Come Out of the Dark -- Depression Awareness

In efforts to help promote depression awareness, Jonathan Rottenberg , Ph.D, (Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., PCD 4118G, Tampa, FL 33620-7200) has created the wonderful cause “Come out of the Dark.” 

The Come Out of the Dark campaign  works to help encourage those suffering from depression to, well, “come out of the dark!” It’s really a fantastic thing, so I wanted to share this with you guys. You can like Come Out of the Dark onFacebook. 

 I hope you guys will subscribeto their newsletter and spread the word to help "crush depression stigma" and the shame that often comes with being depressed. 

Jonathan also  has  a book out called “The Depths: The Evolutionary Origins of the Depression Epidemic,”which I hope to read myself soon. The Depths is a book by Jon Rottenberg, the man who began Come out of the Dark  which discusses our understanding (or misunderstanding) of depression. The book is available on Amazon.

Here is the description of The Depths : The Evolutionary Origins of the Depression Epidemic as it appears on Amazon: 

“Why are we losing the fight against depression? In this groundbreaking work, psychologist Jonathan Rottenberg explains that despite advances in pharmaceutical science, progress has been hampered by our fundamental misunderstanding of depression as a psychological or chemical defect. Instead, Rottenberg introduces a surprising alternative: that depression is a particularly severe outgrowth of our natural capacity for emotion; it is a low mood gone haywire. Drawing on recent developments in the science of mood—and his own harrowing depressive experience as a young adult—Rottenberg explains depression in evolutionary terms, showing how its dark pull arises from adaptations that evolved to help our ancestors ensure their survival. Weaving together experimental and epidemiological research, clinical observations, and the voices of people who have struggled with depression, The Depths offers a bold new account of why depression endures—and points the way toward new paths for treatment.

Now, I'll close by asking you guys if you've read the book yet? Or have you heard of Come Out of the Dark yet? What did you think of the book? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

FACEBOOK BREAST CANCER AWARENESS - JUST ANOTHER ATTENTION GETTER

FACEBOOK BREAST CANCER AWARENESS - JUST ANOTHER



ATTENTION GETTER.



I'm sure everyone remembers when the female Facebook users were posting the color of their underwear on their statuses and claimed that it was to raise breast cancer awareness. But the messages that was forwarded to millions of ladies, also encouraged women to post their underwear colors as their statuses to "make men wonder." My question is, what did that do for breast cancer? Did it donate money to help the cause? Did it really make people more aware of breast cancer, or did it just make them more aware of what type of bra you had on?

There was the underwear, then the sex positions and relationship status that was something like "post vodka if you're single, beer if your not..."

Now, there's a totally new idea happening. The women are suppose to post their favorite cartoon character as their picture to raise breast cancer awareness. Is that really raising the awareness? Why is it that millions of us will participate in those actions, but if you post "sign this petition to raise breast cancer awareness, or to stop violence, bullying, etc." People refuse to take action?

Why don't we start posting ideas that will actually help the cause we  care about, instead? Posting meaningless words & pictures does not change a thing. I find it hard to believe that people were posting their underwear type for anything more than attention.

If you truly want to take action and make a difference in the things that you care about, there are sites that allow you to sign and create petitions to stop or help your cause. For instance, mycare2.com is a  site that allows you to do just that, and your voice is heard. But so many people are disinterested in that, but are quick to post their personals on a site that won't make a real difference.

Why not post ideas on how to make a real difference as your status every once in a while?

Needless to say, I refused to participate in any of these activities. If it doesn't really help the cause, why use it as an excuse for attention?! Kinda agitates me.

Anyways, thank you my loves for reading! I'd like to see your thoughts? Did anybody else realize this when seeing the whole FB thing, or was it just me?

Much love, very much to yall!