Family Advocacy - Part One - By Terry Coyier

Who Was Jean Piaget?

Jean Piaget was to cognitive development as Albert Einstein was to physics. In fact Einstein was afan of Piaget's work. Jean Piaget was born in Switzerland on Aug. 9, 1896. He published his first scientific paper at the age of 10. By the age of 22 he already had a doctorate in zoology. He became interested in psychoanalysis after WWII and attended lectures given by Carl Jung. He then studied in Paris working in Alfred Binet's child psychology lab. It was there that he first began to notice that children of the same ages answered true/false questions similarly.

He returned to Switzerland and spent many years studying and conversing with children. He realized through his conversations that when asked a question a child did not necessarily give an incorrect answer just because the answer wasn't an adult response. They instead gave logical answers based on the knowledge that they had within them. He concluded that if adults try to teach children to quickly that it prevents them from reinventing it themselves, thus making it their own.

His career spanned nearly 75 years and he is credited with developing several new fields of science including developmental psychology, cognitive theory and what later became genetic epistemology. Without him, some of today's modern methods would have never come about. Many of his theories are still the basis for modern child development including the "Theory of Knowledge Construction." This theory is based upon the principle that when a child comes into contact with a new piece of information, his mind must understand it in a way that fits his current view of the world. If it doesn't fit the mold then the child will re-construct their knowledge so they can assimilate the new information. It is much like constructing a building - you cannot start with the top, you must build the foundation first and then develop up from the base.

Four Stages of Cognitive Development in Children

Let's take a minute to get a feel for Piaget's 4 stages of cognitive development in children. Remember, he spent most of his life studying and interacting with children and I think his theory makes a lot of sense.

Stage I: Sensorimotor (Infancy)

Infants learn about the world around them through sensation and movement. The focus at this stage is on motor and reflex actions. They take a great interest in the faces and voices of caretakers. Parents can aid in their development by making faces, talking and singing to their little ones.

Stage II: Preoperation (Toddler & Early Childhood)

This stage's main focus on the child's intellectual development is language and using symbols (e.g. words and pictures). The child will act intuitively at this stage. They have active imaginations and vivid fantasies. It is not uncommon for the child to personify objects, thus giving toys and dolls human like qualities. Parents should take the time to help them learn language and promote their imaginations ,as well as pay attention to how they play with objects.

Stage III: Concrete Operation(Elementary & Early Adolescence

During this stage children start to process abstract concepts such as numbers and relationships. Before a child could only manipulate things physically. Now they begin to be able to manipulate them mentally as well. To do this they need concrete examples or they will not understand the concept. A child's development should focus on giving concrete examples of ideas.

Stage IV: Formal Operation (Adolescence & Early Adulthood)

This is the stage where children begin to reason logically and analytically without needing concrete examples as before. Children are now capable of hypothetical and deductive reasoning. Encouraging young people to consider multiple possibilities will help their development at this stage.

All of these stages represent areas of opportunity or risk of failure when it comes to helping your child get through the world. This task is tough enough for two parents who are normal by societies standards. Throw in a parent who suffers from a mental illness and you face a much greater challenge. This is the reason I started with the 4 stages of development - so that parents could see areas that they could reach out to their children in an appropriate way and affect them in a positive manner.

Some General Statistics

~*~Almost 1/3 of American women and 1/5 of American men provide evidence of psychiatric disorder in the past 12 months. Of these women, 65% are mothers; 52% are fathers.

~*~Women and men with mental illness are at least as likely, if not more likely, than those without psychiatric disorder to become parents.

~*~The majority of adults falling into psychiatric diagnostic categories (affective disorders,anxiety disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, etc.) are parents.

~*~1 in 4 American families are affected by parental mental illness.

Why Parents Don't Seek Help

One of the biggest reasons that adults don't seek assistance for their mental problems is due to the stigma that is still attached to having a mental illness. Unfortunately many people still do not view mental illnesses as a medical problem but as a personal flaw or weakness in the person. You still hear the mentally ill referred to as "crazy," "loony," "nuts," "psycho," or even worse terms.

One of the other reasons for not seeking treatment is that mental illness is the primary reason for custodial challenge. Some studies have reported as many as 70-80% of parents with a mental illness have lost custody of their children due to their illness (Burton, 1990). There remains a strong misconception that mentally ill parents are violent and are therefore at an increased risk for abusing their children. While this may be true for alcohol and drug abusers, it is not true for parents with psychiatric disorders getting treatment.

Still, for these reasons many people are afraid of getting the help that they need. They are afraid their symptoms may give the impression that they would be an unfit parent. If they are seen as unfit they could lose their children. Therefore families may not receive the services they need to raise healthy children. Thus a vicious cycle begins.

Warning Signs

The following is a list of symptoms that could indicate that children are not dealing well with a parent's mental illness. Mind you, these are also signs for other causes such as trouble in school, peer pressure, sexual problems, abuse, relationship problems, substance abuse, a change in circumstances at home and a host of other issues. Still, I felt they were worth mentioning. If you notice any of these things in your children over a continual period for 3-4 weeks, please seek help for them. Never turn a blind eye and think that the problem will solve itself.

*moodiness

*bad temper or irritability

*crying a lot

*sleeping problems

*lying

*not talking to people or going out with friends

*eating more or less than usual or skipping meals

*giving up hobbies

*arguing

*feeling lazy, bored or tired

*stealing or getting into trouble

*not looking after themselves (hygiene)

*low self-esteem

*acting recklessly

*drinking alcohol or using drugs

*skipping school

*preferring to be alone

How Children are Affected - Risk or Resilience?

As seen above in Jean Piaget's "Theory of Knowledge Construction," children are only capable of understanding things if they have the knowledge from the preceding level of development. At each level they can be affected either adversely or positively by their interactions with their parents - regardless if the parent has a mental illness or not. The challenge here is the capability of mentally ill parents to provide what is needed at each stage. (This is where you want to go back and re-read the section on the 4 stages of cognitive development.) It is up to us as parents to provide them what is needed and as a mentally ill parent that becomes quite a challenge.

Now, research clearly indicates that parental mental illness increases the risk of the child developing emotional or behavior problems. (I'm leaving out genetics here since it is a different issue.) Children with the most serious emotional disturbances, served by systems of care across the U.S., report high rates of parental mental illness, psychiatric hospitalizations and substance abuse (Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and their Families Program, Annual Report to Congress, 1998). This report shows nothing of the relationship between the age of a child and their exposure to parental mental illness. Some feel that if children are exposed repeatedly at a young age their risk is higher. However, some studies have failed to find conclusive results regarding age or developmental stages in regards to their level of risk (Oyserman et al.; Weissman, 1989).

Stressors outside of the family detrimentally affect children of parents with a mental illness. Stressful issues that increase the likelihood of emotional or behavioral problems are minority status, low levels of education, stigma, single parenthood, social isolation and poverty (Biedel & Turner, 1997; Hammen et al., 1987; Harnish et al., 1995; Sameroff & Seifer, 1983). These types of issues are difficult at best for a child to cope with but when you add in a mentally ill parent the problem is simply compounded massively.

The gender of the child also appears to play a roll in how they react to a parent's illness, although there is conflicting evidence in how exactly. Some studies show that girls are more adversely affected and some feel that it is boys who have a worse time coping. Studies have shown, however, that girls are more prone to develop depression and boys are more likely to exhibit conduct problems (Cummings & Davies, 1994).

It is well documented that children with greater intelligence, better social skills and stronger cognitive processes have been shown to be more resilient to their parental mental illness (Beardslee & Podorefsky, 1988; Radke-Yarrow & Sherman, 1990.) Cognitive skills such as a positive and coherent self-concept, a positive attribution style, effective coping and problem solving abilities have been associated with positive outcomes among children in general and specifically among children with depressed mothers (Beardslee & Podorefsky, 1988; Downey & Walker, 1989; Radke-Yarrow et al., 1995)

Terry J. Coyier is a 37-year-old college student studying for an Associates of Applied Sciences degree. She is also a freelance writer who writes about bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. Terry was diagnosed with bipolar ten years ago. She lives with her son in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Terry is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers and her personal portfolio can be viewed here.

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What is Manic Depression? - By Kitty Barker

Manic depression is that state of depression in which the patient suffers from mood swings which go between extreme elation and depression. So while one minute the patient may feel on top of the world the other minute there will be feelings of despair and helplessness. Although there are many factors that cause this kind of depression genetic reasons are the most prominent ones. This means that two thirds of the people suffering from manic depression have someone in their family also suffering from the same. It is not only the moods of the person that get affected by this but there are also physiological changes, there will be heightened activity at some time, sleeplessness at another and it also impacts once social rhythms and thinking abilities.

Varying forms of Manic Depression

Bipolar Depression

There are varying degrees of manic depression which means in some cases the ratio of a person being depressed may be 3:1 while in other cases it could be as great as 37:1. What this means is that a person who has a ration of 3:1 will spend three times as much time depressed than elated.

Researchers are also if the opinion that the condition of depression that the patients of Manic depression feel is quite more than that of normal depression and indeed the chances of a person committing suicide is twice as much as someone who is suffering from only depression or unipolar depression as it is called.

Mixed Mania

Manic depression is also known to manifest itself in a Mixed state, this means that the people suffering from it will experience mania and depression at the same time. So they may experience agitation, anxiety, fatigue, guilt, impulsiveness, insomnia, irritability, morbid and/or suicidal ideation, panic, paranoia, pressured speech and rage all at the same time. A typical example would be someone tearful or even crying even when seemingly appearing very cheerful or excited. Such states are the most dangerous and are prone to induce the maximum chances of drug abuse and even suicides.

