Identifying Depression: What To Do If A Loved One Is Suffering - By Michelle Rabin, Ph.D

Depression can take on many faces depending upon the person, their age, and their gender. Overall, the best thing to be aware of is a significant change in activity or behavior.

Depression In Teens

Depression in teenagers can be difficult to identify, as their mood cycles are traditionally erratic. In general, females tend to suffer from depression more than males, but don’t overlook a young male whose behavior has changed. Again, the things to look out for are marked changes in behavior. If the teen tends to be social and there’s been a significant reduction in their social activities, than that might be an indication that he or she is depressed. Is the phone ringing a lot less? Have they become more withdrawn from the family? Are they sleeping excessively but still seeming to be tired a lot? It’s also not unusual for them to be especially irritable and cranky. Tearfulness is yet another sign. Grades in school often decline as the teen becomes more distracted and less attentive.

Drug use is also a concern for teens that are depressed—as it is for anyone suffering from this problem—because people often medicate their depression with alcohol and /or drugs to try to feel better.

Depression in Adults

Adults tend to hide their depression a little better than kids. They’ve learned how to put a mask on and act as if everything is fine, even when it is not. Appetite is often a strong indicator. The loss of appetite is most common, however there are those who sooth themselves with food so, in that case, you would expect to see a weight gain. Sexual appetite is another variable that is often identified. Depression puts a damper on sexual desire. Essentially when a person stops doing those activities that they used to enjoy, there’s a good chance that depression can be a factor.

Depression In The Elderly

The elderly suffer from depression a lot more than is reported. The older generation still feels a lot of shame and embarrassment about mental illnesses. The harsh reality of the elderly is that their friends are dying on a regular basis. These losses bring up many different feelings, ranging from loneliness and loss to the realization that their time is also limited. Withdrawal is a common sign, as well as weight loss, fatigue and irritability. It is critical to have the elderly evaluated by a competent gerontologist (a doctor who specializes in the older population) to rule out worrisome medical concerns.

Discussing Suicide

When a family member is discovered to be depressed, there is often a reluctance to be direct and straight forward with them. Often people think what if I ask the person if they feel like they want to end their life, and I’ve gotten them thinking about suicide when they hadn’t previously considered it? That will never happen. If a person is severely depressed, they will most likely have given some thought to ending their life. Vague, passing thoughts about suicide are normal for everyone at one time or another. What you need to be worried about is if a person has actually constructed a plan to end their life. Another phenomenon to watch out for is if someone who had been previously very depressed suddenly seems to be fine— happy even—and starts giving their possessions away. Do not be fooled into thinking that this person has made a spontaneous recovery.

So, if someone takes a sudden turn for the better and starts giving things away, or if someone talks to you about having a specific plan to end their life, you MUST take action. These are definitely cases of it being better to err on the side of caution. Let the person know that you are concerned about them, and ask that they speak with a mental health professional. You might offer to get an appointment for them and then take them to the appointment. If they refuse treatment, it is essential that you contact a mental health professional and seek their advice. You can search the internet, the phone book, or call information to get the number for your community mental health center. Most community mental health centers have an emergency clinician on call 24 hours a day to assist in such an emergency. Do not leave the person alone until they’ve been evaluated and it has been determined that they’re able to be left without supervision. People often feel concerned about upsetting the person by pushing for evaluation or treatment. The most important thing here is to prevent a suicide. Even if the person is initially angry, once their depression lifts they will be forever grateful that you intervened on their behalf. Depression is a life threatening illness. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Imagine this….a person feels so miserable that they decide they can’t take feeling this badly for another minute. But the good news is that the vast majority of people suffering from depression will recover and continue to have normal lives. I’ve occasionally had to make deals with my patients. I’ve suggested that they give me 3-6 months to help them feel good again. If I’m unable to help them change their perspective and feel better, then I’ll consider the possibility that suicide is the only remaining option for them. In all of my 25 years of seeing patients, it’s never come to that. Although not everyone has achieved perfect “normalcy” within that time period, the vast majority of people experience a considerable enough improvement to warrant wanting to continue their life.

Don’t be afraid to talk about depression. Don’t be afraid of tears. There is help available for everyone. Most community mental health centers receive state and federal funds so they have the opportunity to provide treatment and no or low cost. Everyone today can find some kind of treatment if they need it.

Dr. Michelle Rabin is a clinial psychologist with 25 years of experience treating depression. More information and depression resources can be found at http://www.depression-symptoms-treatment.com/tagt/depression-treatment-ax.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Andropause and Depression - By Cathy Taylor

Andropause correlates directly with depression – a major player in the notorious mid-life crisis period men face in their late 40´s to late 50´s. There are a wide variety of symptoms and conditions hormone-wrecked men experience during this mid-life transition – everything from the mental (i.e. irritability) to the physical (loss of libido, lack of energy, and weight gain.) Depression, left untreated, can be a disabling condition.

Andropause depression is due to dropping levels of testosterone. Low testosterone levels cause many depressive symptoms – among them, a general indifference to events surrounding you, the inability to concentrate, extreme irritability, and memory loss. We might stress over things that might otherwise be worry-free in a normal situation and brood over certain matters. Our memory might go down the drain and we begin to see our lives in a negative light.

Energy levels plummet and enthusiasm for the activities we used to enjoy become flat-lined. Insomnia and restlessness is also a common symptom. Normal everyday things might become a burden to us, and the simplest shout of a child can make us excessively irritable. Psychologists use a variety of battery tests to figure out whether you suffer from depression. Besides handing you test sheets to work with, they also place you under observation – noticing your behavior, tendencies, and habits while talking to them.

Men tend to be rebellious creatures by nature. We love shrugging off our faults and being poised in the midst of emotional trouble. We take on the role as masculine creatures – lion kings of the jungle that reign over the sprawling landscape we call life. Men can be in full denial when it comes to questions about their sexual ability and prowess. Refusing to understand that we aren’t who we once were with our sexual performance as a result of Andropause is in our blood. Fellas, it is time to become aware and acquainted with the severity of your depression.

Off the bat, there are facts and figures supporting depression as a major problem. For one, 80% of all suicides in the United States are carried out by men. The majority of people with this condition never seek the advice and counsel of therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Probably the most shocking fact of all is the male suicide rate is highest during the Andropause years. You read correctly – highest during the years we’re specifically talking about.

How do we deal with these devastating changes to our lives? How can we manage stress to reduce the chances of clinical depression? For one, we must follow a daily exercise regimen. That coupled with a caffeine-free diet will boost our immune systems to fight disease. It will also slow down the aging process. Aim to maintain that explosive 30-inch, vertical leap well into your 60s! Another is doing the activities we love. Don’t stray from playing your pick-up basketball games with buddies or building those go-carts from scratch as a hobby. Stick to them and enjoy the satisfaction of doing so. Distract yourself from your current condition without ignoring it completely.

Maintain a social network of friends and family that will cheer you up when you need it most. Something as simple as having your young child shove a hand drawing of a red school bus in your face can provide for laughs and smiles. The most important piece of advice is to accept your condition and make accommodations. For example, low testosterone levels can easily be supplemented with testosterone cream. It’s bound to happen to all of us, and you either have the choice of making the best of it or letting it overwhelm you. Awareness is critical, and an optimistic attitude, followed with physical activity and a solid nutritional plan, is the best means of fighting Andropause, anti-aging, and the demon known as depression.

