Dr. Daniela Mascaro’s Post

🌟Breaking the Depression Cycle of Low Motivation Ever wondered why it’s so hard to break out of that slump? Let’s dive into the cycle of low motivation in depression and how it perpetuates itself. 🔄 The Cycle: 1️⃣ Low Motivation: Those experiencing depression often face low motivation, leading to physical fatigue, numbness, and apathy. 2️⃣ Avoidance/Withdrawal: This lack of motivation results in avoidance of activities and healthy habits. While this may offer temporary relief, it leads to missing out on joy, accomplishment, and social connections. 3️⃣ Increased Feelings of Worthlessness & Hopelessness: Withdrawal causes harsh self-judgment for not meeting expectations. This criticism amplifies feelings of being “broken” or “not good enough,” making it harder to see a way out. 4️⃣ Disconnect from Activities, Relationships, and Behaviors: The cycle ends in further disconnection, reinforcing isolation and making avoidance the norm. This hinders engagement with potentially rewarding activities and relationships. 🔁 Breaking the Cycle: Understanding this cycle is the first step to breaking it. Here are some tips: - Small Steps: Start with small, manageable tasks. - Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or professionals. - Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during the process. 📈 What small step will you take today to break the cycle? Share in the comments and let’s support each other on this journey! 🌱💪

When you’re experiencing depression, finding motivation to do even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. Depression often saps your energy, affects your ability to focus, and makes once-enjoyable activities seem impossible. While it’s normal to feel stuck, there are ways to gently push yourself forward, even on the hardest days. Follow the link for 10 strategies to help you find motivation when depression feels like it’s holding you back → https://lnkd.in/gndtYnN7

If you are prone to excessive worry, anxiety or catastrophising, I have written this with you in mind, because I have never been able to bear unnecessary suffering and want to help you feel better. There's a lot of information here, so please make yourself comfortable with a cuppa before you start, because it may just be the best ten minutes you spend today, as I hope to help improve the quality of your life. Big words for a huge sentiment and intention. Please let me know what you think. Karan x https://lnkd.in/eEyHVar2

Stress is a natural physiological and psychological response to a perceived threat or demand. It is your body's way of preparing itself to face a challenging or potentially dangerous situation. Stress can arise from various sources, such as work pressure, relationship issues, financial difficulties, major life changes, or traumatic events. But what happens when stress becomes too much? Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gdMgF-ac

Dealing with that instant Panic. When we feel the emotions of stress, the only thing that has gone wrong is that we think something has gone wrong. Stress is normal but often in most situations is not warranted. This, however doesn't mean that we won't experience it. Our brain is hard wired for survival and it is constantly scanning for future danger. It hasn't had the upgrade to tell it that most things in our modern day isn't going to kill us. It still thinks that judgement means we are out of the tribe and left to wander the wilderness on our own and starve. It doesn't understand that someone's negative opinion of us is just that and is unlikely to have any lasting negative effects. Our job is not to eliminate that side of the brain but learn to notice it and redirect. Our job is to help our brain adapt to the modern world. Have a listen for tips on how to do that. Jonny #policeburnout #poilcceburnoutcoach #burnoutcoach

When many of my Imposter clients come for their Initial Consultation there are some striking similarities between them: 🎆 They are struggling with anxiety, depression or the situation has played out by way of using inappropriate coping mechanisms. 🎆 Their expectations of themselves are far too unrealistic. 🎆 They all interpret inappropriate behaviour from others as a sign that they are at fault in some way - aka - taking on far more responsibility than they need to. 🎆 They truly believe that no one else struggles with these feelings and that the problem is unique to them So let's start by being clear about what Imposter Syndrome is. Have you ever found yourself doubting your ability to excel in your job, fearing that your boss might uncover your perceived inadequacy at any moment? Or perhaps you've experienced the sensation of merely pretending to have mastered adult responsibilities like starting a new business, homeownership or parenthood, while secretly feeling unsure amidst others who seem to have it all figured out? Impostor syndrome isn't a diagnosable medical condition but rather a pattern of thinking that can lead to self-doubt, negative self-talk, and missed opportunities. If you feel this way you're in good company. 70% of adults encounter Imposter Feelings at some point in their lives. Interestingly, it's often individuals who are diligent workers, high achievers, and perfectionists who are most susceptible to feeling like impostors—this includes many professionals such as doctors, lawyers, academics, and even celebrities. Even Einstein once expressed his belief that his research received more attention than he thought it deserved #OvercomingImposterSyndrome #impostersyndrome #selfdevelopment

Tuesday's Thought: Have you ever second-guessed your talents and abilities? It has been a driving force for me to continuously improve and give my best effort. Dealing with this has become easier with age. Recently, I discovered that this mindset is known as imposter syndrome—a common challenge for many. After some further research I would like to share the following, as I believe this can help us be more aware of our thoughts: Imposter syndrome is a psychological experience where individuals doubt their abilities and accomplishments, feeling like frauds despite evidence to the contrary. It often manifests as self-doubt, negative self-talk, and anxiety. There are different types, including: - The Perfectionist: Believing you’re not good enough unless you’re perfect. - The Expert: Feeling like an imposter because you haven’t mastered every detail. - The Soloist: Struggling to ask for help or work collaboratively. - The Natural Genius: Expecting tasks to come easily; feeling inadequate if they don’t. - The Superwoman/Superman: Pushing yourself to excel in all areas, fearing any perceived failure. (this is where I think I fall) Remember, imposter syndrome isn’t a diagnosable mental illness, but it affects many accomplished individuals and this could be used to your advantage if you are aware when such a thought happens. Where do you think you fall? If you ever experience it, know that you’re not alone! #ImposterSyndrome #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth

Here’s another important reason That you can’t always trust your emotional reactions… When we are triggered into a threat state, mild or severe, Stress hormones block our brain’s ability to think well. The nuance and detail is largely lost to us in this state. We become emotional extremists. Every problem feels bigger, worse, endless. We feel useless, undeserving, unsafe and powerless. The world feels uncaring, hostile, doomed. Other people are all the same - stupid, bad, and out to get us. We all do this, sometimes. We generalise, escalate, assume, catastrophise and judge. But distress passes. This kind of thinking will then reduce. So settle your system. In the meantime, remember that these stories are neither true, nor helpful. It’s just the stress that tells this story. Settle yourself. Call out these thoughts and feelings for what they really are - no matter how strong they are. They’re not truth, even though they feel that way. As you settle, you will notice this. Don’t take action on your distress until you can think clearly. Until then, the primary action is to get clear. Give yourself time to settle, get on with life if you can, and get support if needed. This makes it easier. You can do this. #personaldevelopment #bestadvice #burnout