{"id":1258,"date":"2020-03-27T19:23:43","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T19:23:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/?p=1258"},"modified":"2020-06-15T19:26:09","modified_gmt":"2020-06-15T19:26:09","slug":"depression-and-the-immune-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/depression-and-the-immune-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Depression and the Immune System"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span>\u200bThe journey to find a good therapist<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Searching for a therapist<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Whether you\u2019re dealing with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or feel like you may just need to talk about what is happening in your life with someone outside your social circle, therapy can be an incredibly helpful tool in finding our way through life. For some people it\u2019s hard to come to a place where they are ready to see a therapist.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">But it can be even harder to find the right therapist that will actually help you with the problems you are facing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It took me a long time to finally find a person that works for me in my unique situation. And the process of getting there has been frustrating and confusing at times. The first step for most of us these days is to hop online and start searching for our options. And looking at all the different letters after a therapist\u2019s name is where some of the confusion may already start.<\/p>\n<h3>Your therapist might be multiple people<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">For me, my therapist ended up being several different people. During my depression, I had access to a mental health counselor. Working with him was the very first step I took toward counselling and therapy. After several years, I had to relocate for school. Needless to say, I had to find a different therapist in the new city.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u201cOur wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us.\u201d&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&#8211; David Richo<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">And as I moved along my journey through depression, many others joined my mental health team. For instance, I worked with a psychiatrist and a hypnotherapist for some time. After that, my needs changed and I worked with a relationship counselor and later on a women-focused life coach. You may find that over time, your needs will change as well.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span>Psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor or therapist?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Broadly speaking, different designations (their title represented by letters after their name) refer to different paths and lengths of education that person has taken to come to practice. They may also be registered with different regulatory bodies depending on which designation they have. I have a quick outline for you here. But keep in mind that there may be differences depending on the country of practice or even the state or province you live in.<\/p>\n<h3>Psychiatrist<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"\">A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"\">*Licensed to write prescriptions*<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Equipped to deal with extreme presentations of mental illness<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>May focus solely on medication management and a medical diagnosis and work in tandem with another therapist for behavioral therapy (some psychiatrists will also do behavioral therapy themselves)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Determines appropriate treatments based on clinical diagnoses and observations<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>May have a more academic approach<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Psychologist<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"\">Has a doctoral degree in psychology<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Most psychologists cannot (in most states of the USA, for example) prescribe medication, so they may work with your medical doctor if prescriptions or medical procedures are necessary<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Focus is on behavioral therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Helps clients clarify their feelings and make life decisions<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Aims to support and guide you<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"\">Licensed Counselor<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"\">Usually has a Master&#8217;s Degree in Psychology, counseling, or a related field<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Cannot prescribe medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Focus is on talking and behavioral therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Helps clients clarify their feelings and make life decisions<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Aims to support and guide you<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Clinical social worker<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"\">Has at least a Master&#8217;s Degree in Social Work and additional training to be able to evaluate and treat mental illnesses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Most can help with case management (like hospital discharge planning), in addition to referring to community resources and advocate for patients in the system<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Helps clients clarify their feelings and make life decisions<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Aims to support and guide you<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Therapist<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"\">A broad term in the mental health field that usually refers to someone who specializes in behavioral therapy, like a psychologist, psychiatrist, marriage counselor, social worker, or even alternative helping practitioners and life coaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Helps clients clarify their feelings and make life decisions<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"\">Aims to support and guide you<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span>Navigating the internet for a therapist<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">With the above guidelines in mind, have a look at online registries and search results and start browsing your options. Reading through their websites thoroughly can often give you a pretty good idea of the type of therapy they provide. A lot of times you can find a rating for a doctor or therapist and read through the reviews online. Moreover, there are many mental health forums you can join that help you find a therapist in your area.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">You may also want to find the answers to some basic questions for each therapist. Is their approach more academic or emotional? What type of methods do they specialize in? Do they work with specific demographics? How long have they been a therapist? What are their qualifications and are they licensed to practice where you live?<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Finding a therapist online\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" title=\"Finding a therapist online\" data-id=\"1243\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Finding-a-therapist-online.jpg\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"426\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"426\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/426;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a good idea to narrow down the field with practical things like driving distance, hours of operation or offering online appointments.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you end up finding a helpful therapist, you could be going to see them for months or even years. A long commute or restricted working hours may end up becoming a burden when sessions have to fit between work and life. In addition, you might prefer to have sessions online, if driving is not feasible. In that case, be sure to check if they offer online appointments.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span>Will the cost of a therapist be covered?