Rapid and utltradian cycles

Rapid cycling means that the individual tends to swing between one mood and the other quite frequently so while you may find them to be in a euphoric state at 10 in the morning as if the world belonged to them you can see them at 11 and feel that they are the most helpless people in this world, although such type of hour cycling is not known to afflict a lot of people there are fairly large number of cases who have greater cycles of a day or a month.

Famous people having manic depression

Although manic depression is a mental disorder and one must take all steps to ensure that one is treated of this condition there are several famous people who have had this kind of illness. And at the same time these people also attribute the reason for their creativity to having some sort of mania which helped them in the creative work they did. Indeed this is not to mean that you should not get yourself treated. If you were suffering from this disorder as it is a dangerous situation and many people like Kurt Cobain who was the lead singer of the rock band Nirvana have ended up committing suicide because they could not control it.

While most such celebrities have had turbulent life they were able to control it and live a more or less normal life. It would surprise most to know that it is thought that a large number of artists, writers and other celebrities like Vincent Van Gogh, Mark Twain, Axl Rose of Guns n Roses, Ozzy Ozbourne, Edgar Allen Poe, Isaac Newton, Florence Nightingale, Jimmi Hendrix, Ralph Waldo Emerson and even Winston Churchill were suffering from it.

In the end with proper treatment this illness can be controlled and taken care of and the list of successful people who have gone through their lives with this disorder should give the patients comfort that not only are they alone, people suffering from similar disease have lived happy and successful lives as well.

Author: Kitty Barker

Kitty often writes for and with Depression-Assistance. You can also see more information on this subject at Manic Depression - should this link be inactive, you can paste this link to your browser - manic-depression-assistance.com/

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How Can You Identify Postpartum Depression? - By Kitty Barker

Sometimes women suffer with depression immediately after child birth and this depression is known as postpartum depression. There are five kinds of postpartum depression, any of which can occur after child birth; however similar depression can also occur before or during pregnancy as well.

Patients of postpartum depression who have had other kinds of depression in their lives state that this depression feels very different from any other kind of depression that they have faced in their lives.

What are the different kinds of postpartum depression and How can you indentify Postpartum Depression?

There are five main kinds of postpartum depression or postpartum mood disorders as they are also known and women who have given childbirth may be suffering from any one of these. A brief description of these is given below so that you can see the current news about postpartum depression:

1. Baby Blues –

This is one kind of depression which is not considered a disorder at all and as many as 80% of mothers experience it.

The symptoms of the same are given below:

Instability of your mood or mood swings as they are called commonly

Sadness and weepiness

Anxiety

A strong sense of dependency on those around you

Inability to concentrate

2. Depression and Anxiety –

This is a postpartum depression which onsets gradually and which can happen any time during the first year of childbirth and is characterized by the following features:

Depression and anxiety which translates into worrying excessively

Finding it difficult to make decisions because you are overwhelmed with the circumstances all the time

Feelings of guilt and phobias

Hopelessness

Having sleep problems which could mean not being able to sleep properly or on the other hand sleeping excessively

Physical pain or discomfort without any apparent cause

Lack of comfort near the baby

Decreased libido and losing interest in pleasure

Getting short tempered and irritable

3. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder –

This is a postpartum disorder with which 3 – 5% mothers struggle and it can be recognized with the following symptoms:

Intrusive, repetitive thoughts and mental pictures

These thoughts are often violent and about hurting the baby

There is also at the same time a sense of disgust in these thoughts and horror about them

There would accompany such behavior which would suggest the actions to reduce these thoughts. For example you may try to hide all the pointed or sharp objects with which one can hurt the baby

Repetitive behavior like counting often or cleaning up again and again.

4. Panic Disorder –

This postpartum disorder is found in about 10% of the pregrant women. The symptoms of the same are listed below:

Extreme anxiety in phases

Dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain and a sensation of being smothered or choked

Trembling, palpitations, numbness or tingling sensations

Restlessness, agitations, or irritability

During such attacks women feel that they are going crazy, losing control or even dying

Excessive worry or fears

There will be no triggers for these panics and they will happen suddenly.

5. Psychosis –

This is the rarest and what may also be called the worse form of postpartum depression. In such a state the mother goes through tremendous strain to such an extent that this has got a suicide rate of 5% and infanticide rate of 4%. However Psychosis is quite rare and will only happen in one or two per thousand.

Following are the symptoms of psychosis:

Visual or sound hallucinations

Delusional thinking (for instance could be about the infant’s death or maybe even killing the baby)

Delirium or mania

Can I get help to fight postpartum depression?

This is a normal situation in the sense that many women suffer from it and it can be treated effectively through talk sessions with psychologists or medication. However, very often women who suffer from these also tend to be guilty of having such thoughts and they feel that it will be an embarrassment to tell other people that they are actually sad when they should be having the happiest time of their life. And so they end up hiding the problem which further aggravates it only.

Author: Kitty Barker -

Kitty often writes for and with Postpartum Depression. You can also see more information on this subject at Postpartum Depression - should this link be inactive, you can paste this link to your browser - postpartum-depression-assistance.com

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Depression - A Modern Dis-ease - By Margo Kirtikar Ph.D.

In our present turbulent times, more people suffer from depression than what we can ever imagine. The feeling of depression for sure has always existed in stressful conditions, for as long as mankind has. When surrounded with loving family members and friends who genuinely care for your well being, the emerging out of a depressed state of mind is made much easier than if one were alone, feeling neglected and unloved, without a network of support. Interestingly, the more we immerse ourselves into the materialistic world to satisfy our physical senses and the further away we are from our true feelings, out of touch with our inner self, the more prone we are to fall into the trap of depression. Apparently, the highest rates of suicides amongst the young generation, due to depression, are found in the wealthiest countries, with the highest standards of living, such as Sweden and Switzerland and Japan. It is not surprising that we seem to have an epidemic of depression on our hands. Just look at our fast pace of life, the breaking down of families and relationships, denial of our true emotions, many singles living without companionship, children not having enough love or affection, the stress of work or family abuse, bad living habits or bad eating habits. The list is endless, no one seems to have time any more for the essential things in life. Most of all, I think, the primary reason is the fact that we in general have deprived ourselves from our own spirituality, failing to communicate with our very individual soul. Too busy living in a cold materialistic world accumulating things, chasing success, money or fame, we have forgotten the very Spirit of our existence. Moreover, in our frenzy as we rebel again traditional religion we deny God, the very Source and Force of Life. My knowledge is not that of theory but of personal experience. I, like millions of others, have also suffered, now and again from a feeling of being depressed. I know what it is like to be stuck in a black hole, depressed, I know how it feels when it seems as if there is no way out of a miserable situation. Yet, with time, reaching deep within me and connecting with the very Source, the inner Force or God if you like to call it that, a light has always appeared at the end of the dark tunnel, offering new opportunities with new pastures to explore. With time and practice, I learned how to handle these dark moments. Rather than fight it, I recognize the feeling, I acknowledge it and I allow myself to be depressed but only for a short while, say an hour, half a day, or a day, depending on the situation. But then I wake up determined to begin a new day with a fresh new positive attitude and with new positive plans. There is a lot of suppressed and denied anger, resentments, fear and guilt in depression. Depression, which is actually suppressing negative emotions, drains you of your energy and causes chronic fatigue. Many people live with a mild case of depression for a long time without even realizing it. They live with this denial for so long that what might begin as a light case of depression could develop with the time into a major illness. A light depression left unattended, can deteriorate to become worse and then still worse. Sometimes it could lead to very serious mental problems that will eventually require serious medication and perhaps even long or even permanent hospitalization. In the United States visiting a therapist, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or attending workshops for self-development is a popular and accepted way of dealing with personal problems and unhappy issues. People are more aware of the benefits of self development. In Europe, self development is mostly frowned upon or even ridiculed unfortunately. Europeans are only now, very slowly and very reluctantly, catching on to this new idea. Far too many believe falsely that talking to a friend about their problems is good enough. The reality is that friends do not appreciate at all being used as garbage bags for your problems and unhappy moods. It is also not fair to dump your problems and negative emotions, which is bad polluted energy, on to others. If you have been the recipient of an hour of listening to a friend’s complex problems and unhappiness then you know how drained and exhausted you feel after such a meeting. You say goodbye as you leave them, with a big sigh of relief, looking to breathe some fresh air to clear your mind. In the Eastern worlds perhaps they have less use for professionals in this field as families there are still intact and relatives, especially the elder generations, are always there to give love, affection, care, support and perhaps even advice as they lovingly listen to the woes of the young. Not to forget the fact of strong religious beliefs where faith and prayer can be a source of help too and work as an anchor for stability. Suffering from depression is not a stigma and it is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. The earlier one recognizes this and the quicker one seeks help, the bigger are the chances of recovery and the less danger there is of ending up with manic depression, paranoia or schizophrenia. To avoid falling into the trap here are some of the symptoms that you can look out for.

If you suffer from any of the following on a regular basis for a month or more, then it would be advisable for you to seek help immediately. The sooner you do this the better are your chances for recovery. Don’t try to delay by talking yourself into believing that you can get out of this on your own. Only the very few are strong enough to do this.

If you find that you are unable to relax lay in bed sleepless night after night feel constantly exhausted and drained of energy find it difficult to get out of bed mornings afraid to face the day are avoiding contact with your friends and family are avoiding answering the phone are spending a lot of time alone at home like brooding in the dark are avoiding light, fresh air and sunshine have no desire to take care of yourself, to bathe, to groom yourself require a huge effort to do anything are always in an unhappy hopeless mood see nothing but the negative side of life have no desire to listen to music have no sense of humor and you don’t laugh feel unloved as if the whole world is against you get angry if someone mentions that you need to see a doctor!

Here are some simple solutions that you can take care of yourself when you notice the beginning symptoms of depression that can help you to get out of it. If the depressed state persists for a couple of weeks, then you really should seek professional help immediately. Share your problem with a member of the family or a friend and ask them to accompany you to see a specialist.

