Depression- 
The Struggle To Even Exist 






I know many people who just struggle to exist. They have difficulty even doing basic things during their day such as brushing their teeth.

They lose all motivation and feel paralyzed in a way due to depression and/ or anxiety. 

If you are feeling like this, know that you are not alone. Know that there is help and hope.

It is helpful to try to do one small thing more a day- such as to get in the shower, or take a short walk for example.

Try and not look at what all is feeling overwhelming to you but rather, look and try to do one small thing.

Doing one small thing of a positive action toward feeling better and healing and then another.... will add up and you will start to feel better soon.

Seek help and make a small change.  

Consider it a victory with each small step that you take toward self-care, coping skills and healing!


Be a HOPE CHANGER in your own life and in the lives of others!  

Demonstrate self-care and optimism to  facilitate healing and encourage others!



Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor 

Changing Lives with God's HOPE!

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 

 







 
 
 

Anxiety Help- Use Visual Anchors

When you have anxiety or are even just stressed, it is helpful to use visual anchors.

This simply means to look and focus on something that can help to calm you down.

Some examples are:

to look up at the sky

to look at a nature scene on your cell phone computer, or in a book or magazine

to look at a picture of someone that you love
 
to look at a picture of one of your passions

to look and focus on an object in front of you.

While you are looking at something to help you feel better, tell yourself that you are okay, take a couple slow deep breaths and also listen to nature sounds or soothing music. 

Be a HOPE CHANGER in your own life and in the lives of others!  

Demonstrate self-care and optimism to  facilitate healing and encourage others!



Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor 

Changing Lives with God's HOPE!

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 

 







 
 
 

Meditation Can Boost Neurotransmitters

Between your brain’s billions of neurons are an internet-like group of information communicators known as "neurotransmitters."

For the depression sufferer, there are two critical "need to know" which are called  neurotransmitters: serotonin and norepinephrine.

When levels of these two highly important brain chemicals get too low, we feel an overwhelming sense of sadness, and consequently, become depressed.

How Meditation Refills Your Neurotransmitters

 Many studies have demonstrated that (including a highly esteemed University of Montreal research team) — with meditation, you can boost both serotonin and norepinephrine to healthy "depression resistant" levels... all- naturally.

Meditation actually creates within your brain a sort of "neurochemical utopia" — where depression is unable to survive.

Meditation’s freshly drafted serotonin army will quickly neutralize any depression linked enemy combatants currently occupying your brain, effectively making it a powerful fortress preventing any future potential invader.

 Reference: https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/8-compelling-reasons-meditation-can-cure-depression/


Be a HOPE CHANGER in your own life and in the lives of others!  

Demonstrate self-care and optimism to  facilitate healing and encourage others!



Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor 

Changing Lives with God's HOPE!

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 

 







 
 

Mental Health First Aid






What comes to my mind for mental health first aid as a mental health counselor- is the following:

*If you are suicidal: Tell someone who you trust/ who can get you immediate help to ensure your safety OR call 911 OR go to your nearest Emergency Room at a hospital and tell them that you are suicidal.

*Take slow deep breaths.

*Demonstrate positive self-talk. Tell yourself that you are going to be 'okay' over and over again.

*Seek support. Reach out to someone who can help you get the professional help that you need.

*Have Hope that things can and will get better. 

*Remember that emotional pain is only temporary and that you can feel better soon.

*Pray! God loves you and cares for you deeply!

*Seek counseling and join a support group  

*Remember that your life matters and that your worthy and valuable!


Be a HOPE CHANGER in your own life and in the lives of others!  

Demonstrate self-care and optimism to  facilitate healing and encourage others!



Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor 

Changing Lives with God's HOPE!

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 

 







 
 
 

Backsliding- and How To Move Forward Again

My pastor talked about backsliding this week in his sermon. 

He stated that backsliding occurs even when we are are being still and not moving forward at all.

