Improve Your Relationships By Loving Yourself - By: Wendy Betterini

Many of us, especially women, tend to put others’ needs before our own. We neglect ourselves and eventually resent those who have been on the receiving end of our love and attention. What we fail to realize is the importance of putting ourselves first. No, it is not selfish. In fact, it’s impossible to meet the needs of others effectively without first being balanced in our own lives. Loving yourself will not only prove to be a positive experience, but it will improve your relationships with others as well.

If we go through our days neglecting our basic needs, we will become very quickly drained of our energy, too exhausted to spend any time on ourselves. When we realize that our own needs are not being met, we become resentful and ultimately withdraw the help and support we so freely offered to others before. However, by focusing on putting ourselves first, we can regain that lost energy, which will give us endless vitality to direct toward others.

Loving and taking better care of yourself is easy if you implement one or more of the simple helpful tips and ideas listed here. When we are happy with the level of attention we are giving ourselves, our energy overflows and we are anxious to help fulfill the needs of those around us. Everyone wins when we learn to love ourselves. Use the following tips to get you started:

Live a healthy lifestyle – How can we expect to accomplish great things if we cannot meet life’s most basic needs? Eat healthy by replacing excess sugar and refined foods with whole foods and lots of water. Give your body the ability to effectively burn the fuel you take in by getting daily exercise, thereby increasing your metabolism. Make sure to get plenty of sleep as well, as our minds do not fully function if they haven’t been allowed to properly recharge themselves.

Express yourself – One of the best ways to take care of ourselves mentally is by frequently expressing how we feel. This can be done in several ways. Mentally, we can express ourselves on paper. Keeping a personal journal in which you can vent when needed will help keep emotions in check. Creative expression is important too, such as allowing yourself to feel and experience the wide range of emotions in a rented movie, or by working on a hobby that’s close to your heart. Photography and other visual arts are good for this. Remember, expressing ourselves creatively is as important as doing so mentally.

Spend some time alone – In order to appreciate ourselves more, we should get to know ourselves better. Some of you may think this will have the reverse effect, but think positively! You would be surprised what becoming introspective will reveal. Discover yourself and learn to love it. Go for a scenic drive. Take a long bath. Surround yourself with music or just quietly meditate. Not only will you appreciate your own company more, but the relaxation will do wonders for your state of mind. Your relationships are sure to improve if others sense your renewed energy and love of life.

Pamper yourself - Finally, take the time to treat yourself to something rewarding. Get a massage, a manicure, or tickets to your favorite sporting event. Show yourself you care about your own happiness by creating more of it in your life. By allowing yourself to enjoy the spotlight now and again, you’ll realize the goodness others feel when you are able to help them.

Article Source: http://www.ContentArticles.com

Wendy Betterini is a freelance writer and web designer in New England. Visit her blog at http://www.workathomebalance.com/ for more work/life balance tips for entrepreneurs, home business owners, telecommuters and freelancers.

6 Essential Facts You Should Know About Bipolar Disorder by SUSAN NICKERSON DC PT

Mental health authorities estimate that more than 2 million adults have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (also called manic-depression), a chemical imbalance in the brain causing extreme mood swings from manic highs to agonizing lows.

Although a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be frightening and confusing, it is a treatable and manageable condition.

If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with bipolar illness, the first step in relieving fear and uncertainty is education. The more you know about the disorder, the less control it will exert over you and others who may be affected.

The National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov), The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (www.nami.org), and The National Mental Health Association (www.nmha.org) are just a few of the recognized national organizations providing information, facts and support to anyone who may be directly or indirectly affected by bipolar disorder.

Below are some essential facts about bipolar disorder provided by these organizations that may alleviate some of your concerns and questions surrounding a recent diagnosis.

Bipolar disorder affects many people: According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.3 million adults, or 1.2 percent of the population, in any given year.

Bipolar disorder has many potential causes: There does not appear to be one cause for bipolar disorder. Evidence suggests that many components may come into play, all of which affect the chemical balance of certain parts of the brain. Several studies on the occurrence of bipolar disorder in families demonstrate a genetic disposition toward the illness. Other factors may include extremely traumatic life events, chronic illness, alcoholism, and drug abuse.

