Nice video content! Sorry for butting in, I would love your thoughts. Have you thought about - Lammywalness Erase Depression Guide (search on google)? It is a great one off guide for beating depression fast without the headache. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my work buddy after a lifetime of fighting got great success with it.
I will never be as productive as others due to the dysthymia I live with... But I am able to be productive. It's just that I have to try maintain some positivity (and remain realistic) about the level of what I can achieve. E.g...I am a single mother of three boys. I see other mums who work 60 hour weeks and still manage to run around after their families. I will never be that lady. There are days where I'm in bed. However I keep a clean house, I'm there for my children and I somehow make ends meet. I just have to stop comparing myself and being so hard on myself.
Fleur Sarah, you sound like you're doing a great job within your personal life confines. We can only work with what we have available to us so please don't compare what you feel you lack to what appears to be someone else's story. Doing the best you can each day for you and your family despite your personal struggles deserves lots of kudos. Be proud of the small feats achieved each day. Shows you're trying at least. Some days that's all we can do. And it's more than good enough.
I love this, you are so funny and genuine and your videos are helping me keep my head above water. Thank you so very much for making them available for free; looking for resources at my worst point, I came across a lot of paywall dead ends. I am certain you are helping a multitude of people!
What Marsh said is really true Douglas - thank you SO much for making your advice and resources freely available and accessible to all. While I understand the need for commerce, more often than not one of the biggest obstacles for people with mental health issues seeking help and advice is being met by such paywalls and people making a fast buck off of others misery. What you are providing is vital and important, and I thank you also for seeing that some things are more important than money. Kudos to you.
Love the joke, Douglas. Your message is so true. Perservere through the anxiety and low mood and soon the small daily accomplishments do make it feel worthwhile again. Not always easy, but rewarding when you make it through.
Thanks, Douglas. It's important to remember when you are depressed your thinking is clouded and you are not seeing things rationally. Try to remember how you viewed things in "better spirits."
Just remembered this quote i’ve read somewhere “it’s not always the motivation that pushes you, it’s discipline.” . Thank you, Very inspirational message 👍🏼
Really sir. At this time, it feels like hell and we feel like sitting down and doing nothing, just to think about that situation which is depressing us. We start disliking even the most favourite thing that we love to do. We have to push ourselves to be productive at such times.
@Brad 2021 Let me help you from a far .. Engaged yourself by listening to uplifting music, take walks, treat yourself and find a support group with people you can relate to. Stay strong 💪
Doug, all that you said is so true, I have periods of ups and down, but my source of strength in overcoming anxiety and depression is my infinite source, God, the all knowing, who's source is everywhere and every time, not in any one thing, but in all things both good or bad. Thanks for your good work.
This is one of the few series that really helps with depression and anxiety, he really understands what we're feeling and it's not just a listing of information like other videos about this topic, I'm glad i found it
Thank you Douglas for your bravery in overcoming and then going offensive on depression and anxiety like a true reborn warrior. Helping us back unto the battlefield for our lives back!
I Had been depressed before during a hard time in my life when I was in early adulthood. A few years later and i hit an even lower point than i thought i could reach and find it much harder to get through this depression. So i really needed some professional help this time. I Am going to a therapist soon, but this helps while i wait for my appointment in the meantime. Thank you!
You're welcome. This entire channel is devoted to help people recover from depression. The second step of my three steps to depression recovery is to reach out for help. I am very glad you are doing so. Your pain is not forever.
Yes! I took FMLA from work for a month. My house is clean, I had a realtor come over, I had a dentist appointment for cleaning and cavity filled, I have been working out, going to my shrink, going to my therapist. Taking my dog for walks. Trying to find correct med combo.......that’s the hardest part for me. I also make lists, And even if I get 2 out of 9 things done, I still feel better. All about salads and protein shakes!!! I just recently understand this process as well. i.e. you can still be productive while feeling like poo 💩 💩 Hahaha I love the mini tramp clip.
Would like to share my similar perspective very close to this one. Being depressed it is difficult to be productive, but not being productive for since a while results into depression and anxiety for me atleast. The video too suggests remedies for being productive back again to eradicate depression. Forming a habit and being consistent with it, I believe will help. I'll be following a strict routine for a week and come back to this comment then.
I just can't . Anxiety , negative thoughts , self hate , maladaptive day dreaming . My brain feels as if it's shrinking and hardly can learn anything . People have no idea how hard it is to live with mental issues .with that being said, I really appreciate your suggestions , the act as if technique sounds interesting , I ll give it a try . Thanks again .
Great, let me know how it goes. That technique is not original to me. There is a whole book written on the subject of act as if. You might want to look it up
Thanks, dear Douglas. My example of following this strategy is sitting down at the piano and singing out with passion, even better, "schleping" to my Singers Club at Los Angeles City College and getting up in front of my loving audience and singing a song and being applauded for it. Puts me on sort of a higher plane, at least for a while. Looking forward to your chat tomorrow. Love, MADGE NORMA DESMOND MADELINE SILVERMAN ROY
I like that, referring to himself as a survivor. Yes, keep functioning. Small or big, it’s the effort. Even if it’s just one thing. But, that is only one aspect of functioning. Behaviour doesn’t have to depend on feelings, this is fascinating. Changing facial expression, mantras and enlist other people. Gosh, Douglas Bloch is so wonderful. Where has he been all my life?
Thankyou for this video, you screaming life is wonderful while jumping up and down on a trampoline was pretty uplifting. Hope you're having a good day, take care!
Good Morning Douglas, Still here, watching and listening. Once again it all makes sense. I recently have found that turning off the TV, which now is so full of negativity and turning on the Music Channel to my fav's of when my life was at it's best is very beneficial. It has the effect of getting me moving, both mentally and physically. You hit it right on with this video also, no matter what it may be that you choose to do, to get you moving,, you will see that it will be of help, for the anxiousness and depression. Have a great Day!
Thanks. If you subscribe to the channel, be sure to click on the bell to the right of the subscribe button so that you can be notified of each new video and live chat that I post. I’m having a live chat this Sunday.
No, panic disorder hit me bad yesterday. I had to take as much Valium as my shrink will allow in one day. Once I woke up from the knock out that causes, I set a goal and only reached 1/8 of it. One of my friends in one of my religious groups said “great job”. In other words, better than nothing.