He also stated that we are responsible for our actions and the lack of- even when we put ourselves in situations where we could backslide. An example could be hanging around people who are a bad influence on us.

How can you move forward when you are backsliding? 

Ask yourself in what ways that you feel like you have back slid or are even at a holding place. 

Then ask yourself what is stopping you from moving forward with these areas in your life. 

Next, ask yourself what small steps you can take toward positive steps forward.... and do one little thing at a time of some type of movement! 

Decide today that you are going to make a new fresh start!

Reference: Dr. Mark Gregory, Calvary Baptist Church
   
Be a HOPE CHANGER in your own life and in the lives of others!  

Demonstrate self-care and optimism to  facilitate healing and encourage others!



Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor 

Changing Lives with God's HOPE!

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 

 

I could write about juicing vegetables every day! I believe in it so very much.

Juicing has many health benefits.

Juicing offers more nutrient absorption because the gut doesn’t need to digest all that fiber

Don’t get me wrong, fiber IS important because it also contains nutrients and helps digestion.

How many of us realistically can eat two to three pounds of vegetables each day?

Juicing makes this possible because this process involves extracting juice. And with leaving off the pulp takes digestion off the equation and introduces nutrients directly to the blood stream.

Since you’re drinking rather than eating, you’re able to take in more vegetables; Thus absorbing more nutrients without stuffing yourself too much with a lot of fiber.

Juicing allows you to consume more vegetables efficiently.

The majority of the ingredients in a recipe should be vegetables and minimize high fructose fruit like apples and strawberries. A good ratio to follow would be 80% vegetables and 20% fruit.

Juicing allows you to consume a wider range of vegetables which allows your body to get more nutrients.

Juicing feeds good bacteria to the gut.

Most of us don’t know this but a third of our immune system is located in our digestive track and countless research shows that the key to a health body is a healthy gut. Hippocrates in fact said 2000 years ago that “All disease begins in the gut”.

Prevention is better than cure.

 

 

By eating more fruits and vegetables, this will nourish and help arm your body with anti-cancer nutrients that will help fight off cancer cells.


Since the vegetables we eat now are less nutritious than it was 50 years ago because of a number of factors like over farming that depletes nutrients from the oil, we simply have to eat more to compensate for this.

It helps fight cancer

Cancer treatment involves chemotherapy that takes a toll on your body and bank account. And a lot of people have turned to alternative medication which includes juicing to fight this dreaded disease and there are some people who have won the battle!


Reference- https://www.juicingwithg.com/benefits-of-juicing/



Be a HOPE CHANGER in your own life and in the lives of others!  

Demonstrate self-care and optimism to  facilitate healing and encourage others!



Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor 

Changing Lives with God's HOPE!

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 

 







 
 

Happy Fall!









I hope this season leads you into peace and further healing!   

Ask yourself what you would like to work on to work toward positive changes in your life.

Then, make a list of small steps to take to work toward these positive changes.

Remember- if nothing changes, nothing changes.

  
Be a HOPE CHANGER in your own life and in the lives of others!  

Demonstrate self-care and optimism to  facilitate healing and encourage others!



Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor 

Changing Lives with God's HOPE!

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 

 







 
 
 

Be a HOPE CHANGER in your own life and in the lives of others!  

Demonstrate self-care and optimism to  facilitate healing and encourage others!



Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor 

Changing Lives with God's HOPE!

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 

 







 
 
 

I have met many people who feel very lonely/, all alone and isolated. Many of these people have people in their lives and even in their homes.

You can feel lonelier with someone than being all alone by yourself. 

Feeling all alone and isolated can be a devastating feeling. 

Here are some things that may be helpful when you feel this way:

Reach out to someone, even if it is out of your comfort zone. 

Reach out to someone even if it is to someone that you may not be close with such as a neighbor for example- just to have contact with a human. 

Reach out to a church. 

Reach out to a social group such as 'Meet Up' groups in which are nation wide and you can look them up on line.

