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6 Signs You’re In A Relationship With Your Soulmate

January 8, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Are you a hopeless romantic to believe in finding a soulmate, or does that make you a hopeful romantic? You have a yearning for finding your soulmate, that one person who will complete you, even if you haven’t yet met them. In some cases, you might have even met them already, but just need some signs you’ve found your twin flame.

We usually think of hopelessly romantic movies when we think about finding the perfect love. In fact, movies help us define our romantic ideals. In one study, researchers found that watching romantic movies significantly predicted that a person believed in a perfect mate for everyone. People who watched romantic comedies reported stronger beliefs in an ideal romantic partner than those who did not.

Another study showed that believing that one’s life partner was Mr. or Mrs. Right was associated with having a happier relationship. When participants’ beliefs about their relationships were challenged by the researchers, those who believed that their partner was their soulmate were more likely to express a relationship protecting thoughts than others.

If you are wondering if your life partner and you are kindred spirits who were meant to be, here are some signs that you’re right for each other alongside some of our favorite soulmate quotes.

6 SIGNS YOU’VE FOUND YOUR SOULMATE

1. YOU’LL NEVER BE THE SAME PERSON YOU WERE BEFORE YOU MET YOUR SOULMATE

“A true soulmate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake.” – Eat, Pray, Love

You experienced a major change in your identity when you met your partner. Maybe it was meeting the soulmate that inspired you to change. On the other hand, maybe you made a decision to be different because of them.

You used to have casual partners but that’s in the past now. You used to go out all night with your friends but you haven’t done that since finding your soulmate. Or perhaps you used to believe that you’d never change for someone, but now you can see why others become different when they’ve met their One.

2. YOUR SOULMATE MAKES YOU A BETTER PERSON

“You make me want to be a better man.” – As Good As It Gets

Among the other signs you’ve found your soulmate is that they challenge you to continuously improve yourself and the world around you. You both want the same things in life and you have inspiring, exciting plans for how you will contribute to future generations.

This doesn’t mean that your other half should always be a “better person” than you, rather than you both share core values that you help each other to achieve. Additionally, you share a mutual feeling that you constantly want to be and do better for the other person.

3. YOUR CONNECTION TO YOUR SOULMATE IS MORE THAN PHYSICAL

“You’re everything I never knew I always wanted” – Fools Rush In

When you think of your ideal partner, the one you have no problem calling “my soulmate,” you feel overwhelming love for them flowing through your own soul. You feel so full of love and joy that you have to express your feelings before they burst out of you. You have a soul connection, connecting with them on an intimate level that has little to do with sex, one of the surefire signs you’ve found your soulmate.

The sex is great, of course, because you respect each other and you can sense your soulmate’s needs. But beyond that, you are joined mentally and can share spiritually in deep, meaningful ways. Read our article on 5 Signs You’re in a Spiritually Intimate Relationship to learn more about these connections and find out more about soulmate relationship signs.

4. BEING APART ONLY MAKES THE REUNION BETTER

“I think I’d miss you even if we’d never met.” – The Wedding Date

Separation is not a problem for either of you. You trust each other to not stray out of the boundaries of the relationship while you’re apart, another one of the obvious signs you’ve found your soulmate. While time apart can be difficult for many soulmates, when you are experiencing true love, you may also appreciate the old adage that “absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

You also know that the pain and loneliness, while you’re apart, will only make you happier to see your soulmate again. Your reunion will make sparks fly because upon finding your soulmate, the world forever changed.

5. YOU FEEL LIKE YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT EACH OTHER

“What’s a soulmate?… It’s one person who knew you, accepted you and believed in you before anyone else did or when no one else would.” – Dawson’s Creek

Upon meeting your soulmate, it was as if you had known each other before. There was something familiar, and every thought you had about how to find your soulmate melted away when you saw the comfort and safety of home in their eyes. If you had a menu of the traits that you would ask for in a mate, you couldn’t have asked for more.

When one soul finds its match, the soul connection can feel so unreal that you wonder if you had a past life together and were reborn again to find each other once more. The fates must have aligned to bring you a love that was right for you, a surefire sign you’ve found your soulmate once again.