Hey Doug, It's been a while since I've been to this channel, and I just want to thank you for being there when I was at my darkest moments. I suffered a major depressive breakdown now three years ago, and as of last summer, I fully recovered! Your videos helped keep me going, and adding one additional support actually changed the game. I watched a motvational speech by an individual who was broke and with hardwork and determination, became a well-known motivational speaker, not mention financially successful beyond even the imagination of most of the middle-class in this country. I got my confidence back instantly, and boy have I been busy! I have accomplished things I never knew I could, and I actually enjoy when chasing a particular goal is hard. I feel like the lion in the savanna, and at sunrise, my goal is the gazelle that I chase! Thank you so much for giving me a reason to go on before the miracle took place! I think your viewers might benefit from a video on how motivational videos/encouragement can keep individuals with depression going!
I have to choose to work in the night because in morning it is very difficult to focus due to extreme fatigue and foggy . It is common with anxiety and depression
people always tell me that i'm not trying my best and hat i'm lazy...i've had trauma and now a chemical imbalance and just living and waking up is trying hard enough. Thanks for this video!
My biggest issue is, the mental health center I attend has a REALLY HIGH turnover rate for employees, I am in a very small town in Northern Minnesota, they don;t pay well for the amount and pressure these employees deal with. They do their 1 year internship and leave. Big issue: disability things I'm therapist shopping and has been turning be down for about 8 years now. It's getting OLD FAST. I have PTSD, TRMDD, social anxiety, and have problems relating to society because I waswn't raised right. I'm so tired of fighting the system, and I also have a bunch of medical issues to boot. I tried getting all of my medical and mental health doctors to write letters stating my situation to SSI, and am now entering my 8th or9th year of trying to apply for disability benefits. I am NOT one who gives up easily, but this is turning into a life threatening fiasco! Thank you for your channel, I'm glad I found you through Noah, Just needed to vent, but do you have any suggestions? I found out ONE of the reasons they denied me was because my primary care provider wasn't and MD, just an RN, and had to go through ALL the paperwork again once i had the MD sign off on the RM provider paperwork!! I wish they would have told me this in the first 7 years of applying! WOW.... I'm still waiting becuase I appealed the ALJ decision on my own and got kicked off of state/county benefits until I had to reapply. Insanity at it's finest.
Sorry the system has been so uncooperative. You probably don’t have the money but there is an online counseling resource called feel better counseling. You might want to check them out. Otherwise in Portland they were many places to go for free therapy, but probably not in northern Minnesota. You might find some online depression chat rooms or come to my live chats twice a month where you will get free support for me and the other participants
After all, we're a cooperative species. Yes and when I'm doing great, everyone wants to be around me. But when things go south and I'm hammered with challenges that overwhelm me, anxiety and depression set in. Then everyone dissappears... just when I'm in need. Crazeeee and heartbreaking.
Hi Douglas, I hope you're feeling better after your health challenge. Your videos mean so much to me. I emailed you recently, didn't hear back but know you are very busy. I am emerging from a breakdown since February. Hoping + praying it will be a "breakthrough"....to deeper empathy for others who suffer and a greater appreciation for the little things in life I took for granted. Blessings to you and everyone here
I’m going to try and start going to the gym, depression seems to say no to everything. But ile try this behaviour technique ,despite how I feel . Excersise should be essential as brushing my teeth , so if I can achieve one day a week , or two I will be proud of myself .
Hi Doug I forgot to ask you this. Can you do a video on how people survive working when they are really depressed? I’m always amazed at how people get to stay home for weeks and months on end. Of course I live alone so it’s all on me, but they must have loved ones who are taking care of them. Thank you 🙏
Everyone is doing less of course during depression. But still is doing many things, it is just done without joy, that’s why it looks so difficult, IMHO. But if ask yourself: wasn’t I doing a lot of things before depression, but wasn’t thankfull to myself, and beated myself to push to more and more ? Maybe it’s time to start love yourself and practice gratitude , from your heart of course! Thank You for the videos, Doug!!
Great advice ,I did learn the half smile in dbt ....it does help ...for me I just have to tell myself get up put one foot of the other ..I don't wanna feel.self pity for myself that is getting old ....There have been times I just couldn't really do anything .I agree in those episodes ask for help ☺️ ..... thanks Doug
My mom was very sick with depression, 4 electric shock treatments before I turned 10 years old, in and out of hospitals, and in the day they never made her any better, ...I live also with anxiety and depression, and now consider myself a high functioning depressive, I get up in the morning and have a strict routine before going to work...from what I eat to how I do my hair etc. I even manage to do a stretching and plank exercises, I really don't understand how I do it, but I do ...,thinking it gives me somewhat of a normal life, ....each day feels like iam about to go to battle and have to armer UP, ....it's. ..exhusting. .....i know my mind is sick ....and it controls me , .....but I fight really hard to go on with my daily life.......thanks Douglas for your videos , I don t feel so alone
Thank you so much for this video! I think you can be productive when depressed or anxious, to a certain degree anyway, but it does depend of the person, as everybody is different. Thank you for sharing group members stories & I might try the little dbt smile exercise 😊👍. I done a dbt group 3 or 4 years ago, but I don’t think we were tourt the smile tecinque. The list idea is a really good one aswell. Also you can try writing down possitive things or things you’ve achieved that day, I’m doing this at the moment
@@DouglasBloch In my country, gay activities are still criminalized and reparative therapy is legal. I'm still in closet and celibate but the loneliness is killing me. If I have to seek help, I should be better select the right kind of counselors. I still cannot reconcile my sexuality with my religion that I'm stuck in the middle to choose what kind of counselors should I engage with because religion has played the big part of my life.
When I couldn't move with depression, when I couldn't go out, when I utterly cut off from everything social, because it felt too agonising, i did however think about HOW I wish to improve and recover, and figure out the steps I need to take to get on the path of my depression improvement x
I really appreciate your videos I have just subscribed today I myself have suffered severe childhood trauma domestic violence and physical abuse throughout my childhood I witnessed a lot of violence I myself have had psychotherapy for a year it really did help me understand why I do what I do and I would say I am healed to a large degree. But not completely healed as we learn every day how to manage pain I suffer anxiety regularly because I also have separation anxiety due to being taken away from my mother when I was 3 years old thank you for these videos they are a real boost
You might want to reach out for mental health support so you can treat your depression. As you start to feel better you will also start to feel productive. I was never able to write during my major depressive episodes, but when I recovered I could write again
Thanks for your answer and all videos. You give me hope. I've taken Sertraline (50 mg) for 3 weeks. I feel a small improvement. I really want and need to be productive, but I see that I need to be patient for a while.
