SOVA Blog

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Giving your Profile an Update

October 27, 2016 in Social Media Guide

Maybe you’ve already noticed that some folks have images beside their nicknames here on the SOVA website. We want everyone to be able to have a photo there! Remember something that will not identify who you are because of the continental nature of our study!

On the left hand side of this page there is a box that says:

penguin“UPDATE YOUR PROFILE AND CHECK OUT OTHER MEMBERS HERE!”

Below that it says: Update Your Profile (or you can just click this link!)

Now you can just upload a picture to the avatar section!

Having a personalized space is great on social media, because you can craft an image of yourself. Sometimes people make their life seem perfect on facebook, twitter, or instagram, but it’s important to remember that…

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” – Wendy Mass

What do you think about the way people portray themselves on social media? Tell us about it in the comments!

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I know what it’s like down here.

October 26, 2016 in Educate Yourself

Sometimes we share with folks our struggles and pain.  In response, sometimes we get the shoulder we need to cry on, sometimes we get the understanding nod, sometimes we get the dreaded statements that start with “At least…”

Having feelings downplayed or dismissed can be a crushing feeling.  Oftentimes, people don’t even realize that they’re doing it or grasp the impact it can have.

Here is a short and sweet animation about the difference between “sympathy” and “empathy.”  It can serve as a playful yet sincere reminder for those in your social circles on how to interact with others who are sharing tough stuff.

Have you ever opened up to someone only to have them “find the silver lining?”  How did you handle this situation?  Did this video hit home with you?

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Draw a nebula

October 21, 2016 in LINKS

If you are having a rough day, try distracting yourself by focusing your attention on something else.

Click on this link to draw a nebula like the one here:

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Drawing is a tool you can use to focus your attention on something relaxing and enjoyable.

Did you try it? How did you feel before and after? Attach the image to your profile page.

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Why Getting Treatment Can Improve Your Overall Health

October 19, 2016 in Educate Yourself

While you may know that getting treatment for depression and anxiety can help with emotional regulation, did you know that it can also greatly benefit your physical health?

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The info.

In a recent research report released on August 10th, 2015, The American Heart Association says that teens with depression and anxiety are at a higher risk for heart diseases. The reason for this relationship is that teens who are suffering from depression and anxiety also suffer from other disruptions in their lives as a consequence, such as problems with sleep, appetite, and stress. Therefore, they are often more prone to obesity, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. The reality is that when our minds and emotions are out of whack, our bodies also follow suit.

What can you do?

This information may be unsettling, but it is also another way to view the benefits of treatment. Seeing a therapist for depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses can not only help you feel better, it can help you become physically healthier. When considering whether or not to seek treatment, think about your overall health now and in the long run. Another good idea is to always let your primary doctor know if you have depression or anxiety so that they can be more alert to screenings for heart related problems.

Source: Reuters Health

How do you feel about this information? Does it surprise you? Let us know below.

 

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Yik Yak: Let’s Talk about Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide

October 18, 2016 in Educate Yourself

College years are a big transition for everybody, so anxiety and depression are not uncommon among undergraduates. Yik Yak is an app that’s popular among college kids and it is well known for being used to anonymously spread gossip and hateful speech, as well as a means to meet up with other Yik Yak users for casual “hookups”. But recently, it has been across on college campuses as suicide intervention. People who post suicidal thoughts are met with extremely supportive responses from strangers who are reaching out to help the individual. According to this NPR article, “Yik Yak has become an unlikely safe space for people with suicidal thoughts — a place where, students say, responses are consistently helpful, not mean.”

Are you or someone you know struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or suicidal thoughts? Visit these websites to get helpful information and resources.

http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/suicide

https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/suicide/

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/suicide-help-dealing-with-your-suicidal-thoughts-and-feelings.htm

http://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/suicidal-mindset

 

Photo Credit: Janitors via Compfight cc

Have you heard about apps being used for good? Let us know in the comments!

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US Reachout

October 14, 2016 in LINKS

US ReachOut is a great website to learn more about a variety of issues like anxiety, stress, and managing relationships. There are a lot of great personal stories to read, and even a discussion board to get some of your burning questions answered or read what other people have asked.

What are some other websites you like when feeling stressed or anxious? Let us know in the comments! 

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Antidepressants

October 12, 2016 in Educate Yourself

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Photo Credit: psyberartist via Compfight cc

Depression can be a very difficult thing to live with. Luckily, there ways get the help and support you need to get better. One option is taking antidepressant drugs, which are designed to treat depression symptoms by readjusting some chemical levels in the body.

Read the rest of this entry →

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Finding a Mental Health Professional

October 11, 2016 in Educate Yourself

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Photo Credit: 小查 via Compfight cc

Starting to look for a mental health professional may seem overwhelming at first.  Someone may refer or suggest you to someone, or your parents may set up an appointment after talking to another professional. It is important to know that you have rights in this process, and should be able to ask questions and feel comfortable with the professional who will be working with you.

Read the rest of this entry →

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Generosity

October 10, 2016 in Be Positive

 

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Have you seen this inspirational video where a man does little things that give back to his community in a big way?

How do you feel when you are able to help someone? Tell us about a time you were able to be selfless and help someone else out in the comments!

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Say it Out Loud

October 7, 2016 in LINKS

We at SOVA design our blogs to give you information on mental illness in manageable portions that you can grasp. What really counts, though, are people’s stories. Our hope is that SOVA lets you share your experiences with others, and that together we can form a network of peers who can provide support for each other as you negotiate your mental health challenges.

This video below—from NAMI, Ok2talk.org, and SAMHSA—shares the story of a few young adults about what it’s like to live with mental illness, and how they think of it not as a condition that defines them, but an experience that makes them stronger.

Say It Out Loud from Emily Cepla on Vimeo.

How did this video make you feel? In what ways did it make you want to change your life and/or your attitudes toward your experiences? Or how did it remind you of something you or someone else went through? Share in the comments!

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