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative-com@cox.net or by visiting http://www.everythingmenopause.com or http://www.internet-marketing-small-business.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Omega 3 EPA: Nature's Very Own Antidepressant - By Dave McEvoy

Since Dr Malcolm Peet, a consultant psychiatrist at Sheffield swallow court hospital released his findings about the effects of Ethyl Epa and its effects on people suffering from depression and low moods, many other studies have been performed using Ethyl Epa to help treat depression and related disorders. The vast majority of the studies that have been performed consistently confirmed that Ethyl Epa, a natural substance found in omega 3 fish oil, helps relieve depression and low moods.

The idea that high grade omega 3 EPA could be used to help combat depression and other related disorders came from the late Dr Horribin, who as early as the 1970s was a pioneer in lipid research involving the brain and central nervous system. Since the findings at Sheffield, studies have been conducted round the world, Harvard university 1999, London Hammersmith hospital 2001 and Israel Ben Gurion University 2002 to name but a few.

EPA As Part Of A Healthy Diet

EPA is part of the Omega 3 chain of ecosanoids and is most commonly found in fatty fish such as fresh salmon, mackerel, pilchards and sardines. Over the past 100 years the diet patterns of most people in the west has shifted dramatically to include far more hydrogenated oils and Trans fatty acids (bad fats) this is largely due to the increased consumption of fast food and ready made meals. Even people who think they eat a healthy diet consume way too much omega 6 and not enough omega 3.

Researchers have recently found that a diet high in Tran’s fatty acids could affect the mood stabilizing hormones within the brain, this is thought to be due to the saturated fats slowing down the messaging system within the brain, should this happen then the onset of depression could occur.

How Does EPA Work?

While the benefits of high grade EPA have been well documented, the scientific community still don’t know exactly how EPA works on the brain, one theory released by Dr Basant Puri is that it eases the passage of the signals over the tiny gaps in the brain called synapses. Another theory was that the high Grade Epa actually worked similar to lithium and had anti depressant properties of its own.

Until recently it was widely accepted in the medical community that once a human reached maturity that the adult brain could not grow anymore, in a recent paper just released by Dr Puri his findings show other wise. Dr Puri scanned a 21 year patient before treating him with high grade Pure Epa, after the course of treatment he rescanned the young man only to find that the grey matter of the brain had increased in size.

Omega 3 EPA And The Body

As well as EPA being very good for helping to balance mood it has other well documented effects on the body, these included:-

• Blood thinning properties
• Decrease risk of heart attack
• Decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
• Slightly lower blood pressure

There is also some limited scientific evidence to show that high grade EPA has helped people suffering from:-

• Bipolar disorder
• PMS
• Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME
• Huntington’s disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Schizophrenia
• ADHD
• ADD

Although more research needs to be done in these areas, the current evidence looks very promising.

EPA Versus DHA

Omega 3 fish oil contains another omega 3 nutrient called DHA, there is a currently a controversial argument as to which omega 3 nutrient is the more beneficial in dealing with depression and related disorders. This Argument is born from doctors who have used high grade Epa , Horribin, Puri and Peet They claim that the higher the ratio of Epa to Dha the more effective the results have been, just recently Dr Andrew Stoll has also come out in support of this theory.

EPA From Food

Any good doctor or nutritionist will tell you that the best way to get any nutrient is to eat a very balanced diet of the correct amount of carbohydrates , protein and omega essential fatty acids. In the case of Omega 3 epa this would be in the form of fish, unfortunately due to the high concentration levels of epa needed to obtain a therapeutic dose you would have to consume a large amount of oily fish daily and sadly due to the pollution levels found in our oceans today this is not advisable.Omega 3

Epa can also be found in high doses in certain fish oil supplements, when choosing a fish oil supplement you should choose only the fish oil of the highest quality it should also have as high an EPA to DHA ratio as possible,for maximum therapeutic effect.

Conclusion

The large majority of scientific trails using high grade Omega 3 Ethyl Epa point towards this natural oil being very beneficial for many conditions. The argument about the DHA rages on and probably will until some solid scientific evidence is presented to us .In the mean time a product with a high EPA to DHA ratio is considered more beneficial by some leading UK doctors.

The Author

Dave McEvoy: A great resource for high grade omega 3 Ethly EPA fish oil in a vegetable shell with a 90% concentrate of EPA and Zero DHA visit http://www.mind1st.co.uk

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Depression Cures That Are Drug Free- By Donny Lowy

Depression cures come in every form, manner, and shape that you can imagine.

Depression cures in the form of medicine are available, as well as herbal remedies, electromagnetic equipment, and even computer software.

Depression cures are in increasing demand as society faces a higher degree of depression and anxiety due to terrorism, job insecurity, and natural catastrophes.

Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually in an attempt to find depression cures.

While there are no guaranteed depression cures available, there are medicines and therapies that can work to help individuals cope with their depression.

Here are some steps that I have found to help alleviate temporary depression and anxiety.

1. Walk. Taking a nice long walk has always yielded a break from anxiety, and a resulting lifting of the spirits. By walking you are changing your surroundings which helps your mind switch tracks.

2. Meditate. Meditation can be as simple as sitting down and thinking of something positive. As your mind drifts back towards a negative thought you need to refocus on a positive thought. Many people repeat a positive phrase until they feel their mood improve.

3. Exercise. A steady exercise routine will improve your mood, calm your senses, and make you happier. There are physical and psychological reasons for this, but I can assure you that even a small amount of daily exercise can do wonders.

4. Socialization. Studies repeatedly show that being around people leads to healthier lives. The more people you talk to, the more positive and exciting your day will be. Of course, talking the right people makes a world of difference.

5. Having a hobby. Having a hobby can help depression and anxiety sufferers because it gives them another outlet for their energies. In addition, instead of being focused on a negative feeling or event, the person will be involved with another activity.

Donny Lowy runs an online resource to combat depression: http://www.curemydepression.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Scientologist Tom Cruise talks Tough About Psychiatry - By Lisa Angelettie

Scientology and Tom Cruise--Megastar Tom Cruise has always politely and respectfully been a Church of Scientology member and supporter. But these days, the War of the Worlds actor has been a lot more smug and outspoken in the media about the views held by him and his church on the field of Psychiatry.

While there has been a media blitz around Cruise and his new movie and new relationship with the much younger actress Katie Holmes, the actor has been using much of his time in interviews to talk about Scientology and take a few jabs at mothers who use antidepressants for Postpartum Depression--like actress Brooke Shields (Down Came The Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression).

Cruise and Shields have been having a media feud over the topic of medication and depression, and it appears that Cruise blasted psychiatry and medication use even further in his Today Show interview with Matt Lauer.

When Cruise discussed postpartum depression, his opinion (based on Scientology views) was that all antidepressants do is mask the problem of depression. It is his belief that depression can be treated with vitamins and exercise.

While vitamins are great as supplements to keep the body nourished, let's be frank here. It is dangerous and almost bordering ridiculous to advise a women suffering from postpartum depression that she should take vitamin therapy and a long walk to avoid feeling the urge to shake her crying baby! Or to increase her interest in even holding her sleeping baby.

While no one is recommending throwing antidepressants down every mother's throat with the baby-blues, postpartum depression on the other hand is a serious condition that often responds favorably to antidepressant therapy.

Tom Cruise also believes (based on Scientology views), that there is no such thing as a chemical imbalance.

What Cruise needs to keep in mind is that many treatments in modern medicine are not based on exact proof, but supposition. It was theorized at one point that drugs that targeted brain chemicals in humans would either cure on help alleviate symptoms of mental illnesses.

And now there is proof that certain drugs which affect brain chemicals help the affected person manage their illness. Ask someone who has been severely depressed, someone suffering from bipolar disorder, or a schizophrenic. Ask the people that love them. For many sufferers of mental disorders, there is a difference and improvement in the quality of their lives when they take their medication. That is a fact that cannot be denied.