You might want to look at my video called to set the intention to heal. When you get a clear vision of how you want to be, your brain is more likely to make that happen
@@DouglasBloch Yes, I have set that intention. Namely in that way, I do not how, but I want to be healed from this depression. I understood that I will first learn to manage it, and hopefully, later I will get totally out of it. I also understood that I need to be open to the help of specialists and people around me, it is what you call "reach out support". I saw your video on "intention to heal" and others, and I will follow your advice on 5 things to do and not to do. Thanks!
U should really go and consult a psychiatrist for help. I'm going through same and also taking therapy. Plz do get help because we need it & also because it won't go away by itself.
i’ve started watching your videos bc recently i’m in a class which it gets really hard for me to understand so i’m always anxious that i’m gonna fail and my mind stops me from studying. i’m gonna try little by little to study with an good state of mind 😊
I would like to put out there that behavior is not necessarily enough and at times can make things worse. I've struggled with MDD and a number of anxiety disorders for the majority of my life; I'm 37. I've also received treatment for many years, including about 3 years of weekly DBT group, though I currently don't have access to treatment. I have found when trying to do activities that were once enjoyable for me or trying new ones, that I in fact don't enjoy them at all; they typically feel like work and add to my stress. Due to this reaction, it actually causes me more stress and makes me feel angry, frustrated and sad... worsening my depression and anxiety. Despite all the techniques I've tried to get out of this cycle, I have not managed to find a solution. On top of several diagnosed mental disorders, I have physical disorders that are painful and wreak havoc on my body, causing a great deal of fatigue. I'm tired of just barely getting through everyday and not being able to function at an acceptable level. I'm wondering of anyone else has been stuck in something similar and perhaps has found some strategies that actually work for them. I feel like I've tried it all, but in my experience, people can get pretty creative and I'm wondering what may be out there that hasn't been recommended by professionals or that I haven't thought of yet. My most recent attempt is adding a morning and evening routine of yoga, mindfulness meditations and breathing meditations, which are helpful in the moment, but as soon as I finish or am interrupted, as is typical, the stress, anxiety and depression all return immediately. I just feel really stuck. Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated. Thank you.
Have you been working with a doctor to try I never of different antidepressants. There's also a non-invasive therapy called TMS, transcranial magnetic stimulation. I did a video on it. I have empathy for your struggle. Keep trying different things. If you believe in prayer you can call Silent Unity at 1-816-969-2000. One of my Healing's from depression came through spiritual intervention. You should also watch my video called setting the intention to heal
@@DouglasBloch I appreciate your response. I have been on over thirty different antidepressants/anti-anxiety/antipsychotic medications beginning when I was 14. I have had a number of different therapists (moved around a lot), been in an IOP, and as I mentioned, the DBT group for years. I was also hospitalized twice. I have had very little improvement with any of the medications; some helped for a short time, like less than a year before become ineffective, with dose increases having no effect. Therapy has been helpful, mostly just in terms of teaching me skills and ways to cope, especially DBT/CBT, but it's just not at the level I need and takes a lot of energy to practice. I tried to have ECT done and was told that it would not work for me and was refused. I have not heard of TMS and I wonder how similar it would be to ECT. I will definitely do some research on it, thank you. Unfortunately, I now live in a pretty rural area and have much more limited resources here. My PCP is... not great and I had a referral psych services put in two months ago today and I'm still waiting for an intake appt. It's been about a year since I've been on psych meds and had therapy and I've been doing my best on my own. The primary reason for my post was to describe some of what I deal with in hopes that someone who is "doing all the right things" or "doing what they're told" and not having the desired outcome will understand that they are not alone and are not a lost cause. Everyone's experience is different and very individualized, and I know in the past I have felt like no one understands my experience. Again, I really appreciate the resources and I will absolutely check out more of your videos. Thank you so much.
Wow I wrote this 11 months ago... thankfully I have improved, but I have to keep working at it despite up and down times... Step by step path to functioning better 🐺
@@DouglasBloch Thank you. I am doing better. I still have much work through and I still feel depressed, most days. It's just not as crippling as before.
Being vegan made me depressed. Salads WITH your meal are good. But a salad alone is bad in my experience. Healthy meat, quality eggs, butter, some chocolate, some coffee, aswell as a variety of fruits and veg which I know my body accepts. That's how I keep depression away. At least the nutrition side. Other types of depression still get me. Usually I'm depressed because my life lacks significant meaning. I feel like I should be someone, emphasis on the "someone", someone who has contributed significantly to society and doesn't show signs of stopping.
Thanks for your post. You don't have to be someone well known to make a contribution. You can do it in small ways. Just one act of kinds is making a contribution.
@@DouglasBloch Thank you for your response. I don't mean to be well known, I actually don't want to be well known. Well respected would be good maybe. But I want to be someone that people will admire when I'm gone. You know? I've already contributed a lot but my ego won't be satisfied until I'm up there with Franklin, Einstein, Disney, Urasawa etc. People who had a huge impact in their areas. When I feel like I'm not on their level, or worse, I've stooped to the level of an idiot (like if I indulge in a vice), I get depressed. So I suppose it's having a high standard for my life and beating myself up for not being at that level all the time.
Yes, I think you put your finger on it. The problem is that you have set a standard that very few people can reach, And it creates a good deal of suffering. The key is to make the Definition of success applicable to mortals like us. If you can’t do that on your own, she got a counselor or therapist who can help you to accept the way you are
My source of depression is body dysmorphic disorder and it's killing me. I am so tired of depression now. It's not that i just have to fix my thoughts, the way i do depression, i have to change my looks because the moment i try to change how i think, i see that there's no hope for what i want to change. I am too short to live, too ugly, too too ugly to live. I don't know how i fight something i so obviously can't change. What do i do? It's definitely something i cant handle. Therapy doesn't work. I think about dying like all the day and it's been a few months since that. My reason just goes away. A therapist just tries to tell me to be better, that what i am thinking is wrong but i can see it. What about me being ugly then? If i am not depressed, should i just go on living a miserable ugly life? Isn't it better to go? If i can't breathe well then why breathe at all? I want to live but more than that i want to live well. But i am ugly.
