Psychologist (M.Sc.)
Kim completed her psychology studies in Hamburg, specializing in health psychology, and has spent several years working in the field of mental health promotion.
Kim Nora Harms
Articles by Kim Nora Harms
Depression Caused by Birth Control: Risks, Symptoms – and What You Can Do
Depression from birth control—can that really happen? Learn what science says about depressive moods in connection with hormonal birth control, which signs you should look out for, and how to take smart action. You are not alone in this.
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Therapy Dogs for Depression: Regular Dogs Can Offer Relief Too
A therapy dog can be highly beneficial for individuals with depression due to their physical closeness, the consistent daily routine they provide, and the regular exercise in the fresh air. Learn more about the benefits of having a dog when dealing with depression, which breeds are suitable, and what the associated costs are.
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Relieving Depression with Light Therapy: Using Daylight Lamps Effectively
Can depression be relieved with light therapy? Yes, especially in the case of winter depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Learn why daylight is so essential for us as human beings, and how daylight lamps are used and work. Plus, practical tips for making a purchase.
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Recognizing and Treating Depressive Personality Disorder
People with depressive personality disorder persistently think, feel, and act in a depressive manner; their depression is deeply rooted. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this condition, and what distinguishes it from a standard clinical depression.
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How to Redeem Your DiGA E-Prescription: A Step-by-Step Guide
Received an e-prescription for your DiGA? Learn step-by-step how to redeem your DiGA e-prescription and receive your activation code.
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Menopause and Depression: Recognizing Symptoms and Effective Treatment
During menopause, the hormones estrogen and progesterone can fluctuate drastically, frequently leading to mood swings. Learn when and why this happens, and discover the most effective steps to take for relief.
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Depression or ADHD: Recognizing Differences and Taking the Right Action
Depression or ADHD—the symptoms can feel very similar: little to no drive, chaos in your head, and a complete lack of concentration. Recognize the fine differences between both conditions as well as their overlaps
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Depression and Herbal Therapy: Which Remedies Can Help You
The desire to treat depression with herbal therapy is widespread. Learn exactly what herbal therapy means, which plants have been proven to help with depression, and where the limitations of such a treatment lie.
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Mindfulness and Meditation: What Mindfulness Really Means and How It Works
Mindfulness and meditation help you consciously perceive your own thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations to reduce stress and find a better inner balance. Learn how and why mindfulness and meditation work, their effects, and how you can learn them.
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Calm Down Instantly With These Five Mindfulness Exercises – Plus Tips for Beginners
Mindfulness exercises help you experience the present moment consciously, lower your stress levels, and strengthen your concentration. This is achieved through conscious perception, breathing, gratitude, and self-reflection. Learn how and why mindfulness works, and start today with one of five exercises.
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Depression: Finding Expression and Relief Through Art
When dealing with depression, art can be a powerful way to make emotions visible and give them space. Learn more about the benefits of art therapy and creative self-help—and discover 10 simple exercises you can start right away.
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Psychotherapy for Depression: Types, Costs, and Finding a Placement
Psychotherapy is the most important and effective form of treatment for depression. It addresses the root causes and guides you step by step back into life. Learn about the different types of therapy available, exactly how the process begins, and the role your health insurance plays in covering it.
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Depression: Challenging the Stigma – A Guide for Patients and Families
People with depression frequently experience stigma. They face negative judgment or even social exclusion because of their illness. Whether you are personally affected or a loved one, learn how to recognize and counter prejudices, and communicate effectively in challenging situations.
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Depression: Recognizing the Impact on Loved Ones and Taking the Right Action
When a person falls ill, it changes the daily life of partners, family, and friends. With conversation examples, checklists, and reputable contact points, you will find more peace and guidance.
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Daily Schedule for Depression: Templates and Strategies for Every Day
A daily schedule for depression is your central tool against a lack of drive. Start your schedule now—effectively and without overwhelming yourself.
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Stress-Induced Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Techniques
When the pressure doesn't let up and your mood plummets: Stress-induced depression is a serious risk. Learn how chronic stress leads to illness, how to recognize the symptoms, and how to actively fight back using effective therapy, mental stress management, and a Digital Health Application (DiGA).
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Norepinephrine & Depression: Recognizing Symptoms, Understanding Effects
Finally clearly understand the connection between norepinephrine and depression: Learn how to safely recognize a deficiency or an excess, what effects this messenger substance has on the brain, and how you can gently support and strengthen your norepinephrine levels in daily life.
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Dopamine and Depression: Insights, Symptoms, and Actionable Steps
When drive is lacking or everything feels heavy, people often speak of a dopamine deficiency. This guide answers questions about dopamine and depression: What does the messenger substance do? How do you notice an imbalance? How can you support yourself safely in daily life?