While Scientologists probably mean well-- they have very affective programs helping drug addicted people get clean and great reading programs for children, they seemed to have fallen into the traps of many other religions and organizations by standing on their moral high horse and generalizing or demonizing certain people, groups, or theories.

My opinion? Tom Cruise needs to go somewhere and start planning his wedding. Brooke Shields could write another book based on the controversy that has been thrown her way. And us mere mortals? Well, I know if I start seeing Elvis cooking green tomatoes in my kitchen, that somebody better get me to the nearest shrink immediately:)

Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, author, and an online advice expert. She has been helping people make smarter life choices since 1998.

Visit her for Advice & Counseling, or take one of the Free Life Assessment, Relationship Ready, or Depression Screenings today. Subscribe to the growing self-help ezine "Better Choices".
Contact info: info@girlshrink.com

© GirlShrink Inc. The author grants reprint permission to opt-in publications and websites so long as the copyright and by-line are included intact and the article is not used in spam.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Postpartum Depression - Recognizing The Signs - By Cassandra Germsheid

In some cases, bringing home your brand new baby doesn't bring happy thoughts like the ones you were expecting. If this is the case, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. If you have suffered depression anytime before giving birth, your chances of suffering postpartum depression are even greater.

Postpartum depression can occur in up to 16% of new moms, but this number may actually be higher due to the amount of untreated depression.

Don't confuse 'baby blues' with postpartum depression. Baby blues typically last from a few days to a week right after childbirth. This is very common and does not need treatment. An easy way to cope with it is to ask for help and support from friends and family. It also helps to talk to other new moms who are experiencing the same feelings.

Postpartum depression on the other hand, can occur anytime in the first year of your baby's life. If you have any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from postpartum depression.

- sad, irritable, angry, frustrated

- feeling like you are a terrible mother

- guilt, not feeling worthy

- trouble sleeping, always exhausted

- thinking there is no light at the end of the tunnel

- an extreme change in weight, or loss of appetite

- you can't concentrate or remember things

- constantly worrying about things

- you burst out crying for no apparent reason

- anxiety

- do not want to talk or be with friends and family

- your baby does not make you feel happy

- blaming your baby for your feelings

- wanting to hurt yourself or your baby

Suffering from postpartum depression can be life changing. But you need to realize that it is not your fault. You aren't alone in this. Brooke Shields had postpartum depression, and she has written a very good book about it.

Things will get better. And until they do, there are many different support systems - friends, family, doctors and nurses, peer groups, counsellors, and hotlines.

Postpartum depression can be mild, moderate, or severe - so talk to your doctor to determine what type of treatment is best for you.

Cassandra Germsheid is the owner of Baby Tips Online (http://www.babytipsonline.com). She is a stay at home mother but sometimes works part time for her local newspaper.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Andropause and Depression- By Cathy Taylor

Andropause correlates directly with depression – a major player in the notorious mid-life crisis period men face in their late 40´s to late 50´s. There are a wide variety of symptoms and conditions hormone-wrecked men experience during this mid-life transition – everything from the mental (i.e. irritability) to the physical (loss of libido, lack of energy, and weight gain.) Depression, left untreated, can be a disabling condition.

Andropause depression is due to dropping levels of testosterone. Low testosterone levels cause many depressive symptoms – among them, a general indifference to events surrounding you, the inability to concentrate, extreme irritability, and memory loss. We might stress over things that might otherwise be worry-free in a normal situation and brood over certain matters. Our memory might go down the drain and we begin to see our lives in a negative light.

Energy levels plummet and enthusiasm for the activities we used to enjoy become flat-lined. Insomnia and restlessness is also a common symptom. Normal everyday things might become a burden to us, and the simplest shout of a child can make us excessively irritable. Psychologists use a variety of battery tests to figure out whether you suffer from depression. Besides handing you test sheets to work with, they also place you under observation – noticing your behavior, tendencies, and habits while talking to them.

Men tend to be rebellious creatures by nature. We love shrugging off our faults and being poised in the midst of emotional trouble. We take on the role as masculine creatures – lion kings of the jungle that reign over the sprawling landscape we call life. Men can be in full denial when it comes to questions about their sexual ability and prowess. Refusing to understand that we aren’t who we once were with our sexual performance as a result of Andropause is in our blood. Fellas, it is time to become aware and acquainted with the severity of your depression.

Off the bat, there are facts and figures supporting depression as a major problem. For one, 80% of all suicides in the United States are carried out by men. The majority of people with this condition never seek the advice and counsel of therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Probably the most shocking fact of all is the male suicide rate is highest during the Andropause years. You read correctly – highest during the years we’re specifically talking about.

How do we deal with these devastating changes to our lives? How can we manage stress to reduce the chances of clinical depression? For one, we must follow a daily exercise regimen. That coupled with a caffeine-free diet will boost our immune systems to fight disease. It will also slow down the aging process. Aim to maintain that explosive 30-inch, vertical leap well into your 60s! Another is doing the activities we love. Don’t stray from playing your pick-up basketball games with buddies or building those go-carts from scratch as a hobby. Stick to them and enjoy the satisfaction of doing so. Distract yourself from your current condition without ignoring it completely.

Maintain a social network of friends and family that will cheer you up when you need it most. Something as simple as having your young child shove a hand drawing of a red school bus in your face can provide for laughs and smiles. The most important piece of advice is to accept your condition and make accommodations. For example, low testosterone levels can easily be supplemented with testosterone cream. It’s bound to happen to all of us, and you either have the choice of making the best of it or letting it overwhelm you. Awareness is critical, and an optimistic attitude, followed with physical activity and a solid nutritional plan, is the best means of fighting Andropause, anti-aging, and the demon known as depression.

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative-com@cox.net or by visiting http://www.everythingmenopause.com/ or http://www.internet-marketing-small-business.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Find Hope When Hopelessness Attacks - By Melissa Quiter

Often, life can seem very overwhelming. When you are constantly being faced with one challenging situation after another, it can begin to feel exhausting to continue trying. What is the point of constantly fighting back when the only reward is, yet, another challenge to take care of? Hopelessness sets in and the world looks very bleak.

The feelings of hopelessness can be devastating. They can make you do things you wouldn’t normally do and think things you wouldn’t normally think. However, in those moments when the feelings attack you, normal no longer exists. There is only the fight to get through those intense feelings or the fatigue of just finally wanting to succumb to them.

I can so clearly appreciate these feelings. In fact, I know these feelings first hand. I am a survivor of hopelessness. And I choose the word survivor intentionally.

First, I believe that people who prevail in extreme situations are not victims. Victims don’t make it. A victim of a murder is dead. A survivor is someone who says, “I am not done. I am still here and the power is mine to reclaim.”

Second, I chose the word survivor because there were many times, when I really was just as happy, if not happier, with the thought of checking out of this world and calling it done. In my over-worked and over-achieving mind it seemed to make sense that, if I wasn’t finding a purpose and had no happiness, what was the point in pushing through all this pain and struggle and fear?

The amazing thing is that I am still here. I discovered the answers that I so desperately needed, and now I want to share those answers with others who also know there is so much more than that what you may be experiencing.

Although I don’t know you personally, I do know this. Up to this point, you have pushed through too. Regardless of the strength and will it has taken to do so, you have not given up. And, the even more amazing thing I know is that you are now taking an active role in creating a different future than you have experienced in the past. You are doing that by reading this article. The only way to create something different from what you have already experienced is to add new information, new tools and new resources to your life.