Is it very wise saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And real beauty comes from within. I know many “attractive” people we’re not very nice. And many years ago a saved my life when I was extremely depressed who was not attractive by conventional standards. Your condition is treatable. See if you can find a therapist in your area who works with body dysmorphic disorder. If you go to the website psychology today find a therapist, you can put in your ZIP Code and find many people in your area. You can also call Silent Unity at 1-816-969-2000, and they will pray for you for 30 days.
Cry out to Jesus and have faith He can heal u. Don't give up. Jesus loves u. I hope u get better with Jesus love. He did it for me. He'll do it for u. Read ur Bible. There's hope. My prayers are with u at this moment.Amen
I can’t even read- haven’t picked up a book for months and if I keep it up a year! (Probably diminishing my vocabulary) I haven’t been practicing guitar. Then I realize, there were many things I never finished or accomplished because of the difficulties functioning with this persistent depression. It’s so difficult. I’m going to fake being happy and depression for a week and maybe it’ll do it. Lol
I find it easy to do physical tasks such as your example of driving, or doing chores, etc. But my job is an office job that needs constant mental input, which compounds the anxiety because I'm actively utilising the very space where the anxiety resides. I get through, but at a massive psychological cost, day after day after day. Do you have any coping suggestions?
Walkonpart Inawar I totally agree. The chores and being physical is easy. The mind focus is a lot harder when not feeling mentally balanced. Well said.
Perhaps you could take a brief leave of absence from your job while you work on your healing. Many of my support group members have done that and have returned to work better than when they left.
I'm gonna try this thing called wake therapy. Your not supposed to sleep or "lay there feeling like death" for 3 days. Do anything but lay in bed. I'm supposed to have a sun light but don't right now. Doing it anyway. This is pure hell☹
I am a 2nd year medical student. I have had depression for a few years now. It's really hard for me to focus on my studies. I have nobody to support me. I've tried a lot of ways to focus on my studies but nothing has helped as such. I don't know how am I going to make it.
It has happened with me four times. Lack of energy and fatigue or major symptoms of depression. Once the depression lifts, the energy returns. Good luck in your recovery.
I often feel that even when I am productive, i.e., cleaning the house, working on my business, doing paperwork, I still feel as if I'm not being productive and am falling farther and farther behind.
Thanks! Just started my own business, and I am in that period of time after I've done all the work to get things set up, but before I am getting clients and income.
Being productive is difficult when you take all of your energy to hold your head up. Your posts inspire me
relate to this so much rn
Am just taking one day at a time it's hard but I won't give up ❤
You can eat a whole elephant one bite at a time, doesn't have to be in one day!
Good for you!!! GBU. 👍👍👍👍👍👏👏
Same❤
Nice video content! Sorry for butting in, I would love your thoughts. Have you thought about - Lammywalness Erase Depression Guide (search on google)? It is a great one off guide for beating depression fast without the headache. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my work buddy after a lifetime of fighting got great success with it.
Bro what does that even mean " i am not gonna give up"
I never get it . Feels so stupid to say or hear that
I definitely was. I was able still to get straight A’s while I was going through the darkest time of my life.
Asher Fairbanks
Wow! Congrats. I can’t concentrate when I am depressed
That's truly amazing😁
So proud of you!
I can't concentrate, I'm burnt out, tired and I can't do anything
@@okaymea same :')
I will never be as productive as others due to the dysthymia I live with... But I am able to be productive. It's just that I have to try maintain some positivity (and remain realistic) about the level of what I can achieve. E.g...I am a single mother of three boys. I see other mums who work 60 hour weeks and still manage to run around after their families. I will never be that lady. There are days where I'm in bed. However I keep a clean house, I'm there for my children and I somehow make ends meet. I just have to stop comparing myself and being so hard on myself.
Fleur sarah
God bless you for all that you do for your kids and yourself suffering with dysthymia. I suffer with it too. It stinks 😷
I support you in doing this. Remember, you are running your own race. What others do has no bearing on your accomplishments.
Fleur Sarah, you sound like you're doing a great job within your personal life confines. We can only work with what we have available to us so please don't compare what you feel you lack to what appears to be someone else's story. Doing the best you can each day for you and your family despite your personal struggles deserves lots of kudos. Be proud of the small feats achieved each day. Shows you're trying at least. Some days that's all we can do. And it's more than good enough.
I love this, you are so funny and genuine and your videos are helping me keep my head above water. Thank you so very much for making them available for free; looking for resources at my worst point, I came across a lot of paywall dead ends. I am certain you are helping a multitude of people!
Thanks
What Marsh said is really true Douglas - thank you SO much for making your advice and resources freely available and accessible to all. While I understand the need for commerce, more often than not one of the biggest obstacles for people with mental health issues seeking help and advice is being met by such paywalls and people making a fast buck off of others misery. What you are providing is vital and important, and I thank you also for seeing that some things are more important than money. Kudos to you.
I listen to uplifting music first thing every morning. The song is stuck in my head for the rest of the day and helps me feel better about life!
I do the same.
Thanks for saying this here!! GBU. 👍👍👍👍❤
Going to try this!!!
Great advice. I also think that you should try and achieve something small rather than try and do too much when you are down.
That is exactly true.
Love the joke, Douglas. Your message is so true. Perservere through the anxiety and low mood and soon the small daily accomplishments do make it feel worthwhile again. Not always easy, but rewarding when you make it through.
Thanks, Douglas. It's important to remember when you are depressed your thinking is clouded and you are not seeing things rationally. Try to remember how you viewed things in "better spirits."
Exactly.
Just remembered this quote i’ve read somewhere “it’s not always the motivation that pushes you, it’s discipline.” . Thank you, Very inspirational message 👍🏼
Thank you for this. In the process of being productive despite depression.
Keep it up.
