermining your efforts to meet new people.

·    Explore therapy. If you just can’t shake profound feelings of loneliness, isolation, and other symptoms of depression, you might want to talk to a mental health professional as part of your depression treatment. Look for a professional with a cognitive behavioral background, an approach that’s been shown to help with depression and loneliness.

“Social relationships are fundamental to our thriving,” Hawkley says. The fact that loneliness feels so uncomfortable is a reminder to pay attention to and nurture these relationships that can further your happiness.

Reference

http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/major-depression/depression-feeling-lonely/

How to Get Clear, Smooth Skin

Steps

1.     Start a daily face-washing routine, in the morning and at night. Consistency is an important part of maintaining a healthy complexion, so make sure you're doing these things every morning and night:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Avoid scrubbing too hard or using rough washcloths or loofahs. These may irritate your skin and cause blemishes to stay on your face longer. If you want to exfoliate, use a cleanser/ soap that is made to do so instead, or invest in a facial cleansing brush.
• Use a toner (optional). If your skin is dry, not combination or oily, you can skip this step. Always get an alcohol-free toner, and get a toner that fits your skin type. Toner helps firm and tighten your skin as it wipes away dirt in your pores.
• Moisturize. Moisturizing will regulate the moisture balance of your skin and prevent excess oil production. Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type; If you have oily skin, use a moisturizer with an oil-free formula, if you have acne-prone skin, invest a moisturizer with active acne-fighting ingredients such as tea tree oil. Moisturize every time you wash your face, shave, or simply need the extra moisture.
• Remove your makeup every night. It can be hard to do this if you're very tired, but it pays off. If possible, purchase a make-up removal oil/cream or mix a little water and apply to a cotton wool pad, as make-up removal wipes can be abrasive to the surface of the skin. 

2.   Treat acne. Try some of these remedies to free your skin from acne. Consider:

• Salicylic acid gel or toner. Salicylic acid causes the skin to naturally exfoliate its layers quicker, thus helping acne go away, and also prevents new acne from forming. Use daily.
• Benzoyl peroxide lotion or spot treatment. If your acne is moderate or severe, you can find lotion products containing benzoyl peroxide that you apply evenly over your face, usually at nighttime. You can also find benzoyl peroxide in spot treatment formulas.
• Seeing a dermatologist. High-caliber acne treatments (like Accutane and Retin-A) do exist, but they must be used under the supervision of a doctor, which means you cannot get them without a prescription. If you're really at wit's end, make an appointment to see a specialist.
• Try face masks or pore cleaners. This is called exfoliation, and it washes away dead skin on the surface of your face. In the case of face masks, use only once a week. Buy an exfoliant at your local drugstore, or make one at home.

3.     Don't pick (or pop) your pimples. It's usually not a good idea to pick your pimples. It may be tempting if that blackhead has been staring you in the face for a day or two, but it's really not worth it. Picking your pimples can have adverse effects.

• Picked zits cause blemishes. Blemishes are inflammations in the epidermis and dermis, the outer and inner layers of your skin. It takes longer for the blemishes to heal when they are popped, so stay brave and resist the urge!
• 'Picked pimples could leave a scar behind. Pimples are temporary, but scars are forever. If you want smooth skin, don't make it harder on yourself by picking pimples.
• Don't touch your face. The oils and dirt from your hands will transfer to your face and can easily clog pores. Keeping your hands from your face will also help you break the habit of picking pimples.

4.  Only use fresh makeup and brushes. Makeup, like food, gathers bacteria and will eventually go bad. If you've been using the same powders, blush, eye shadow and mascara for over 6 months, it's probably time to throw everything out and start over. Your skin will thank you for it!

• The only exception to this is brushes—these can be cleaned, not thrown away. Pick up an antibacterial makeup brush cleaning formula at the drugstore and, once a month or so, spritz everything down right after you finish your morning routine. Leave the brushes out to air dry throughout the day and overnight.

5.    Drink plenty of water. Aim to put down 6 to 8 full glasses of water a day, and you'll notice a difference in your skin. The extra fluid makes it easier for you to flush out toxins and waste.

• Girls: aim to drink at least 2.2 liters (0.6 US gal), or nine cups of water a day.If you're having trouble drinking that much, cut out all sugary drinks from your diet entirely. Actually, you should try to cut out sugary drinks from your diet for your own health's sake.
• Guys: aim to drink at least three liters, or 13 cups, of water a day.
• The lighter color your pee, the less water you need to drink. When your pee is clear, you're in the clear. When your pee is yellow, it's time to drink more water.

6.     Sleep smart. You might be getting dirt and oil on your face while you're sleeping without even realizing it. Try these tricks to minimize your risk:

• Change out your pillowcase at least once a week. Your pillowcase collects dust, saliva, and other grime, which make it onto your face every time you sleep. Put your pillowcases through the wash or change them out regularly for best results.
• Get a new pillow. Just like your pillowcase, your pillow can collect dust and dirt, though pillows can't usually be washed. If you've been using the same pillow for a long time, it might be time to get a new one.
• Pull your hair back. Braid back long hair, and keep bangs or fly-aways out of your face with a headband. This way your hair won't irritate your face while you sleep.
• Get your beauty rest! Sleep deprivation and stress can manifest as bad skin, so make sure you're getting at least 7 to 8 hours of quality rest every night.

7.    Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help your body and skin stay healthy. Exercising is a fantastic way to get rid of stress, to keep blood-flow pumping, and to ensure a good night's rest.

• Try to eat foods that give you the right kind of energy. Diets rich in sugar and refined (or "white) carbohydrates have been linked to more pimple breakouts than diets rich in protein, vegetables, and grains, although the scientific community isn't in total agreement. What is clear is that eating vegetables (beets, carrots, broccoli), protein (white meat, fish, nuts), and grains (quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat) are healthier for you. And what's healthy for you is probably better for your skin.
• Diets that are high in saturated fat and filled with hormones may worsen skin conditions. Cows, for example, may be pumped full of hormones in order to produce more milk. That doesn't mean that you have to cut milk entirely out of your diet. Just be informed about what's going into your body, and don't make dairy a big part of your diet.
• "Eat nuts and foods with healthy fats." Vitamin E (a fat-soluble vitamin and powerful anti-oxidant), omega 3 fatty acids, and other oily compounds that can be found in foods like nuts, seeds, salmon and avocado are important for smooth, clean skin.
• Run, walk, swim!. Do whatever exercise makes you feel good. Walking just 15 minutes a day is a great improvement over standing still. Exercise in general will help reduce the amount of stress your body generates over the course of the day. And stress will cause pimples. So in order to get that clear, smooth skin your body deserves, hit the gym, fire up the treadmill, or slice through the water. Your body will thank you.

8.    Drink green tea. Green tea is full of antioxidants and nutrients that can help your body fight acne and also aids digestion (which is thought to be linked to acne). Aim to drink 2 to 3 glasses of green tea a day for optimum results. 

9.     Do not wash your face with shampoo or hand soap. Each of those contains highly strong concentrates that can seriously damage your remarkably thin skin on your face. Hand soaps are made for thick (2-3 times thicker than facial skin), full of bacteria skin and for that reason they have strong acid which literally may burn your face and leave serious damages for long time (in some cases up to 12 months). Keep in mind that your facial skin is thin, so, even high quality products better not to hold for long on your face.

Reference :

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Clear,-Smooth-Skin