About This Book
Many people experience depression at one time or another in their lives, but during the adolescent years, the vast number of physical, emotional, and mental changes that occur make teens even more susceptible to feelings of confusion or sadness. However your depression originates, you must to learn to handle it so that you can manage the stresses of daily life.
The activities in Beyond the Blues can help you cope with sad and difficult feelings, find new ways to make friends, and deal with conflicts. Little by little and on your own schedule, you can make small changes in your life that will lead you to a brighter, more enjoyable future. Since everyone is different and heals in slightly different ways, this book presents a wide variety of exercises.
Know that as you work through this book, you are doing something good for yourself. You are learning to cope with your feelings and take care of yourself in a healthy way. You can learn to manage depression just like you learned to tie your shoes or read and write. Just give it a chance and be patient with yourself. You deserve to feel good, and you will if you keep working at it!
If you''re feeling depressed, don''t be afraid to reach out for help.This workbook offers things you can do, both on your own and with a counselor, to start feeling more like yourself again.
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Information
Table of contents
- introduction
- defining depression
- symptoms of depression
- causes of depression
- winter blues
- the negative effects of alcohol and street drugs
- choosing positive thoughts
- the power of perspective
- learning to let go
- the gift of the moment
- higher-power help
- healthy self-esteem
- feeling loved
- believing in yourself
- asserting yourself
- using social skills
- talking tips from AL
- good communication skills
- managing conflict and disagreements
- problem-solving skills
- act on the Aâs to manage stress
- looking beyond the battle
- coping with change
- rejection, dejection, and trying again
- coping with loss
- getting outside yourself
- staying active
- food to help your mood
- exercise and depression
- breathwork
- creative expression
- support people
- professional counseling
- group support
- working as a family
- weighing the consequences
- sharing your feelings
- an emergency plan
- signing a contract
- hotlines to help
- the power of hope