What I discovered that changed my life, and will change yours too, is that without tools, humans would stop growing and evolving. There is no world, as you and I know it, without the tools we use to live on a daily basis. If you think about it then, it makes perfect sense that being the creator of an amazing, joyous, productive and fulfilling life also requires the proper tools. You cannot do this alone. You aren’t supposed to do it alone! And what is so exciting is that -- even though you have been struggling and pushing and scraping by without all the tools -- you are still here and still making it. Think of what is going to be possible when you do have the proper tools. You won’t believe how much more fun this thing called life can be!

The tools that I teach are the tools that I discovered, modified and combined to deal with my own dire need to find the missing joy and purpose I knew was possible. I knew there had to be a better way than constant struggle.

Tools are what set humans free. Through the use of tools, you can write, cook, create music, build homes, drive, fly and achieve feats never before thought possible. Tools are what allow humans to be more than they could otherwise be. Even research into our animal kingdom shows the use of tools is prevalent for daily survival.

It only makes sense that in order to create a life that you most desire, you must have knowledge and access to the tools of creating and manifesting. Through extensive research and trial and error on my own journey, the following combination of tools is what I found to be the key to living and creating the life you desire.

First, the foundation of creating is based on understanding the general principles of how the world works. The Universal Laws provide this foundation from a spiritual and scientific combined perspective. There are seven universal laws with one overriding law that governs every experience you have. The overriding law is based on Quantum Physics, and is says that everything is made of energy. Everything. From the chair you sit in to the thought you have about the chair to the feelings you get when you sit in the chair. All physical and non-physical “things” are simply varying speeds of energy in varying forms creating the world in which you and I live. By understanding and applying each universal law, you open your mind up to the multiple options for what is actually possible.

For example, if you were to fly a plane, but you had no understanding of the laws of gravity and aerodynamics, flying the plane would, in theory, still be possible. You could get behind the controls and hit the gas. However, you would most likely not have a pleasant or safe flight. You certainly wouldn’t experience the joy and ease of flying and the truly amazing experience you could have if you had the proper tools and knowledge to assist in that endeavor.

Closely related to the foundational tool of the Universal Laws is the Law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction applies the theory of all “things” being made of energy and explains how creating and manifesting is based on focusing and attracting. This law states that whatever you place your energy and focus on is what you attract back to you – wanted or unwanted. This means that by learning to focus on what you do want versus what you don’t want, you have access to attracting every desire you articulate. For example, if you desire to have a safe trip home. You must focus your energy on the safe trip as opposed to focusing on not having an accident. When you focus on not having something, you are actually still putting your focus on that thing you don’t want – in this example the accident.

The challenge with this tool is that is requires the use of three other imperative tools in order for it to work with 100% success. Many people have been frustrated with the Law of Attraction not working, thinking it is flawed. However, I found that it is not the law that is flawed, but the application of the law without the other tools. Just like a hammer is an amazing tool for building, but only if it is combined with a nail. Without the nail, the hammer is extremely limited in its full capacity. The same is true for the nail! Learning and knowing the Law of Attraction is imperative to being a master creator of your life.

One of the tools required to apply the Law of Attraction is the tool of self-awareness. This is a tool that is often under appreciated and taken for granted. Truly understanding where you are right now in your life, why you are there and, most importantly, how you got there is imperative to knowing where you want to go, why and how you plan to get there. The tool of truly understanding yourself is not always as easy as it appears. This is why there are multiple tools for getting a closer look at who you really are. These tools include the 4-eVer evolving! Life Assessment, the Gallup Poll’s StrengthFinder™ and delving into your past to discover passions, patterns and themes. Without knowing where you are starting, you cannot know in which direction you need to go to get to your destination. You also may not truly understand your destination. When you know where you are starting, what is pulling you forward and exactly where you want to go, the plan for that journey naturally unfolds before you. You cannot create and manifest without an articulated plan.

One of the most important tools needed to create your plan is the Nine Environments of Holistic Living. Your life does not only consist of one area in which you create your experiences from. There are multiple areas of importance that, at varying times, get more or less focus. By using the Nine Environments of Holistic Living, you can break down your life into manageable segments. When you start articulating your goals and desires in each of the separate areas, you quickly find where there may be conflicting intentions occurring. And this is where so much of the hopelessness and frustration is caused.

Conflicting intentions are two desires that, if realized, actually cancel each other out. If you have conflicting intentions that you are not aware of, you often end up not creating either one, or you get a very watered-down version of one or the other. The worst thing that can happen is that you get the opposite of what you intended for both desires creating havoc and chaos in your life.

The best tool I have found to work with the Nine Environments of Holistic Living is Neuro-Linguistic Programming – otherwise known as NLP. NLP is an advanced form of communication that not only improves communication between people, but also opens up communication with all the parts of your subconscious mind. NLP is a tool that allows you to go beyond your conscious into your subconscious mind, where your behaviors and beliefs are formed. It takes you to the source. And, it is only at the source that anything can be affected and changed for long-term growth and evolution. NLP provides multiple exercises and techniques that allow you to determine exactly what is happening within all the various parts of you. Without an understanding of the largest segment of your mind, reported to make up 88%, you cannot possible focus on the destination you most want to manifest. Without proper focus, you attract more of what you don’t want, and forgo creating and manifesting what you do want.

The last tool I created to pull everything together. The Process of Deliberate Creation is a daily tool that uses the information uncovered and discovered in creating your plan to assist in applying the proper focus needed on a daily basis. If you are not creating deliberately, it is too easy to fall into default creating. Default creating is not knowing what you desire in each area of your life. It is not knowing what conflicting intentions may be sabotaging your progress and success and producing hopelessness and sadness. Default creating is not using the Universal Laws to assist in reframing what you see and ultimately what you experience. Deliberate creation is about combining all of these tools and giving yourself the gift of hope; giving yourself the gift of living the life you came here to live.

Deliberate creation is about being a survivor without the struggle, sadness and hopelessness. It is about immediately knowing how to shift every situation and challenge to propel you forward. It is about shifting your mindset to see the possibilities instead of the blocks. It is about having the proper tools to create and manifest for building the life of your dreams, painting the masterpiece of your imagination and making music that fills your soul.

Creating and manifesting is about becoming aware of the tools, which you have done in this article, and learning how to use those tools to begin living your life as a survivor of hopelessness. I did it and I know, with the combination of these tools, you can too!

Melissa Jean Quiter is an inspirational life and business strategist with Provocative Communications. She is the author of the 4-phase, life and business-changing program, “Being Spiritual Doesn’t Mean Being Poor! How to remove what blocks you from making money & creating happiness,” based on the Law of Attraction and the three required elements (the universal laws, Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the Nine Environments of Holistic Living) to ensure your success 100% of the time. To get started, visit: http://www.ProvocativeCommunications.com/takingcontrol.html .

Melissa also teaches a simple, yet profound, daily process for deliberately creating your life in her book, “My cat made me a millionaire… (and how yours can too!),” available here: http://www.ProvocativeCommunications.com/cat.html . E-mail: Quiter@Texas.net or call: [512] 341-0556.

Article source: ArticleWorld.net Free Articles

Handling Teenage Depression- By Denise Raterta

People more commonly associate depression with adults rather than with the younger generation. Recent studies, however, show alarming statistics on teenage suicide as a result of depression: Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for all persons regardless of age, sex or race; the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24; and the fourth leading cause of death for persons between the ages of 10 and 14. Depression now occurs in about 5% of adolescents at any given point in time and often without parents even knowing about it. According to a recent survey of high school students, teens (60%) often think about killing themselves and some (9%) say they have made an attempt at least once. In the past three decades, teen suicide worldwide has risen up to 300%.

What is teenage depression like and when should parents be concerned?