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In case you are lucky enough to have extended medical coverage, you may also want to check with your insurance provider if they cover the specific designation of therapist you are considering. The letters at the end of the name can be a minefield of confusion. Even one letter different than the approved designation can mean that you end up paying out of pocket.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I found it easiest to actually have their title in front of me when I called my insurance provider to double check if it was included in my coverage. If you don\u2019t have medical coverage, there are still many resources online. Moreover, certain programs you may qualify for that subsidize therapy or provide free counselling. Check with your doctor, community mental health resources, or online for more information specific to your area.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Therapist costs\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" title=\"Therapist costs\" data-id=\"1244\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Therapist-costs.jpg\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"426\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"426\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/426;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">During my teenage years, I received free counselling through our local mental health program. Later, my therapy was covered through my studies at university. Once I finished studying, I did not have a job with medical coverage. I ended up in another community mental health program. This worked very well for me because I was still in a large city. It might be a little more difficult to get access to support in smaller towns or rural areas.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As my needs changed and I considered alternative therapies, some sessions were covered by my extended medical and some were not. I have to say that private medical insurance is getting much better at covering therapy; however, they still have a long way to go. You may find that if you choose an alternative practitioner, like a hypnotherapist, you may have to pay out of pocket.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span>Ask friends and family or check online reviews<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Different people respond to different therapists and everyone has different goals for their own therapy. In other words, what might work for one person, may not work for another. So with that in mind, it\u2019s still worth asking for recommendations from friends or family. It can be very helpful if they are seeing their therapist for similar reasons or goals to your own. If you\u2019re comfortable, ask around to your family or friends to see if anyone has had an experience worth recommending.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Therapist reviews\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" title=\"Therapist reviews\" data-id=\"1245\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Therapist-reviews.jpg\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"426\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"426\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/426;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If that\u2019s not an option for you, it can always be worthwhile to read the online reviews for some therapists you are considering. Again, keep in mind that a therapist is a very individual fit, but sometimes the review can apply more broadly. Take the online reviews with a grain of salt. I have seen so many bad reviews that actually had nothing to do at all with the quality of therapy. Above all, don\u2019t be turned off solely by the online reviews.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">You may be seeing a doctor already for your depression and you can always ask her or him for a recommendation. Often, doctors know the available therapists in the area and can even make a quick call for a referral. Keep in mind that you are not obliged to stick with that therapist. But, it might get you a quick appointment, if you need help now. My doctor set up my referral to the community mental health program and I received the help I needed right away.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">Have a consultation call<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Once you\u2019ve narrowed the field of potential therapists, try to request a short consultation phone call or ask questions in an email. Share a bit about your background and your goals and see if this fits into their area of expertise. After that, you can also ask any questions the website did not answer for you. Especially any questions around fees or age group.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Consultation call\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" title=\"Consultation call\" data-id=\"1246\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Consultation-call.jpg\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"426\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"426\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/426;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some people ask the therapist about where they went to school or the experience they have with their type of issue. Have they ever helped someone overcome it successfully? Their answer should make you feel confident that they can help you achieve your goals. So, go with your gut feeling when it comes to making the final decision.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">The first session<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Especially if it\u2019s your first time to counselling, it can be an awkward experience to just sit down and start talking about your intimate feelings with a complete stranger. A good therapist will, however, always make you feel welcome and comfortable. They will be a very attentive listener, while building a conversation as organically as possible. You should never feel like they are distracted, or pushing their own agenda or opinion on what you\u2019ve shared. You should feel like they are only working to support your goals for therapy.<\/p>\n<p>Look for any red flags, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>                    <span style=\"\">Your therapist is talking more than you<\/span><\/li>\n<li>                    <span style=\"\">The therapist is interrupting you a lot<\/span><\/li>\n<li>                    <span style=\"\">Your therapist is making you feel judged or ashamed<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Physical contact without express consent that makes you uncomfortable<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Inappropriate behavior or questions that make you uncomfortable in a way that feels unrelated to the goals of the therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Violating confidentiality about you or another patient (like sharing details with you about another patient while actually sharing that individual\u2019s identity)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"First session with a therapist\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" title=\"First session with a therapist\" data-id=\"1251\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/First-session-with-a-therapist.jpg\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"427\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"427\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>If all goes well, and you feel comfortable, you and your therapist will agree on a treatment plan and schedule going forward; however, if the session did not make you feel comfortable for any reason, you have no obligation to schedule another appointment. You can simply continue looking for another therapist. Never feel pressured to have to stay with one therapist. Therapy is deeply personal and you need to feel like you can work with a particular therapist.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">How long should I see a therapist<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This answer very much depends on the issue you are dealing with and the type of treatment you are receiving. Everyone is different. Some people go to therapy for only a few months to overcome a particularly hard time in their lives. Others will need the support for life. Talk to your therapist about their recommendations in order to set expectations and find the right fit for your life.