Latest news with #JulieSmith
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Top psychologist shares 5 crucial signs of high-functioning depression
Dr. Julie Smith highlights the importance of recognizing high-functioning depression (HFD), a state where individuals manage daily tasks while internally battling sadness and fatigue. Though not a clinical diagnosis, HFD is a crucial warning sign, as those affected often mask their struggles, leading to self-neglect and emotional avoidance. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Although there are growing conversations about emotional well-being today, there's still much that goes unrecognized. For instance, one can be depressed and still go on with the daily chores. Depression does not always look like not being able to get out of bed. Which is why Dr. Julie Smith, a clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, is now emphasizing the importance of identifying the crucial signs of high-functioning depression. Let's take a look What is high-functioning depression Though it is not a clinical diagnosis yet, high-functioning depression (HFD) is a warning sign. It is not a term used in the 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' (DSM-5-TR), the tool that clinicians use to diagnose mental health conditions. However, this stage is crucial. Neha Dhupia & Angad's Gym Sesh On Vacation Inspires Fitness Fever HFD is a form of depression where one may experience depressive symptoms but can still will be able to function and meet daily tasks. They may appear to be managing their lives well to outsiders; however, they internally struggle with persistent feelings of sadness, low motivation, and fatigue. 'There is an important reason I made this video when high functioning depression is not a clinical diagnosis. The term is being used across the Internet as people search for the language to describe their daily struggles with mental health. I think what this term has enabled many people to do, is acknowledge that depression does not begin on the day that you can't get out of bed. You can be suffering intensely while going about your normal daily routine. If we wait until we cannot function before seeking help or working on recovery, we have a much bigger battle on our hands. So even if everyone in your life has no idea, the best time to work on your mental health is as soon as you notice these changes,' Dr. Smith said . What are the signs of HFD Dr. Smith has shared 5 crucial signs of HFD, and she cautions against ignoring the fifth. Take a look. High-functioning ends when no one's around: The high-functioning ends when no one is looking. 'That's when the self-neglect begins,' the doctor notes. Social events = Hard work: Though social events are supposed to be fun, you feel it more like hard work. 'It takes so much effort to keep up the appearance of being happy,' the doctor adds. Doomscrolling and binge watching to avoid emotions: You find yourself scrolling on social, watching hours of TV, and eating junk food to numb those feelings. No energy: You work hard but never really feel energized or enthusiastic. Where you used to find pleasure, now you're just going through the motions. Emptiness: You do everything the world asks of you. So no one would ever know, but most days you feel empty inside
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
4 hidden signs of loneliness that require immediate attention, according to a top psychologist
Loneliness often hides in plain sight, even amidst social interactions. Dr. Julie Smith highlights subtle signs like doomscrolling, superficial exchanges, overthinking social interactions, and a lack of belonging. Recognizing these signs is crucial, as loneliness can significantly impact mental health. Addressing it involves fostering genuine connections and overcoming social interaction fears. The first image of loneliness that might pop into your head could be of a person sitting in a room, staring out the window. But loneliness doesn't always look like that. It is more than just isolation, and is more serious than you assume. Sometimes, it hides in plain sight. Loneliness can linger, even when you are surrounded by people. Dr. Julie Smith, a clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, has recently spoken about some of the lesser-known signs of loneliness and why it could affect mental health if ignored. Let's take a look at the four hidden signs of loneliness. Doomscrolling While much of the conversation around screen addiction focuses on teenagers, the study's findings indicate that adults are just as susceptible. Social media is often a medium to stay in touch with friends, family, and acquaintances. According to Dr. Smith, people experiencing loneliness may scroll endlessly through social media and feel like it's a lifeline. 'You scroll on social media constantly because it gives you that feeling that you're keeping up with your friends, but in reality, you haven't met them in person for way too long,' the psychologist said, in a video shared on Instagram. Though using social media as one of the means to stay connected is normal, only depending on it and endlessly refreshing feeds to stay connected is a red flag. Real day-to-day exchanges are superficial One of the crucial signs of loneliness is that your daily interactions, be it with co-workers, neighbours, or acquaintances, may seem superficial. 'Your day-to-day interactions seem kind of superficial and leave you feeling disconnected and empty,' she notes . These interactions would appear to be shallow. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 25 Best Cities for Living Undo One might experience a lack of meaningful interaction, one that nourishes the soul. Overthinking Do you have a habit of replaying social interactions in your head? Well, this habit of dissecting everything over and over could be a far more serious issue than you think. According to Dr. Smith, obsessing over conversations or wondering if someone likes you or wants you in their life, is a crucial sign of loneliness. This is a way of seeking external validation to find meaning in your life. You don't know where you belong We all have an existential crisis once in a while, but if that's really bugging you, it is a red flag. What would you answer if someone asked you 'Where do you feel you truly belong?' If this question overwhelms you, it is a clear sign of loneliness. This sense of not knowing where you fit is a silent cry for connection. 'If these signs of loneliness resonate for you, this is something to take seriously. Not just because the feeling itself is painful, but because it is both a warning sign for the strain that a lack of human connection will put on your overall mental health, but also crucial information about what you need in order to make things better,' Dr. Smith said. Neha Dhupia & Angad's Gym Sesh On Vacation Inspires Fitness Fever 'For some people, addressing loneliness is about finding and creating opportunities for connection. For others, it is about tackling the fears around social interaction and the skills needed to thrive in those environments,' she added.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Couple finally win battle over neighbours' huge untrimmed hedge that left them suffering 'five years without sunshine'