Bipolar disorder has varied symptoms: The most pronounced symptoms of bipolar disorder are dramatic mood swings consisting of extremely “high” manic episodes to debilitating episodes of depression and then back again with relatively normal moods in between. Behaviors during a manic episode include heightened feelings of euphoria, extreme energy, decreased need for sleep, extreme irritability and distractibility, and increased aggression. Depressive episodes bring about excessive feelings of despair, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, and sometimes thoughts of suicide.

Bipolar disorder affects both sexes in children to adults: Manic depression is not selective in who it touches. Women and men are equally affected, as are children and adolescents (although a diagnosis in children and teens is more difficult to determine). A majority of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder have a least one family member with the illness. And children of parents with the illness are more likely to develop it themselves.

Bipolar disorder has effective treatment modalities: Bipolar disorder is treated with medications, called mood stabilizers, to assist in controlling fluctuation in moods. The important thing to understand about bipolar disorder is that it is a life-long, recurring illness requiring ongoing care.

In addition to medication, psychotherapy is also prescribed in the management of the illness. Psychotherapy assists people to understand their illness and to develop coping skills to help deal with life events and stressors that may trigger manic and depressive episodes.

Bipolar disorder has no cure: As of today, there is no known cure for bipolar disorder; however, it is a treatable and manageable illness. With a close relationship with a mental health professional, a proper diagnosis, and vigilant adherence to taking medications and sticking to prescribed treatment plans, most individuals with bipolar illness lead very productive and rewarding lives.

These are just a few of the facts pertaining to bipolar disorder. It is not a simple illness, yet it is manageable and treatable. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, do not hesitate to seek information and help. Any one of the above-mentioned organizations can offer you education, guidance, and support. Obtaining knowledge is one of your first steps in alleviating the uncertainty and anxiety of dealing with such a diagnosis.

Dr. Susan Nickerson, DC PT is a trained disability advocate and health professional. In response to requests by those with bipolar illness who have become unable to continue working, Dr. Nickerson has developed the "Bipolar's Guide to Winning Social Security Disability". To learn more about this valuable resource, head to http://www.winbipolardisabilitybenefits.com.

Article source: http://www.amazines.com

How To Overcome Your Bipolar Disorder And Depression As A Parent - By: Stan Popovich

It can be tough for a parent who has depression to manage the household. Not only do you have to take care of the kids, you also have to deal with your issues. Sometimes your depression, bipolar disorder or your fears can interfere with your job as a parent. What can a parent do to get better?

The first step is that you should talk to a professional who can get you started in the right path of getting better. Getting help from a counselor is very important and can provide you much help and insights in dealing with your current problem.

In addition, here are some techniques a parent can use to help manage their fears and depression.

Learn to manage your depression and taking care of the kids at the same time. Parenting is a 24 hour job and so is taking care of your mental health. If you become overwhelmed ask your spouse or other family members for help. Learn to share the responsibilities in the household.
Communication with the other members of your family is very important.

Learn to manage your negative thinking. Instead of focusing on your anxious thoughts try to think of something positive. Read a short book or read some affirmations that will make you feel better. Remember not to dwell on your depressing and fearful thoughts.

Be able to organize your daily activities so you do not become overwhelmed. Set some time to reduce your anxiety and stress when your not taking care of the kids. If the kids are at school, take a walk or do something enjoyable that will make you happy and relaxed.

It is not easy to deal with your depression and fears. Once you get some help from a professional, things should become easier. Remember that there is hope for you and there are ways to deal with your fears as a parent. Just be patient and not give up.

Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear an easy to read book that presents a overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com

Article Source: Article Hub

Fix your Depression by UDO VIETH

Unlike a bodily illness, which can simply be diagnosed and then pinpointed, depression literally eats away at us inside.

Being a mental matter, it is one of the most dominant, and so the most tricky state to overcome.
What about therapy?