6. YOU MAKE A POWER COUPLE

“I want all of you, forever, you and me every day.” – The Notebook

Another one of the signs you’ve found your soulmate is that you are stronger with them than apart, and the two of you could conquer the world if you wanted to. Think of other inspiring power couples that you see in business, Hollywood, and politics. That’s you and the one you call “my soulmate.”

FINAL THOUGHTS ON RECOGNIZING YOUR SOULMATE

You can sense that you have an impact on others just by the display of intimate connection that you exude when you are in public. Your friends want to know where to find a soulmate like yours, and if your partner has a brother or sister who is single. They want what you’ve got, and why wouldn’t they? Finding a soulmate is a rare occurrence, but it feels like coming home, and that’s what everyone wants.

These are just a few of the signs that you may have already found your soulmate. And if you are yet to meet that special someone — don’t worry. Because like in any romantic comedy, they could be right around the corner! And when you do meet them, pay attention to these special signs that you may have found more than just a regular relationship. Because perhaps, then, you’ve found your one true soul connection.

The truth is, beyond love languages and soul connections, setting aside any implicit theories about what does and doesn’t make a true “soulmate,” the most important things in a relationship are happiness, communication, and perhaps a little bit of hard work. So take some time to enjoy your romantic movies and deep connections, but don’t forget to stay rooted in reality. Because you never know. Perhaps your one true soulmate was someone you knew all along.

Here’s How Playing In Dirt Heals Depression

January 8, 2016 by Power of Positivity

When you were a kid, you never thought about dirt as something that could help people with depression – you played in dirt just for the fun of it. But now it seems your well-being could benefit from getting dirty.

Having the blues or feeling down when you have a setback is normal. Most of us will experience feelings of sadness, disappointment or loneliness periodically throughout our lives. Having these feelings for longer than two weeks or not being able to function normally as a result of a depressed mood is a sign of a more serious depression.

Some Depressing Statistics

According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance:

Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older, in a given year.
Major depressive disorder is more prevalent in women than in men.
The median age of onset for depression is 32.
About six million people are affected by late-life depression, but only 10% ever receive treatment.
Depression is the cause of over two-thirds of the 30,000 reported suicides in the U.S. each year.
Up to 80% of those treated for depression show an improvement in their symptoms generally within 4 to 6 weeks of beginning medication, psychotherapy, attending support groups or a combination of these treatments.
Despite its high treatment success rate, nearly two out of three people suffering with depression do not actively seek nor receive proper treatment.

Types of Depression

Major depression. A period of depression that lasts two weeks or more and impacts your ability to enjoy life and function normally. Most people do not seek treatment if their depressed feelings are temporary, however, if you experience suicidal thoughts please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 988 for immediate help.
Persistent depressive disorder. This type of depression lasts for two years or more. Treatment with antidepressants and therapy is usually the recommended treatment option for this type of depression.
Bipolar disorder. People who are bipolar experience periods of depression and also periods of extremely high mood, usually associated with erratic behavior. This type of depression is characterized by the swings from high to low and back again. Mood stabilizing medications are usually recommended for those with bipolar depression.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In the winter, millions of people experience a minor depression due to the lack of natural sunlight. This seasonal depression is more common the further north that you live. Getting outdoors or using grow lights indoors is a way to help combat this type of depression. Some people require medication or therapy in addition to treatment with light.

You can read more about the signs and symptoms of depression here.

Here’s How Playing In Dirt Heals Depression

The Great Outdoors as a Cure for Depression

When it comes to mental health, going outdoors is an easy solution for a mental boost. One study found that among elderly adults, those who went outdoors more often were less physically impaired, scored less for depression and were more socially active than others of the same age who did not spend time outdoors.

Another study found that visiting a garden improved mood for depressed elderly patients at a nursing home. More than half of the nursing care residents who visited the garden improved their mood, quality of sleep, and ability to concentrate.

Dirt Healing for Depression

Not only is being outdoors uplifting to our mood, but actually getting bacteria in our bodies from dirt is healthy. The bacteria in dirt benefit our health, both physically and mentally. Many antibiotics, like penicillin come from the microbes found in dirt.