<\/p>\n<p>I started off with counselling several times a week because of my situation. Over time, I went once a week. Later, I simply phoned when I needed an appointment. You may find that when you are in the midst of a severe depression, you will need a lot more support than when you are just feeling down. As you get to know yourself and your depression, you may also find that you get better at asking for help when you need it. Now, when I know I am sliding down a slippery slope, I get in touch with my therapist and get the support I need. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a support network you can call on when things get tough.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">Finding a good fit<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While highly trained, therapists are people, and just like anyone else you meet, they will have a certain style through which they communicate. Depending on where you\u2019re at with your journey and why you\u2019re seeking counselling, you may or may not feel comfortable with the way they communicate with you and approach what you\u2019re sharing with them.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Trust and rapport with therapist\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" title=\"Trust and rapport with therapist\" data-id=\"1252\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Trust-and-rapport-with-therapist.jpg\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"427\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"427\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Some have a very \u201cno-nonsense\u201d approach that can cut through messy feelings, while others may take a very soothing or comforting tone to encourage elaboration instead. It\u2019s important to go with your gut when deciding whether a certain therapist\u2019s style is right for you; however, it\u2019s most important to have a good rapport and feel very comfortable sharing with them.<\/p>\n<p>If after several sessions of getting to know them, you find yourself not wanting to share the whole story, or lying about anything, you\u2019ve most likely not found a good fit yet. The tendency to hold back or distort the truth means you are still feeling some kind of judgement from that person, and likely won\u2019t be able to share truthfully enough to make progress. Telling the whole truth in therapy is vital. In other words, if I\u2019m lying to my therapist, I\u2019m paying a lot of money to have someone work on a false problem. And that doesn\u2019t help!<\/p>\n<p>It may take a few sessions to know if you want to continue seeing a certain therapist, but don\u2019t feel bad if you have to try a few different ones before you find the right fit. While it can feel overwhelming to have to open up to different people in order to find a therapist you really find helpful, the reward of having someone who truly understands and guides you can be life changing (well worth the work).<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">My own journey with therapists over the years<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>I once saw a psychologist for a few sessions who showed that she empathized with me like a trained parrot who said \u201cawww yes, that must have been hard for you\u201d after literally every sentence I said. At first I thought it was a nice way of sympathizing, but after an hour I had to restrain myself from yelling \u201cyes of course it was\u2026 that\u2019s why I\u2019m here, thank you for dwelling on that!!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>I also saw a very stuffy counselor who was quite matter-of-fact. And at the end of the session I felt a bit judged and ashamed, almost like she was telling me to \u201csuck-it\u2019up\u201d about what I was feeling. In conclusion, I found that to be a very discouraging session and it took me a long time to even try with another counselor again.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bad experience\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" title=\"Bad experience\" data-id=\"1253\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Bad-experience.jpg\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"427\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"427\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>I have also seen other therapists who just wallowed in my pain with me out of immense empathy but never got me anywhere productive in my thoughts. Above all, while sympathy and empathy are important, you also want to find a way to resolve your problem, not just keep drawing it out.<\/p>\n<p>In the end, through a friend\u2019s inadvertent recommendation I found a woman who has just the right amount of humor, sympathy and \u201clet\u2019s do it\u201d attitude to make me feel like I am talking with a friend. I feel accepted, so I can be completely honest with her, and to me, that is the most important part.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/300;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">The Takeaway<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">No matter how many degrees a therapist has, if you feel scared, intimidated, or judged, you won\u2019t tell them the full truth. And they will never really be able to help you with your inner conflict. You have to find someone you can be open with, someone you trust fully; however,&nbsp; the biggest mistake I made was giving up after meeting with a counselor who was simply not a good fit for me. I mistakenly thought all therapy would be the same.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">What I learned over time is that it might take a bit of searching and trying before finding someone who clicks with you. In addition, you might want to widen your search area to therapists who work with different methods. Some people respond better to one therapy method and others need a different way to work through their situation. I feel like therapy is as individual as buying your clothes. In other words, what fits for you might be terrible for someone else.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">And you can hopefully count on the fact that you will change. Your therapist will likely make the very best effort to support you as much as they can. For instance, you may reach a point where you have resolved one issue and are needing to resolve something else. Sometimes, as you grow as a person, you may outgrow your therapist and need to work with someone else.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"New therapist\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" title=\"New therapist\" data-id=\"1249\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/New-therapist.jpg\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"426\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"426\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/426;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Don\u2019t be afraid of therapy<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Therapy is there to help you. You may not want to hear the truth about certain things you discuss in therapy, but even that is crucial if you want to move forward. I found that while it was comforting to talk to my family or friends, I needed someone completely unrelated to help me. None of my family is trained in therapy. But, they also tend to coddle me and that did not help with my recovery in the long term.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Often, after severe trauma, it is difficult to get started with therapy.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Don\u2019t let that fear of opening up and having to \u201crelive\u201d your trauma stop you from seeking help. Therapists are trained to work with traumatized people and they will support you through whatever you are experiencing. I found that working with my trauma actually allowed me to heal through it. I feel like if I had not worked with a therapist, my trauma would still be haunting me at every turn because I would have just tried to ignore it and shut it out.<\/p>\n<p><span><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"No fear of therapy\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" title=\"No fear of therapy\" data-id=\"1248\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/No-fear-of-therapy.jpg\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"426\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"426\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/426;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">One final thought I want to put out there is that you need to be open. If you go to therapy with the mindset that you have no problems and you will just prove them wrong, therapy will be a waste of your time. You can only be helped if you are open to receiving help and open to changing. You are in your current situation because you have followed one path. It seems obvious that if you are not prepared to change that path, you will continue down the same road with the same results.