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October 20, 2004
Fighting Off The Blues
Interview
with John D. Preston, Psy.D., author of the book, Lift
Your Mood Now
Mike
Carruthers:
Everybody from time to time will get sad and have the blues. John
D. Preston, Psy.D.:
Clearly
the things that work best are to make a point to get engaged in life. Psychologist
Dr. John Preston author of the book,
Lift Your Mood Now… There
is solid research that shows when people are feeling sad or even with mild depressions
that if they stay socially active this can be a tremendous way to combat of what
otherwise could turn into increasing isolation and increasing depression. Secondly
is physical exercise is tremendously important. Two recent studies have shown
that even in severe depression, daily exercise can be, if it's done appropriately
can be as effective as an anti-depressant medication. Thirdly
is to avoid two substances that will always make the blues worse. And
that's alcohol and moderate to heavy use of caffeine, which can destroy sleep.
And then finally is something that's been known for thousands of years in every
culture and that is the importance of being able to talk about your feelings and
your experiences. To be able to talk openly with family members, loved ones, spiritual
advisors. You know often times people say confession is good for the soul. And
it's being able to share painful feelings with another person, is at the heart,
I think, of a lot of the emotional healing that takes place when people go through
difficult times.
At
somethingyoushouldknow.net
I'm Mike Carruthers and that's Something You Should Know.
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