Reach out to someone and try to be social. Then, reach out to someone who you believe that you can trust to talk to about your feelings such as a counselor or again- a church staff member for example.

Research and attend a support group. 

Call / reach out to someone that you know or put yourself in places and situations in which you can meet new people.

Demonstrate self- care and self- love. This is different for different people. Ask yourself what you can do to help yourself feel better and to lift your spirits.

Journal, draw, paint, listen to music, pray, read, pursue a passion or hobby.

If nothing changes, nothing changes. 

Do something different and make a positive change in your life and seek support.

 Be a HOPE CHANGER in your own life and in the lives of others!  

Demonstrate self-care and optimism to  facilitate healing and encourage others!



Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor 

Changing Lives with God's HOPE!

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 

 







 
 
 

• Laugh out loud
• Listen to music
• Fly a kite
• Stretch
• Be thankful
• Read for fun
• Daydream
• Take a nap
• Go rock climbing
• Eat organic food
• Canoe
• Remember all the good things about yourself  
• Create a collage representing "The Real Me"
• Write a poem
• Reward yourself
• Juice vegetables
• Make a smoothie
• Make a milkshake
• Reflect on your successes
• Practice relaxation exercises
• Learn yoga
• String popcorn
• Sing, draw, dance, sculpt - express yourself!
• Forgive yourself or someone else
• Plan a vacation
• Enjoy a long bubble bath
• Get or give a massage
• Go to a sporting event
• Fingerpaint
• Rake a pile of leaves and jump in
• Play cards
• Enjoy a free concert at the School of Music
• Plant flowers
• Take a deep breath
• Work a crossword puzzle
• Play hide-and-seek
• Tell someone you appreciate them
• Turn off your phone
• Bake goodies and share them with friends
• Volunteer to be a Big Brother or Sister
• Believe in yourself
• Try on clothes in a favorite store
• Tell yourself the loving words you want to hear
• Reflect on your values
• Go camping
• Soak in a hot tub
• Go bowling
• Play with toys
• Watch your favorite TV show
• Keep a journal
• Call a friend
• People-watch
• Go on a picnic
• Become a volunteer
• Have a pillow fight
• Visit the Farmer's Market
• Play in the snow
• Blow bubbles
• Walk a dog
• Dance in the rain
• Visit a favorite place
• Visit a zoo
• Pamper yourself
• Develop a hobby
• Rent a costume
• Treat yourself to ice cream
• Watch a sunset
• Visit a sick friend
• Make a nutritious meal
• Plan play time
• Smile at a stranger
• Listen to the birds
• Browse through funny cards
• Be optimistic
• Go sledding
• Visit an elderly person
• Carve a pumpkin
• Climb a tree
• Make a scrapbook
• Jump in a mud puddle
• Play on a swingset
• Sit outside on a sunny day
• Create your own list of nurturing activities
• Write a letter
• Thank your mail carrier
• Donate blood
• Sew a homemade pillow
• Meditate
• Go swimming
• Test drive a car
• Write a card to someone just because
• visualize a peaceful place in your mind 
• Listen to ocean waves
• Paint on a canvas
• Draw with colored pencils
• Walk barefoot on the grass
• Rub your feet
• Post a picture of a goal of yours for a dream board
• Buy a new bedspread
• Try a new hair do
• Write down your strengths
• Say Positive affirmations
• Pray
• Go to a concert
• Get up earlier so you do not rush
•  Deep Breathe
  Be a HOPE CHANGER in your own life and in the lives of others!  
  
  Demonstrate self-care and optimism to  facilitate healing and encourage others!
  
  
  
  Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
   
  
  
  
          
   By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
  Clinical mental Health Counselor 
  
  Changing Lives with God's HOPE!
  
  

  Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.
  
  Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

  
  
  
  
  

   Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
  With Evening Appointments
  615-556-8406
  Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com
  
  Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 
  
  Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)
  
   Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........