<\/p>\n<p>Make a conscious decision to choose yourself today. You deserve to be happy and find the healing and support you need.<\/p>\n<p>Sources<\/p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/mental-health\/guide-to-psychiatry-and-counseling#1\" style=\"outline: none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/mental-health\/guide-to-psychiatry-and-counseling#1<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: none; display: inline-block;\">https:\/\/www.allpsychologyschools.com\/psychology\/differences-therapist-psychologist\/<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejorni.com\" style=\"outline: none;\">www.thejorni.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u200bThe journey to find a good therapist Searching for a therapist Whether you\u2019re dealing with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or feel like you may just need to talk about what is happening in your life with someone outside your social circle, therapy can be an incredibly helpful tool in finding our way through life. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1280,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":"<div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box tve-elem-default-pad\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e259e15\">\n\t<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tve-cb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box tve-elem-default-pad\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e342696\">\n\t<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4620c5\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tve-cb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-columns\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e453273\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-row tcb--cols--2 tcb-resized\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e452da4\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457d4\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4560fb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5dd307\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-158\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4414d6\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457f1\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5e3e36\"><h2 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5d96c3\"><span data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5df7b5\">\u200bCan depression affect the immune system?<br><\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e1d0249\"><strong>Immune system suppression<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e1d0ef9\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">When I was struggling with the worst of my depression, I was constantly sick. I seemed to have a permanent cold. I suffered from various other conditions like digestive problems, migraines, and even ear infections. My constant state of being sick had a detrimental effect on my ability to look after my mental health.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box\" style=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-160c1e84e06\" data-ct-name=\"Modern 9\" data-ct=\"stylebox-8929\" data-element-name=\"Styled Box\">\n<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e825c68\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tve-cb tve_empty_dropzone\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e825c69\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4e4a7f\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">It started to feel like a giant negative feedback loop that kept me in a cycle of physical and mental health problems.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e1d0ef9\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">My doctors had lots of advice for me about how exercise would improve my mood. But when I was constantly sick, physical activity was impossible. Instead, I felt exhausted and weak and ended up laying around more. And because all I did was lay around, my mental health suffered in turn. Many individuals with depression and anxiety experience the physical effects it can have on your body. And a suppressed immune system is one of those effects.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\"><h3 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727feca00f\">Subtle signals from your immune system<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e1d0ef9\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Most depressed people I spoke to experienced something similar. Some suffered from excessive tiredness. Others experienced everything from rashes to coughs and even frequent falls and sprains. At the time, I thought I was just getting older and my body was reacting to age. But then I saw many people my age in great health and without a whole range of health problems. It definitely made me wonder what was going on.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box tve-elem-default-pad\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2538ab\">\n\t<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2945a3\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tve-cb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2787cf\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e285f42\" style=\"text-align: center;\">\u201cYou're in pretty good shape for the shape you are in.\u201d<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;- Dr. Seuss<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e1d0ef9\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">My first thought definitely did not go to my depression. Partly because nobody had mentioned being randomly sick all the time as a symptom. And partly because I was not so deathly ill that I needed to be hospitalized. It snuck up on me over time. The constant sniffly nose. Just feeling tired and a general soreness throughout my body. And the sore throat that just randomly appeared every few days and then disappeared again.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box tve-elem-default-pad\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e342696\">\n\t<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4620c5\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tve-cb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-columns\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e453273\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-row tcb--cols--2 tcb-resized\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e452da4\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457d4\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4560fb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5dd307\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-158\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4414d6\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457f1\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5e3e36\"><h2 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5d96c3\"><span data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5df7b5\">\u200bThe effects of depression on the immune system<br><\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e1d0ef9\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Depression is a multi-faceted condition that can have different expressions in different people. Because it is such an individual condition, it has been harder for us to fully understand and cure it. While the exact causes of depression and anxiety, physically and mentally, are still not yet fully known, we are building an ever-expanding list of symptoms that people may experience if they have depression.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e1d0ef9\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Many of them are well known symptoms, like sadness and hopelessness, or a general lack of interest in life. Others are a little more vague and can look different in different people. This fact often makes it difficult to attribute what is going on to depression. Especially when it comes to clinically diagnosing depression, many of these symptoms are simply not on the list.