Thats what I learned to do. Keep up the good work
I really needed this, so glad I found this channel. Thank you
I feel the same even after 2 years dude.❣️
Really sir. At this time, it feels like hell and we feel like sitting down and doing nothing, just to think about that situation which is depressing us. We start disliking even the most favourite thing that we love to do. We have to push ourselves to be productive at such times.
Keep pushing yourself. It will pay off
Almost 20K subs Douglas! Well done.
That's the story of my life...Always helping and encouraging people 😁
😏💚💚💚
❤️❤️
@Brad 2021 Let me help you from a far .. Engaged yourself by listening to uplifting music, take walks, treat yourself and find a support group with people you can relate to. Stay strong 💪
Doug, all that you said is so true, I have periods of ups and down, but my source of strength in overcoming anxiety and depression is my infinite source, God, the all knowing, who's source is everywhere and every time, not in any one thing, but in all things both good or bad. Thanks for your good work.
You are welcome.
How do i deal with sleepless nights
This is one of the few series that really helps with depression and anxiety, he really understands what we're feeling and it's not just a listing of information like other videos about this topic, I'm glad i found it
Glad you found the video helpful
Thank you Douglas for your bravery in overcoming and then going offensive on depression and anxiety like a true reborn warrior. Helping us back unto the battlefield for our lives back!
Thanks. It looks like you are also a warrior.
Your videos are helping so many people you are a blessing from above
I Had been depressed before during a hard time in my life when I was in early adulthood. A few years later and i hit an even lower point than i thought i could reach and find it much harder to get through this depression. So i really needed some professional help this time. I Am going to a therapist soon, but this helps while i wait for my appointment in the meantime. Thank you!
You're welcome. This entire channel is devoted to help people recover from depression. The second step of my three steps to depression recovery is to reach out for help. I am very glad you are doing so. Your pain is not forever.
Yes! I took FMLA from work for a month. My house is clean, I had a realtor come over, I had a dentist appointment for cleaning and cavity filled, I have been working out, going to my shrink, going to my therapist. Taking my dog for walks. Trying to find correct med combo.......that’s the hardest part for me. I also make lists, And even if I get 2 out of 9 things done, I still feel better.
All about salads and protein shakes!!!
I just recently understand this process as well. i.e. you can still be productive while feeling like poo 💩 💩
Hahaha I love the mini tramp clip.
Great video Douglas! Hope you are well and happy.👌💚
Would like to share my similar perspective very close to this one. Being depressed it is difficult to be productive, but not being productive for since a while results into depression and anxiety for me atleast. The video too suggests remedies for being productive back again to eradicate depression. Forming a habit and being consistent with it, I believe will help. I'll be following a strict routine for a week and come back to this comment then.
Thank you for your comment
I just can't . Anxiety , negative thoughts , self hate , maladaptive day dreaming . My brain feels as if it's shrinking and hardly can learn anything . People have no idea how hard it is to live with mental issues .with that being said, I really appreciate your suggestions , the act as if technique sounds interesting , I ll give it a try . Thanks again .
Great, let me know how it goes. That technique is not original to me. There is a whole book written on the subject of act as if. You might want to look it up
Thanks, dear Douglas. My example of following this strategy is sitting down at the piano and singing out with passion, even better, "schleping" to my Singers Club at Los Angeles City College and getting up in front of my loving audience and singing a song and being applauded for it. Puts me on sort of a higher plane, at least for a while. Looking forward to your chat tomorrow. Love, MADGE NORMA DESMOND MADELINE SILVERMAN ROY
I like that, referring to himself as a survivor. Yes, keep functioning. Small or big, it’s the effort. Even if it’s just one thing. But, that is only one aspect of functioning. Behaviour doesn’t have to depend on feelings, this is fascinating. Changing facial expression, mantras and enlist other people. Gosh, Douglas Bloch is so wonderful. Where has he been all my life?
Thanks for the kind words. I hope to see you back on the live chat
Loved the messages within this video
Thanks Douglas. You always seem to have an answer for my depressing thoughts.
Appreciated as ever Douglas/good helpful distinction between feelings & behavior, however intertwined they seem to be
Another valuable video for my recovery toolbox. Thank you Douglas!
The more I watch your videos, the more I appreciate how brilliant your channel is and how perfect you are to listen to 🌷🐈🌷🐈🌷
Thanks. I may have to use that endorsement somewhere
Thanks Douglas I really needed that.
Thankyou for this video which has resonated so much with me and been a great help ❤
I'm very glad that the video has been helpful.
Thankyou for this video, you screaming life is wonderful while jumping up and down on a trampoline was pretty uplifting. Hope you're having a good day, take care!
Good Morning Douglas, Still here, watching and listening. Once again it all makes sense. I recently have found that turning off the TV, which now is so full of negativity and turning on the Music Channel to my fav's of when my life was at it's best is very beneficial. It has the effect of getting me moving, both mentally and physically. You hit it right on with this video also, no matter what it may be that you choose to do, to get you moving,, you will see that it will be of help, for the anxiousness and depression. Have a great Day!
Thanks. If you subscribe to the channel, be sure to click on the bell to the right of the subscribe button so that you can be notified of each new video and live chat that I post. I’m having a live chat this Sunday.
No, panic disorder hit me bad yesterday. I had to take as much Valium as my shrink will allow in one day. Once I woke up from the knock out that causes, I set a goal and only reached 1/8 of it. One of my friends in one of my religious groups said “great job”. In other words, better than nothing.
Try an ocean meditation on RUclips to help with anxiety.
I agree. Congratulate yourself on accomplishing that one task.
That's great😊
Thanks Douglas
Good info for college students. So much to do.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, means so much!!! Shared with others too. You are a blessing
You're welcome. What about this video was helpful for you
Thank you Douglas! This was indeed helpful.
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Hey Doug,
It's been a while since I've been to this channel, and I just want to thank you for being there when I was at my darkest moments. I suffered a major depressive breakdown now three years ago, and as of last summer, I fully recovered! Your videos helped keep me going, and adding one additional support actually changed the game. I watched a motvational speech by an individual who was broke and with hardwork and determination, became a well-known motivational speaker, not mention financially successful beyond even the imagination of most of the middle-class in this country. I got my confidence back instantly, and boy have I been busy! I have accomplished things I never knew I could, and I actually enjoy when chasing a particular goal is hard. I feel like the lion in the savanna, and at sunrise, my goal is the gazelle that I chase! Thank you so much for giving me a reason to go on before the miracle took place! I think your viewers might benefit from a video on how motivational videos/encouragement can keep individuals with depression going!