While it is normal for everyone, not just teenagers, to feel the ‘blues’ occasionally, depression becomes an illness when the feelings of dejection, hopelessness, and despair persist and interfere with a person’s ability to function. Depression is often accompanied by feelings of helplessness, being overwhelmed by circumstances, withdrawal and isolation. People suffering from depression are often prone to lethargy, overeating or loss of appetite, worry, moodiness, withdrawal from family and friends, and lapse into inactivity.

What causes teenage depression?

Depression can be caused by any single or combination of biological, psychological and social factors. Biological factors that play a role in depression include infections, endocrinal problems, hormonal imbalances, hypoglycemia, exposure to toxic substances, improper diet, anemia, and even certain medications. Psychological causes involve elements that predispose people to become depressed as a result of their unhealthy self-esteem and negative attitude towards others, the world around them, and the future. Pressures in life are also often at the root of depression problems, among them failure, frustration, and experiences of loss (death of a loved one, divorce, relocation, break-up with steady girl/boyfriend, etc.).

How can I deal with depression?

Aside from seeking professional/medical help, there are a number of simple but effective things that could relieve your persistent “blues”:

Pray consistently to God. If you must have a really good cry, cry to God—He listens and cares. He promises to deal with your problems if you bring them to Him. Reading the Bible will be a great help—not only does it provide solid comfort but also practical wisdom for your issues. (1Pe 5:7; Php 4:6,7; Isa 41:10; Je 29:11-13; Heb 4:15,16)

Don’t keep it to yourself. Telling someone you trust or respect about the problem is usually helpful. Reach out to others—studies show depressed people tend to feel less sorry for themselves when they comfort others who suffer from grief and tragedy. (Pr 12:25; 17:17)
Steer clear from idleness—an idle mind is fertile ground for depressing thoughts. Being busy and active are good antidotes to gloominess and divert one from entertaining negative thinking.
Win the battle of the mind. If your depression stems from seeking others’ approval for your happiness, consider that it is not healthy to always leave it up to them to measure your sense of worth. If the problem lies in sin or guilt, remember that God’s forgiveness is always readily available to those who sincerely ask for it; but do not forget to do what it takes to get your life right with God . If the source of depression is failure, examine your goals and set realistic ones, asking God to help you achieve them. Accept the fact that disappointments are a part of life. Choose to ‘get over it’ rather than feeling stranded in hopelessness and uselessness. Surround yourself with positive things and positive people. (Isa 1:18; Pr 28:13; Ps 103:8-14; Php 4:8-9; 1Jn 1:9)

Eat sensibly and get enough sleep.

Exercise to perk up your mood. It increases the neurotransmitter serotonin (happy chemicals), the levels of which are significantly low in depressed people.

Use humor. Laughter also induces the production of ‘happy chemicals’ in the body and promotes overall wellbeing.

Avoid smoking, alcohol, marijuana and sedatives generally. While these seem to make things better in the short-term, they could adversely affect your health and make depression worse. Drugs and medicines are best administered with the doctor’s guidance.

If you value straightforward, informative and insightful articles, my work will probably be of interest to you. My training in B.S. Psychology as well as the several job experiences in broadcasting (TV hosting, news anchoring, field reporting, writing) I had serve me well in fashioning relevant and interesting article pieces. Now at 34, as wife to an evangelical pastor, mother to two bubbly kids, and chief editor of our church newsletter, I hope that my writing contributions will benefit as many as possible.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How To Spot Potential Depression Or Bipolar Disorder - By Julie A. Fast

Is it Moodiness or a Mood Disorder? How to Spot Potential Depression or Bipolar Disorder

Step aside, ADD and anxiety—mood disorders are fast becoming the most talked-about illness of the decade. From sitcom characters and celebrities to everyday adults and children, more and more people are being diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Still, thousands of others continue to suffer, undiagnosed and untreated. How do you know whether your moodiness is a normal reaction to life or the sign of a serious medical disorder? Before you head for the Prozac—or endure another day of undiagnosed misery—get the facts on these often misunderstood illnesses.

There are two types of mood disorders: bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) and depression (also known as unipolar depression). The symptoms of depression include a lack of interest in things that once brought pleasure, constant feelings of sadness and emptiness, and an inability to get things done. Bipolar disorder has all of the symptoms of depression as well as a mood swing called mania; people with bipolar disorder can cycle back and forth between the two states.

Scientifically defined as a “pathologically elevated mood,” mania can create feelings of euphoria, omnipotence, or hyperarousal that are caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. People with mania may experience extreme exhilaration and other seemingly “good” feelings, but the mania can also manifest as agitation, scattered thoughts, and feelings of extreme emotional discomfort.

Depression and bipolar disorder share a range of other symptoms, including psychosis (a break with reality that can be characterized by hallucinations and distorted thoughts), irritation and anger, problems with attention and concentration (often misdiagnosed as ADD), and anxiety. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often misinterpreted as signs of other illnesses or personality defects, and the real culprit—a serious mood disorder—is often misdiagnosed or brushed off. People with undiagnosed mood disorders often mistake their illness for a flaw in their character, and can spend years desperately trying to “get their acts together and lead lives like regular people” instead of seeking psychiatric evaluation for an illness.

In reality, both depression and bipolar disorder are fairly easy to diagnose—once they are considered as real possibilities. Although a proper diagnosis must be made by a trained professional, here are some clues that may help you determine if your “moodiness” is a sign of a serious illness:

Suicidal thoughts: Thoughts of suicide are common among those suffering from serious depression. Whether action-oriented (I'm going to get a gun and shoot myself; I'm going to take a bottle of pills with a bottle of wine) or more passive (I wish I were dead; Things would be better if I were gone), suicidal thoughts are always a sign that a person’s brain chemistry is not functioning properly, and that professional help is needed immediately.

Unnaturally elevated moods: Mania can be so sneaky. When a person who has been depressed suddenly feels the cloud lift, it's natural to think that the depression has ended and that the person is finally “back to normal.” But for people with bipolar disorder, this is often the first stage of an unnatural, escalating mood swing in the opposite direction. Mania often feels so good—at first—that it's hard for people to recognize it, or acknowledge it as a serious problem. Unfortunately, feelings of euphoria or agitation can continue to intensify until the person no longer makes sense. Those who eventually experience full-blown manic episodes often end up hospitalized, but countless others who suffer from milder manic episodes (known as hypomania) often go untreated, or are treated only for depression. If you or those around you notice marked shifts in your energy, agitation, or feelings of well-being especially if they affect your sleep patterns, you may suffer from bipolar disorder. A psychiatrist or properly trained physician can diagnose your symptoms to determine whether you’re just recovering from depression or experiencing the flip side of this serious illness.

Be aware, too, that antidepressants can ignite dormant mania in people. For this reason, your physician should be aware that what seems a clear case of depression may actually mask the presence of bipolar disorder.

Mood swings vs. moodiness: Some people are just moody. They often react negatively to life events, or they may frequently experience bad moods, short tempers, and irritation. While these people may not be much fun to be around, they do not necessarily have a mood disorder. However, if a person’s moodiness affects his or her ability to work, make friends, or function relatively normally in society, a diagnosis of a potential mood disorder is called for.

Mood disorders involve exaggerated, extreme, or highly disproportionate responses to life events. A moody person may be quick to anger when someone makes a derogatory comment about him or her; a person suffering from a mood disorder may react to the same situation with suicidal thoughts. Moody people can usually be reasoned with; people with mood disorders lose insight into their own situations and often can't see that they need help. For this reason, it’s important that friends and family members understand the warning signs of depression and bipolar disorder, and that they know where to turn to seek help for their loved one. Use the following questions to help you determine whether you or someone you care about may be suffering from a bipolar-disorder mood swing:

• Have you noticed a significant change in everyday sleep patterns because you are feeling low or more happy than usual?