Alternative and natural healing methods, in my point of view, are more desirable to begin with than traditional medicine. However, for chronic cases traditional medicine might be the only answer.

(1) Identify and differentiate your feelings.

Emotional –

Acknowledge and experience them. i.e. be a witness to your emotions. Look at your emotions as if they were an ‘object’ in front of you to be analyzed.

Communicate your feelings to the person concerned directly (if the feelings are connected with another person) or then see a therapist. Putting your feelings down in writing on paper can work wonders. Drawing or painting can help too. This puts you in charge of the situation rather than being the helpless suffering victim.

(2) Physical –

Exercise daily. An absolute must against depression is physical exercise to maintain good health. Daily walks, aerobics, dance, gym exercises daily is a must. The object is to move, keep on moving the body. This pumps oxygen into your blood, your blood circulation improves, and it keeps up the vibration of the cells saving you from being heavy and lethargic.

(3) Mental –

Learn to accept and to integrate both the desirable and undesirable of your self image. Do this by self observation, self acceptance and self improvement. Learn to love yourself as you are by practicing self love. If you cannot accept and respect yourself, forgive and love yourself, it is not possible for you to practice these emotions with others around you. This is a well known fact.

(4) Recognize and live your own thoughts, values and beliefs. The power of thought cannot be ignored in healing the mental self. Maintain positive thoughts through positive affirmations. (see below)

(5) Guilt breeds fear and resentment, stress and tension, anxiety and conflict. Guilt is a major obstacle in healing a relationship. For a relationship to heal both must be free of all guilt feelings.

(6) Forgiveness is the major key to healing, peace of mind and healthy growth. Learn to let go and to forgive others and most of all to forgive yourself. If you are hard on yourself, others will be hard on you. If creativity is stifled, inner conflict, depression and illness ensues. If you constantly try to be less than what you are, do less than what you are capable of, you will be forever unhappy.

(7) St. John’s Wort, a herbal remedy, is well known to help with mild cases of depression. Also Bach Flower remedy, Rescue is good to have always near at hand. A therapist specialized in these remedies can help you.

(8) Listen to happy music, have a lot of light in your home and at the work place.

(9) Surround yourself with happy flowers, the colors yellow and orange for energy.

(10) Be grateful for whatever good you have in your life. We all have something to be grateful for. Gratitude is healing and makes you feel good. Be grateful and thankful for what you have rather than being unhappy about what you do not have. You can always create what you want in your life. Get out of the depressed state first so that you can create.

Affirmations –Here are some basic affirmations to repeat as often as possible. You can repeat these anywhere anytime, aloud and/or quietly mentally. Choose the ones that correspond with your own need. You can begin with repeating any three or four for a whole week, then take another three or four for the next week and so forth. The idea is that you repeat these aloud as often as possible until it becomes a habit for you to think them. In time you will be able to know them all by heart and you can then make up your own affirmations as you need them.

I am healthy

I am happy

I am creative

I am a beautiful person

I love myself

I love life

I love my body

I am happy to be alive

I am master of my life

I am thankful for everything I have

I love people

I love being active

I love being with myself

I love being with people

I do everything that is good for me

I am in touch with my higher self

I am in touch with the Divine within me

I am in touch with my intuition

I always know what is good for me

I am free of the past

I am free of fear

I am free of all anxiety

I am free of all negativity

I have faith in myself

I have trust in myself

My body is healthy

My mind is strong and healthy

My organs are healthy

I sleep peacefully

I am strong full of energy and vitality

I feel inner peace and harmony

I am in control of my thoughts

I am in control of my emotions

I am fully aware

I am master of my life

I am a beautiful being

I am happy to be me

I am full of love (the energy of love is a universal healer)

NB. You can make up your own affirmations. Always remember to be in the positive.Ex. I am wealthy. I am fearless. I am slim. I feel wonderful. etc. etc.© Margo Kirtikar Ph.D. www.visionsunusual.com

Margo Kirtikar Ph.D. is psycho therapist since fifteen years. She helps and guides individuals who find themselves at a crossroad and going through difficult changes in their lives. She helps them to contact their own inner source of strength and inner guide so that they are able to think clearly and independently to make their own decisions. She uses both eastern and western techniques and therapies dealing with mind, emotions and energy. website: http://www.visionsunusual.com/ email mk@visionsunusual.com

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Wholistic Treatment for Bipolar Disorder - By Terry Coyier

Bipolar Disorder is one of the most difficult to treat. Not only is it difficult to find the right medicine recipe for each person, patient compliance is a major obstacle. Some people suffer debilitating side effects or cannot tolerate the high dosages of some medications. Some start feeling better and make a conscious decision to stop taking their medications. Others simply don’t like taking medication at all.

Some of these same people will turn to vitamins, health supplements and holistic answers instead. Herein lies the problem. It seems to me that the general population is much more willing to trust the claims on vitamins bottles and health supplements than that of prescription medications that are governed by the FDA. Who is it that regulates vitamins and health supplements– the “natural healing fairy?

Well, come to find out, many studies are being conducted on holistic approaches to bipolar treatment and they are being funded by organizations like The Stanley Organization, National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Mental Health. Some important organizations are taking notice that maybe there is something to this “natural” approach. Maybe there is and maybe there isn’t. I am convinced that doing everything possible to make this illness more bearable is worth a shot, but I’m not willing to give up my medication yet and neither are any of the organizations funding the studies.

Nothing that you read here is meant to replace any advice that you are given by a trained professional. The information is simply what I researched and the claims may or may not be accurate. Please do not try any holistic approach without consulting with your physician or psychiatrist first. Also, all of these approaches, by their own admission are to be used as an adjunct to psychiatric medications. In other words, they are meant to help reduce the dosage, not replace the medicine all together.

VITAMINS & MINERALS

Mood Stabilizing SubstancesLecithin (Phosphatidyl Choline)L-Taurine (Amino Acid)GABA (Amino Acid)

To Fight DepressionB- ComplexFolic AcidB1 (Thiamin)B6B-12Magnesium & CalciumManganeseZincL-TyrosineMethionineL-Phenylalynine & DL-PhenylalynineL-Triptophan (Amino Acid)

Most of these vitamins and minerals can be found in a good multivitamin. The ones that are separate supplements should be verified with your doctor before you go spend a lot of money on them. I didn’t even start taking my multivitamin without checking it out with my psychiatrist first – but then I’m a little anal when it comes to managing my bipolar and my money. I don’t know about your insurance but mine doesn’t cover vitamins.

ST JOHN’S WART

This is the supplement that we’ve all heard does wonders for depression. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but marketing and advertising people create all that hype. I know this, because I work in advertising. I found tons of information on St John’s Wart (SJW) and most of it echoed the same warnings, that bipolar patients should use extreme caution and consult their physicians before attempting to use it. I know I won’t be adding it to my recipe. The only time it seems to be recommended is for people with very mild depression who almost don’t need to take prescription medication and they still suggest checking with your doctor.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School believe that SJW could be a mania trigger for those who are bipolar but who haven’t experienced a manic episode yet. This is similar to what some antidepressants do to people with bipolar. It can also precipitate hypomanic states or rapid cycling. They mentioned that if you have bipolar you should use extreme caution and confer with your doctor before hand.

In Feb 2000, the FDA released a public health advisory warning that there was a risk of dangerous interactions between SJW and certain prescription medications. Bipolar meds included mainly the Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA’s) Tofranil, Asendin & Elavil and the anticonvulsant Tegretol. It is assumed that the similar TCA’s Vivactil and Palemor and the similar anticonvulsant Trileptal could also be in the risk group.

There are also reports that when SJW is combined with Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) it can cause Serotonin Syndrome. Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome symptoms can include dizziness, cognitive difficulty, faintness when standing or walking, unsteadiness when walking, muscle spasms and a racing heart beat. Do not combine SJW with any SSRI’s or with the newly FDA approved Tamoxifen that is used for depression.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3) are found in fish, fish oil and flaxseeds.

Yummy! You can bet I was not too excited about the thought of fish oil as a cure for bipolar.

Oddly enough, every bit of information I found on Omega-3 was positive. Positive that is as an adjunct to standard bipolar medications. So for people who cannot tolerate high doses or the side effects of their medications, this is something to check out with your doctor.

Many studies have been done, but the one I read most about was a 4 month double-blind placebo controlled study comparing 9.6 g/day of Omega-3 vs. olive oil in 30 patients (Stoll et al., 1999). 8 co-authors concluded that not only were the Omega 3’s well tolerated, but the improved the short term course of the patients with bipolar. They would not suggest using Omega-3 as a first line treatment but would try it for patients who had failed with other medications. Omega-3’s should only be used alone in patients with a very mild form of the illness.

Patients seem to be quite interested in the Omega-3’s because they are a natural supplement with very few side effects and little or no toxic effects. The only reported symptom was mild gastrointestinal distress – generally characterized by loose stools. Many psychiatric medications have this same effect along with a myriad of other more unpleasant ones. If my meds plagued me with a tremendous number of side effects, I would certainly be looking into this one myself.

TRUEHOPE (Synergy Group of Canada, Ltd.)

If you haven’t heard about this one, it’s pretty interesting – depending on how you look at it.
Personally I thought they were a couple of quacks until I started investigating it deeper. I mean, when all you know is that it started out with supplements that they give to pigs who are prone to ear and tail biting, you have to be a little skeptical. Don’t you?

Well, they didn’t start with actual pig nutrients; the biologist of the pair, David Hardy created a supplement for humans that were then given to Anthony Stephan’s 2 bipolar children. You can read the entire story at their website, referenced below. The supplement was named EM Power and consists of common minerals, vitamins and amino acids. In fact, the ingredients are so common that they cannot receive a patent for their work.