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\"><h3 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727feca00f\">Common symptoms<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-styled_list\" data-icon-code=\"icon-check\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec1ff3\" style=\"\"><ul class=\"tcb-styled-list\"><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec3350\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" data-id=\"icon-check\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><path d=\"M29.333 10.267c0 0.4-0.133 0.8-0.533 1.2l-14.8 14.8c-0.267 0.267-0.667 0.4-1.067 0.4s-0.933-0.133-1.2-0.533l-2.4-2.267-6.267-6.267c-0.267-0.267-0.4-0.667-0.4-1.2s0.133-0.8 0.533-1.2l2.4-2.4c0.267-0.133 0.667-0.4 1.067-0.4s0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l5.067 5.067 11.2-11.333c0.267-0.267 0.667-0.533 1.2-0.533 0.4 0 0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l2.4 2.4c0.267 0.267 0.4 0.667 0.4 1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec529a\" style=\"\">Trouble sleeping or oversleeping<\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec3350\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" data-id=\"icon-check\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><path d=\"M29.333 10.267c0 0.4-0.133 0.8-0.533 1.2l-14.8 14.8c-0.267 0.267-0.667 0.4-1.067 0.4s-0.933-0.133-1.2-0.533l-2.4-2.267-6.267-6.267c-0.267-0.267-0.4-0.667-0.4-1.2s0.133-0.8 0.533-1.2l2.4-2.4c0.267-0.133 0.667-0.4 1.067-0.4s0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l5.067 5.067 11.2-11.333c0.267-0.267 0.667-0.533 1.2-0.533 0.4 0 0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l2.4 2.4c0.267 0.267 0.4 0.667 0.4 1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec529a\" style=\"\">Poor immune function<\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec3350\" style=\"\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" data-id=\"icon-check\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><path d=\"M29.333 10.267c0 0.4-0.133 0.8-0.533 1.2l-14.8 14.8c-0.267 0.267-0.667 0.4-1.067 0.4s-0.933-0.133-1.2-0.533l-2.4-2.267-6.267-6.267c-0.267-0.267-0.4-0.667-0.4-1.2s0.133-0.8 0.533-1.2l2.4-2.4c0.267-0.133 0.667-0.4 1.067-0.4s0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l5.067 5.067 11.2-11.333c0.267-0.267 0.667-0.533 1.2-0.533 0.4 0 0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l2.4 2.4c0.267 0.267 0.4 0.667 0.4 1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec529a\" style=\"\">General inflammation<\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fece8e1\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" data-id=\"icon-check\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><path d=\"M29.333 10.267c0 0.4-0.133 0.8-0.533 1.2l-14.8 14.8c-0.267 0.267-0.667 0.4-1.067 0.4s-0.933-0.133-1.2-0.533l-2.4-2.267-6.267-6.267c-0.267-0.267-0.4-0.667-0.4-1.2s0.133-0.8 0.533-1.2l2.4-2.4c0.267-0.133 0.667-0.4 1.067-0.4s0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l5.067 5.067 11.2-11.333c0.267-0.267 0.667-0.533 1.2-0.533 0.4 0 0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l2.4 2.4c0.267 0.267 0.4 0.667 0.4 1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec529a\">Constant fatigue and lack of energy<\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fecea7a\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" data-id=\"icon-check\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><path d=\"M29.333 10.267c0 0.4-0.133 0.8-0.533 1.2l-14.8 14.8c-0.267 0.267-0.667 0.4-1.067 0.4s-0.933-0.133-1.2-0.533l-2.4-2.267-6.267-6.267c-0.267-0.267-0.4-0.667-0.4-1.2s0.133-0.8 0.533-1.2l2.4-2.4c0.267-0.133 0.667-0.4 1.067-0.4s0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l5.067 5.067 11.2-11.333c0.267-0.267 0.667-0.533 1.2-0.533 0.4 0 0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l2.4 2.4c0.267 0.267 0.4 0.667 0.4 1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec529a\">Memory problems<\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fecebdf\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" data-id=\"icon-check\" data-name=\"\" style=\"\"><path d=\"M29.333 10.267c0 0.4-0.133 0.8-0.533 1.2l-14.8 14.8c-0.267 0.267-0.667 0.4-1.067 0.4s-0.933-0.133-1.2-0.533l-2.4-2.267-6.267-6.267c-0.267-0.267-0.4-0.667-0.4-1.2s0.133-0.8 0.533-1.2l2.4-2.4c0.267-0.133 0.667-0.4 1.067-0.4s0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l5.067 5.067 11.2-11.333c0.267-0.267 0.667-0.533 1.2-0.533 0.4 0 0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l2.4 2.4c0.267 0.267 0.4 0.667 0.4 1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec529a\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"undefined\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style \" data-css=\"tve-u-172b8f9c02f\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" data-id=\"icon-check\" data-name=\"\"><path d=\"M29.333 10.267c0 0.4-0.133 0.8-0.533 1.2l-14.8 14.8c-0.267 0.267-0.667 0.4-1.067 0.4s-0.933-0.133-1.2-0.533l-2.4-2.267-6.267-6.267c-0.267-0.267-0.4-0.667-0.4-1.2s0.133-0.8 0.533-1.2l2.4-2.4c0.267-0.133 0.667-0.4 1.067-0.4s0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l5.067 5.067 11.2-11.333c0.267-0.267 0.667-0.533 1.2-0.533 0.4 0 0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l2.4 2.4c0.267 0.267 0.4 0.667 0.4 1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec529a\">Aches and pains that don\u2019t go away<\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"undefined\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style \" data-css=\"tve-u-172b8f9f975\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" data-id=\"icon-check\" data-name=\"\"><path d=\"M29.333 10.267c0 0.4-0.133 0.8-0.533 1.2l-14.8 14.8c-0.267 0.267-0.667 0.4-1.067 0.4s-0.933-0.133-1.2-0.533l-2.4-2.267-6.267-6.267c-0.267-0.267-0.4-0.667-0.4-1.2s0.133-0.8 0.533-1.2l2.4-2.4c0.267-0.133 0.667-0.4 1.067-0.4s0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l5.067 5.067 11.2-11.333c0.267-0.267 0.667-0.533 1.2-0.533 0.4 0 0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l2.4 2.4c0.267 0.267 0.4 0.667 0.4 1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec529a\">Migraines<\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"undefined\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style\" data-css=\"tve-u-172b8f9fc0a\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" data-id=\"icon-check\" data-name=\"\"><path d=\"M29.333 10.267c0 0.4-0.133 0.8-0.533 1.2l-14.8 14.8c-0.267 0.267-0.667 0.4-1.067 0.4s-0.933-0.133-1.2-0.533l-2.4-2.267-6.267-6.267c-0.267-0.267-0.4-0.667-0.4-1.2s0.133-0.8 0.533-1.2l2.4-2.4c0.267-0.133 0.667-0.4 1.067-0.4s0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l5.067 5.067 11.2-11.333c0.267-0.267 0.667-0.533 1.2-0.533 0.4 0 0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l2.4 2.4c0.267 0.267 0.4 0.667 0.4 1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec529a\">Joint pain<\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"undefined\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style\" data-css=\"tve-u-172b8f9fe7a\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" data-id=\"icon-check\" data-name=\"\"><path d=\"M29.333 10.267c0 0.4-0.133 0.8-0.533 1.2l-14.8 14.8c-0.267 0.267-0.667 0.4-1.067 0.4s-0.933-0.133-1.2-0.533l-2.4-2.267-6.267-6.267c-0.267-0.267-0.4-0.667-0.4-1.2s0.133-0.8 0.533-1.2l2.4-2.4c0.267-0.133 0.667-0.4 1.067-0.4s0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l5.067 5.067 11.2-11.333c0.267-0.267 0.667-0.533 1.2-0.533 0.4 0 0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l2.4 2.4c0.267 0.267 0.4 0.667 0.4 1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec529a\">Irritability and\/or anger<\/span><\/li><li class=\"thrv-styled-list-item\" data-css=\"undefined\"><div class=\"tcb-styled-list-icon\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_icon tve_no_drag tcb-no-delete tcb-no-clone tcb-no-save tcb-icon-inherit-style\" data-css=\"tve-u-172b8fa0073\"><svg class=\"tcb-icon\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" data-id=\"icon-check\" data-name=\"\"><path d=\"M29.333 10.267c0 0.4-0.133 0.8-0.533 1.2l-14.8 14.8c-0.267 0.267-0.667 0.4-1.067 0.4s-0.933-0.133-1.2-0.533l-2.4-2.267-6.267-6.267c-0.267-0.267-0.4-0.667-0.4-1.2s0.133-0.8 0.533-1.2l2.4-2.4c0.267-0.133 0.667-0.4 1.067-0.4s0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l5.067 5.067 11.2-11.333c0.267-0.267 0.667-0.533 1.2-0.533 0.4 0 0.8 0.133 1.2 0.533l2.4 2.4c0.267 0.267 0.4 0.667 0.4 1.2z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/div><span class=\"thrv-advanced-inline-text tve_editable tcb-styled-list-icon-text tcb-no-delete tcb-no-save\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727fec529a\">Feeling like having the flu or a cold<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8eb50c10\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-1267\" alt=\"Low immune system\" width=\"640\" height=\"428\" title=\"Low immune system\" data-id=\"1267\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Low-immune-system.jpg\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8eb50c15\" style=\"\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"428\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"428\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2e5be0\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Understanding that the physical symptoms of depression can have such a wide range is important when we start to get frustrated with the way we feel on a daily basis. Sometimes it can feel like everything hurts and your whole body is against you. I\u2019ve been at that point. And I know it is hard to feel like things will ever change because so much is going wrong and hurting.