Thanks Peter I’m glad you’re doing much better. Perhaps you can post a link here to a good motivational video or email me one, douglasbloch@gmail.com
Thank you Douglas
I have to choose to work in the night because in morning it is very difficult to focus due to extreme fatigue and foggy . It is common with anxiety and depression
Just discovered your videos. Thank you Doug. You have helped me navigate these dark times towards the light.
And then I can be of help.
@4:10 Behavior does not have to become dependent on your feelings .... 👌 Act as if... Thanks 🌹
people always tell me that i'm not trying my best and hat i'm lazy...i've had trauma and now a chemical imbalance and just living and waking up is trying hard enough. Thanks for this video!
Yes, it takes a lot of strength and courage to manage Depression. Keep up the good work
My biggest issue is, the mental health center I attend has a REALLY HIGH turnover rate for employees, I am in a very small town in Northern Minnesota, they don;t pay well for the amount and pressure these employees deal with. They do their 1 year internship and leave. Big issue: disability things I'm therapist shopping and has been turning be down for about 8 years now. It's getting OLD FAST. I have PTSD, TRMDD, social anxiety, and have problems relating to society because I waswn't raised right. I'm so tired of fighting the system, and I also have a bunch of medical issues to boot. I tried getting all of my medical and mental health doctors to write letters stating my situation to SSI, and am now entering my 8th or9th year of trying to apply for disability benefits. I am NOT one who gives up easily, but this is turning into a life threatening fiasco! Thank you for your channel, I'm glad I found you through Noah, Just needed to vent, but do you have any suggestions? I found out ONE of the reasons they denied me was because my primary care provider wasn't and MD, just an RN, and had to go through ALL the paperwork again once i had the MD sign off on the RM provider paperwork!! I wish they would have told me this in the first 7 years of applying! WOW.... I'm still waiting becuase I appealed the ALJ decision on my own and got kicked off of state/county benefits until I had to reapply. Insanity at it's finest.
Sorry the system has been so uncooperative. You probably don’t have the money but there is an online counseling resource called feel better counseling. You might want to check them out. Otherwise in Portland they were many places to go for free therapy, but probably not in northern Minnesota. You might find some online depression chat rooms or come to my live chats twice a month where you will get free support for me and the other participants
These videos are so helpful. Thank you so much for sharing and helping so many like myself to live fuller lives
Thanks Hayley. I’m glad that you have found the videos to be helpful
Thanks for your helpful video. After watching your video I feel better now!
Glad I could help!
Make a cup of coffee. ..that's productive.
Amen to that!!! ⛾⛾⛾☕☕☕🍩🍩😉😄😄
I've been wanting to get up and make myself a cup of coffee for the past week.
After all, we're a cooperative species. Yes and when I'm doing great, everyone wants to be around me. But when things go south and I'm hammered with challenges that overwhelm me, anxiety and depression set in. Then everyone dissappears... just when I'm in need. Crazeeee and heartbreaking.
Hi Douglas, I hope you're feeling better after your health challenge. Your videos mean so much to me. I emailed you recently, didn't hear back but know you are very busy. I am emerging from a breakdown since February. Hoping + praying it will be a "breakthrough"....to deeper empathy for others who suffer and a greater appreciation for the little things in life I took for granted. Blessings to you and everyone here
I am glad that you are emerging from your episode. I get too many emails to answer them all but if you send it again I will try to look at it.
I’m going to try and start going to the gym, depression seems to say no to everything. But ile try this behaviour technique ,despite how I feel . Excersise should be essential as brushing my teeth , so if I can achieve one day a week , or two I will be proud of myself .
Exercise is very helpful in reducing the symptoms of depression. Good luck in your endeavor
Hi Helen I force myself to go and always feel better afterwards. :)
One more quick comment I cannot believe how many subscribers you have now!! Good for you, it’s amazing how quickly it grows. Congratulations 👍
Thanks.
Hi Doug I forgot to ask you this. Can you do a video on how people survive working when they are really depressed? I’m always amazed at how people get to stay home for weeks and months on end. Of course I live alone so it’s all on me, but they must have loved ones who are taking care of them. Thank you 🙏
Thank You so, so much! I am also trying my best dispite those feelings.
Keep persevering. This too shall pass
Everyone is doing less of course during depression. But still is doing many things, it is just done without joy, that’s why it looks so difficult, IMHO. But if ask yourself: wasn’t I doing a lot of things before depression, but wasn’t thankfull to myself, and beated myself to push to more and more ? Maybe it’s time to start love yourself and practice gratitude , from your heart of course! Thank You for the videos, Doug!!
You are welcome.
Simply brilliant..... 👍
Thank you
Great advice ,I did learn the half smile in dbt ....it does help ...for me I just have to tell myself get up put one foot of the other ..I don't wanna feel.self pity for myself that is getting old ....There have been times I just couldn't really do anything .I agree in those episodes ask for help ☺️ ..... thanks Doug
I really agree with you on this!!! This was a really good video and good information for us all!! GBU brother!! Thanks. 👍👍👍👍👍👍💚
My mom was very sick with depression, 4 electric shock treatments before I turned 10 years old, in and out of hospitals, and in the day they never made her any better, ...I live also with anxiety and depression, and now consider myself a high functioning depressive, I get up in the morning and have a strict routine before going to work...from what I eat to how I do my hair etc. I even manage to do a stretching and plank exercises, I really don't understand how I do it, but I do ...,thinking it gives me somewhat of a normal life, ....each day feels like iam about to go to battle and have to armer UP, ....it's. ..exhusting. .....i know my mind is sick ....and it controls me , .....but I fight really hard to go on with my daily life.......thanks Douglas for your videos , I don t feel so alone
You are doing a wonderful job of battling your depression. I believe you’re winning.
to me its a matter of nature and small things to start off my day productively
Thank you so much for this video! I think you can be productive when depressed or anxious, to a certain degree anyway, but it does depend of the person, as everybody is different. Thank you for sharing group members stories & I might try the little dbt smile exercise 😊👍. I done a dbt group 3 or 4 years ago, but I don’t think we were tourt the smile tecinque. The list idea is a really good one aswell. Also you can try writing down possitive things or things you’ve achieved that day, I’m doing this at the moment
Keep up the good work.