Most of the healthy bacteria that we need we can get from produce from the soil, like root vegetables. The bacteria that are good for us are responsible for healthy digestion exists in foods like yogurt, kefir, and probiotic supplements.

One bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, is getting some attention by researchers for how it plays a role in our mood. In a study of cancer patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, those who received treatment with Mycobacterium vaccae reported better overall mood, well-being, cognitive function and had the added benefit of reduced pain sensitivity.

Another study in mice with the same bacteria found that the bacteria stimulated the immune system to respond by producing cytokines. The cytokines acted on receptors of sensory nerves and increased serotonin in the forebrain.

The higher levels of serotonin would account for reporting a better mood. Although the mice cannot tell the researchers how they feel emotionally, the researchers had them do a swimming performance test and the bacteria treated mice performed better.

Playing in dirt is an old, new-again, natural anti-depressant. If you’re looking to add dirt therapy to your lifestyle, start small with planting some herbs that you can grow in your window sill. After you re-pot the herbs into your planter, wipe the dirt off on your pants and maybe think about not washing your hands, just like you used to as a kid.

7 Things You Can Eat To Avoid Heart Problems

January 8, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Research has shown that eight out of every ten people we know are at risk for heart problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure or stroke. 80 percent…wow.

Anyways, as staggering as this number is, it’s a number that can be reduced dramatically. Researchers at Emory University state that over 50% of deaths that occur each year from heart disease could have been prevented. The five main causes of heart disease and other disorders are: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and obesity. Studies demonstrate that all five of these causes can be eliminated or significantly reduced with subtle dietary changes.

In fact, adding just seven foods to our diets can help manage the five most common factors of heart-related illness.

Here are seven things you can eat to prevent heart problems:

1. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a powerful and versatile wonder food. Studies show that flaxseed may help fight off anything from breast cancer to heart disease. Flaxseed is excellent for heart health because of its effect on our cholesterol levels. In studies, flaxseed has demonstrated the ability to reduce bad cholesterol. Further, flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fats and fiber – important nutrients in promoting heart health. Simply adding a few sprinkles to our food each day can help lower cholesterol and decrease our risk of heart disease.

2. Edamame

For most of us, these tasty soybean pods are usually enjoyed with some delicious sushi (a healthy dish by the way). It turns out that we should be munching on them more often, as these beans contain high levels of folate, magnesium, and potassium – all nutrients that lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. Further, they’re an excellent source of fiber, which we already know is important for keeping a full belly.

3. Dark chocolate

Chocolate lovers, unite…again! Dark chocolate once again shows just how versatile of a treat it is for keeping us healthy. Many different studies have shown that individuals who consume cocoa – in any form – are in better heart health than those who do not. A study in the journal Circulation: Heart Failure notes that women who ate one or two servings of quality chocolate every week had a 32 percent lower risk of developing heart failure. One thing to keep in mind though, chocoholics: make sure that the chocolate contains at least 60 percent cocoa in order to get the full health benefits.

4. Sprouted Garlic

“Sprouted” garlic – the old garlic bulbs with green shoots emerging from the cloves – is usually thrown away. However, researchers have discovered that this garlic actually contains more heart-healthy nutrients than the fresh stuff. This comes as a surprise to many in the medical community, as fresh garlic has a renowned reputation for its health benefits. It turns out that sprouted garlic has even higher levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important nutrients in preventing numerous illnesses, including heart disease.

5. Walnuts

According to a study done at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, walnuts are actually the healthiest nut for heart health. Dr. Joe Vinson states that this is due to the fact that walnuts have a higher antioxidant level than any other nut type. However, Dr. Vinson gives his approval for every other nut, saying “Nuts are good for your heart. They can lower cholesterol, reduce the oxidative stress caused by the free radicals, and decrease unhealthy inflammation.” In his study, Dr. Vinson also cites some other nut types, including almonds, pistachios, peanuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, and pecans.

6. Rooibos Tea

Those who do not respond well to stress are at a higher risk for obesity. This is because stress triggers the “belly fat hormone” cortisol, quickening the storage of fat in our cells. Further, those prone to a negative stress response are more likely to suffer from higher levels of inflammation – and inflammation is directly tied to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Well, this is where Rooibos tea is effective. Rooibos calms the mind by using the flavonoid Aspalathin, which is also effective for reducing cortisol levels. In turn, this checks our inflammation levels while keeping our heart healthy.