Several small independent studies were done through individual doctors with small numbers of patients. The results were good – up to a 50% reduction in symptoms compared to when the patients were on psychotropic drugs. Then Harvard psychiatrist Charles Popper monitored 15 patients within his own practice and the results were reported in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Of the 15 patients that were treated, 11 were stable for 6 – 9 months without taking psychiatric medications. They also did research with Dr. Bonnie Kaplan, PhD. This helped get a grant of a half million dollars to do a placebo-controlled double blind study of 100 bipolar patients at the University of Calgary.

The two drawbacks with EM Power (besides it’s odd origins) are that it isn’t cheap and it’s a lotof pills to take. Initial treatment requires 32 capsules per day until your symptoms disappear and the cost is approximately $220.00 a month. The maintenance dose averages 16 capsules a day. It is safe for children as well – as long as they can take that many pills.

ACCUPUNCTURE

Boy did I find a ton of information on the treatment of depression and bipolar with the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture. What I didn’t find was any proof. No real trials with quantifiable results. I did find one small study done at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, which simply reported positive results using it for major and unipolar depression. That was it.

That was it except for 2 major grants being given to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas (where I am trying to get in on some studies!). Both the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute of Health have awarded UT Southwestern significant grants to study the effects of acupuncture. NIMH’s grant with be used to study bipolar patients in their depressive states. The NIH grant will be used for a study similar to the one done at the University of Arizona.

The NIMH trial is the first being conducted regarding acupuncture as an adjunct to medication for bipolar disorder. Once again, not a full cure, but the possibility of reducing medications to tolerable levels.

So, after all of this am I still a skeptic? Sure I am. I’m skeptical of everything until I see proof – but that’s just me. Am I skeptical of “Wholistic Healing” – using holistic methods with psychiatric medications and anything else you can do to make your life better? No. I think there are some great alternative options available for those who cannot handle the symptoms or for those who seem to get little or no results from psychiatric medications. My biggest concern is that if you try any of these, please check with your doctor so that you can work together at managing your bipolar. Don’t go it alone!

Terry J. Coyier is a 37-year-old college student studying for an Associates of Applied Sciences degree. She is also a freelance writer who writes about bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. Terry was diagnosed with bipolar ten years ago. She lives with her son in the Dallas/Ft.

Worth Metroplex. Terry is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers and her personal portfolio can be viewed here.

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Defy the Devil Depression - By Monalisa Hyden

The “devil depression” hits now and then and makes our lives miserable. We feel blue and gradually it becomes a habit. Blame it on life and the unfortunate incidents in life that was beyond our control. But only few incidents of life where we proved ourselves to be unlucky do not have enough reasons to lead a life of frustration and depression. This life is a gift of God and we deserve to be happy and healthy through out our life.

Trust me, it is not that easy to challenge the depression within you, but it is not tough either. You just need to love yourself and realize that you deserve to be happy! Just follow the simple tips mentioned below;

1. Set small goals on daily basis. When you get up in the morning, decide what you are going to do for the day. If you are to submit a work assignment, make it your goal for the day. Put serious efforts to accomplish that job and take it to a level of your personal satisfaction. If there is no assignment pending for the day, make it a point that you do not leave anything pending for the next day, you finish your days work within the 8 and ½ hours, of course without having to stay back. This will make your everyday a special day! And believe me! These small efforts will boost your self confidence. Practice this for a week.
2. Try to remember what you enjoyed doing the most, I mean a long forgotten hobby, anything you like under the sun! Fishing? Doing the garden? Reading, playing guitar, listening to music? Playing foot ball? Swimming? Think of an activity you enjoy doing most and devote an hour to that. Make it a point to do that everyday, and do not let anything upset your daily routine. This is the way to love yourself and this activity will relax your inner self and you will start enjoying your daily life.
3. Engage yourself in physical exercise everyday at least for 15/20 minutes. This will increase the blood flow and fill you with energy and activate the hormone secretion in the body that is required to keep the body and mind healthy and happy. Remember, there is a very close connection between body and mind; a healthy mind can live in a health body and vice versa. So, take care of your health, if required go to a doctor for regular check up and make sure that you are physically alright.
4. Do not sit idle, when depression hits, you may feel lethargic; you will not feel like leaving the bed and may sleep all day during your weekends. Avoid doing so. Make plans, go out and meet people, go for a picnic or anything you enjoy doing, but not alone, with a person or a group of persons you like to be with. But, NEVER SIT IDLE.
5. At last, find out someone trustworthy and speak your heart out. You will be able to vent out your inner frustration and if you feel like crying, do that. There is no shame in crying in front of a person, whom you know to care for you. Crying is a way of expressing pain that is given by God. So do cry sometimes, you will feel better. If you are not comfortable talking to someone, keep a journal or diary, and pour down your thought on that. Writing down what you feel will give you relief from your inner frustration and suppressed anger, may be that was a hidden reason behind your depression. Talking heart to heart or writing down sometimes can bring some unknown facts about your own self to light. So do that!

Follow the simple ways so that you can help yourself in the mission of leading a happy life, so that you do not have to opt for depression and anxiety medications like Xanax. Life is worth living till you love yourself, trust me, every man and woman have something special which no other person has. You are worth being loved and you worth the happiness knocking at your door. Just open the door to happiness and start living.

The author, Monalisa Hyden, addresses psychological issues. If you wish to help yourself and your loved ones to fight emotional problems, you can log on to http://www.buy-xanax-online-now.com for more information and advice.

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Break Free From Depression Helplessness - By Chris Green

I recently posted an article to my website about how certain beliefs underpin stress, depression and anxiety. One of the main beliefs I briefly introduced concerns helplessness. Helplessness is a major part of these illnesses so let’s look at how you can reduce the impact this flawed belief has.

Believing you are helpless in life is a truly terrible feeling and I write from personal experience here. For five years, a number of traumatic events led me to the point where I believed life held nothing but pain and anguish. I truly believed life would unfold in a way that would destroy me and there wasn’t a single thing I could do about it.

Perhaps you’ve felt this way too?

The underlying belief is the important factor here. It is a firm belief that life is something that happens to you and you have NO CONTROL over anything. In short, you are a powerless, passive recipient for whatever life decides to throw at you.

It is an awful state to be in. Furthermore, this belief simply isn’t true.

Let me give an example. Say you and your partner split up. Now, this can be one very traumatic experience, I’ve been through it, so have many others. You react in a highly negative and emotionally arousing way:

“I’m devastated. He/she was my whole world and now my world has fallen apart. Everything I do in life always goes wrong and this is another disaster. I’ll never be happy again.”

Wow. It’s a powerful reaction isn’t it? I’m sure you, like me, have either reacted this way to an event or you’ve heard someone react this way. It is a very damaging way to assign a meaning to an event you are confronted with.

The last two sentences reveal the belief in helplessness. The key words are: Everything always goes wrong and never be happy again. When you react in such a way, you are telling yourself that you are helpless because nothing has ever gone right for you and you’ll never be happy no matter what. You’re saying you cannot control anything and therefore, you truly believe you’re helpless.

How do you think you’ll feel when you react like this? Exactly. You’ll feel deeply unhappy, confused, frustrated and of course, helpless to change your life. Why would you feel anything else? Everything ALWAYS goes wrong and you’ll NEVER be happy again so what’s the point of doing anything to create change?

Do you see how helplessness works? But it simply isn’t true. Of course, there are many things in life that are entirely beyond your control. Other people and Mother Nature to name but two. There are things in life you have some control over – where you live and work for example. It is important to keep these facts about control firmly in mind.

Here’s the most important fact about helplessness: There is one thing you have full control over in your life and that is how you react and assign meanings to everything you are confronted with. In the example above, a better reaction would be:

“OK, my relationship hasn’t worked but other things in my life are going well and I’ll concentrate on them for a while as I come to terms with what’s happened. Just because this relationship hasn’t worked out, it doesn’t mean future relationships will fail and once I’ve got over this, I’ll get out there and find someone better.”

See the difference? You’re keeping control by assigning a less emotional meaning, a meaning more in keeping with reality. You’re acknowledging that you’re hurting, but that this is temporary and when you’re ready, you’ll try again. You know you have other things in your life that you can concentrate on and this reaction will prevent a feeling of helplessness arising.

See you soon.

Copyright 2006 Christopher Green

Former anxiety sufferer Chris Green is the author of “Conquering Stress”, the internationally acclaimed program which will help you to permanently conquer stress, depression and anxiety without taking powerful drugs. For a free mini course, please click here => http://www.conqueringstress.com

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Fat Food for Bad Mood (Omega-3 and Depression) - By N Singh, PhD

Depression is a multifactorial illness whose etiology is influenced by a pattern of familial inheritance, environmental, and nutritional factors or from a combination of all.

Symptoms of depression include: Constant sadness, lack of motivation, constant irritation, lack of concentration and interest, feelings of isolation, hopelessness, feeling worthless or guilty for no reason, thoughts of ending yourself, fatigue, low energy, sleeplessness, weight change.

A variety of alternative medicine therapies, including dietary supplements, is used for the treatment of depression, although the evidence supporting them is quite patchy. Among the more commonly used supplements are omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids present in mainly fatty fish and flaxseed (linseed) oil. Cells use the three main types of fatty acids (FA): saturated FAs, that do not contain any double bonds; monounsaturated FAs, that contain a single double bond; and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFA), which contain multiple double bonds. PUFAs are essential for the function of the brain, nervous, endocrine and immune systems.