A couple who have been embroiled in a long-running battle over a huge hedge overlooking their garden say they've suffered 'five years of misery and five years without sunshine' as a result. Keith Smith, 71, and his wife Julie, 68, told MailOnline that the matter has been a 'thorn in their side' that has taken a massive toll on their mental health. The couple have lived in their detached house, in the Prestonfield area of Edinburgh, for more than four decades. However, they say things changed after their neighbours moved in and planted cypress trees that grew several metres high. Mr Smith said the trees created a 'green wall' that went all the way along a fence dividing their gardens, preventing sunlight from getting into both the Smiths's garden and through the windows of their home - in what he brands a 'huge intrusion' and not suitable for adjoining gardens. This prompted an official row with the owners of the cypress trees, David Hunter and Niena Hunter Mistry, that has rumbled on for five years and seen the gardens inspected several times by various officials. Police have also attended over disputes between the neighbours. Edinburgh City Council initially knocked back the Smiths's bid to have the trees chopped down, but the couple later successfully appealed to the Scottish Government, which said the cypresses had to be cut down to 8.5 feet. The Hunters asked for one tree to be kept as it is, but that has also been ordered to be cut back to 8.5ft - and the Smiths say they are looking forward to this happening later this year. According to Edinburgh City Council's website, a hedge must be over 6.6ft from ground level before being considered a 'high hedge' potentially having a negative effect on people living nearby. Mr Smith, previously an employee of the local authority for 38 years, has now said that while the couple are hopeful the matter is dealt with, it has been 'a thorn in their side' and has caused them considerable stress and inconvenience, with many 'false dawns' along the way. In a document to the government, the couple previously said: 'The cost to the public purse must be considerable in terms of government, council and police resources. 'We, the Smiths, have suffered hugely financially, emotionally and physically by this process and sincerely hope, this will now lead to resolution.' The Hunters were unavailable for comment.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Feeling drained lately? 3 red flags of burnout, according to an expert
Burnout, a consequence of chronic stress, manifests in physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Dr. Julie Smith highlights fatigue, sleep issues, and appetite changes as physical indicators. Emotionally, individuals may feel defeated and lose interest in previously enjoyed activities. Behaviorally, procrastination and increased reliance on coping mechanisms are common signs, signaling a need for action. Is your life heading in a different direction as opposed to your desire? Are you running on empty and struggling to find motivation for almost everything? Burnout is real, and it is more common than you think. Caused by chronic stress, often stemming from work, burnout is more serious than you think. Dr. Julie Smith, a clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, has shared three key signs of burnout that will help you recognize when it's time to take action. Let's take a look. Physical symptoms Burnout is more than a feeling. It can impact your physical, emotional, and mental health. Dr. Smith says that the burnout can manifest as physical symptoms. These physical symptoms is not just limited to fatique. While feeling exhausted most of the time is a clear red flag, you may also notice having trouble sleeping and frequent headaches . One may also experience changes in the appetite, such as feeling hungry all the time or not feeling hungry at all. Emotional symptoms According to Dr. Smith, burnout also exhibits emotional symptoms. 'You'll feel defeated, helpless, or trapped, maybe even fantasizing about leaving all your responsibilities behind for a while,' she said, in a video shared on Instagram. A person experiencing burnout may lose all the sense of satisfaction, achievement, or enjoyment in things that they once enjoyed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo This could be work, relationships, or even the simple things in life. These joys will be replaced by dread, worry, or anxiety. Supreme Court Pushes Central Govt to Finalise FOPL: What It Means & Why It Matters? | Explained Behavioral symptoms One of the biggest red flags is behavioral symptoms. One may procrastinate more than ever. 'Tasks that used to feel easy now feel overwhelming, and you're so tired that even socializing now feels too much. You might also become more reliant on whatever your drug of choice is,' she adds. People might also become more short-tempered and tend to argue more with the ones that mean the most to them. Dr. Smith also explains that behavioural symptoms are the first that get noticed, 'That's because we often move straight from a painful emotion into doing something to numb it and get some relief from it. You don't think consciously about feeling overwhelmed with stress - you just notice that you are putting off all the jobs that used to come easy, and avoiding even the things you once enjoyed. None of this is a fault or weakness. Stress is information. When you are willing to look at that information with curiosity, it can tell you what you need.'