7. Tomatoes

It turns out that the fruit that Americans eat the most is also an incredibly nutrient-dense superfood. As it relates the heart health, tomatoes contain a high level of lycopene – a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, tomatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid. Tomatoes also contain potassium and choline, which has been known to support heart health. In addition to providing all of these wonderful benefits for our heart, tomatoes are also powerful agents against skin disease and cancer.

Final Thoughts on Eating for Better Heart Health

These seven foods offer a flavorful and nutritious arsenal for safeguarding your heart’s well-being. From the cholesterol-lowering prowess of flaxseed to the delightful indulgence of dark chocolate, each item on this list plays a vital role in promoting cardiovascular health. Sprouted garlic surprises with its heightened antioxidant levels, while walnuts emerge as the ultimate nut for heart protection.

Rooibos tea provides a soothing antidote to stress-induced health risks. While tomatoes, the everyday fruit, pack a potent punch with lycopene and a range of essential vitamins and minerals. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you not only enhance heart health but also contribute to overall well-being. Thus, you reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease while savoring a palate of delightful flavors and textures. Remember, your heart deserves the best. So indulge wisely and nourish it for a healthy, vibrant life.

6 Signs Anxiety Is Controlling Your Life

January 8, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Anxiety afflicts millions of people throughout the world, and is the most prevalent form of mental dis-ease in the U.S., affecting 40 million people, or 18% of the population. Feeling some anxiety surrounding certain events in your life, such as a move to a new city, is totally normal. So it should not cause you any concern. However, when your anxiety starts to disrupt your everyday life, you need to acknowledge it and try to figure out where the feelings are coming from, and what they’re trying to tell you.

Many people live with debilitating anxiety, and don’t speak up out of embarrassment or fear or being judged. However, your mental health is vitally important, and should be taken seriously. If you start noticing these signs, it’s time to take action so you can start enjoying life again.

Here are 6 signs anxiety is controlling your life:

1. You have developed insomnia.

Researchers continue to speculate on whether anxiety causes insomnia, or vice versa; however, scientists reveal a clear association between the two. If you regularly find yourself tossing and turning in bed, have trouble quieting your mind, and just can’t seem to relax, you might have an anxiety disorder. Most people have difficulty falling asleep at one point or another, but if this occurs regularly, you need to examine your life closely and try to pinpoint why you feel so anxious that it keeps you awake at night.

2. You feel anxious about seemingly simple things.

People with anxiety disorders tend to overthink and worry about minor issues, as well as larger ones. Having some fears about traveling overseas or giving a speech or starting a new job is perfectly normal, but when the worry spills over into your every day life and disrupts your routine, the alarm bells should start to go off in your head.

As we grow up, we tend to have more responsibilities and life just gets more hectic. However, worrying about life so much that it becomes unenjoyable and stressful can really do damage to your physical and mental health. When you notice your mind starting that predictable cycle of overthinking, worrying, and stressing, bring your attention back to the present moment. Focus on your breath, your body, and your current surroundings. Surrender to the now, and you will notice the anxiety begin to fade, and your thoughts will start to release their grip on you.

3. You have frequent headaches.

Regular headaches can also point to an anxiety disorder. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, migraines and headaches occur frequently in those who have anxiety disorders. This can indicate that you have an unhealthy amount of stress stored within your body, and overthinking and worrying can cause an overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol. In our hectic world, it might seem very difficult to control your thoughts and clear your mind, but start challenging the thoughts that enter your head. Do they help you, or hurt you? Only pay attention to the ones that encourage you, and counter the negative thoughts with positive ones.

A lot of our stress in life is self-imposed, so changing out outlook can do wonders for our mental health.

4. You regularly cancel plans with people.

This commonly occurs with people who have social anxiety disorder. About 15 million Americans suffer from this disorder, and unfortunately, 36% of sufferers wait 10 years or more before getting help. Of course, people who have other types of anxiety disorders may cancel plans as well, but it occurs most often in those with social anxiety. Cancelling plans once in a blue moon doesn’t indicate a problem, but when you find yourself doing it frequently, you need to ask yourself why you don’t want to socialize with others.

