Cultivating our souls is a lot like gardening there are materials that are needed such as a good foundation, the right tools, hard work and tenacity.  I believe that it takes effort to keep our souls full.  If we don't feed our "garden" or quench our "gardens" thirst it becomes arid and it is difficult to grow or to help others.   I found this cute poem I did not write it and thought I would pass it along as
This is something I found that I thought I would pass along... If we could all remember this for our personal soul garden.

My Garden
Directions for my garden

Plant three rows of peas:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

Plant four rows of squash:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

Plant four rows of lettuce
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

No garden without turnips
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help for one another

To conclude our garden we must have thyme:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

WATER FREELY with PATIENCE and cultivate with LOVE

"Cultivating gratitude, nurtures hope" Crystal King-Sadler LPC
     I am reading an article in Mental Health News (www.mentalhealthnews.org) regarding women and depression and thought that I would address some of the findings here.  Depression is most prevalent among women although depression affects men and women women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression.  I attribute this to women being more likely to get help due to societies acceptance of such behavior, social norms and being taught to ask for help from a young age.  It is important to distinguish between the different forms of depression i.e. Major depressive disorder, Dysthymic disorder, Psychotic depression, Seasonal affective disorder and Bipolar disorder. Not everyone has the same symptoms although they may have the same "disorder". 
     Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a combination of symptoms that interfere with a persons ability to function in daily life, such as at work, home, school and or in social arenas.  Dysthymic Disorder is the term used to describe depressive symptoms that have existed for at least two years although the symptoms are less severe than those of MDD.  Psychotic depression is severe depression along with some form of psychosis such as auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations or delusions.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is when depression occurs only during the months or times with little sunlight.  Bipolar Disorder is a depressive disorder that also has at least one period of mania and is cyclical in nature.  Mania is a state of extreme energy followed or preceded by extreme depression.
     Many factors contribute to depression in women these factors include genetic, biological, chemical, hormonal, environmental, psychological and social factors.  Brain chemistry is a significant contributor to depression in women.  This chemistry can be viewed using MRI technology and has discovered that brains with depression look different than those brains without depression.  Often there are coexisting disorders such as eating disorder, anxiety disorder, Post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder that sometimes precede, accompany or follow depression.  Substance abuse disorders also co-occur with depression at a very high rate.
    Treatment for depression and other disorders may include medication, exercise, talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, solution focused therapy and electroconvulsive therapy to name a few.  The important thing is to find something that works for you and to stick with it

    Crystal King-Sadler LPC

    Mental health therapist with 10 years of experience working with depression, trauma, PTSD, and womens issues.  The past 3 years I have worked with co-occurring disorders of mental illness and substance abuse.


    March 2012
    November 2011
    October 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011


    Post Traumatic Stress
    Self Care
    Shell Shock
    Traumatic Stress