Once consumed in the diet, PUFAs are converted by enzymes in the body to produce omega-6 and omega-3 metabolites. Some Omega-6 fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA), can be manufactured in the body using linoleic acid as a starting point. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are manufactured in the body using alpha linolenic acid as a starting point. Oily fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in preformed EPA and DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered as an important anti-inflammatory factor able to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (chemicals produced by these cells in order to communicate to each other). High blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and low levels of Omega-6 fatty acids have been associated with inhibitory effects on tumour/cancer formation and various inflammatory diseases and with lesser passing away from cardiovascular diseases in a range of populations.

Similarly, research has shown that there are strong correlations between low consumption of fish (rich in omega-3 PUFAs) and high prevalence of depressive disorders or bad mood and many neurodegenerative conditions. However, in societies and nations consuming larger quantities of fish, high in essential fatty acids (EFAs), experience lower rates of major depression. Furthermore, higher concentrations of DHA (major brain PUFA) in red blood cell membranes and higher EPA to AA (higher omega-3 than omega-6) ratios in plasma have been associated with less severe levels of depression.

It has been seen in scientific studies that there are lower concentrations of total PUFAs and a higher ratio of high levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids to omega-3 PUFAs in participants with depression. However, in Western countries the intake of PUFAs has decreased and a steady rise in fried and fast-foods, vegetable and seed oils and a variety of commercially prepared baked goods. An Omega-3 deficiency in rat brain has been associated with decreased learning ability and cognitive performance but improves with Omega-3 addition along with the improvement of the mood state. This is due to the fact that the activity of some neurotransmitters involved in psychiatric disorders affects the metabolism of PUFAs. Studies have shown a decrease in the omega-3 PUFAs content of red blood cell membrane in depressed patients and the addition of PUFAs in clinical trials has shown to have beneficial effects. Some studies have also shown that in patients with schizophrenia, decreased omega-3 PUFAs levels were observed.

It has been concluded that 5% and 20% of women giving birth will be affected by postnatal depression which can adversely affect the mother-child relationship, infant development and well-being. Studies have shown that insufficient dietary intake, mothers may become depleted of omega-3 PUFAs during pregnancy leading to increase in risk of suffering depressive symptoms.

More scientific work would be required to establish the function of PUFAs in the nervous system to appreciate the possible health implications of reduced dietary intake of PUFAs.

N. Singh, PhD. is the editor of http://www.eStressHelp.com

Mental Stress has an enormous impact on physical health hence the saying “a healthy mind is a healthy body”. The influence of Stress on all aspects of health has increasingly become an issue for all of us. This website contains articles and resources on stress and depression. Please feel free to use this article with proper referencing and outgoing link.

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Your Diet affects the Development of Depression - Hector Milla

Having depression can be quite… well… depressing. Pardon the lack of an appropriate expression, but the main thing is that we all know that depression can be pretty devastating. It is a hindrance to our social advancement as well as to our personal happiness. There are some cases that people find a relief for depression by eating food or diet supplements that boost up the level of tryptophan. Tryptophan is a kind of amino acid that is responsible in producing serotonin. There is also a study that proves that carbohydrates is an anti depression supplements. It lessens the premenstrual syndrome for about three hours. Simply by eating a high density of carbohydrates can diminished the effect of depression in the body.

Carbohydrates repair the imbalance in the ration of the specific fatty acid. Imbalances of fatty acids can affect the risk of depression.There is also a study that shows an association between moderate consumption of caffeine drinks which lower the symptoms of depression; any excess can heighten the risk. Proper diet also helps to lower the tendency of committing suicide, in which depression is one of the primary causes. In this study, the doctors have formulated that by drinking coffee or tea, you can reduce the effect of depression. There are also certain habits that contain harmful substances that may trigger the symptoms of depression, like drinking alcoholic beverages, too much cigarette smoking, and drug overdose.Vitamins and other food nutrients such as Vitamin B, Iodine, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Amino complex have been associated with some protection against depression.Niacin is also a very important in the production of tryptophan that helps promotes Vitamin B3 and it has been found out that it regulates blood flow in order to avoid mental depression. Vitamin B12 and calcium ingredients may help in depression that take place during the monthly menstrual period. In the year 2001, there was a study that proves that this vitamin can prevent postpartum depression. Those kinds of food supplements and vitamins may enhance the effectiveness of SSRI and other antidepressant. In order to avoid depression you must choose your food wisely and have a proper diet.

Reference Box:

Article written by Hector Milla, editor of http://www.mydepressionsymptoms.com/ , a website about :: physical symptoms of depression :: , plus you may learn about Eliminate Stress and Anxiety at http://www.mydepressionsymptoms.com/eliminate-stress-anxiety/

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The Effects of Depression in Women - By Hector Milla

Women, regardless of nationality or socioeconomic status, have a higher chance to have depression than men. The reasons for such higher chance appear to be a combination of biological and cultural factors.

Women’s Hormonal Variation and Life Phase

Extreme hormonal changes can trigger the reaction of emotional swings for all women. There are studies that show how the hormones can contribute in depression but the reason is not yet totally clear.

Female hormones undoubtedly play a big role in “premenstrual dysphoria”, postpartum depression, and the SAD moment. These forms of depression draw back or stop after the menopausal stage.

In early puberty a girl who reaches the age of 11 years old or younger are more prone to experience depression during adolescence than those girls that are more matured.

By the time of pre-menopausal, women between the ages of 20 and 45 are most at risk to get depression. Based on the record of the study, 34% of this age group are complaining of having symptoms of major depression.

Depression usually occurs around menopausal stage, it is the stage when the women’s hormonal secretion changes. Usually symptoms like lack of sleep, mood swing, hypertension, and loss of appetite are experienced.

Once the women pass into the postmenopausal stage, some of the studies show that the average depression scores are nearly as low as those women that are under premenopausal stage. As a matter of fact, there are women cases that shows that after they had experienced menopause, they had also suffered from depression. One of the particular causes in that case is the seasonal changes.

There are other studies in United States that have reported that even grandmothers who shows care for their grandchildren and family, not considering the situation in which they work outside or at home, have a high risk for depression, other factors may be involved.

Article written by Hector Milla, editor of http://www.mydepressionsymptoms.com/, a website about :: physical symptoms of depression :: , plus you may learn about Eliminate Stress and Anxiety at http://www.mydepressionsymptoms.com/eliminate-stress-anxiety/, thanks for publish this article in your website or ezine keeping a live link.

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How Do I Know If I Have Bipolar Disorder And What Should I Do About It? - By Kitty Barker

What is Bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that manifests itself in a person through ups and downs in moods and energy levels. Many a time, it is confused with depression and sporadic mood swings. However, it must be understood that bipolar disorder is not a state of mind. It is a brain disorder - a mental illness which is long term. Till now, no permanent cure has been found for the same. What is it all about then…read on!

Bipolar disorder causes the victims to swing between two entirely different moods. Sometimes, they might be extremely euphoric and excited. Other times, they will be melancholy and dejected. As the word bipolar rightly indicates, there are two parts - mania and depression. Apart from mood swings, other symptoms include going on a spending spree, reduced need for sleep, increased feeling of sensuality and sexual drive, easy irritability, abysmal faith in oneself and so on. The disorder is fairly entrenched if there is an urge to commit suicide or lack of willingness to live. If you have any friends/relatives who keep talking about their lack of desire to live, then its time to rush them to a doctor.

How does bipolar disorder occur?

How does bipolar disorder occur? A lot of it has got to do with genes. Genetically, bipolar disorder gets transferred to the next generation. However, research also shows that it is not merely genetic. For, if one of the identical twins has the disorder, the other necessarily doesn’t. Thus, it is a combination of genes plus other factors. Unfortunately, there are no medical tests that can detect bipolar disorders. No scan or blood test can help. The disorder can be diagnosed only through an understanding of the symptoms, family medical history, environment and so on.

The disorder can occur among children, adolescents, and the old. Among children, there is a chance that diagnosis is slightly more difficult because it may be confused with other typical behavior of children like hyperactivity due to lack of attention, consistent disobedience, irritability and so on.

Can bipolar disorder be treated?

Yes, it sure can. It is seen that those patients who obtain treatment achieve stabilization in their mood swings. They realize that they have a mental illness but cope with it well and lead normal lives. Treatment is done in two ways – medication and psychosocial therapies.

In the case of medication as a treatment, mood stabilizers (medicines with the ability to stabilize mood) are administered for a period of time. The frequency and duration of medicines would vary from person to person. The top most used medicine in this category is Lithium. It is safe to use Lithium even among children and adolescents.

The second type of treatment is the psychosocial therapy. Here, the patient is generally spoken to and counseling is done. While a physician would be able to prescribe the necessary medication, it would be advisable to take the help of a psychiatrist from the beginning of the treatment.

Before going in for any treatment, there needs to be complete discussion among the patient, his/her family and the physician/psychiatrist. For example, if a pregnant woman suffering from bipolar disorder takes mood stabilizing medicines, it might affect the to-be-born. Some of the side-effects may include weight gain, hair loss, lack of sexual drive and so on. When such adverse side effects can be seen, the patient needs to approach the physician and with the psychiatrist’s advice, change the dosage and course of medication.

Other than medication and psycho social therapy, a third form of treatment can also be used for those with chronic disorder. This is called the Electroconvulsive therapy which can be used when medication or the psychosocial therapy do not work. It could also be used when the disorder is more severe leading to suicidal tendencies.

Conclusion

There is nothing to fear if you are affected with the disorder. All you need is speaking to the physician next door, taking your psychiatrist into confidence. Follow the prescribed medication and treatment; you will notice a world of a difference. If you are a person living with someone with a bipolar disorder, do not panic. Seek appropriate medical help and persevere. You will be the one they will derive strength from. Be sure that you provide continued support even after the treatment is over.