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2e5be0\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">There is a silver lining that I would like to point out though. While it\u2019s hard to deal with so many varied symptoms from one condition, it also means that if your depression gets better, all the other conditions will just improve along with that. So your focus can remain on bettering the depression and you will see more widespread results just from that.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box tve-elem-default-pad\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e342696\">\n\t<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4620c5\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tve-cb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-columns\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e453273\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-row tcb--cols--2 tcb-resized\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e452da4\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457d4\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4560fb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5dd307\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-158\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4414d6\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457f1\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5e3e36\"><h2 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5d96c3\"><span data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5df7b5\">The immune system and depression connection<\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2e5be0\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">As depression becomes a more common condition in our world, we are also doing more research on where it comes from and how we can help it improve. There has been some incredible research done that suggests that depression and the immune system are linked in both directions. Meaning that problems in the immune system can actually cause depression, and depression in turn, can also cause certain types of serious illnesses.This is a true feedback loop.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2e5be0\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is an incredible suggestion because we currently have a very simplistic approach to the causes of depression. We believe that, in most cases, a lack of certain neurotransmitters in the brain leads to a deficiency that in turn leaves us feeling sad and depressed. Medical treatment, therefore, focuses mainly on correcting this imbalance in the brain with medications.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8eb50c10\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-1269\" alt=\"Depression and the immune system\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" title=\"Depression and the immune system\" data-id=\"1269\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Depression-and-the-immune-system.jpg\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8eb50c15\" style=\"\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"426\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"426\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box\" style=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-160c1e84e06\" data-ct-name=\"Modern 9\" data-ct=\"stylebox-8929\" data-element-name=\"Styled Box\">\n<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e825c68\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tve-cb tve_empty_dropzone\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e825c69\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4e4a7f\">This new research, however, has shown that the chemical imbalance in the brain may not be the only cause of depression.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\"><h3 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727feca00f\">The mind-body connection<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dr. Candace Pert is maybe the first person to actually prove that mind-body connection. She was a well-known American neuroscientist and pharmacologist. Throughout her decades of work, she made numerous significant medical discoveries and also held several medical patents. She received an award from the Theophrastus Paracelsus Foundation in Holistic Medicine for her pioneering work in the area of psychoneuroimmunology.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dr. Pert said: \u201cSince emotions run every system in the body, don\u2019t underestimate their power to treat and heal.\u201d This underlines the connection between our emotions like depression and the physical effects those can have. Our mind can certainly affect our physical body and vice versa. So, while we might be focused on our depression, we might miss the physical manifestations of our depression. And this can include a grave impact on our immune system. Dr. Pert believed that since the mind and body are connected, we cannot treat one without the other. This is definitely the biggest takeaway I missed when I first struggled with depression and was constantly ill.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box tve-elem-default-pad\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e342696\">\n\t<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4620c5\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tve-cb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-columns\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e453273\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-row tcb--cols--2 tcb-resized\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e452da4\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457d4\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4560fb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5dd307\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-158\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4414d6\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457f1\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5e3e36\"><h2 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5d96c3\"><span data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5df7b5\">Major or long term conditions could cause depression<\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Studies have found that long term inflammation for example, can be a major contributing factor to depression and even other serious psychiatric disorders. This shows that our current understanding of what causes depression is too limited, and could explain why the medical system still struggles to treat depression fully and consistently.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Looking at it this way, it\u2019s not surprising that depression can develop after life-changing events like a stroke or heart attack. Many people who have had a stroke or heart attack end up depressed. Sometimes so severely that they can no longer function, even though their physical ailment has been treated. The shock to their physical body has been healed, but the impact on their mind is usually not considered as needing treatment.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-171f0a7b071\" style=\"\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-1270\" alt=\"Heart attack\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" title=\"Heart attack\" data-id=\"1270\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Heart-attack.jpg\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8eb50c15\" style=\"\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"426\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"426\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Keeping this in mind can also be an important factor in how depression and other mental health problems are viewed in society. Often there is still a type of stigma found in society that treats depression like it\u2019s not a \u201creal\u201d medical condition. And like the person ought to just \u201csnap out of it\u201d to get better. Seeing that there are distinct physical causes that contribute to depression reiterates the fact that this is simply not true. Depression stands firmly as a complex and very real medical condition.