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Serotonin and Depression: Facts, Myths, and What Really Helps
How are the messenger substance serotonin and the illness of depression connected? Learn about the current state of research, the best path for treatment, and how you can support serotonin in your daily life.
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Cortisone & Depression: Recognizing Risks, Taking Signs Seriously
Depression caused by taking cortisone is possible. Learn how to recognize symptoms early and what you can do if they occur.
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Glutamate and Depression: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Nutrition
Glutamate & Depression: The messenger substance glutamate cannot cause depression on its own. Learn what is known about this connection, which therapies help with depression, and how you can actively contribute to your recovery.
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Depression and GABA: What the Neurotransmitter Has to Do with Your Mood
GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain. It helps calm the nervous system, regulate anxiety, and relax the muscles. Learn how GABA is connected to your mood and what this means for the treatment of depression.
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Antidepressant Medication: Types and How They Work
Antidepressants are medications that are primarily taken to treat moderate to severe depression. They work in the brain, lifting mood and alleviating other symptoms. Learn about the different types, what sets them apart, and how well they actually help.
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Psychosocial Factors in Depression: Understanding What Has Shaped You—and What Helps Now
Psychosocial factors in depression arise from experiences, relationships, and life circumstances. They influence feelings, thoughts, and behavior. This guide explains the most important connections, connects childhood and the present in an understandable way, and shows concrete steps that help.
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Inside the Depressed Brain: What is Missing?
What is missing inside the brain during depression? Learn why, alongside therapy, antidepressants can also help and how they work.
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Childhood Depression: How to Recognize the Signs and Coping Strategies
Early recognition and prompt action are critical when dealing with childhood depression. You will learn about age-specific clinical presentations, how childhood depression develops, and effective interventions. By understanding these concepts, you can protect your child, build resilience in your daily routine, and alleviate pressure on the family. When in doubt, remember: seeking professional help is always the right step.
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Depression in Parents: Recognize, Understand, Act
Depression in parents affects entire families. This guide explains how to recognize signs, speak openly with children, and find reliable help. Featuring tips for mothers, fathers, and relatives—as well as emergency contacts when things become acute. You are not alone: there are effective ways to stabilize your daily life.
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Late-Life Depression: Recognizing Symptoms Early, Taking the Right Action
Recognizing the symptoms of late-life depression at an early stage can change the lives of older people. This guide shows relatives what they should pay attention to and which treatments help.
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Depression in University Students: Signs, Causes, and Support
Depression among university students is more common than many think—and it is treatable. This compact guide shows you how to recognize depression, why it develops during your studies, and what support you are entitled to, from academic accommodations to therapy.
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Teen Depression: Recognizing the Signs, Taking Action, and Finding Help
Summary: Teen depression often catches families completely off guard. With the onset of puberty, the risk of young people developing depressive symptoms increases, while typical adolescent mood swings can often mask the underlying condition. Here, you will learn how to recognize depression during puberty, what offers immediate relief, and where to find fast, reliable support.
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Depression Symptoms in Men: They Suffer Too, Just Differently
Depression symptoms in men often go unnoticed for a long time. Many push through, appear tough, and keep functioning—while the burden grows on the inside. This guide clearly shows how to recognize the signs of depression in men and how to find the right support, step by step.
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Recurrent Depression: Help, My Depression Keeps Coming Back
Recurrent depression is a form of depression characterized by repeated depressive episodes. Living with the knowledge that a relapse is possible is a long-term reality for many affected individuals and can bring an additional psychological burden. In this article, you will learn what can trigger recurrent depression and how you can take proactive steps to prevent it.
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Postpartum Depression – When Postpartum Joy Feels out of Reach
The birth of a child is a life-altering event. Caught between happiness, love, and sheer exhaustion, many mothers experience a whirlwind of emotions during the first days and weeks following childbirth. In this article, you will learn what postpartum depression is, which symptoms indicate its presence, and what support options are available to help you regain your stability and find joy in your growing family.
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Tips & Tricks to Calm Your Nervous System
Our nervous system is the ultimate pacemaker of our well-being. It controls how we feel, think, and react. When it gets trapped in a cycle of chronic stress, it can lead to inner restlessness, exhaustion, or persistent lows in mood. Especially when dealing with depression, an overstimulated nervous system often plays a major role. In this article, we will show you the various ways to calm an overstimulated nervous system and bring it back into balance step-by-step.
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Depression Support Groups: Healing in Community
Feeling understood and finding paths out of the low mood together – that is what you can achieve in a depression support group. Learn how exchanging experiences with others who share your condition can help you, and how to find the right support group for your needs.
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High-Functioning Depression: The Pain That Goes Unseen
Many people with high-functioning depression appear strong and highly capable on the outside. On the inside, however, they battle exhaustion, self-doubt, and emotional emptiness. In this article, you will learn which symptoms are typical, what causes lie behind it, and what can help. Find support early on to bring balance, lightness, and self-care back into your daily life.
