Month: May 2017

Mental Health Awareness: Depression

Live long enough and we all will experience times where life knocks us down. Something we experience, be it a loss or trauma, a failed relationship or business venture, could cause us to slip into depression. Depression is defined as a) feelings of severe despondency & dejection; b) a mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency & dejection, typically also w/ feelings of inadequacy & guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy & disturbance of appetite & sleep. Other symptoms include: persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or sex, sudden weight loss or weight gain, suicidal thoughts or attempts, & physical ailments that do not respond to treatment.

There are 3 main types of depressive disorders – Major Depression, Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), & Bipolar Disorder & they can often occur w/ any anxiety disorders. Major Depression involves at least 5 symptoms for a 2 week period. It is usually disabling & noticably interferes w/ ones’s everyday life. This can occur after major life events such as a romantic breakup, a medical illness, or the loss of a loved one. Some with MD feel life isn’t worth living & will attempt suicide. In contrast, PDD usually lasts at least 2 years. Although less severe, it involves the same symptoms. It often manifests as stress, irritability, & mild anhedonia (inability to gain pleasure from most activities). Finally, Bioploar Disorder (formally called manic-depression) is characterized by severe highs (mania) or mild highs (hypomania) & severe lows (depression). The manic phase can involve abnormal elation, irritability, decreased need for sleep, grandiose ideas, increased sexual desire, inappropriate social behavior, & poor judgment. In the depressive phase one experiences the symptoms of major depression. Mood swings between the 2 phases can be gradual or very abrupt.

So where does all of this leave the beliver suffering from any of the aforementioned disorders? I’m here to tell you there is hope. Remember King David who suffered from anxiety? Well, he also experienced major depression – along with Job, Jonah, Paul, Elijah, Jeremiah, Moses, & the King of Kings himself… that’s right, even Jesus the Christ. Each and every one of these God fearing men contemplated ending his life as opposed to the torment of their existence. Jeremiah considered his birth an actual curse & Job’s depression was manifested in the pain in his bones. Yet, we consider all of these men to be great icons of faith & Godliness. Why? Because they brought all of their human frailty & their fractured soul to the one who could heal them & then they let it bring glory to God.

The bible tells us in Isaiah that Jesus is a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. This is because He’s been there, right in the grips of depression. He is intimately familiar with everything you’re feeling. As a result, Psalm 34:18 says “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” You are not a weak human being or less of a Christian. No matter what trauma you’ve endured, you are not damaged goods. Take each day as it comes & make a habit of identifying what triggers & accompanies the depression. The majority of our population does not seek help – don’t be like the majority. Talk to licensed professionals who can prescribe the necessary treatments. Should you take medication? That’s a decision which should be made after prayer & research. Use wisdom, in some cases medication is the best option. I pray you see that you are worthy of love & if you have attempted suicide, I’m honestly glad you failed.

If you are plagued with suicidal thoughts or fear for a loved one who is, please call the the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) day or night 24/7 & speak to someone before you take permanent action.

 

Biker Vest + Patchwork Denim

Happy Belated Mother’s Day to each and every mom, bonus mom, mom-to-be, grandmom, foster mom, God-mom, and everything in between!! To every woman battling miscariage or infertility, every mom who has lost a child, & those who’ve lost their mom I offer my condolences, love, & support. Even the happiest of occasions can stir up pain for another, so I pray that God’s peace would surround you during this season.

We’re half way through May and I’m absolutely stoked because today is the start of “Jeans Week” at work. Nearly every quarter my job hosts a jeans week for those who donate to various charities and organizations. This quarter is all about the Alzheimer’s Association. I’ve decided to kick off the week with something fun, my first ever pair of patchwork jeans. These babies are also my first purchase from Go Jane.

Boyfriend jeans are already comfy and the added patches are a great remix. I kept it basic with a white tee but decided to take a risk & add a biker vest. Might as well committ and go full on rocker chick if you ask me lol! My bad hair day is hidden with my red scarf and the pumps and earrings keep me workday chic. So here’s to a totally comfortable work week and a take charge Monday, XO.