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
Couple WIN bitter battle over neighbours' ‘untrimmed' hedge – after 5-year war ‘descended into chaos'
A COUPLE has won a bitter neighbour dispute over an untrimmed hedge after five years of furious feuding. Keith Smith, 71, and his wife Julie, 68, claimed their neighbours untrimmed cypress trees made their lives a misery. 2 The row of trees, belonging to David Hunter and Niena Hunter Mistry, sparked a five-year battle between the two couples in the quiet suburb of Prestonfield, Edinburgh. The neighbour war grew so bitter that it involved the Edinburgh City Council, the Scottish Government and even the police. The Smiths claim the trees cast a shadow across their garden, forcing the pensioners to live out their retirement in darkness. Demanding that the trees be chopped down, the Smiths turned to the local authority but were left frustrated when they were refused. The couple paid a massive £350 fee for a High Hedge Notice application which was denied after a visit from a city council officer. Appealing the decision, the Smiths won and managed to successfully have the trees trimmed back to 8.5ft in 2023. After the bush was trimmed the Smiths claim that gaps where tree once stood were suddenly replaced by gardening tools, including ladders, pipes and concrete. The pair went on to claim that the trim was inadequate and called for the council to come back, which they did and agreed that the remaining trees should be further cut back. Mr Hunter left a single tree standing untrimmed however which he claimed was not part of the "boundary hedge" and therefore not subject to the High Hedge Notice. The Smiths then insisted the remaining tree be cut back too with the dispute turning ugly again. My neighbours said they'd sue me if I touched the top of our overgrown joint hedge - so I got creative and they can't say a word The couple, who have lived in their home for 44 years, continued their brutal battle to have the foliage lopped back. Things got so bad that in June of last year the police were called to the quiet suburb where they issued "two men" with "recorded police warnings." Mr Smith previously claimed to Edinburgh Live that his neighbours behaviour had been "atrocious" and branded the couple's actions "absolutely appalling." The hedge owners refuse to chop down their bush flat out and claim they feel harassed and intimidated by the Smiths. The Smiths previously said: "We, the Smiths, have suffered hugely financially, emotionally and physically by this process and sincerely hope, this will now lead to resolution." An appeal launched by Mr Hunter in a bit to save his tree was rejected and the last remaining part of the hedge will now have to be cut back to 8.5ft. 2 Mr Hunter insisted that the remaining tree was not part of the hedge and begged that it be allowed to stand. He said in a document seen by the Mail Online: "The individual tree identified in the varied notice cannot reasonably be said to be part of the boundary hedge. "It appears as a separate individual tree and has never been trimmed. "We would be very grateful if you would take all our points and concerns into account and request that you quash the revised high hedge notice." Despite his pleas Mr Hunter was ordered to cut back the remaining piece of his hedge to 8.5ft in line with the previous High Hedge Notice. The Smiths were delighted after a Government official stated that the tree did in fact cast a shadow over a "significant" portion of their garden. The official also stated that the previous High Hedge Notice applied to the whole hedge, including the remaining tree. Despite the best efforts of Mr Hunter the government official ruled that the hedge damaged the Smith's enjoyment of their home. The government ruled that the remaining part of the hedge is now subject to the High Hedge Notice and should be trimmed to 8.5ft.
