Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Rteacher]

Here's a Wikipedia definition (if it hasn't been posted already - I didn't read too much of what I figured to be a depressing thread...)

Clinical depression (also called major-depressive disorder or unipolar depression) is a common psychiatric disorder, characterized by a persistent lowering of mood, loss of interest in usual activities and diminished ability to experience pleasure.

While the term "depression" is commonly used to describe a temporary decreased mood when one "feels blue", clinical depression is a serious illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and that cannot simply be willed or wished away. It is often a disabling disease that affects a person's work, family and school life, sleeping and eating habits, general health and ability to enjoy life.[1] The course of clinical depression varies widely: depression can be a once in a life-time event or have multiple recurrences, it can appear either gradually or suddenly, and either last for few months or be a life-long disorder. Having depression is a major risk factor for suicide; in addition, people with depression suffer from higher mortality from other causes.[2]

Clinical depression is usually treated by psychotherapy, antidepressants, or a combination of the two. Clinical depression may be a stand alone issue having differing features in patients, or as part of a larger medical issue, such as in patients with bipolar disorder or chronic pain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_depression

I was probably clinically depressed when I first went to UMass (class of '71) I wasn't able to function as a student since I was always up all night and slept during the day.

I think music and art were therapeutic - and my sense of humor pulled me through - but existential philosophy, compulsive gambling, certain paranoia-inducing drugs, and Viet-nam war death culture images led to a lot of suicidal thoughts.

In many cases, there probably is a chemical imbalence which can often be restored by natural mineral supplements like lithium...
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/lithium.html

[itaewonguy]

[Halal Pork]

[itaewonguy]

[Barking Mad Lord Snapcase]

[Harpeau]

This is a very difficult issue to sort out.

As a counselor, I usually will encourage a client to take a piece of paper and sketch a baseball diamond on it. Begin at home plate and name the issues that are "in their face at the moment"; the things that are most urgent. Then moving out into the field name othe issues and problems that are less urgent that need to be discussed eventually. In the outfield, one can place minor annoyances, etc.

Most of the time, talk therapy will be helpful with steeing goals and lifestyle changes. Yet, sometimes a person just feels overwhelmed with what's on their plate. I am somewhat hesitant, but I do suggest that they consider the option of making an appointment with a psychiatrist. I try and warn them about some of the pitfalls, yet also encourage them that they might find the medication rout somewhat beneficial.

I might also add that most people who have the gutsyness to cross the puddle and teach tend to be a highly motivated lot. I've always been impressed with many of my clients desire to change their lives toward a healthy direction. Teachers are an inspiring group of people that inspire their students.

My point is that very few of my clients here have needed medication~ compared to many clients back in Canada. I think that says something positive about teachers in Korea.

[NilesQ]

For me, being on a regular sleep cycle, eating well, and exercising are the most important things to do to stay out of depression. I still get down sometimes, but not the cant face the world, wish a bus would hit me type of days. But if I saty up late, miss sleep, eat junk and drink cola, it starts to creep back in.

Sleep the same 8 hours each night, exercise for 1 hour, and eat your veggies.

[karma police]

talk to the person you love most in this hopelessly insane world and ask them how they cope with the disillusionment and lunacy. you'll soon discover -through those that sincerely have your best interest at heart- that there is really nothing to lose hope over and that there is just too many people relying on you to be strong and to give them hope. it really does not matter what you eat or when you sleep as long as you can make sense of the situation and deal with what you are currently experiencing, living with it as a positive period in your life. exchange self-pity for positive thinking by communicating with those that you truly love as much as possible.

most of all, get out and about in the fresh air and do whatever it takes to meet people that will change your life for the better and never quit...

good looking chicks hate quitters...

[prettyinscarlet777]

Well, I get depressed sometimes. But what brings me out of it is prayer. I also agree that sleeping and eating right are important. Also, having kind and truly loving friends and family is a must. Having a pet is good too. But without God and spending time with Him I'd be miserable.

[Draz]

[peter07]

I recently talked to a Korean adoptee from the U.S. He said he was depressed during high school because his mother fed him junk food like burgers and fries. He got off that and coffee and other bad foods, and said he got so much better. He's a big fan of Asian food and healthy dining.

