Hello Loves,
this is Lovely,
herself!
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior and emotions.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing the automatic negative thoughts that can contribute to and worsen emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. These spontaneous negative thoughts have a detrimental influence on mood.
Through CBT, these thoughts are identified, challenged, and replaced with more objective, realistic thoughts.
CBT is about more than identifying thought patterns; it is focused on using a wide range of strategies to help people overcome these thoughts. Such strategies may include journaling, role-playing, relaxation techniques, and mental distractions.
10 days ago I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Social Anxiety Disorder
What is a major depressive disorder?
Sadness is a natural part of the human experience. People may feel sad or depressed when a loved one passes away or when they’re going through a life challenge, such as a divorce or serious illness.
These feelings are normally short-lived. When someone experiences persistent and intense feelings of sadness for extended periods of time, then they may have a mood disorder such as major depressive disorder (MDD).
MDD, also referred to as clinical depression, is a significant medical condition that can affect many areas of your life. It impacts mood and behavior as well as various physical functions, such as appetite and sleep.
MDD is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. Data suggests that more than 7 percent of U.S. adults experienced a major depressive episode in 2017.
Some people with MDD never seek treatment. However, most people with the disorder can learn to cope and function with treatment. Medications, psychotherapy, and other methods can effectively treat people with MDD and help them manage their symptoms.
What are the symptoms of major depressive disorder?
Your doctor or a mental health professional can make a diagnosis of major depressive disorder based on your symptoms, feelings, and behaviors.
Typically, you’ll be asked certain questions or given a questionnaire so they can better determine if you have MDD or another diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with MDD, you need to meet the symptom criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual helps medical professionals diagnose mental health conditions.
According to its criteria:
you must experience a change in your previous functioning
symptoms must occur for a period of 2 or more weeks
at least one symptom is either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure
You must also experience 5 or more of the following symptoms in the 2-week period:
You feel sad or irritable most of the day, nearly every day.
You’re less interested in most activities you once enjoyed.
You suddenly lose or gain weight or have a change in appetite.
You have trouble falling asleep or want to sleep more than usual.
You experience feelings of restlessness.
You feel unusually tired and have a lack of energy.
You feel worthless or guilty, often about things that wouldn’t normally make you feel that way.
You have difficulty concentrating, thinking, or making decisions.
You think about harming yourself or suicide.
What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder sometimes referred to as social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder that causes extreme fear in social settings. People with this disorder have trouble talking to people, meeting new people, and attending social gatherings. They fear being judged or scrutinized by others. They may understand that their fears are irrational or unreasonable, but feel powerless to overcome them.
Social anxiety is different from shyness. Shyness is usually short-term and doesn’t disrupt one’s life. Social anxiety is persistent and debilitating. It can affect one’s ability to:
Work
attend school
develop close relationships with people outside their family
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) approximately 15 million American adults have a social anxiety disorder. Symptoms of this disorder may start around the age of 13.
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
Social interaction may cause the following physical symptoms:
blushing
nausea
excessive sweating
trembling or shaking
difficulty speaking
dizziness or lightheadedness
rapid heart rate
Psychological symptoms may include:
Worrying intensely about social situations
worrying about days or weeks before an event
avoiding social situations or trying to blend into the background if you must attend
worrying about embarrassing yourself in a social situation
worrying that other people will notice you are stressed or nervous
needing alcohol to face a social situation
missing school or work because of anxiety
It is normal to sometimes feel anxious. However, when you have social phobia, you have a constant fear of being judged by others or humiliated in front of them. You may avoid all social situations, including:
Asking a question
job interviews
shopping
using public restrooms
talking on the phone
eating in public
Symptoms of social anxiety may not occur in all situations. You can have limited or selective anxiety. For example, symptoms may only occur when you’re eating in front of people or talking to strangers. Symptoms can occur in all social settings if you have an extreme case.
What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?
The exact cause of social phobia is unknown. However, current research supports the idea that it is caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetics. Negative experiences also may contribute to this disorder, including:
Bullying
family conflict
sexual abuse
Physical abnormalities such as a serotonin imbalance may contribute to this condition. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps regulate mood. An overactive amygdala (a structure in the brain that controls fear response and feelings or thoughts of anxiety) may also cause these disorders.
Anxiety disorders can run in families. However, researchers aren’t sure if they’re actually linked to genetic factors. For example, a child might develop an anxiety disorder by learning the behavior of one of their parents who has an anxiety disorder. Children can also develop anxiety disorders as a result of being raised in controlling or overprotective environments.
What is my treatment so far?
I have been given Zoloft.
Zoloft is the brand name of the generic medication sertraline hydrochloride, a prescription medication used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other serious mental health problems. Manufactured by Pfizer, Zoloft is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of social anxiety disorder and is the only medication approved for long-term treatment.
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Zoloft slows the reabsorption of the chemical serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is believed to play a role in the regulation of mood and anxiety.
How I know that I have MDD and SAD?
I realized that myself in February. It is not my first time seeing a therapist and I know what it looks like to have symptoms that are showing severe MDD and SAD behavior.
I am on Zoloft for a week already. I do not experience any side effects at all, just a bit of a dizzy when I am moving too fast but that might also be caused by me not being moved fast.
Back in Feb, I was not even able to go out. I felt pressured, and anxious immediately after leaving my home. One month later it is a miracle that I can sit by the pool for like 20 minutes. It is quite short what I can share after being in therapy for 1 month only, but I am trying to relax and enjoy the silence right now.
I will keep you posted on what is going on, but this post was mainly made for those who have asked me what is going on and how I am doing recently.
Love you all and thanks for all the kind messages I got in the past few days. It means a lot to me.
