Scroll through your social media feed and youll see what Im talking about when I say depression nap.
But the sudden emergence ofthese postshad me wondering if everyone is overtired, depressed, or something else entirely.
But I hadnt heard of depression naps until this summer, and only online.
Futurama / FOX
Ive never prescribed one to a depressed client, nor have any of them reported using them to cope.
To confirm were on the same page, lets take a deeper look at major depression.
That comes to 6.7 percent of the adult population, or about 1 in 15 people.
The appeal of the depression nap is starting to make sense.
Napsin general can be a bit polarizing.
So, this is an area of conflicting opinions.
How does this work on a personal level?
“Fatigue and insomnia are very common.
Sounds like a pro-nap plug.
He was sufficiently rested enough to grant me this brief interview.
Would you ever recommend naps for someone struggling with depression?
Michael Breus: Never.
I would not recommend naps because they are counter-productive to good quality sleep in the evenings.
Which could be needed for effective depressive therapeutic intervention.
Do you view naps as a symptom to be treated, or a helpful coping mechanism?
MB: Depends upon the case.
In each case I could view them differently.
Its complicated, at best.
Is there a point where napping turns from helpful to harmful or problematic?
MB: Not really.
Its not like they are hurting themselves by sleeping all the time.
It will affect their social relationships the most, but not cause any real physical harm.
It will throw off their biological clocks, which will be another hurdle to overcome.
Do depressed people crave sleep?
Will naps help or harm depressed people?
Is it part of a healthy treatment plan?
They include social support,exercise,medicationif needed, and my personal favorite,psychotherapy.
Take these appeals seriously, as there is always some truth in the joke.
And take the advice above to heart, as every depression requires a unique approach.
Ryan Howes, Ph.D., ABPP, is a licensed clinical therapist who practices in Pasadena, California.
Related:
You May Also Like: 10 Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Sleep Without Realizing It
