Naps and Other Ways to keep Depression Symptoms in Check. Have you ever seen someone post on social media: “I just woke up from my depression nap”? According to an article in the Huffington Post, a “depression nap” is a way for those suffering from depression to avoid their feelings and
use sleep as a coping mechanism
.
Is sleeping a form of escapism?
For some participants, sleep was identified as
an alternative to suicide
, providing an escape, albeit temporary. However, it is possible that the ‘escape of sleep’ may seem less attractive to those who fear sleep as a consequence of experiencing distressing nightmares.
Is sleep a healthy coping mechanism?
While we might be able to temporarily stave the flow of conflict by falling asleep, we’re not really escaping anything. In fact, sleep in some ways forces us to not only relive the emotional experience but to process and concretize it—by going to sleep I may be making the fight with my wife more real.
Is napping a coping mechanism?
While naps are supposed to be a refresher before going about the rest of the day (think siestas), people take depression naps to escape from the feelings and thoughts that depression causes. It’s
a coping mechanism
, something to do to not just pass time, but to let the brain shut up for a little.
What are 10 coping skills?
- Deep Breathing. Often when faced with a stressful situation or feeling, our breathing changes. …
- Writing. Writing can be an effective means of working through stress. …
- Physical Activity. …
- Self-Talk. …
- Art. …
- Meditation. …
- Puzzles. …
- Music.
Can anxiety cause oversleeping?
Anxiety is frequently connected to sleeping problems. Excess worry and fear make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Sleep deprivation
can worsen anxiety
, spurring a negative cycle involving insomnia and anxiety disorders.
What are good coping methods?
- Meditating.
- Stretching.
- Engaging in progressive muscle relaxation.
- Listening to music.
- Aerobic exercise.
- Watching television.
- Going to the movies.
- Reading.
What is escapist behavior?
The American Psychology Association defines escapism as
the tendency to escape from the real world to the safety and comfort of a fantasy world
. Since life is innately stressful, coping strategies are essential to making it through each day.
Is escapism a mental disorder?
Escapism is
mental diversion from unpleasant or boring aspects of daily life
, typically through activities involving imagination or entertainment. Escapism may be used to occupy one’s self away from persistent feelings of depression or general sadness.
Can one have too much sleep?
Too much sleep on a regular basis can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and death according to several studies done over the years. Too much is defined as
greater than nine hours
. The most common cause is not getting enough sleep the night before, or cumulatively during the week.
Does napping help anxiety?
“If you are able to get a catnap in the afternoon, there are some great benefits to be had. The evidence suggests that
napping is great for improving mood, energy, and productivity while reducing anxiety and physical and mental tension
.”
Why can’t I stop napping?
Daytime sleepiness can be caused by
sleep disorders
. If you are excessively sleepy consistently during the day even when you sleep well or if you fall asleep without warning during daily activities, you may have a sleep disorder such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea, a breathing problem that occurs during sleep.
Is napping bad for anxiety?
Reduce your stress.
Recent research shows that
naps reduce stress and strengthen
the immune system in people who are sleep deprived. Napping can also keep blood pressure in check in response to stress.
What are 2 coping skills?
There are two main types of coping skills:
problem-based coping and emotion-based coping
. Problem-based coping is helpful when you need to change your situation, perhaps by removing a stressful thing from your life.
What are 4 examples of negative coping strategies?
- Criticizing yourself (negative self-talk)
- Driving fast in a car.
- Chewing your fingernails.
- Becoming aggressive or violent (hitting someone, throwing or kicking something)
- Eating too much or too little or drinking a lot of coffee.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Drinking alcohol.
What are bad coping skills?
A maladaptive coping mechanism may include
avoiding a person or a situation which causes you stress
, becoming defensive or harming yourself in some way. While adaptive coping mechanisms are healthy and positive, maladaptive ones are negative and could harm your health in the long run.
