Depression as an Illness

According to World Health Organization (WHO), depression is one of the most common illness worldwide and the leading cause of disability which are usually experience by a women. Studies shows that one third of women experience depression in their lifetime. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by low mood and a feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is a persistent problem that usually last with an average of 6 to 8 months. Sometimes it may lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and home.

Signs or symptoms of depression

· Reduced of interest in activities which is previously enjoyed

· Weight loss or change in appetite

· Difficulty or excessive sleeping

· Fatigue

· Feeling of worthlessness or guilty

· Difficult thinking or making decisions

· Attempt to get suicide or death

· Increase in purposeless physical activity or slowed movement and speech

· Depressed mood or feeling sad

Causes of Depression

· Genetics

· Biological

· Environmental

· Psychological & Social

· Life events which may include bereavement, burial, separation from work, relationship with family and friends

· Personality or those with less coping strategies in problems

· Genetics Factors if there is a history within the family

· Childhood Trauma

· Abuse of recreational drugs

· Head Injury

· Chronic pain syndromes

Diagnosis of depression starts from consultation with a doctor or a specialist. It is important to seek the help of a health professional to identify the cause of depression, to ensure an accurate diagnosis and secure safe and effective treatment. A thorough diagnostic evaluation which includes interview to know the medical history of the individual.

Depression is one of treatable mental disorders. There are ways on how to treat depression such as:

1. Support – they should have a family that will help them understand their situations.

2. Psychotherapy - is likewise called as talk therapy. Talk therapy is given for those with mild depression. It is usually done face to face together with a therapist. This is considered as the most effective way of treatment for those with mild depression. It may include several sessions depending on the speed of recovery of the person.

3. Drug Medication – is given for those with severe depression. This is usually done together with psychotherapy which is given after consultation with a doctor. Antidepressant is given as medical medication and dosage may depend on the individual’s reactions from the treatment. Improvements usually take effect after two to three weeks of taking the antidepressant. It is important to inform your doctor in case there is no improvement on the medication or there is a side effect.

Depression is a real illness but help is available. With proper medication and treatment majority of people suffering from this situation overcome it.

References :

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/depression-causes-symptoms-treatments-8933

Struggle of Virtual Assistant

What is Virtual Assistant

A Virtual Assistant is a self-employed expert with specific skills who can serve multiple clients and work on different projects each day while operating from remote location. Moreover, they can execute any tasks be it in part time or full time doing personal or office assistant work. A virtual assistant worked depends on the specifications provided by the client such as but not limited to market research, data entry, transcription, web designs, social media marketing and search engine optimization.

What are the challenges a Virtual Assistant Faced?

There are various challenges that a Virtual Assistant encounter especially if you are new in this field it may include:

1. Not asking help- on the areas which you don’t know specifically to the tasked that are specified by the clients.

2. Not valuing yourself - the feeling that you’re not good enough, you don’t know what you’re doing, or maybe you may not able to get another client.

3. Fear of Failure – failed to do the required tasked

4. Overlooking Your Accomplishment –the negative seems to outweigh the positive.

5. Balance of Work Time and Family – not managing your time accordingly

How to Overcome the Challenges?

1. Manage Your Time – as a Virtual Assistant you should have a good knowledge on time management. You may have a multi-tasking activity if specified by your clients, thus schedule it using the Google Calendar.

2. Develop Expertise on Particular Areas – you cannot be an expert on all fields you need to develop your skills based on your interest so that you can be able to provide good output to the clients.

3. Know Your Abilities – there is no such thing as “know it all rule “, it doesn’t necessarily mean that being a Virtual Assistant you can execute any tasked. Develop areas that lack your abilities.

4. Align Your Priorities with your Job – as a virtual assistant you can work at your specified time period and setting requirements of the clients. But always bear in mind that your clients is your topmost priority.

5. Have a Plan Always – an effective planning results a good output for the clients.

6. Understand Your Clients and Communicate Accordingly – build a good relationship with your clients. Have a good communication channel with them. Make your clients satisfied your output to have more engagement with them.

7. Let Your Clients Rely on you – clients’ needs assurance that when you are handlings the tasked you can make it accordingly. Thus it is important to inform your clients as regards to the progress of the task.

8. Achieve your Best Every Day – exceed what the expectations of your clients by doing an extra mile in every tasked that you need to do. Always give your best output.

To be a Virtual Assistant you need to have the courage, abilities and skills in order to be an effective one but you will not acquire it in just one glance at a time you need to learn from it. Continues learning and experience can make you specialist in your field of expertise. As Ben Carson once said “Through hard work, perseverance and faith in God, you can live your dreams.

References :

https://mytasker.com/blog/how-to-become-a-virtual-assistant/

https://expertvatraining.com/proactive/overcome-challenges-virtual-assistant/

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