Socializing and building relationships are an important part of life, so depriving yourself of these experiences can really put a damper on your mental state. If your anxiety controls your life so much that you start drifting away from others and distancing yourself from close friends and family, you need to check in with your emotions and try to figure out why you suddenly don’t enjoy social events with others.

5. You have digestive problems.

Anxiety begins in the mind, but you can actually have physical symptoms as well. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 50-90% of people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome also have a psychiatric disorder such as anxiety or depression. The colon is partially controlled by the nervous system, which explains why those with severe anxiety and stress tend to have digestive problems. If you have regular stomach and intestinal problems, you might consider incorporating relaxation techniques into your day to help you calm your thoughts and bring peace into the body.

6. You have muscle/joint pain.

Tight muscles and joints can also indicate an anxiety disorder. Any tightness you feel in your body represents stress that you haven’t let go of yet, so start becoming more aware of your body. Start with your head and work your way down, mentally taking notes of what you find. Meditation, exercise, a massage, and stretching can all combat tight muscles and joints, so make sure to take care of your body, because this will improve your mental health drastically, as well.

10 Signs You Have An Emotionally Unavailable Partner

January 8, 2016 by Power of Positivity

When you give your all in a relationship, you naturally expect your partner to do the same. Relationships require effort and commitment in order to work. But an emotionally unavailable partner will see a relationship quite differently. Emotionally unavailable people either have relationships with multiple people at a time to avoid serious commitment, or tend to steer clear of relationships altogether, usually due to childhood trauma or fear of emotional intimacy.

Also, emotionally unavailable people normally share an unhealthy upbringing, raised in a controlling or abusive environment. A lifelong study of people in England, Scotland, and Wales found that people who perceived their parents as overly controlling or encouraged dependence had lower levels of happiness and overall mental well-being later on in life. So, if you have an emotionally unavailable partner, this behavior likely stems from problems they faced during childhood that have stuck with them ever since.

However, even if you have an emotionally unavailable partner, the signs might not always jump out at you.

Here are 10 signs you have an emotionally unavailable partner:

Read on to discover some common red flags.

1. An emotionally unavailable partner sends you mixed messages.

An emotionally unavailable partner will tell you they want a relationship one second, only to change their mind shortly after. They can’t ever seem to make up their mind, and you can’t wrap your head around their cryptic messages and confusing behavior. An emotionally available person will tell you their intentions up front, and stick to them. If you notice that the person you have an interest in comes on very strongly, only to back away and keep leading you on, you probably have an emotionally unavailable partner.

2. They are already in a relationship with someone else.

This one should definitely raise some red flags – people already in a relationship obviously are emotionally unavailable, but they may not even tell you about their relationship. You will probably have to find out on your own, as this type of person clearly doesn’t care to disclose important information like this from the get-go. In today’s world, many people have open relationships, and as long as everyone involved feels comfortable, then that’s fine.

What we’re talking about here is someone who hides their relationships from others so they don’t have to commit to just one person. An emotionally unavailable partner will keep many aspects of their life from you, as they don’t want to become too emotionally attached or invested in you.

3. An emotionally unavailable partner will only consider their own feelings.

People who aren’t in touch with their emotions will appear very selfish and narcissistic. They don’t ever ask about your own feelings or bother with making sure you feel secure and happy in the relationship. Every action and decision they make in life only serves to fuel their own egotistical desires, and they will always put themselves before you. If this sounds like your relationship, you likely have an emotionally unavailable partner.

4. They only seem interested in the physical side of your relationship.

An emotionally unavailable partner will only seem interested in the sexual part of your relationship, and nothing more. A person out of touch with their emotions can’t offer much else, and they won’t even try. They have decided that shallow, base-level relationships will satisfy them, and they have committed to living a life without true emotional intimacy. An emotionally unavailable partner will avoid deep conversations with you, but won’t reveal their true intentions in the relationship. They will leave that to you to figure out.

5. An emotionally unavailable partner won’t commit fully to you.

They won’t ever offer their full selves to you because they don’t know how. They have only known distant, superficial relationships and keep everyone they know at arm’s length. An emotionally unavailable partner will give you every excuse in the world for why they can’t commit to you.