• Do friends, family members, or others comment on your inability to enjoy life, spend within reason, get along with others, keep a job, maintain a relationship, or stay in one place?

• Do you often wonder what the point of living is, or why nothing seems good? Are these feelings ever experienced along with difficulty in concentrating or performing simple tasks?

• Have you ever suddenly felt a wonderful surge of confidence that allowed you to talk with strangers or meet anyone you wanted? Have you ever lost your normal shyness and suddenly felt beautiful and unstoppable? Have you ever made reckless sexual or financial decisions, only to wonder a few months later, Was that me? What was I thinking? Has this been accompanied with a significantly reduced need for sleep?

• Do you go through periods of extreme or unexplained irritability? Do others tell you that you are often unreasonable? Do you kick or hit things (or people) to vent your annoyance or frustration?

• Have you ever found yourself thinking (or hearing a voice inside your head telling you) such things as, You should die. You have no right to be here and you should leave. People don't like you. You're a failure and a fake. Or, I'm a genius. I'm smarter than any other person in the world. I am invincible.?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may want to talk to a health care professional about a possible mood disorder.

Mood disorders are not personality flaws or a sign of weakness. Like diabetes, they are documented physical illnesses, and they can be effectively treated—once a correct diagnosis is made. If you or a loved one may need help, getting that diagnosis is the first step to recovering from these disorders and living a joyful, healthy, productive life.

About the Author: Julie A. Fast is America’s leading voice for people with bipolar disorder. She is the co-author of Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding & Helping Your Partner (New Harbinger Publications, February 2004; $13.95, author of the upcoming book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder. To learn more visit http://www.bipolarhappens.com.

Source: www.isnare.com

Getting Help For Your Fear, Bipolar, And Anxiety Problems- By Stan Popovich

It is not easy to deal with your fears, bipolar, or anxiety problems. The first step is that you should talk to a professional who can get you started in the right path of getting better. Getting help from a counselor or other professional is very important and can provide you much help and insights in dealing with your current problem. In addition, here are some techniques a person can use to help manage their fears, bipolar, and anxieties.

Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming month, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. Focus on the present and stop trying to predict what may happen next week. Next week will take care of itself.

A good way to manage your fear is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.

Sometimes, we may be nervous doing a certain task that may be scary. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you and your team have to play in the championship hockey game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. Imagine that your playing in front of a large audience. By playing the game in your mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time comes. Self Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation.

Remember that there is one power that is stronger than your fears and that is the power of God. A person does not have to be religious to use the power of God. When the going gets tough, talk to God about your problems as if you were talking to a friend. Review the Bible and pray hard. Be persistent and be open in the avenues that God may provide to you in solving your problem. It is not always easy, however God is in control and he will help you if you ask him.

As a Layman, I realize it is not easy to deal with all of our fears, however there are all kinds of help available. The key is to be patient and not to give up. In time, you will be able to find those resources that will help you with your problems.

About the Author: Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods”-a book that presents a overview of techniques in managing Fear. For more info go to: http://www.managingfear.com For free articles on managing fear please go to: http://www.managingfear.com

Source: www.isnare.com

The First Time I Experienced Depression

As I sit here doing research for this blog and for my main site: http://www.depressionadviceonline.com/index.html, I realize that I have yet to tell my story. Well, that's not totally true. In my very first post, I mentioned my motivation for creating my main website and this blog. I guess, that was partially true.

My main motivation WAS the fact that I've had close family members and friends (who shall remain nameless) experience different types of depression. Some of them even attempted suicide. Luckily, none of the attempts were successful. I don't know what I'd do if they had managed to end their lives. They all mean the world to me and I'm just glad they got the help they needed to get back on track and lead happy lives again.

The other motivation for creating my website and this blog, if I must admit it, was my own experience. Throughout my lifetime, I've gone through some tough times and experienced depression. I failed to seek help from a professional. If I had, I feel I would have gotten over it sooner.

As a teen, I was accused of being a lesbian by a close family member. Now, before anyone gets any bad ideas about me for writing that, let me just say that I am NOT homophobic or bashing anyone who is a homosexual. Now with that out of the way, back to my story. Back when I was first accused, homosexuality wasn't something everyone went around talking about. You didn't hear about it on TV or the movies. It wasn't like it is now. In any case, I was accused and devestated! I couldn't believe that someone so close to me would accuse me of such a thing. The very first thing I wanted to do was go out and get pregnant to prove that person wrong. Then I realized that wasn't the answer. I was too young to be a mother and what would bring a child into the world prove.

After I was accused, I kept wondering if anyone else viewed me like that. I got so depressed I actually thought of taking my own life. I even put the pills in my hand. I was going to do it. I wanted the pain to end. I couldn't stop crying and sleep was something I seemed to had forgotten.

Luckily, I began to think about those dear family members who loved me. I didn't want to hurt them by taking my life. I realized that suicide was not the answer. It never is the answer.

In any case, with the love and support of certain people (and they know who they are), I was able to get my life back on track. I'm glad I didn't give in to depression and let it win.

Always remember, there is a solution and suicide is NEVER a part of that solution.

To Your Health,
Anna

What You Need to Know About Depression - By Debra Tullis

What does depression mean to you? Depression is a very serious mood disorder that can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, social status or ethnicity. Depression is an illness that affects your body, mind, disposition, sleep and your thoughts. This condition can be caused by many factors. There can also be a genetic component to depression.

Have you been told that you have diagnosis of depression? Do some of the feelings and experiences listed here get in the way of living your life the way you want to? For example, do you feel like your life is hopeless and you are worthless? Do you feel anxious or feel like something bad is going to happen? Do you feel out of touch with the world? Have you lost interest in pleasurable activities? Do you feel that others are against you? Are you experiencing a lot of stress, intense sadness, loss of energy and burn-out? Are you having trouble concentrating and have low energy?

When you are depressed it is very hard to think clearly or make decisions. It may be hard to think of anything to do to help yourself feel better. If you are feeling blue most of the time you may have a type of depression. There are three main types of depression: major depressive disorder, manic-depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder.

Major depression is also referred to as unipolar depression and can interfere with a person’s ability to function. A person may have marked difficulty in functioning as this type of depression can disrupt social or occupational functioning.

A second type is manic-depressive disorder and is also known as bi-polar disorder. This type involves episodes of major depression that alternates with episodes of mania. This type can be extremely disruptive and concerning. Everyone has good days and bad days and ups and downs. Therefore, this type must be sufficiently severe that it causes marked impairment in occupational functioning or marked impairment in relationships with others. With this type of depression a person may display different symptoms during different periods of the illness.

The third type is a milder form of depression called dysthymic disorder. This type is diagnosed when a depressed mood is present almost every day for at least two years. This type is referred to as a low-grade depression and can start in the early teen age years and later in life.
Dysthymia may be accompanied by social aloofness, lack of assertiveness and even periods of more severe depression. Psychotherapy and anti-depressant medication can be effective.

If depression is not treated it can get worse. The first step to obtaining treatment for depression is to obtain a medical examination by a physician as there are certain medical conditions that have symptoms similar to depression. A person may not be aware that they are depressed and do not understand why they are experiencing various physical symptoms. A skillful doctor can diagnose the true situation. Psychiatrists are trained to differentiate depression from other medical conditions. At your initial visit a history of your present difficulties will be taken. Other symptoms, family history, past medical problems are other basic steps that may be taken so an accurate diagnosis can be made. If medication is prescribed it is important to learn what you can about the medication and any possible side effects. If you are experiencing side effects it is critical to consult with your physician. It is important to give medication a chance to work and the side effects may be temporary. Do not stop taking an anti-depressant without consulting your doctor. It is important to safely discontinue the medication. Some medications must be stopped gradually.