5:28 I automatically shook my head when he said, "Life is wonderful."😥
Have you reached out to a counselor about your situation?
@@DouglasBloch In my country, gay activities are still criminalized and reparative therapy is legal. I'm still in closet and celibate but the loneliness is killing me. If I have to seek help, I should be better select the right kind of counselors. I still cannot reconcile my sexuality with my religion that I'm stuck in the middle to choose what kind of counselors should I engage with because religion has played the big part of my life.
When I couldn't move with depression, when I couldn't go out, when I utterly cut off from everything social, because it felt too agonising, i did however think about HOW I wish to improve and recover, and figure out the steps I need to take to get on the path of my depression improvement x
What were those steps
I really appreciate your videos I have just subscribed today I myself have suffered severe childhood trauma domestic violence and physical abuse throughout my childhood I witnessed a lot of violence I myself have had psychotherapy for a year it really did help me understand why I do what I do and I would say I am healed to a large degree. But not completely healed as we learn every day how to manage pain I suffer anxiety regularly because I also have separation anxiety due to being taken away from my mother when I was 3 years old thank you for these videos they are a real boost
Thanks. I am sorry about your trauma. I hope you continue in your healing. The mind, body, and spirit are quite resilient thank goodness.
Such a lovely video ❤️
Thank you for this 💓
You’re welcome.
I am in a depression and I am rather less productive now than in normal times. I do not how to do it, but I really want to be more productive.
You might want to reach out for mental health support so you can treat your depression. As you start to feel better you will also start to feel productive. I was never able to write during my major depressive episodes, but when I recovered I could write again
Thanks for your answer and all videos. You give me hope. I've taken Sertraline (50 mg) for 3 weeks. I feel a small improvement. I really want and need to be productive, but I see that I need to be patient for a while.
You might want to look at my video called to set the intention to heal. When you get a clear vision of how you want to be, your brain is more likely to make that happen
@@DouglasBloch Yes, I have set that intention. Namely in that way, I do not how, but I want to be healed from this depression. I understood that I will first learn to manage it, and hopefully, later I will get totally out of it. I also understood that I need to be open to the help of specialists and people around me, it is what you call "reach out support". I saw your video on "intention to heal" and others, and I will follow your advice on 5 things to do and not to do. Thanks!
Very helpful! Tysm :>
I’m so depressed, been a year since I’m crippled because of depression, I rarely leave my room.
Reach out for support. You can find it.
U should really go and consult a psychiatrist for help. I'm going through same and also taking therapy. Plz do get help because we need it & also because it won't go away by itself.
i’ve started watching your videos bc recently i’m in a class which it gets really hard for me to understand so i’m always anxious that i’m gonna fail and my mind stops me from studying. i’m gonna try little by little to study with an good state of mind 😊
Good luck.
That happens to me too, Arlette! Just know you aren’t alone
How you manage studies then
You can go to a counselor or therapist who can show you ways to Concentrate better
Thank you.
You're welcome!
thank you so much
I would like to put out there that behavior is not necessarily enough and at times can make things worse. I've struggled with MDD and a number of anxiety disorders for the majority of my life; I'm 37. I've also received treatment for many years, including about 3 years of weekly DBT group, though I currently don't have access to treatment. I have found when trying to do activities that were once enjoyable for me or trying new ones, that I in fact don't enjoy them at all; they typically feel like work and add to my stress. Due to this reaction, it actually causes me more stress and makes me feel angry, frustrated and sad... worsening my depression and anxiety. Despite all the techniques I've tried to get out of this cycle, I have not managed to find a solution. On top of several diagnosed mental disorders, I have physical disorders that are painful and wreak havoc on my body, causing a great deal of fatigue. I'm tired of just barely getting through everyday and not being able to function at an acceptable level. I'm wondering of anyone else has been stuck in something similar and perhaps has found some strategies that actually work for them. I feel like I've tried it all, but in my experience, people can get pretty creative and I'm wondering what may be out there that hasn't been recommended by professionals or that I haven't thought of yet. My most recent attempt is adding a morning and evening routine of yoga, mindfulness meditations and breathing meditations, which are helpful in the moment, but as soon as I finish or am interrupted, as is typical, the stress, anxiety and depression all return immediately. I just feel really stuck. Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated. Thank you.
Have you been working with a doctor to try I never of different antidepressants. There's also a non-invasive therapy called TMS, transcranial magnetic stimulation. I did a video on it. I have empathy for your struggle. Keep trying different things. If you believe in prayer you can call Silent Unity at 1-816-969-2000. One of my Healing's from depression came through spiritual intervention. You should also watch my video called setting the intention to heal
@@DouglasBloch I appreciate your response. I have been on over thirty different antidepressants/anti-anxiety/antipsychotic medications beginning when I was 14. I have had a number of different therapists (moved around a lot), been in an IOP, and as I mentioned, the DBT group for years. I was also hospitalized twice. I have had very little improvement with any of the medications; some helped for a short time, like less than a year before become ineffective, with dose increases having no effect. Therapy has been helpful, mostly just in terms of teaching me skills and ways to cope, especially DBT/CBT, but it's just not at the level I need and takes a lot of energy to practice. I tried to have ECT done and was told that it would not work for me and was refused. I have not heard of TMS and I wonder how similar it would be to ECT. I will definitely do some research on it, thank you. Unfortunately, I now live in a pretty rural area and have much more limited resources here. My PCP is... not great and I had a referral psych services put in two months ago today and I'm still waiting for an intake appt. It's been about a year since I've been on psych meds and had therapy and I've been doing my best on my own. The primary reason for my post was to describe some of what I deal with in hopes that someone who is "doing all the right things" or "doing what they're told" and not having the desired outcome will understand that they are not alone and are not a lost cause. Everyone's experience is different and very individualized, and I know in the past I have felt like no one understands my experience. Again, I really appreciate the resources and I will absolutely check out more of your videos. Thank you so much.
Good video thanks
You’re welcome.