Author: Kitty Barker - Kitty often writes for and with Depression-Assistance. You can also see more information on this subject at Manic Depression - should this link be inactive, you can paste this link to your browser - manic-depression-assistance.com

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Is Depression Always a Medical Problem – Another View - By Michael Bresciani

Advertisements for anti-depression drugs are constantly smattered across the tube today. They are accompanied with the possible advantages of taking one drug or another to relieve this common malady. By law such ads are followed with a list of contraindications (possible side effects) some which sound much worse than the depression itself.

Along with these ads is a little noticed disclaimer or shall we refer to it as a simple honest statement about depression. That statement is that the cause for common depression is not fully known. I use the word common here for an important purpose. Surely some depression is in fact caused by chemical imbalance or emotional shock of some kind. No one could argue that point.

It is said that up to twenty million Americans have some sort of depression. It seems to be a modern phenomenon in our history as a nation. There are few records of this malady prior to the early twentieth century. Depression prior to the modern era was often referred to as melancholy. Abraham Lincoln was said to suffer deep bouts of melancholy that were offset with times of joviality and levity. Perhaps a change in his attitude was his own way of making adjustments or a behavioral self medication of sorts.

Few studies conducted on depression include a side by side comparison with other countries or cultures. Some countries have virtually no sizable number of reported cases of depression. Often these are the poorest countries in the world. A lot could be deduced from this about how much money; affluence and materialism have to do with making Americans happy and well balanced.

In thirty five years of studying the Bible I have never heard one preacher or theologian worth his salt ever approach the causes for depression based on a biblical view. Not only does the Bible explain the cause of depression but it provides a complete answer to it as well. No, it is not a miracle or a divine healing it is simply a profound change in a life that pushes the depression out sometimes instantly and in some cases more slowly. First let’s look at the cause for most general depression in people according to the Bible.

Contrary to the general consensus God doesn’t just wink at unbelief but he is actively engaged in convicting the unbeliever to answer his call to salvation. His dogged pursuit is fired not just by the fact that they are sinners but because he loves every human being that is born in a way that is beyond our imagination. God is trying to love people into his kingdom not drag them into it. To do this he has to make them fully aware of their separation from him. It is a present pressure applied by God’s Holy Spirit.

Jesus spoke of this matter and he said in no uncertain terms that it is one of the Holy Spirit’s primary works while he is in the world. He said in John’s gospel “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove (convict) the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” Jn. 16:7, 8.

Believers often say they came under the conviction of the Holy Spirit and that is what finally brought them to pray and accept the salvation God is offering. Unbelievers say they’re depressed, moody or in some inexplicable state of mind. That the conviction described by the believer and the depression felt by the unbeliever is one and the same thing is verified by the countless millions over the centuries that ceased to experience the depression soon after they yielded to God. I have seen this result countless times in the past more than three decades. This first hand experience and the scriptural support have convinced me beyond doubt that millions of people are suffering needlessly.

I would never advise anyone not to see their doctor for a complete examination of their depression. If it does happen to be a chemical imbalance or related to an emotional experience then the question is answered. If this does not answer the question then seeking God for his salvation should be the next move in their lives. In fact it should be the first move in their lives.

Speaking for myself I think living apart from Jesus’ love and having no certain hope of the future would indeed be very depressing. I’m glad I answered that question many years ago.

Rev Bresciani has written many articles over the past thirty years in such periodicals as Guideposts and Catholic Digest. He is the author of two books available on Amazon.com, Alibris, Barnes and Noble and many other places. Rev Bresciani wrote “Hook Line and Sinker or what has Your Church Been Teaching You,” publisher, PublishAmerica of Baltimore MD. He also wrote a book published by Xulon Press entitled “An American Prophet and His Message, Questions and Answers on the Second Coming of Christ.” His book is now being heralded as the clearest book on the subject of the second coming of Christ since Hal Lindsey's "Late Great Planet Earth" Rev Bresciani’s website is,
http://americanprophet.org

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Help For Children Who Are Depressed - By Steve Hill

Are you the parent of a child who is often depressed? Are you a child who often feels down in the dumps and depressed? This article offers advice for both parents, other family members and children about how to deal with, reduce and even eradicate this depression.

I remember from my own childhood having many periods when I was very unhappy and sad. I was the type of person who would let aspects from my life get on top of me which would at times affect my sleep patterns. I found growing up through childhood, into a teenager and ultimately into my adulthood as one big choir and struggle. I was forever comparing my own life to that of my brother, sister and friends. Their lives seemed so much easier than what mine was and this made me feel quite jealous of them.

Looking back one of my faults was that I was not willing to discuss my worries and fears with my parents and basically kept them bottled up inside of me. This meant of course that I had to deal with each and every issue (problem) on my own without any outside help or advice. I wish that I had been more open with my family as I think my life would have been that much happier if I had.

I am now a parent of two children myself and am always looking out for them. I try and gage how they are coping with life and if I feel that they are in an unhappy period or mood, I then attempt to find out what is causing this by trying to talk to them. They are not always happy to discuss these issues but I then make sure that they understand that I will be here for them when they are ready to open up. I talk to them about my own childhood and about the mistakes I feel that I made by keeping my own worries to myself.

I want my children to realise that they can talk to me about any aspect of their life and that I will be here to help and not judge them. Life in general, with school as an example, can at times be quite tough, with things such as bullying affecting a lot of children. There is the added pressure of examinations and also trying to establish ones self within a group of friends. Moving schools and going through all of the bodily changes can also be quite uncomfortable for many children.

As a family we try to make our childrens home life as enjoyable and relaxed as possible. This includes many family days out and where financially possible, a family holiday abroad in the summer.

My advice to any parent who has an unhappy or often depressed child would be to be very patient with them through these periods. I, as I have already stated would try and get them to talk about what is making them feel in this way and if they do not want to talk, would let them know that I am there for them if they do ever want a chat etc.

My advice for a child who is feeling depressed would be to talk to your family, a friend or a teacher. They say that a problem shared is a problem halved and I really believe in this statement. You do not have to be alone in this world and the advice that you are given could be of huge benefit to you. Despite what you might think all children have problems and worry about many different aspects of their own life. Your parents were of course children many moons ago and may have experience in the issues which you are not happy about. Do not make the same mistakes that I did by keeping these problems to yourself as it does not help to reduce your fears or depression.

Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

stuttering information
aviation products
anti aging advice

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Antidepressants – the Alternative - By David Mcevoy

Depression is a very common problem which can affect your quality of life, from just slowing you down to seriously incapacitating you. It’s also a serious issue for the health service in both the USA and the UK and is predicted to become the second biggest burden on both countries health services in less than two decades. Many people suffer in silence, not wanting to go to their doctor with a condition which some still find embarrassing and difficult to discuss. Others find that the side-effects of the antidepressants they are prescribed prove almost as debilitating as depression itself, or simply that the drugs do not have the right effect. This can leave sufferers feeling even more isolated and unhappy. However, research suggests that there may be a natural remedy for what is often referred to as ‘the common cold of mental illness’.

After extensive research scientists have come to believe that high quality fish oils, rich in Omega 3 essential fatty acids, are the natural solution to depression, even in severe cases in which the patient has not responded to other treatment. The key to alleviating depressive symptoms is EPA or elcosapentaenoic acid, an essential fatty acid of the Omega 3 group which can be found in some specialist fish oils. It has been shown by brain scans to regenerate the brain, and it is also possible that it stimulates stem cells into producing new nerve cells.

EPA has a positive effect on the brain regardless of whether you are depressed or otherwise of low mood. It has been shown to improve mental performance as well as a host of other health benefits including decreasing the risk of heart attacks, deep vein thrombosis or DVT, and stroke. An international group of medical scientists have assembled an impressive body of research over the last couple of years which gives weight to these astonishing beneficial claims. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Basant Puri, who is also a senior lecturer at London’s Imperial College MRI unit, is an enthusiastic supporter of the EPA cause and prescribes it in a high-quality form to his depressed patients at his Hammersmith Hospital Clinic. He says they are responding well; "Studies show that this nutrient, found in high quality fish oil, can clear the symptoms of depression within three or four weeks, and then the patient can ward off any further attacks just by taking a daily supplement."

Dr Puri first became intrigued by the function of EPA when studying nutrition, and when he became a psychiatrist and brain imager he could see for himself the benefits of supplementing diet with EPA. It became clear that a lack of EPA in diet may in fact be a major cause of depression. Dr Puri’s work and insights led him to consider the accepted view on the biochemistry of the brain and to think differently. He realised that human beings ate more fish during the period in history when our brains were still developing, and saw that "The trouble today is that many things we eat, along with stress and nicotine, inhibit the body's own ability to produce [essential fatty acids]."

One 21-year-old man Dr Puri first treated EPA with had suffered from depression for seven years or more, but after taking the supplement for nine months he had a new lease of life. He set up his own business and was planning to travel to the US to study – a significant change had occurred. And not only in his mood, but in his brain itself. A comparison of a brain scan taken before the EPA treatment with one taken after indicated, to Dr Puri’s amazement, that the brain had partially regrown. Depressive patients show low levels of electrical activity in the brain and an actual reduction in the cerebral cortex – this patient showed nerve cell regrowth and a thickening of the greater part of the brain, commonly referred to as the ‘grey matter’. Dr Puri took this as indicative that EPA, with its apparent power to stimulate the brain to make it repair itself, could bring hope to people suffering from a wide variety of conditions.

Omega 3 is found chiefly in oily fish – tuna, fresh salmon, pilchards, sardines and mackerel – but these alone do not provide EPA in sufficient qualities to have this amazing effect on the brain. Supplements, which can be taken alongside antidepressants in complete safety, are necessary to treat depression. It’s not a good idea to stop antidepressants immediately, without a gradual reduction as advised by your GP, as you can suffer severe side effects. You should always consult your GP before embarking on any treatment, however, and should be especially careful with fish oil supplements if you are taking any blood-thinning medication as EPA also thins the blood.