I also think your mental attitude is key. Just check out this article.

Happiness may be good for your health
By Amy Norton
Wed Jan 2, 3:24 PM ET

A happy heart just might be a healthier one as well, new research suggests.

In a study of nearly 3,000 healthy British adults, lead by Dr. Andrew Steptoe of University College London, found that those who reported upbeat moods had lower levels of cortisol -- a "stress" hormone that, when chronically elevated, may contribute to high blood pressure, abdominal obesity and dampened immune function, among other problems.

In the study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, women who reported more positive emotions had lower blood levels of two proteins that indicate widespread inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to a range of ills over time, including heart disease and cancer.

Researchers have long noted that happier people tend to be in better health than those who are persistently stressed, hostile or pessimistic. But the reasons are still being studied.

One possibility is that happier people lead more healthful lifestyles, but not all studies have found this to be the case, explained Steptoe.

"We have therefore been searching for more direct biological links between positive states and health," he told Reuters Health.

The current findings, according to Steptoe, add to evidence that happiness and other positive emotions are "associated with biological responses that are health-protective."

The study, published in the American Journal, included 2,873 healthy men and women between the ages of 50 and 74. Over the course of one day, participants collected six samples of their saliva so that the researchers could measure their cortisol levels; after taking each sample, participants recorded their current mood -- the extent to which they felt "happy, excited or content."

On a separate day, the researchers measured participant's levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin 6, two markers of inflammation in the body.

They found that men and women who reported happier moods had lower average cortisol levels over the course of the day -- even when factors such as age, weight, smoking and income were taken into account.

Among women, but not men, positive emotions were also related to lower levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin 6. The reason for the sex difference is not clear, according to the researchers.

Steptoe said the findings on cortisol confirm the results of earlier, smaller studies; the results on C reactive protein and interleukin 6, however, are new.

"These findings suggest another biological process linking happiness with reduced biological vulnerability," he said.

But if happier people are healthier people, the more difficult question remains: How do you become happier?

"What we do know," Steptoe noted, "is that people's mood states are not just a matter of heredity, but depend on our social relationships and fulfillment in life."

"We need to help people to recognize the things that make them feel good and truly satisfied with their lives, so that they spend more time doing these things."

SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology, January 1, 2008.

[karma police]

[SirFink]

[fusionbarnone]

Keep busy.

Depression can be defined as "learned helplessness". Nothing to be ashamed of, just unanalyzed habits.

Score a black belt in something. Choose a gym and tell the instructor you want to "graduate" in 3 months and attend class five days each week without fail. That'll sort you out.

[ryouga013]

I am only now really dealing with depression. I was dealing with a $hitton of stress before because I have the stereotypical Hagwon boss in a small run down place that's losing its footing with every passing day

Maybe because it's the holidays but something that was helping me a lot before was trying to lose weight. I got here and I was obese, and I mean that. Not the love handles, but much heavier than that. Since then I have been exercising daily and trying to keep up a large regiment so that I can stay in shape and not be bogged down. Exercise does help depression but you need to start doing it for a while before you just up and quit, that will only make things seem worse.

Your medication may be good (I have mixed thoughts on the subject) but make sure you're taking a multivitamin as well. Sometimes if you're lacking in various vitamins and minerals you can get depressed much more easily than you would think.

I do agree with the volunteer work suggestion that others have posted. I have been asking for ways to help where I can be social from an activist that I work with but most of the help the group asks for is translation and editing where I am not with other people... the thing I am trying to avoid!

Having an animal may help but make sure you know what you are getting into prior to getting them. I was a little down and got hamsters. That was a mistake. They aren't real pets. you can hold them, you can watch them do stuff sometimes, but meh, not my style... now I have to find a home for them etc If I could find some volunteer work at an animal shelter, HELL YEAH!

If you have some friends in the area, contact them, don't wait for them to contact you, it's futile. If you don't already have an internet phone service, get one, call your friends back home and maybe make some internet friends if you're into that sort of thing

Just a few things that work for me most of the time