Thank you♥️
You’re welcome
Another morale booster video , For people like us!? 👍👍
Yess!!! GBU! 👍👍👍👍👍😹😹😹
Good advice thank you. I'm a long way off yet x
Wow I wrote this 11 months ago... thankfully I have improved, but I have to keep working at it despite up and down times... Step by step path to functioning better 🐺
I can relate to the filling the sugar bowl. I once dropped an egg on the floor and couldn't bring myself to clean it up for a few days.
Hopefully you are feeling better now.
@@DouglasBloch Thank you. I am doing better. I still have much work through and I still feel depressed, most days. It's just not as crippling as before.
Thank you
Being vegan made me depressed. Salads WITH your meal are good. But a salad alone is bad in my experience. Healthy meat, quality eggs, butter, some chocolate, some coffee, aswell as a variety of fruits and veg which I know my body accepts. That's how I keep depression away. At least the nutrition side.
Other types of depression still get me. Usually I'm depressed because my life lacks significant meaning.
I feel like I should be someone, emphasis on the "someone", someone who has contributed significantly to society and doesn't show signs of stopping.
Thanks for your post. You don't have to be someone well known to make a contribution. You can do it in small ways. Just one act of kinds is making a contribution.
@@DouglasBloch Thank you for your response. I don't mean to be well known, I actually don't want to be well known. Well respected would be good maybe. But I want to be someone that people will admire when I'm gone. You know?
I've already contributed a lot but my ego won't be satisfied until I'm up there with Franklin, Einstein, Disney, Urasawa etc. People who had a huge impact in their areas.
When I feel like I'm not on their level, or worse, I've stooped to the level of an idiot (like if I indulge in a vice), I get depressed.
So I suppose it's having a high standard for my life and beating myself up for not being at that level all the time.
Yes, I think you put your finger on it. The problem is that you have set a standard that very few people can reach, And it creates a good deal of suffering. The key is to make the Definition of success applicable to mortals like us. If you can’t do that on your own, she got a counselor or therapist who can help you to accept the way you are
My source of depression is body dysmorphic disorder and it's killing me. I am so tired of depression now. It's not that i just have to fix my thoughts, the way i do depression, i have to change my looks because the moment i try to change how i think, i see that there's no hope for what i want to change. I am too short to live, too ugly, too too ugly to live. I don't know how i fight something i so obviously can't change. What do i do? It's definitely something i cant handle. Therapy doesn't work. I think about dying like all the day and it's been a few months since that. My reason just goes away. A therapist just tries to tell me to be better, that what i am thinking is wrong but i can see it. What about me being ugly then? If i am not depressed, should i just go on living a miserable ugly life? Isn't it better to go? If i can't breathe well then why breathe at all? I want to live but more than that i want to live well. But i am ugly.
Is it very wise saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And real beauty comes from within. I know many “attractive” people we’re not very nice. And many years ago a saved my life when I was extremely depressed who was not attractive by conventional standards. Your condition is treatable. See if you can find a therapist in your area who works with body dysmorphic disorder. If you go to the website psychology today find a therapist, you can put in your ZIP Code and find many people in your area. You can also call Silent Unity at 1-816-969-2000, and they will pray for you for 30 days.
I just imagined myself jumping on that trampoline, shouting "life is wonderful" with the ugliest cry.
Good stuff!!
Thank you. I'm glad the information was helpful
My kitchen is a fricking mess.. I know something is wrong when I have to watch a video to get it clean
You can be productive but you will be absolutely exhausted afterwards
Love it! 💕
Sir please help me, I don't know what to do or who to turn to. Im at the end of my rope and I have lost control, please help me
I hope you are doing better.
Cry out to Jesus and have faith He can heal u. Don't give up. Jesus loves u. I hope u get better with Jesus love. He did it for me. He'll do it for u. Read ur Bible. There's hope. My prayers are with u at this moment.Amen
Him: “Can you still be productive even when your highly depressed and anxious?”
Me: 7mins42seconds tells me the answer is probably yes
Thank you so much! :-)
You're welcome
I can’t even read- haven’t picked up a book for months and if I keep it up a year! (Probably diminishing my vocabulary) I haven’t been practicing guitar. Then I realize, there were many things I never finished or accomplished because of the difficulties functioning with this persistent depression. It’s so difficult. I’m going to fake being happy and depression for a week and maybe it’ll do it. Lol
think of an eagle think about it soars over the mountains and landscape to see so much goodness n there is no limit how high we can soar.
I find it easy to do physical tasks such as your example of driving, or doing chores, etc. But my job is an office job that needs constant mental input, which compounds the anxiety because I'm actively utilising the very space where the anxiety resides. I get through, but at a massive psychological cost, day after day after day. Do you have any coping suggestions?
Walkonpart Inawar
I totally agree. The chores and being physical is easy. The mind focus is a lot harder when not feeling mentally balanced. Well said.
Perhaps you could take a brief leave of absence from your job while you work on your healing. Many of my support group members have done that and have returned to work better than when they left.
I'm gonna try this thing called wake therapy. Your not supposed to sleep or "lay there feeling like death" for 3 days. Do anything but lay in bed. I'm supposed to have a sun light but don't right now. Doing it anyway. This is pure hell☹
Let me know how it works
I am a 2nd year medical student. I have had depression for a few years now. It's really hard for me to focus on my studies. I have nobody to support me. I've tried a lot of ways to focus on my studies but nothing has helped as such. I don't know how am I going to make it.
You should reach out to her counselor therapist specializes in the feeling of depression. Depression is a treatable condition
Pleased to see you. Hope your a bit better
Thanks
I feel stagnant and dead inside.
Thxs for the video, It means a lot to me. Wondering if it’s possible to regain back energy level like normal person?
It has happened with me four times. Lack of energy and fatigue or major symptoms of depression. Once the depression lifts, the energy returns. Good luck in your recovery.
I often feel that even when I am productive, i.e., cleaning the house, working on my business, doing paperwork, I still feel as if I'm not being productive and am falling farther and farther behind.
Try giving yourself credit for what you do accomplish.
Hang in there. And like Douglas says, give yourself credit for the little things as in the end, little things do add up.
Thanks! Just started my own business, and I am in that period of time after I've done all the work to get things set up, but before I am getting clients and income.