It’s good to find an EPA supplement which contains a lesser quantity of DHA, another Omega 3 fatty acid, as too much of this can lessen the effectiveness of EPA. Patients suffering from mild to moderate depression should take two capsules twice a day with food, while patients with severe depression should take a higher dose after consultation with a specialist. As with antidepressants it’s advised that you continue to take the supplements after the symptoms have gone – in the case of EPA, Dr Puri recommends two capsules a day as a maintenance dose. There are positive side effects of EPA too – patients will find their skin looking fresher and the condition of their hair and nails improving, which can help to give that boost of self-esteem depression sufferers benefit so much from.

Dave Mcevoy runs a high quality supplement site http://www.mind1st.co.uk/EPA_Pure_EPA.asp http://www.mind1st.com

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Fighting Menopause Blues - By Monalisa Hyden

Sudden change in personality

When was the first time you found yourself getting irritated by every small incident? Are you worried about the sudden change in your own personality? You used to be a loving, always smiling, and thriving. Are you in your 40’s? And you are now more prone to anxiety, depression, withdrawal from social activity, mood swing etc. Hang on! Do not come to any conclusion right away. The reason behind this could be the fluctuating hormone level due to menopause.

A natural phenomenon

Menopause is a natural phenomenon to every woman. As a woman ages, the supply of ova declines and menopause comes naturally after the supply of follicles has been depleted and menstruation ends completely. This results in the cessation of estrogen and progesterone hormones in a woman’s body. Woman goes through a change during menopause and perimenopausal years of her life experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, mood swing, vaginal dryness, sudden memory failure, insomnia, withdrawal, fatigue, excessive feeling of guilt and unworthiness, thoughts of suicide etc. Women consider these symptoms as a part of natural ageing process and do not try to overcome the adversaries of life. A myth, menopause causes loss of sexual desire in a woman, also plays an important role in her depression.

Thank God! Depression is treatable!

But why should you suffer silently when you have a solution for menopause and midlife depression? Depression can be a serious disease which can lead to more severe physical as well as mental complications. Depression increases the possibility of heart attack, blood pressure and can be responsible for loss of bone mineral density. Depression can be treated by many ways like certain effective antidepressant pills like Xanax which are essential for mild to moderate depression patients, therapies, changes in diet, alternative medicines, and herbal medicines. At the same time, family support, emotional support from the partner, daily physical exercise, taking care of sleep, and doing something related your hobbies would give wonderful results to a woman suffering from menopause syndrome.

Easy way to a better life

Menopause symptom during the midlife can be handled incorporating some easy practices in the daily routine. A woman should take it as a challenge which can be as exciting as her youthful times. Here we go...

Forget the ideas that with menopause, a woman lose sexual desire. Actually, a woman’s desire for sex depends upon her partner’s interest. You can have sex without the fear of getting pregnant. So enjoy the freedom from contraceptives.

If you sense that the vaginal dryness during the intercourse, use lubricant or cream.

If you are gaining weight, a healthy diet plan and regular exercise would do the magic for you.

Take more calcium and B vitamin and avoid caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar and chocolate.

Communicate with your partner regarding your emotional and physical problems.

Keep in touch with your near and dear ones. Contact your female friends; they can give you good emotional elevation.

Ask for help if you are finding it difficult to take care of your grown up children and the elder members of your family at the same time.

Take out some time and engage yourself in some activities you always liked but could not; may be your long forgotten hobbies.

To help sleeping disorder, take a warm bubble bath before going to bed, take a glass of warm milk or a glass of wine (only one glass please). Consult your doctor before taking any sleeping pill or anti-depressant medicines like Xanax.

Count your blessings. Think of the people around who care for you and think of good times.

Identify the factor which is keeping you under stress. Do not over expect from yourself, be practical. Set priorities and work accordingly.

Go for regular health checkups. Keep an eye on your blood pressure, heart and blood sugar condition.

Meditation for 30 to 60 minutes on daily basis will help you immensely.

Life has given you another chance to live…

Menopause is not the end of your life, o woman. You have accomplished the duty of giving birth to human progeny and raised them. Life after menopause is for the contentment of the long-forgotten woman within you; a fair chance to live for your own self, up to your expectations. One chapter is closed and a new chapter awaiting…it’s only you, who will decide what to write.

The author, Monalisa Hyden, addresses psychological issues. If you wish to help yourself and your loved ones to fight emotional problems, you can log on to http://www.buy-xanax-online-now.com for more information and advice.

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When Do You See A Doctor If You Have (Or You Think You Have) Depression? - By: Dr. Isaac Schumann

If you have depression, or at least you think you have one, you must realize that you should not diagnose yourself. You need to have a healthcare practitioner that is skilled to give you a correct assessment and professional diagnosis of your condition.

There is absolutely no reason to feel shy or embarrassed when talking to a healthcare provider regarding any symptoms of your condition. There are many healthcare professionals that are very understanding of your problem. After all, they were trained to study and treat depression.

If you have symptoms like these, do not hesitate consulting a medical practitioner. Before getting any actual help or treatment for depression, you must need to first have a diagnosis that is correct.

You see, these symptoms are also symptomatic of other problems. For example, weight loss, fatigue and sleeping patterns may not be caused by depression, but by some medical problem. Other symptoms like losing interest in activities that you previously enjoyed or problems with attention or memory may not be related to depression at all but may be indicative of a undiagnosed medical condition.

You need to consult a doctor so that you can make sure that the symptoms you are experiencing are actually a result of your depression and from there, you can start what the best treatment for you individual case. The doctor might ask you to answer questions to fully assess and help determine if you actually have depression and possibly conduct tests to determine that your symptoms are a result of some other health issue.

Depression is a medical condition that is real. Remember that having depression is not something that you want to have. You probably would not think less of someone who has influenza or is suffering from heart disease. In the same manner, you must not be ashamed or feel guilty that you suffer from depression.

Depression will not go away by "toughing it out" or "being strong.” Being weak in your will does not instantly cause you to be depressed. Most cases of depression can't simply go away just by trying to cheer up. You can't simply make it go away by doing exercises, taking vitamins or going on a vacation. Treating your depression requires professional help - you can't do it alone. Like any other serious illnesses, depression needs professional treatment from a healthcare practitioner. When you are suffering from depression, you need to ask for help to make the problem go away.

Your feelings might change when treatment comes along. You should be pleased to know that depression has proved to be one of the most easily treated conditions.

When you are seeking treatment for your depression, what type of healthcare professional should you see?

Although there are some issues raised on what treatment is the best for depression problems (whether it is drugs, therapy, or if it is a mixture of both), there is actually a type of healthcare professional that is highly qualified to help you recover from depression and various mood disorders that use medications or drugs: a psychiatrist.

Psychologists, in fairness, are also highly qualified to cure depression problems, but they are not medical professionals and as such, cannot prescribe medications. You should realize that psychologists specialize in therapy, especially talk therapy. If you do not know if you need drugs or medications, it might prove best to start your treatment of depression under a psychiatrist's care.

If you think you might also have a good chance of eliminating depression through talk therapy, many psychiatrists can also be good in this, although there are some that may refer you to more experienced therapists. More on this in an upcoming article.

About the Author:

Dr. Isaac Schumann brings to you a life time of experience in the mental health field http://www.depressionhelpguides.comRead more articles by: Dr. Isaac Schumann

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Always Tired, fatigued, Anxiety filled? Maybe you need a Depression Test - By Nathan T. Lynch

Depression has become one of the most widely increased diagnosed disorders in this country over the past few years. Things like the falling economy causing a decrease in personal finances, in addition to life’s daily stresses and worries have caused many Americans to become depressed.

You may have seen the recently advertised television commercials offering depression testing. Depression not only saddens an individual’s state of mind, but also causes symptoms like fatigue, anxiety and loss of motivation, even in the simplest of daily activities. People who are depressed are not temporarily moody or sad. The condition is unfortunately, long-term and negatively affects the way a person feels, thinks and behaves.

Depression is a genuine medical condition that can be treated, but the help has to be sought out. That in itself can often times be a difficult task for someone experiencing this ailment. A Depression Test is important because depression is a disease that requires attention and medical treatment. If it is not treated, it can last for months, and in some cases, even years.

If you have been feeling out-of-sorts for an extended amount of time, you might consider taking a depression test. There are several ways you can do this. If you don’t feel up to a doctor visit, go online. Visit a website that can offer you a simple questionnaire to decide whether or not you might be clinically depressed. There is a wonderful website called lexapro.com that offers a very good depression test which is in the form of a simple questionnaire. You will also find answers there to any questions you might have about the way you are feeling. Another good web resource is depression.com. Please keep in mind that if your depression test results lead you to believe that you are in fact suffering from depression, you must make an appointment to see a physician and get treatment.

If you are, or know someone who is suffering from depression, seek help. There is nothing to be ashamed. You shouldn’t have to live in sadness so don’t continue to let life pass you by. You are valuable part of this world and you deserve to experience the same happiness as everyone else around you.

Anxiety and loss of motivation? You just may have a mild to cronic form of depresson. Find out with depression test.

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How You Can Help Yourself, Or Someone Else Who Suffers From Depression - By: Anna Allen

Depression can be a matter of life and death, so help from others is of vital importance. Since depression affects millions of people each year, chances are you may know someone who suffers from this terrible illness.

Helping someone with severe depression can be frustrating at times. Many depressed people don't want to be helped. It's as if they feel they can benefit from being depressed because no one expects anything from them. Some even go as far as to feel that being depressed is easier than dealing with life's problems and trying to improve them. It's important to realize however, that not ALL people who suffer from Depression feel this way.