Top//Uniqlo , Jeans//Go Jane, Vest//Forever 21, Shoes//Donald Pliner

Mental Health Awarness: Anxiety

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month I’ll be devoting the remaining Wednesday’s of this month to the shedding light on four distinct disorders with Anxiety being this week’s focus. Anxiety is defined as: 1. a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome; 2. (Psych) a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks. ALL of us get nervous or anxious occasionally but for some the intensity & frequency begin to control our lives. Anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, & Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older, or 18% of the population. They are characterized by persistent, excessive worry about several different things. It is is diagnosed when a person finds it difficult to control worry on more days than not for at least six months & has three or more symptoms. General symptoms include: restlessness/on edge, easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating/ mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, unsatisfying sleep). Regardless of the specific type, women are twice as likely to be affected. Also, people with anxiety are three to five times more likely to see a doctor & six times more likely to be hospitalized for psych disorders. However, cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective for many, helping them to identify, understand, & modify faulty thinking & behavior patterns. Some people find medication is also helpful; the FDA has approved several antidepressants for treatment of anxiety disorders.

If you suffer from Anxiety disorders or even if you’re currently experiencing some level of anxiety about the current economy, your career, your health, your family, or your future I want you to know, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Furthermore, if you are a follower of Christ I want to tell you, you are not a subpar Christian! Western culture is one of individuality which often acts as the perfect environment for feelings of isolation to take root in our minds. This creates our own little mental prison where worry, hopelessness, fear, dread, and often depression are our cell mates. I encourage you today to reject Satan’s lies & courageously speak up. It robs the enemy of his power perceived “leverage” over you. Reject the stigma that you are crazy, that you aren’t a “real Christian”, or that you must lack faith.

The bible is full of God fearing people who’ve also battled anxiety. King David himself experienced this mental prison & in Psalm 94:18-19 he prays “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping, your love, O LORD, supported me. When my anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul”. God’s beloved King faced the same battle you’re currently facing. It’s clear by reading the Psalms that David’s anxiety wasn’t ocassional; it was always there, increasing & decreasing with the seasons of his life. Nevertheless, through David’s example, we see a divine strategy – David turned his worries into prayer points! Whatever troubles us, whatever keeps us awake at night, whatever makes us literally sick with worry is exactly what we take to God in prayer. You see the root of anxiety is an orphan spirit. The belief that we are all alone in this life without guidance & protection from our Father. However, Jesus died on the cross specifically to restore man’s estrasnged relationship with God the Father. As a result, you & I don’t have to feel alone, rejected, afraid, or anxious.

Trust God with your life! In fact Phillippians 4:6-7 tells us “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Don’t suffer in silence! Talk to a licensed professional counselor who can help you employ CBT tactics to identify specific cognitive defects. A holistic approach to healing must also include a diet rich in God’s love and the promises of His word. Talk to your Pastor & urround yourself with Godly people who will intercede with you without judgement. In some cases medication may be necessary but know that God is able to completely heal ALL sickness, even mental disorders. I beleive that this month can be the start of better days for you, XO – Kira

 

 

 

Leopard Cuffs + Leather Pants

It’s officially May and yes, I am wearing leather pants. Why? Because some days you wake up and you just wanna grab something you don’t have to iron. Not to mention my entire wardrobe is boxed and bagged in my parents basement until I move out.

So you see, leather pants are exactly what I needed after a long week and a busy weekend navigating through the city’s hustle & bustle hosting the NFL draft. These particular pants are vegan with a slightly pleated front.

The ankle length is perfect for showing off great pumps like this two tone pair. Working my way up, I decided to add my leopard lined blazer and balance it with a classic white top.

Next, I added gold accessories because I’m an eighties baby and my new favorite sunnies finish off the look. The perfect weather on the perfect day in the perfect pants, equals the best Monday ever! XO

Blazer//Zara , Pants//Zara , Top//Thrifted , Shoes//Zara , Jewelry//Overstock , Sunglasses//Forever 21


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