INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Dealing with a complaining co-worker is a frustrating situation. Not only is it awkward, it can also make you less productive. If you regularly cope with complaining colleagues, take steps to handle the situation constructively.   Try to be kind. Sometimes people just need to vent. If your co-worker regularly complains of overwork, try saying, "I'm in the same boat. Maybe we could take turns going on caffeine runs for each other." You can also try complimenting the complainer. Try saying, "Wow, you have been putting in a lot of hours. At least it paid off. I heard your presentation was fantastic." This puts a more positive spin on the situation. Remember that complaints are sometimes legitimate. It is possible that the complainer has a real problem. If you can, try to offer your assistance.  For example, maybe someone in your office constantly complains about the frigid temperature. If you agree, try suggesting that the two of you talk to your boss about the situation together. Maybe your colleague feels that she is being treated unfairly by your boss. Try saying, "Have you considered talking to HR about the situation?" By offering advice, you are showing that you heard the complaint. You are also demonstrating that the problem can be fixed. Hopefully, the person who is complaining will heed your words. You might find yourself tuning out every time to talk to someone who regularly complains. But try listening. You might find that by asking questions and participating in the conversation, you can make your interactions more positive.  Start with a simple question. Try saying, "What do you think you can do to solve the problem?" That puts the responsibility of finding a solution on them, not you. But it also indicates that you are listening. If the person says they don't know what to do, try asking more questions. You could say, "Why don't you spend some time thinking about it? How about we talk again next week if the problem is still happening?" Make an effort to understand the situation. If the person who is complaining says vague things like, "I hate it here", you can try saying, "Why?" This response is non-committal, but will allow you to determine if the complaint is valid. Then you can decide whether to devote more of your attention to the situation. It can be fun to socialize with your co-workers. Maybe you have a group from your office who regularly gets together for happy hour. But if someone who often complains tags along, that can ruin the whole evening.  Kindly but firmly voice your opinion. Try saying something like, "I really don't feel like discussing work after hours." You can also try gently taking the person aside. You can say, "I know it's helpful to vent, but maybe we could save the work problems for work, ok?" You can also simply turn to someone else and start a different conversation. Others will likely follow your lead and talk about more pleasant topics. Using "I" statements, explain your point of view. You can say, "I feel stressed when you talk about how unhappy you are at work." You might feel anxious every time a negative co-worker approaches you. Instead of inwardly rolling your eyes, take control of the situation. You can choose how to direct the conversation.  End the complaints before they start. When your co-worker approaches, immediately say something positive. For example, you could say, "Hey, Betty! I heard you ran a 5k this weekend. Good job!" By starting the conversation on a positive note, you might be able to head off complaints. If the other person starts to complain, you can end the conversation. Say, "Wow, that sounds frustrating. But I'm on a deadline, so I'm going to have to get back to work right now."

SUMMARY: Show empathy. Offer to help. Ask questions. Be honest. Take control of the conversation.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: In addition to eating a balanced diet, increase foods that are known to help with depression. These include foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines and walnuts, and food high in other healthy fats, such as avocados and coconut oil. There are many supplements on the market that are said to act as natural antidepressants. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding supplements to your routine, as many are contraindicated with certain prescription drugs.  St. John’s Wort is a popular supplement that is said to treat depression and anxiety. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is derived from an African plant, and is said to be an effective natural mood stabilizer. S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAM or SAM-e) replaces natural compounds mammals produce to stabilize moods. Green tea contains L-Theanine, a natural antidepressant. This may be taken in pill form or consumed as tea. Alcohol and drugs might alleviate the symptoms of depression in the short term, but they almost always make things worse after a while. To gain full control over your emotions, it’s best to cut them out entirely.  Alcohol is actually a depressant, and sometimes causes negative feelings to grow worse even while it is being consumed for pleasure. If you’re struggling with an addiction to alcohol or drugs, it’s important to get treatment right away. You won’t be able to lift yourself out of depression without outside help. Contact your local AA or NA group for more information. When you don’t feel you’re able to conquer your depression alone, know when it's time to seek outside help. Therapists are trained to help people develop new thought and behavior patterns to ease depression and prevent it from happening again. Your therapist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.  There’s strong evidence that talk therapy, particularly cognitive therapy that concentrates on changing negative thought patterns, can be an effective treatment for depression, either alone or when combined with drugs. Pastoral counseling and 12-step groups can also offer a place to talk out your feelings and get help with circumstances that accompany or are caused by depression.

SUMMARY:
Eat foods with antidepressant properties. Try supplements. Cut alcohol and drugs. See a therapist.