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"I Simply Pushed Through" — Katrin on Living with Depression & deprexis
Katrin openly shares her journey out of depression. Discover the often-ignored warning signs and the newfound strength she gained through digital tools like deprexis.
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How Does Depression Develop? Causes & Triggers at a Glance
Depression is a widespread mental health condition worldwide. This article sheds light on the various factors that can contribute to the development of depression, including genetic, biological, psychosocial aspects, and environmental influences.
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How Depression and Sleep Are Connected – A Vicious Cycle
Blog Module Text: Poor sleep and depressive moods are closely linked. Learn how depression and sleep problems mutually reinforce each other, and how targeted sleep hygiene and self-care measures can help break this vicious cycle.
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The 5 Stages of Depression: Guidance and Support Along the Way
Depression often develops gradually and progresses through several stages, each manifesting differently. Here, you will learn about the 5 stages of depression that are commonly described and discover which self-help measures can support you in each stage.
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Supporting a Loved One with Depression: Tips for a Sensitive Approach
When a loved one is struggling with depression, it can be a deeply challenging and often overwhelming situation for family and friends. How can you best offer help and support without burning yourself out? Here are some do's and don'ts to help you navigate the situation with care while still looking after your own well-being.
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Small Steps Matter: Thea Opens Up About Her Depression
Thea had always been an open, cheerful person—until her depression pulled the rug out from under her feet.
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The Many Faces of Depression: An Overview of Types and Forms
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions and can manifest in several different ways. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the various types of depression.
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Is Depression Hereditary? Here’s What Science Says!
Depression often runs in families: those with parents or siblings affected by the condition face a three- to five-fold higher risk of developing it themselves. Gaining a better understanding of these factors could open up new ways to approach and manage depression.
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Georg’s Journey: Reclaiming His Life From Depression with deprexis
In this personal story, Georg shares his lowest point, the long silence, and the courage it took to seek help. An honest account of stigma, self-doubt, hope, and the path back to life.
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Miriam H. Talks About Her Experiences with deprexis
Miriam shares her story: Of dark days, doubts, and anxieties—and how deprexis was able to support her on her way out of the thought spiral. Read it for yourself!
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Every Depression Is Different – The Nature of Depressive Episodes
Depression heavily impacts the lives of many people. The depressive episodes that can occur during the course of this disorder vary in duration and severity for each individual.
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Depression in Women: Understanding Causes & Symptoms
Depression is among the most common mental illnesses worldwide. Studies show that depression occurs about twice as often in women as it does in men. But why is that? How does depression manifest in women, and what can support those affected in their daily lives?
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Positive Psychology: In Search of Happiness, Meaning & More
When we are not feeling well, much of our focus revolves around what is missing: energy, joy, motivation. In this article, you will learn how Positive Psychology came to be, what the 5 pillars of well-being are, and how you can meaningfully use Positive Psychology for yourself in everyday life.
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Food for the Soul: The Role of Diet in Depression
A balanced diet plays an important role in mental health and can influence the risk of depression. Certain nutrients have positive effects on mood, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants. It is important to avoid foods like sugar, processed meals, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can negatively affect your mood. Instead, you should focus on regular, balanced meals and adequate hydration. A healthy diet can support medication and therapy for depression and contribute to improving your overall well-being.
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Every Step Counts: The Role of Physical Activity in Overcoming Depression
Depression is complex and often accompanied by a lack of motivation, fatigue, and a low mood. In these moments, finding the drive to do anything can be incredibly difficult for those affected—especially when it comes to physical activity. However, exercising despite depression can alleviate symptoms, boost self-esteem, and lift your mood. The best part? It doesn't require an intense workout right out of the gate—even small amounts of movement can make a real difference.
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Depression & Vitamin D: How the "Sunshine Vitamin" Can Boost Your Mood
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide. In this article, you will learn how maintaining an adequate supply of vitamin D can help alleviate depression and enhance your overall well-being.
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How Depression Progresses: What You Should Know
Depression is a multifaceted illness with uniquely individual paths. Its presentation varies widely—ranging from unipolar episodes and recurrent depressive phases to long-lasting dysthymia and bipolar disorders, where depressive phases alternate with manic states. Whether short-term or chronic, depression presents a distressing challenge. However, there is hope: with a variety of treatment options, from traditional therapy to proven digital health applications like deprexis, those affected can find highly effective support.
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The Thought Loop: Typical Thoughts Associated with Depression
Depression has many facets and can heavily influence cognitive processes, leading to agonizing negative thoughts. Another common symptom is a distressing thought loop (overthinking), which causes constant rumination and worry.
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