Finding the right treatment is important. The choice of treatment varies with the kind and severity of the depression. If treatment is needed it is important to find out about the therapist’s qualifications. Having a trained therapist listen carefully can be very helpful in relieving depression. A therapist can help you gain insight into and resolve your problems.
The benefits of treatment include partial or complete remission of the symptoms of depression and reduction of pain and suffering. Treatment can enhance your general well-being. Other helpful strategies include learning all you can about depression. Educate yourself! It is important to express your feelings and accept them.

It is important to obtain an appropriate diagnosis and treatment if needed. Depression is not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness. Depression is a treatable illness and be assured that with time and good care you will feel better. Involve your family members and friends. If there are community resources take advantage of them. There may be support groups in your area. Do not go through this alone. The best time to address depression is now as the sooner you receive treatment - the sooner you will feel better. Your life is waiting!

Debra Tullis, MSW, LCSW, BCD is a life coach and a clinical therapist. She has a Master's Degree in Social Work and has worked in the social service field for 24 years. She is board certified in clinical social work and is the owner of Coaching for the Good Life. She is a member of the International Coach Federation and the International Association of Coaches. To learn more about Debra's services email her at lifeisgood2@sbcglobal.net or visit her website at http://www.coachingforthegoodlife.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How to Manage and Conquer Depression - By Jane Morris

Millions of people suffer from a depressive illness. They thought that depression is just a normal occurrence in their lives, which will go away after a short while. They just haven’t realized how serious depression can be.

Did you know that words related to depression have been searched over 993,000 times on the Internet for May 2005 alone? Much attention has been centered to this international health problem as the rigorous challenges of modern times continue to devastate those who cannot cope with it. Extreme depression can ultimately lead to suicide.

No one is safe from being affected by depression because it affects everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a male or female, rich or poor, educated or uneducated. Once a person starts becoming depressed, he or she usually behaves in a manner that intensifies the illness.

HOW DOES DEPRESSION AFFECT THE INDIVIDUAL’S BEHAVIOR? Depressed people have some or more of the following characteristics:

• They lose interest on their love life, career, friends, and family.

• They experience loneliness, hopelessness, gloom, and indifference to their surroundings. It is a feeling of extreme despair.

• They seek to escape from problems and even from life itself. Thoughts of leaving home, running away or avoidance of others is common. They feel life is hopeless and worthless. Suicidal thoughts are lurking in their minds.

• There is a tendency to escape from the company of others because of an unexplained fear of being rejected. Their withdrawal consequently brings on some rejection by other people. They cancel scheduled activities, become uninterested to return phone calls, and seek ways to avoid talking with or seeing others.

• They are overly sensitive to what others say and do. They may misinterpret actions and suggestions in a negative way and become irritable because of those mistaken assumptions. They complain and cry a lot.

• They have a general loss of self-esteem. They feel more and more negative about life’s events, and they even question their own personal worth. Their self–confidence level is extremely low.

• They experience negative changes in physical activities––appetite, sleeping and sex. Some lose interest in sexual activities. Some lose interest in food while others gouge themselves with all the stuffs they can eat. Some sleep constantly while others cannot get to sleep easily, or they wake up in the middle of the night and cannot go back to sleep again.

• There is usually an underlying feeling of guilt. They often feel overly responsible for other people’s feelings.

• Depression often makes the depressed dependent upon other people. This further aggravates a feeling of helplessness, which makes them more upset.

• They have difficulty expressing and handling their feelings. Anger is especially difficult for them to control. Because of a sense of worthlessness and lack of knowledge in dealing with their situation, they get more enraged in themselves. This can be directed outward at others.

Above ninety-five percent of even the most depressed individuals can be totally cured if the condition is identified at the early stages. It is essential to know and take action when the early warning signs of depression are manifesting.

Dealing with depression requires first and foremost an understanding that it is a common and treatable illness. Its symptoms include the following:

MAJOR SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

• Miserable frame of mind over a period of time, sometimes in a number of weeks

• Expresses grief in activities and life in general, and fails to feel satisfaction

• Disheartened thinking - negative approach about oneself, the present and the future

• Difficulty in focusing and remembering

• Under the dilemma in making decisions - often even the more simple ones

• Feelings of unimportance and desperation

• Anxiety - a sense of being afraid - that something “dreadful” is going to happen

• Phobias or doubts about specific situations

• Loss of appetite and weight loss or, alternatively, increased appetite and weight gain

• Disrupted sleeping patterns - not much sleep or wanting to sleep all the time

• Feeling weary and lacking in energy and inspiration

• Loss of interest in sex

• Physical symptoms - aches and pains, gastrointestinal upsets, headaches

• Incapacity to do the usual everyday activities

• Thoughts of suicide

Various people do not try to find treatment in the early stage of depression as they started to observe such symptoms and thought that it will just pass away in a period of time, not noticing how severe the health problem can be.

UNOFFICIAL SYMPTOMS

People with depressive illness are:

• Indifferent, uncommunicative, silent

• Selfish, unaware or insensitive about the needs of others

• Dominant

• Irrational and unreasonable

• Outgoing and pleasant in public, the opposite at home

• Fickle-minded and unpredictable

• Makes unexplainable and sudden references to separation and divorce

• Cruel, belittling, and critical

• Take alcohol and drugs in excessive amounts

The unofficial list of symptoms demonstrate why depressive sickness threatens good relationships and disrupts families. Identifying, understanding, and learning how to cope with depression is the primary solution to end the sufferer’s misery.

OFFICIAL SYMPTOMS

These official real-life symptoms are the ones doctors use to diagnose depression.

• A consistent sad, empty, or distressed mood

• Irritability, excessive crying

• Sleep and appetite disturbances

• Chronic aches and pains that don't respond to treatment

• Difficulty in remembering, focusing, and making decisions

• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed, including sex and sports

• Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

The amazing thing is, is that out of all the so-called ‘mental illnesses’ depression is the easiest to cure. So how come there are hundreds of thousands of people trapped in this very serious state of mind?

Regardless of age, status in the society, or profession, depression may affect anyone. It may exist at times of puberty, after childbirth and/or at mid-life. Thus, this health problem occurs at a specific period of time wherein circumstances of life may influence your mood. Immediate depression may be caused by particular events and losses such as death of a person close to you or reduction of your income. There are also other aspects to be considered, such as inherited factors associated with depression (a history of family depression) or other physical factors (abridged levels of neurotransmitters in the brain).

At various phases of our lives, we have all experienced being “down and troubled.” It is due to the changes in our day-to-day living. It also affects our environment and interaction with others. Sometimes, events apparently cause us to be more upset and we become depressed for over a long period of time.

As everyday events influence our moods, some make the misconception of depression as temporary “blues” or sadness. It might be a normal grief caused by the death of your loved one. People with the “blues” and normal grief might experience short-term symptoms of depression.

MYTHS AND FALSE IMPRESSION

The term “depression” is used to express a depressed mood, simultaneously with other symptoms, that exist for a prolonged period of time. When depression is not cured, it may influence normal performance. It is important to recognize that depression is not a sign of frailty or a lack of determination, and not something that you can easily escape from. It is a condition that can be cured through proper treatment.

Because of the link between grief and depression, some make false impressions to both. Here are some myths that needs to be cleared up.

Depressed People are Mentally Unstable and Inefficient.