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">One of the best things my therapist taught me is that I should treat my depression no different from a physical injury like a broken arm. That way I understand that there is nothing wrong with me for having this current disability. It\u2019s not \u201cmy fault\u201d for the way I feel, and that I should not be ashamed to admit or talk about how it affects my life.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box tve-elem-default-pad\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e342696\">\n\t<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4620c5\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tve-cb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-columns\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e453273\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-row tcb--cols--2 tcb-resized\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e452da4\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457d4\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4560fb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5dd307\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-158\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4414d6\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457f1\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5e3e36\"><h2 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5d96c3\"><span data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5df7b5\">Depression can weaken the immune system<\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">On the other hand, much research has shown the more commonly known link between depression and other serious health conditions and diseases. We know that in some cases being depressed leaves you more vulnerable to frequent colds and other infections. Yet more research is showing that there is even a link between depression and more serious conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and even cancer.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8eb50c10\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-1272\" alt=\"Immune system diseases\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" title=\"Immune system diseases\" data-id=\"1272\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Immune-diseases.jpg\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8eb50c15\" style=\"\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"427\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"427\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">It points to a true cause-and-effect relationship between depression and serious illnesses and diseases. These types of findings make it clear that we need to broaden our approach to the effects of depression. It makes it even more pressing that we find holistic ways to treat it. And those holistic ways need to include an approach for both the body and the mind.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a way, I was quite fortunate that my journey of breaking through depression included several holistic aspects early on. Although not explicitly recommended by my doctor, I eventually stumbled onto meditation, hypnosis, Tai chi, and a host of other alternative therapies. I did feel like supporting my mind and my body at the same time made a big difference in how I progressed. In addition, I felt that addressing the issue holistically enabled me to affect a lasting change.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">It was through this holistic approach that I understood the mind body connection more and more. Over time, I began to explore the link between my depression and my constant illness. The more I learned, the more it made sense that one could affect the other and vice versa. But, you would be very surprised at how little this connection is discussed in traditional school medicine. So, it\u2019s not really a surprise that we are unprepared for it, as we struggle toward a breakthrough and healing.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box tve-elem-default-pad\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e342696\">\n\t<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4620c5\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tve-cb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-columns\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e453273\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-row tcb-resized tcb--cols--2\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e452da4\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457d4\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4560fb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5dd307\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-158\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4414d6\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457f1\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5e3e36\"><h2 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e60884d\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">A new understanding of depression<\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Through my own journey with depression I found that the medical system is very restricted in how much it can help people who suffer with depression. I felt there was a true lack of understanding the scope of how depression can affect our bodies, minds and lives. I believe that we need to continue to break free of the western medical system\u2019s view of separating the body and the mind, and understand that problems in either part will inevitably affect the other.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mental health problems are not somehow segregated and separate from the body. And they are most certainly not \u201cless serious\u201d than physical ailments. The stigma that depression has associated with it in society is a major hurdle for diagnosing and treating depression successfully. No one should feel ashamed of admitting they are suffering from depression. Or be afraid to seek treatment for it. The link between the immune system and depression brings to the forefront how concretely this \u201ccondition of the mind\u201d presents itself in the physical body. Just like a physical injury.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8eb50c10\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-1274\" alt=\"Immune system problems and physical injuries\" width=\"640\" height=\"453\" title=\"Immune system problems and physical injuries\" data-id=\"1274\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Immune-system-problems-and-physical-injuries.jpg\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8eb50c15\" style=\"\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"453\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"453\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\"><h3 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-1727feca00f\">The validity of physical injuries<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you are struggling with depression and feel hesitant about being open about it, remember this. Remember that you wouldn\u2019t be ashamed of a broken arm. The disability that depression can cause is no different. We have exciting new avenues of research bringing mental health into a new light these days. It is truly my hope that we will continue to do the work to accept and understand the members of our society that struggle with any kind of mental health problem, not just depression.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2ea231\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">This is an important point to remember when you are struggling with depression. If you are taking meds and looking at your depression as an illness that needs medicating, you may be missing a huge part of the puzzle. Separating the physical and mental effects of your depression will limit the avenues of treatment available to you. And it might even mean that you stay drowning in depression without finding the help you need.