6. They prefer talking through text and emails rather than on the phone or in person.

An emotionally unavailable partner will avoid talking in an intimate setting the majority of the time. They give you excuses as to why they can’t meet up with you in person or talk on the phone, and prefer texting and emailing instead. If you have a partner like this, it definitely points to emotional insecurity and fear of intimacy because face-to-face interactions require much more vulnerability than they feel comfortable with.

7. You never feel like you can read them.

An emotionally unavailable partner will seem difficult to understand, and dealing with them will often feel like solving a jigsaw puzzle. You try to combine all the pieces, but they don’t seem to fit. Once you feel like you have a handle on them, they will throw you a curve ball and expect you to catch it. They probably aren’t aware of their mixed signals and difficult demeanor, which makes it all the more frustrating to deal with an emotionally unavailable partner.

8. An emotionally unavailable partner will seem cold and distant.

Being in a relationship with them probably feels like having a relationship with just yourself. You might feel alone most of the time because they will show no signs of compassion or care when you need them the most. An emotionally unavailable partner can’t give themselves fully to another, because they have been taught from an early age unhealthy practices. They will distance themselves from you to protect themselves from getting hurt.

9. They give you the green light, only to retreat and take back what they said.

Your partner might say they want a committed relationship one day, only to retract what they said the next day. They don’t seem to know what they truly want, or can’t fully give themselves to the relationship because of their fear of emotional intimacy. An emotionally unavailable partner will take you on a rollercoaster ride, but you will feel like getting off at the next available exit instead of sticking around for more of their games.

10. They don’t want to introduce you to friends or family.

An emotionally unavailable partner will avoid encounters where you would have to meet their loved ones. That’s because they don’t want it to seem too serious between you two. They would prefer to lead you on. In fact, they may even give you hope for meeting their family and friends in the future. But beware, it will probably never happen. They wouldn’t want to get in too deep. That’s because they fear of not being able to make it out with their emotions intact.

7 Things You Need To Know About Someone With Depression

January 8, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Worldwide, approximately 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression, according to the World Health Organization. Depression can fluctuate in severity depending on events going on in a person’s life, and can vary in duration. Depression stems from many different factors, including genetics, diet, environment, personality, and chemical imbalances in the brain.

No one wants to have depression, as it can totally destroy a person’s life. Depressed people tend to lose their motivation and zest for life, and find it hard to do almost anything. They lose interest in activities they used to find enjoyable, and tend to become withdrawn, irritable, and may also suffer from insomnia. Depression can also trigger anxiety in some people, and may even affect a person’s appetite.

Sadly, many people in the world who have depression don’t get the help they need either because they feel embarrassed to speak up about their mental health, or because other people have made them feel guilty or weak when they tried to explain their feelings.

People with depression just want to live normal, healthy lives, but getting back on their feet can seem almost impossible at times. If you know someone with depression, but don’t suffer from it yourself, you may find it hard to understand their struggles.

Here are 7 things you need to know about someone with depression:

1. They don’t want to have depression.

Contrary to popular belief, depression is not a choice. No one wakes up and says they would like to lose interest in life and feel overwhelmingly sad the majority of the time. They would do anything to overcome their depression, and likely take steps to combat it the best they can. However, managing it and totally getting rid of it are two different things. A change in mindset can definitely do wonders for depression, as well as relaxation techniques, and even hypnosis.

However, they might still suffer from depression even after trying all of these techniques. As a society, we should become more respectful and compassionate of those who suffer from illnesses that exist whether or not we can see them with our own eyes. No one wishes to have an illness, whether mental or physical. They did not ask for their depression, just as people who wear contacts don’t ask for bad vision. Try to understand each individual’s perspective instead of condemning them for something you may not have been through yourself.

2. They fight a battle in their minds every single day.

Simply getting out of bed can feel like a great accomplishment to those with depression. They may go about their daily lives, but underneath the smiles and seemingly normal behavior, they have a war going on within them. They may not tell you about it so as not to burden you, but it still exists. Constantly fighting with their minds and trying to push themselves through their work or school day can be exhausting, so just be mindful of this if you know someone with depression.