Many people suffer from depression needlessly all because they won't consult with a Doctor. If you know someone like this it's important that you do what you can to convince them to seek professional care. Let them know that you care and just want to make sure that they are okay. Sometimes if the person won't take the initiative, you may have to make the appointment for them and make sure they get there. Be kind but at the same time, be firm. Helping a friend or relative who suffers from Depression is no easy task, but it can be lifesaving. At times, just knowing you care makes all the difference in the world.

Many people who suffer from Depression feel like they are a burden not only to their family and friends, but also to themselves because they feel as if they are helpless and can't get past their depression. Some even feel ashamed and humiliated. So, instead of getting help, they isolate themselves some more and in turn drift further and further away.

In order to help a person who suffers from Depression, you first need to have empathy for that person. In other words, try to identify emotionally with them. Be sensitive to their feelings and realize that they really are in emotional pain. What they are feeling is real so try to be understanding. NEVER ever tell a depressed person to 'snap out of it.' This simply cannot be done.

Other ways to help a depressed person may be to encourage them to talk. You never want them to keep everything bottled up inside them. Avoid judgemental and critical critical comments. Remember, most depression sufferers have very low self-esteem, so try to restore it by reasoning with them. Ask them why they feel the way they do and really LISTEN when they talk. By showing them this attention you are showing them that you have a genuine interest in wanting to help.

If you are married to someone who suffers from Depression don't automatically assume that you are the cause of the depression. Depression isn't ALWAYS caused by a bad marriage. However, it can be brought on by friction, guilt or a strained or isolated relationship. Always remember that if you are married to someone who suffers from depression and they lash out at you, don't take it personal. Remember the emotional pain they are in. Also remember that in most cases, YOU are not the one they're mad at. Remembering this can help you respond to them in a mild way.

If it's your wife that suffers from depression, take the initiative by helping cook and clean. If there are kids in the family, help by tending to them instead of your wife having to do it. By doing this you are helping in more ways than you know.

So, if you know someone who suffers from Depression, always be patient, show empathy and assist them in any way you can. Be encouraging and let them know you are thinking about them and you care. Send them a letter or card in the mail. Give them a call on the phone, or better yet, pay them a visit, even if it's for a little while. All these little things can mean the world to a person who is depressed. Don't expect someone with depression to get well overnight. It can be a slow process at times. So the best thing to do is to try to prevent it.

If you suffer from Depression and want to prevent or fight it, start by getting plenty of exercise, get proper rest and eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid the 'depressing foods' like chocolate, caffeine or other sugars. Don't build your sense of worth on the love of others, on money, power or your job. Avoid drugs and too much alcohol. Always do the best you can but don't try to be perfect. There is no such thing. And the number one thing you have to remember is to recognize the early symptoms of depression and seek help immediately. By doing these things you can have more success in conquering your depression.

About the Author:

For more information on depression visit Anna's Depression Website at: http://www.depressionadviceonline.com/index.html or visit her Depression Blog which contains helpful articles that are updated daily: http://depressionadviceonline.blogspot.com/.

Read more articles by: Anna Allen

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A Potential Cause And Solution To Depression - By Steve Hill

I have recently made a very startling discovery which has helped me to stop spiralling into bouts of depression. In this article, I write about this discovery which I hope will help other people to lead much happier lives, free from anxiety and stress.

I am the type of person who can easily let things get on top of me. If I am rushed about here there and everywhere by my family or friends, I am often left feeling very drained and exhausted. I am sure this is the same for many people but the way it affects me over the next twenty-four hours is somewhat different. I seem to lose all of my energy and this then can easily lead me into thinking in a very negative way, often ending with me becoming quite depressed.

For whatever reason this depression can stay and in a way haunt my life for quite a few days. I begin to worry about the future, start to think that I am a failure, start to become paranoid about what other people think of me and basically become scared to leave my own house.

I have spoken to my family and especially my parents about this issue. They have advised me to seek help from a doctor. I must say that even though this would be good advice for most people, I feel that I am the kind of person who could become easily hooked and dependant on any tablets that would be described. I certainly do not want an addiction to add to my problems.

Possible solution to my depression

A few weeks ago I was watching a television program which has since had a massive impact on my life. It was an army type program and it talked about how one particular group of soldiers had all seemingly become ill and could not even complete the most routine of tasks.

A doctor or some other type of medical person was called to their camp to investigate what was wrong. The initial belief was that it was likely to be some form of food poisoning.

The doctor actually stated that the men had salt deprivation and called for for a large amount of salt tablets to be bought to the camp.

I thought about this and wondered if this could be the cause of my own issues.

The next time I felt I was becoming down or when I was over tired, I ate food products which contained a lot of salt and I am very happy to report that I quickly regained my energy and confidence levels. Such a simple solution to what was once such a huge problem for me.

If you are also the kind of person who is often depressed try eating a bit more salt, it might just change your life.

Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

aviation products
anti aging advice
stuttering information

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Quiz- Is Your Debt Causing Depression? - By CD Mohatta

Are you feeling hopeless about the future? Are you feeling hopeless and helpless about your current situation? Are you feeling depressed? Do you find no way to come out of this hopelessness? It is time to consult a Doctor about your depression.

Can your depression be related to your debts? Are you also having debts to repay? Debts can cause constant worry and make us feel depressed. Especially when we have no ready plan to repay our debt, the depression can be severe.

What are you planning about your debt? Have you planned any repayment schedule? Have you planned any method to increase your income? If not, please begin doing that. Let us look at this problem in totality. You have a certain income. You have a certain debt. You have certain expenses. You have to save money from your income and repay small amount every month so that one-day you are out of it. The first step is to write down all these figures. Then think of every method that can increase your income. Similarly try to reduce your expenses. This will obviously give you more money to repay. Now talk to your creditors. Ask them for rescheduling the debt so that is comfortable for you to repay. Approach them positively and explain the position. Be optimistic. They will agree.

Feeling hopeless never solves the problem. Finding solution will do that. Fight your debt related depression with proper strategy and planning.

The author C.D.Mohatta writes fun quizzes and fun tests at http://www.funquizcards.com/ on topics like love, personality, dating, relationships, friendship, movies, tv, music, business, etc. The author also writes for http://www.ecarduniverse.com/ which has free ecards on holidays, birthday, love, friendship, family, expressions, celebrations and all events and occasions. The author also writes articles, advice and ideas at http://www.yourromanceguide.com/ on topics like love, dating, marriage, relationships, break-ups, etc.

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How To End Depression Stigma - By Chris Green

For many sufferers, depression brings on feelings of guilt and shame and because of these feelings, they will not seek help. But are these feelings valid? Lack of understanding – both in sufferers and non-sufferers – clouds the issue. So here’s how to end the stigma associated with depression, stress, and anxiety.

1. The majority of people in our society experience psychological problems during their lives: Problems from childhood with parents and siblings; stress at work; marital breakdown; losing loved ones and of course, making mistakes. Very few people go through life without experiencing mental trauma of some description. So there’s nothing odd or unique happening here, indeed, depressive illnesses are as common as colds. More than 20 million sufferers in the USA every year bear this out.

2. These are real illnesses. There’s no stigma associated with diabetes, asthma, or allergies for example, so why should there be with these? Just like the above illnesses, depression, anxiety and stress have specific causes that can be addressed. You wouldn’t think an asthma sufferer could just “snap out of it”, yet many people say this to depression and anxiety sufferers. Lack of understanding again causes such a reaction and it is the reaction that is wrong, not the sufferer.

3. Suffering a depressive episode is not your fault so why feel guilty? You didn’t wake up one morning and think “right, I know, I’ll become anxious from now on”. It doesn’t happen like that. No one CHOOSES depression, it can happen to people just like many illnesses do. And like other illnesses, depression can be treated very effectively. But not one sufferer is to blame. You wouldn’t blame someone who hadn’t been taught to read or write, you wouldn’t blame someone who suffered from hay fever so why blame yourself and feel guilty because you’re suffering a stressful illness?

4. If you own a car and it’s broken down you go to a mechanic. If you fall and break your arm, you go to casualty to get it repaired. If you have toothache you go to a dentist to get it sorted. Stressful illnesses can also be fixed, so don’t let guilt or shame stop you from getting help. Just as your body can become ill so can your mind. It isn’t permanent and just as your body can be fixed so can your mind.

5. Many sufferers believe that treating depression is a futile exercise because once you have depression, you have it for life. This simply isn’t true and the depression itself feeds this feeling of helplessness. And believing that depression is incurable further exacerbates the feelings of guilt and shame and fuels the depression. Depression has a specific cause and this root cause can be effectively treated so that depression can be beaten once and for all.

6. Change the way you look at these problems. I know from experience that at the time, stressful illnesses can be overwhelming and you can’t see a way out or how anything good can come of it. But now, I’m glad I had that 5-year period because I’ve come out of it stronger. I learned how to beat depression and deal with the very trying circumstances I was faced with. I now know how to cope with the various trials and tribulations life throws at all of us and those 5 years of depression and anxiety have given me a greater understanding about myself and others. Sure I hated it at the time. But by getting help and learning how depression had entered my life, I became stronger than my depression.

One thing that really helped me was to change the way I thought about what was happening to me. Instead of thinking it was something that no good could ever come from, I looked at it as something that was going to help me to become stronger. What helped me to think this way was discovering how many other people used their illnesses and disabilities to do something positive with their lives. I realized that the same principle could be applied to stressful and depressive illnesses and that they too can be used in a positive way.

The above points clearly demonstrate that the stigmas associated with depressive and stressful illnesses are completely false and I hope you use them to help you win your fight with stress, depression or anxiety.

Until next time.

Copyright 2006 Christopher Green

Former anxiety sufferer Chris Green is the author of “Conquering Stress”, the internationally acclaimed program which will help you to permanently conquer stress, depression and anxiety without taking powerful drugs. For a free mini course, please click here => http://www.conqueringstress.com

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