The Upward Spiral

I find being able to understand the mechanics behind how the brain works useful for dealing with those down moments I experience in life. It helps me understand better and gets rid of the fear of the unkown. Alex uses fairly simple language to explain the science behind how our brains work. Most of the sharing and tips here are echoed in the general literature. I will share the top two I find most helpful:

1) Decide and move on. The paradox of choice is VERY real, and less is more. Sometimes when you are 80% sure, just go with the decision.

2) Get involved with the community. The best way to get out of a state of depression is to offer help to someone in a similar state. There is no better way to feel instantly more grateful and the ability to offer any help is an immediate confidence and mood boost.

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Key Ideas:

Basic breakdown of the different parts of the brain and what they focus on:
The middle: Self
The sides: Outside world
The top: Thinking
The bottom: Emotional

The limbic system is the emotional part of the brain. Composes for four regions, the hippocampus being one of the four. This region creates long-term memories, but its neurons are very sensitive to stress. With depression, it is hard for the hippocampus to "save" short-term positive memories as long-term memories

Concentration, tiredness and other symptoms of depression are explained in a similar fashion.

Some (not all!) tips to help our brains with overcoming depression:

Think happy thoughts before going to sleep

Journal and practice being grateful

Make decisions, start small

Stay in the present

My personal favourite: Wear sunglasses on a sunny day. When our eyes squint to reduce glare, we send signals to our brain that we are slightly upset. Plus sunnies look cool!

Practice (the above) makes perfect!

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