3. They can find it hard to do even simple tasks.

Depression, put simply, feels like someone came along and sucked the life out of you. Not to make light of depression, of course, but if you have seen Harry Potter, the dementors represent exactly what we’re talking about here. Now, imagine trying to pull yourself out of bed and go about your normal day with no feeling of life in you whatsoever. This is the reality every day for those who suffer from depression. And, trust us, they work hard to overcome it themselves, but this can take time. Show compassion, and offer help if they have trouble finishing a task.

We all came here to help each other, and those with depression could definitely use the support.

4. They try as hard as they can to overcome it.

Like we said, they don’t want to have this disorder, and try their absolute hardest to get rid of it. Changing your thought processes takes time, and even so, the chemical imbalance may still exist. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to depression. Sure, some people respond better to meditation, yoga, and introducing supplements into their diet, but this won’t work for everyone. Many people overcome depression using mindfulness, eating healthy foods, and exercising, however, so if this interests you, feel free to read our article about it here.

5. They don’t “just want attention.”

People with depression don’t just say they have it so people will feel sorry for them and shower them with attention. Understand that they don’t want people to throw them a pity party; they just want some compassion and encouragement to overcome it.

6. Depression doesn’t make them weak.

The stigma surrounding mental health issues makes sufferers feel as though they somehow have less value than others who appear to have good mental health. However, depression doesn’t make someone less of a person; in fact, it shows that they have been fighting a long battle, and have not yet given up. This actually makes them courageous, strong, and beautiful, so don’t discount them just because they have a set of struggles that you may not relate to.

7. They don’t expect you to understand; they just need your love and support.

People who don’t have depression probably won’t understand, because they haven’t walked in a depressed person’s shoes. This doesn’t mean that you can’t offer your support and understanding to those with depression, though. Love can heal the world, so offer it in abundance. People with depression have an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, but the power of love just might save a person in the darkest depths of despair.

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6 SIGNS YOU’VE FOUND YOUR SOULMATE

1. YOU’LL NEVER BE THE SAME PERSON YOU WERE BEFORE YOU MET YOUR SOULMATE

2. YOUR SOULMATE MAKES YOU A BETTER PERSON

3. YOUR CONNECTION TO YOUR SOULMATE IS MORE THAN PHYSICAL

4. BEING APART ONLY MAKES THE REUNION BETTER

5. YOU FEEL LIKE YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT EACH OTHER

6. YOU MAKE A POWER COUPLE

FINAL THOUGHTS ON RECOGNIZING YOUR SOULMATE

Some Depressing Statistics

Types of Depression

Here’s How Playing In Dirt Heals Depression

The Great Outdoors as a Cure for Depression

Dirt Healing for Depression

Here are seven things you can eat to prevent heart problems:

1. Flaxseed

2. Edamame

3. Dark chocolate

4. Sprouted Garlic

5. Walnuts

6. Rooibos Tea

7. Tomatoes

Final Thoughts on Eating for Better Heart Health

Here are 6 signs anxiety is controlling your life:

1. You have developed insomnia.

2. You feel anxious about seemingly simple things.

3. You have frequent headaches.

4. You regularly cancel plans with people.

5. You have digestive problems.

6. You have muscle/joint pain.

Here are 10 signs you have an emotionally unavailable partner:

1. An emotionally unavailable partner sends you mixed messages.

2. They are already in a relationship with someone else.

3. An emotionally unavailable partner will only consider their own feelings.

4. They only seem interested in the physical side of your relationship.

5. An emotionally unavailable partner won’t commit fully to you.

6. They prefer talking through text and emails rather than on the phone or in person.

7. You never feel like you can read them.

8. An emotionally unavailable partner will seem cold and distant.

9. They give you the green light, only to retreat and take back what they said.

10. They don’t want to introduce you to friends or family.

Here are 7 things you need to know about someone with depression:

1. They don’t want to have depression.

2. They fight a battle in their minds every single day.

3. They can find it hard to do even simple tasks.

4. They try as hard as they can to overcome it.

5. They don’t “just want attention.”

6. Depression doesn’t make them weak.

7. They don’t expect you to understand; they just need your love and support.

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