As you might experience troubles in making decision and difficulty in concentration and memory, lack of knowledge and misinformation leads to the thought that depressed people are incompetent. This is certainly not true! Because depression is a treatable illness, it can be cured by your own determination and will power. It can be treated faster with the help of others.

Someone Must Have Brought the Depression.

All of us used to admire others and set them as our role models. They might be our parents or other famous personalities. Some people have been mistaken and blamed by others for causing depression. You must understand that depression is a health problem that can only be caused by yourself and nobody is to blame .

Depression is God’s Way of Punishing for Some Wrong Act or Misbehavior.

This is a widespread belief in the midst of sufferers. If a person can’t find the answer for his or her sufferings, then it might tend to make himself or herself more burdened by the depression, causing that person to find something wrong with himself or herself.

This piece of writing describes what depression is and looks at the common causes and symptoms, as well as some of the myths about depression.

No one should be ashamed of being depressed. It might seem so difficult and sometimes unbearable; to draw yourself out of a sinkhole of depression, but it is THE MOST TREATABLE EMOTIONAL PROBLEM. Always remember that you are not a terrible or hopeless person.
Particular self-help methods in this section will seem more suitable for you to use to cope up with your depression. You can try two or three and see if they work. If not, take a break on something else. In general, gaining some optimism about getting better, having a clear viewpoint, and getting family support, along with selected self-help methods, will lead to a better recovery from depression.

Remember – you are not alone in your troubles, and the best way to start is to try and share the load with somebody.

Jane Morris is a member of Horizon Direct Services, and has written a number of articles on self improvement.The book can be downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/e4cbt

http://www.horizondirectservices.com/ Jane’s main site, with links to a number of other self-improvement products and serviceshttp://www.mindpowersite.com/ self-hypnosis CD’s for a number of complimentary self-improvement topics
Email Jane: jane@UKIteam.com

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What Depression Really Means - By Jeff Herring

At lunch the other day, a good friend said he thought he was depressed. His aunt had died recently and he had lost an important contact at work. I commented that while he might be depressed, it might also be that he was simply feeling appropriate sadness over some disappointing losses.

What this conversation reminded me of is how our culture can take a psychological term such as depression and apply it to almost any and all situations, thus losing the real meaning.

Let's take a look at three distinct emotional states commonly lumped together as depression. We will look at characteristics of each and what you can do about them.

The blues

"And I guess that's why they call it the blues..." - Elton John

The blues are simply a temporary feeling of sadness. Often, they cannot be linked to any particular event or situation.

Characteristics can include a mild feeling of restlessness; a temporary loss of energy and a sort of mopiness.

The blues make you want to curl up on the couch with a good book, or maybe channel surf. You just want to escape.

The blues usually pass rather quickly, and the trick is to just keep on going. Having the blues usually doesn't indicate a problem.

Sadness

"Sad eyes, turn the other way." - Robert John

Sadness, on the other hand, can usually be linked with events or situations. Sadness is a very normal and natural emotional state. Often times, a feeling of sadness is a normal response to the disappointments of life.

In the example of my friend who was afraid he was depressed, it would be normal for him to feel sad over his recent losses and disappointments.

What seems to happen to many people is that, instead of one or two disappointing events occurring far apart, many things happen all at once. There is a "pile-up" of disappointments and losses, resulting in a feeling of being overwhelmed.

Typically, when you add up all the recent painful events in a person's life, the question changes from "how could I be feeling this way?" to "how could I not be feeling this way?"

While sadness is a normal human emotion, our culture does not make many allowances for it. We have been taught either to find a quick fix or to fight the feeling.

But with sadness, as with many emotions, the more you resist, the more it persists.

My suggestions for dealing with sadness include simply feeling what you feel and allowing it to run its course; taking a fewdays to relax, talking with friends and family, and perhaps talking things over with a counselor.

Depression

"Stayed in bed all mornin' just to pass the time."- Carole King

True depression can come in many forms. Clinical depression, post-partum depression and bi-polar disorder are all treatable forms of depression.

Characteristics can include the following:

• sleeping more, or less
• eating more, or less
• loss of energy
• loss of interest in hobbies, etc.
• mood swings
• feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
• thoughts of suicide

Any of the true forms of clinical depression call for a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.

Check with your physician and a therapist familiar with treating depression.

Whether it's the blues; sadness or clinical depression, we all go through low times in life.

The smartest and strongest folks are the ones who know how and when to ask for help and then make sure they get it.

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The Formula for Preventing Depression - By Paul M. Jerard Jr.

While it is arguable that depression is not always preventable, there are many cases, when using the following ideas, will keep you in good spirits - most of the time. Unfortunately, we cannot be happy all of the time, but there is something we can do about it.

Working with a variety of clients over the years, I have seen how Yoga and exercise changed, and continue to change, them for the better. It is a well-known fact that endorphins are produced from a variety of exercise routines, including gentle Hatha Yoga.

Endorphins reduce stress and enhance good moods. Just that information alone is enough to start an exercise program, but weight control, muscle-tone, circulation, flexibility and a variety of other health benefits, should be an incentive to start a mild exercise program.

If you have been inactive, I suggest a beginner Yoga class with a very mild-mannered Yoga teacher. Without pushing this any further, let’s look at other options to start, and things to avoid.

Participate in social activities, support groups, senior centers, or local church activities. The activities could be in your local mosque, temple, or shrine, as well. There is always an activity that you can find around any religious center.

You could also join a league for golf, tennis, fishing, bowling, bocce, or any other activity where people gather to share a few laughs. Take competition in stride, and don’t take anything too serious.

Many social groups also function as support groups. The collective activity is good for all involved. Stay away from “alcohol drinking” clubs. This is not just bars, or nightclubs, but local clubs, who organize for the common good, and then, routinely get together to drink.

There is a conflict here, in that alcohol is a depressant, and if you are prone to depression, this is not a good combination. On top of that, there are plenty of health problems that accompany alcohol abuse.

Substance abuse is not a solution to depression, and you won’t find a purpose in life through it. So, let’s keep it simple and stay away from drinking alcohol - altogether.

If your friends and family abuse alcohol, they need counseling, and you will have to look outside your normal circles to get guidance. You need to surround yourself with positive and energetic people.

Also, don’t hang around your house too much, especially in dark or unlit areas. Get outside, take a walk, go shopping, get a little sunlight, and if you are in the house all day, open the curtains during daylight hours. If you have a sunroom to relax in - that’s good, too. Lack of sunlight can cause elevated levels of melatonin, which is sometimes called the “sleep hormone.”

Lastly, visit the self-improvement section of your local bookstore. It is a hidden treasure within itself. This is a great reason to leave the house.

Audio books are also good for traveling in your car or listening to in your sunroom. Pick out books that really captivate your imagination. If your local bookstore has CD’s, you may want to pick up some relaxing music for your ride home.

Paul Jerard, is a co-owner/director of Yoga teacher training at Aura Wellness Center. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

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Why I Created This Blog

Hello everyone! My name is Anna and I am the owner of this blog. I created it to go along with my primary website, http://www.DepressionAdviceOnline.com/index.html. I created my primary website because I have family members and friends who have been victims of Depression. I also experienced Depression a while back although it was not as serious as some of those I list. Depression is something that no one is immune to. People of all ages, sex, nationalities and economic backgrounds can be victims of this terrible illness. With this blog, as with my primary website, I wish to post helpful articles and links so that anyone suffering from this illness can educate themselves and get the help they need.

Please feel free to post your comments or articles you've found helpful. Many times it helps to know that we are not alone and that others have experienced the same thing. It is my hope that together, we can all feel better about ourselves and lead healthy, happy lives.

Good health to you all,
Anna