Second reflection discussion replies

please reply to the 2 discussion posts below separately in 1 full page .

APA 7th.

Brook-

In the video, Signs I Grew Up with Undiagnosed Depression, Ginger Zee talks about growing up with undiagnosed narcolepsy and depression. When the narcolepsy disorder was diagnosed in college, her other symptoms were more noticeable, and she was diagnosed with depression also. Growing up, Ginger felt like she was two different people. The confident and sure Ginger was who everyone else saw. The person inside felt vulnerable and unsure of herself, that person she called Renee, which was her middle name. She felt different, often looking in the mirror and wondering who she really was. After receiving her diagnoses, she realized that confusion of identity due in part to childhood trauma and her parents divorce when she was seven, caused a delay in emotional regulation as well as an inability to share actual, true emotions (MedCircle, 2021).

Narcolepsy is a specific hypersomnolence disorder that is characterized by overwhelming bouts of sleep plus sudden loss of muscle tone lasting under 2 minutes or periodic intrusions of REM sleep when transitioning between sleep and wakefulness. The occurrence of hypersomnolence disorders is more likely among people with mood disorders (Jennings, 2025). This may bring some understanding to the diagnosis of depression following the narcolepsy diagnosis. According to Abenza-Abildua et al (2023), the occurrence of anxiety and depression in patients with narcolepsy is three times that of the general population, especially in younger patients. They also point out that the mood disorder will usually precede the narcolepsy diagnosis, but the symptoms of depression and anxiety will occur before or parallel to the symptoms of narcolepsy. This high prevalence suggests a possible biological connection between depression or anxiety and narcolepsy.

Ginger also talks about her healing journey and why mental health advocacy is important to her. She believes that transparency is part of healing and when she opens up, she helps herself and others. She works hard to give support but not labels to herself and others as they heal. She uses meditation as well as consistent and planned out time with her therapist, and she focuses on reinforcing the positive aspects of healing and finding gratitude for herself. One of the most important things to do is to share. Take a step every day to share with someone else.

Ginger advocates accountability and giving and receiving support to and from others to not only heal, but to continue to remain in a place of healing and well-being (MedCircle, 2021). These directives can be supported with scripture for believers to use in their daily lives as well. Galatians 6:2 tells us to carry the burdens of others, being obedient to what Christ asks of us. Ephesians 4:2 tells us to support each other with patience, gentleness, and humility (English Standard Bible, 2001/2016). We do need fellowship and relationships with others to be able to heal, we cannot do it all by ourselves.

Abigail-

In this week’s video, Kyle Kittleson interviews Dr. Judith Joseph about her book on high functioning depression. Dr. Joseph gives valuable insight into a topic that is not commonly known of as it is not in the DSM-5. High functioning depression is seen in individuals who have symptoms of depression, namely anhedonia– a reduced enjoyment in activities that once brought joy, but they are able to keep a stable level of functioning. As a result, their needs go unmet, especially by psychiatrists, doctors, and therapists. Dr. Joseph put it quite well when she said, “We wait for that box of lack of functioning before we do something about it” (MedCircle, 2025). Part of her work is advocating for preventative outlooks and measures, rather than a reactive approach. Instead of waiting for someone’s daily functioning to be impaired or until they break down, we should be recognizing the early signs of depression and begin an intervention. One way of addressing high functioning depression is by using mindfulness. She calls it points of joy. Essentially small moments throughout our day that we can be present and content with. Situations such as drinking water, eating a meal, or enjoying the sunlight.

A study was conducted to measure the protective role of mindfulness on maladaptive behaviors and disorders in those with high stress jobs. Yan et al. looked at rates of depression, suicide risk, PTSD, anger, sleep disturbance, and alcohol use against the use of mindfulness measures such as non-reactivity, non-judging, describing, and acting with awareness in firefighters (2024). Results indicated that focusing on those facets of mindfulness; depression, anger, and other negative outcomes may be reduced.

Dr. Joseph points out that many people are taught growing up to push through pain. She advocates for the biopsychosocial approach. Our textbook states the biopsychosocial approach is looking at and integrating biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors when looking at the development of disorders (Jennings, 2025). The belief that we are to push through pain is rooted in the sociocultural factor. Due to this belief, people oftentimes will neglect what they are feeling, which can compound over time and we end up seeing high functioning depression.

Psalm 104 states, “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond numberliving things both large and small” (New International Version, Psalm 104:24-25, 1973/2011). This scripture is a wonderful reminder that there is beauty here on earth, in God’s creation. Keeping our eyes on the beautiful moments God grants us each day is a mindful practice. Doing so will help guard our hearts and minds against feelings like anhedonia, hopefully moving us towards a place of contentment and joy.