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box tve-elem-default-pad\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e342696\">\n\t<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4620c5\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tve-cb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-columns\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e453273\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-row tcb-resized tcb--cols--2\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e452da4\"><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457d4\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4560fb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5dd307\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-158\" alt=\"Round Arrow\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"Round Arrow\" data-id=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Round-Arrow-1.png\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4414d6\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tcb-flex-col\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e4457f1\" style=\"\"><div class=\"tcb-col\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e5e3e36\"><h2 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e60884d\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">The Takeaway<\/span><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2fd23f\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Looking at depression and the immune system together might be a completely new perspective for you. Considering the mind body connection might also be something you never thought about. It might also be something that does not make any sense. <br><br>But, as you consider your depression and how it makes you feel physically and mentally, you may notice certain patterns.You may notice, for instance, that since you became depressed, you have felt more tired and have had more colds.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2fd23f\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Once you become open to the idea that the mind-body connection exists, it opens up a whole new range of options for healing. I have found that once I considered my depression and my immune system as one, I was driven to find more solutions for healing. <br><br>Always work with your doctor or health care professional, but don\u2019t be afraid to look outside the box that is western medicine. Understand that depression has a variety of facets and looks different for each person.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e9bd23b\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-1275\" alt=\"Immune system and doctors\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" title=\"Immune system and doctors\" data-id=\"1275\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Immune-system-and-doctors.jpg\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e9bd240\" style=\"\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"426\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"426\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\"><h3 class=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e93851dc4\">Listen to your body<\/h3><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2fd23f\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Especially if you are noticing an effect on your immune system, it may be time for you to consider your body and mind as a whole. There are many options for holistic, or whole-body healing available and I am sure you will find something that works well for you.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box\" style=\"\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8eaa1067\" data-ct-name=\"Modern 9\" data-ct=\"stylebox-8929\" data-element-name=\"Styled Box\">\n<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8ea92876\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tve-cb tve_empty_dropzone\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8ea92877\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element tve_empty_dropzone\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8ea9287a\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8ea9287b\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">Keep an open mind as to where this journey may take you.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2fd23f\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">There may be healing methods available you have never heard of, but you may find them helpful nonetheless. In fact, I discovered meditation, hypnosis, Tai chi, acupressure and massage, all while looking to heal my depression and my body.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper tve_image_caption\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8ea21c99\"><span class=\"tve_image_frame\"><img class=\"tve_image wp-image-1276\" alt=\"Listen to your body\" width=\"640\" height=\"394\" title=\"Listen to your body\" data-id=\"1276\" src=\"https:\/\/thejorni.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Listen-to-your-body.jpg\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e8ea21c9f\" style=\"\" data-width=\"640\" data-height=\"394\" data-init-width=\"640\" data-init-height=\"394\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e2fd23f\" style=\"text-align: justify;\">I would also encourage you to listen to your body. Very often, the symptoms you are experiencing are not on the \u201caccepted\u201d list of depression symptoms. This can include physical ailments and pains that your doctor might write off as something else. You know your body better than anyone else. And you can trust yourself to explore your depression and its various effects on your body and mind.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e8e31337a\">You deserve to take full advantage of all the healing avenues available to you. Above all, you deserve to find your own healing when it comes to depression and your immune system.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_contentbox_shortcode thrv-content-box tve-elem-default-pad\" data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6ed46b\">\n\t<div class=\"tve-content-box-background\"><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"tve-cb\"><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv-divider\" data-style-d=\"tve_sep-1\" data-thickness-d=\"1\" data-color-d=\"rgb(204, 204, 204)\" data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6ed464\">\n\t<hr class=\"tve_sep tve_sep-1\">\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6ed465\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6ed467\">Sources<\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element tve-froala fr-box fr-basic\" data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6fabd5\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6ed468\"><span><a class=\"tve-froala fr-basic\" data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6ed46a\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3002174\/\" style=\"outline: none;\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3002174\/<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6fabd5\" style=\"\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6ed468\"><span style=\"text-decoration: none; display: inline-block;\">https:\/\/www.dispatchhealth.com\/blog\/how-depression-affects-your-immune-system\/<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6fabd5\" style=\"\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6ed468\"><span style=\"text-decoration: none; display: inline-block;\">https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/recognizing-the-unusual-signs-of-depression-201302275938<\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element\" data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6fabd5\" style=\"\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16efc6ed468\"><span style=\"text-decoration: none; display: inline-block;\">https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/depression-in-women\/index.shtml<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"thrv_wrapper thrv_text_element tve-froala fr-box fr-basic\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e93746d6b\" style=\"\"><p data-css=\"tve-u-16e9374575e\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"tve-froala fr-basic\" data-css=\"tve-u-16e93753a63\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejorni.com\" style=\"outline: none;\">www.thejorni.com<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","tve_custom_css":"@import url(\"\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Montserrat:400,400i,500,500i,300,300i,600,700,900,800&subset=latin\");@import url(\"\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Quicksand:400,500&subset=latin\");@media (min-width: 300px){[data-css=\"tve-u-16e6f9579b5\"] { padding: 0px !important; 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