This is the common treatment technique. Years and years later, many patients, acquire some release. The total abolishment of depression, is nonetheless rarely totally eradicated by therapy only. The therapists are doing everything they know how and have been taught, but often it is not enough.

Drugs to the rescue?

Now I am a strong anti-drug crusader- but, in this particular example, I must to give in that on the road to recovery, drugs could have some small part to play. Let me directly declare that I am completely opposed to the taking of drugs to mask a symptom, instead of eliminating the source.

Nevertheless, reflect on the following analogy:

We are frequently taken down the way to curing by the motivation and conviction that healing is to a large extent an internal mental conditioning procedure. In a way this is alike to someone wanting to be taught to sprint, after he has only been walking up to now in his life. For a ordinary realistically well person this is quite achievable. By means of gradual coaching, and developing a step by step technique of evolution most everybody may run. So you could say to the potential runner, get up and run. If the incentive is there, the skills will be acquired and the individual will be trained to run.

But what if that person had a fractured leg. I imagine you will concur that no matter how motivated the potential runner is, the leg would first have to cure, before any improvement can be made.

Equate this to someone suffering from depression.

He is told, to mentally focus on the thought processes that will raise him out of the depression. But - if he is too deeply into the depressive condition, actual chemical imbalances have occurred in his brain. Just like the sprinter with the broken leg, he just cannot get his thoughts into the right channels. In this situation, a medicine could be necessary. Once the chemical imbalance is controlled, the right thought processes can progress, and the healing can start. Now I wish to repeat again, that staying on those substance crutches (drugs), is not going to help anyone except for the drug companies' accountants. You still need to take accountability for your circumstances and allow internal healing to proceed.

Fix your depression.

You need to recognize that at some level, whether knowingly or sub-consciously, you got yourself into this position of depression. So it is also in your control to get yourself out of this state. Realising this, and accepting this responsibility is the greatest stride on the way to conquering your problem. Observe the word responsibility - it has concealed within it response -and ability. So the minute you recognize that you are responsible, is the same minute that you realise that you have the power to respond to the circumstances, you are capable to respond. This is a critical step, that is so frequently overlooked in so many things in life. It is so simple, yet time and again so hard to implement.

Understand and believe your way to happiness.

OK that's quite a mouthful. Dr. Wayne Dyer, a well recognized writer and philosopher most likely said it best in the title of his book "You'll see it when you believe it" So what has this all got to do with depression and disease? That declaration from the good Dr. Dyer truly unlocks the key to some of life's greatest secrets, including healing.

You see, devoid of the conviction that you can and will cure, your mind, does such a wonderful job of keeping you where you are, that it is scary. Without going into too much detail at this time, you have to to appreciate something about your functioning as a human being. Yes, you are computer controlled - by the most powerful computer acknowledged to man - your mind. The trouble is frequently, wrong programming of this computer. But this is a topic for a further discussion.

For now, realise that unless you are able to adapt the programming of your mind (computer) away from what caused your current depression, you will just rebuild the identical condition over and over again. The most powerful way to steer clear of this happening, is to believe in the fresh programming, and recognize the reality of change in the future. This will guide your mind gradually into the correct thought processes away from depression, to shape the change you are looking for. Without this acceptance, you may never find out the exact programming necessary to manifest the change you desire. If you close yourself off mentally, no new and more suited information (eg programming) can get in. Become open minded, focus on your desired outcome, and let the information come to you. Struggle and fighting with the incorrect weapons, is futile and will merely irritate you.

There is a huge quantity of information, and explanations that cover this subject matter, and those will be topics of future articles.

For now, become response - able, and believe!

Let the contentment you warrant stream into your life. You have the understanding of at least one main factor in the determination of your general happiness, if you read this far. You deserve to be happy! Udo Vieth is a qualified quantum therapist, advanced EFT and REIKI practitioner. See EasyHealthReview.com for more.

Article source: http://www.amazines.com

Defining Suicide and Suicide Attempts - By William L. Smith Ph. D.

Suicide can be defined in the following manner: An act is suicide if a person intentionally brings about his or her own death in circumstances where others do not coerce him or her to action, except in those cases where death is caused by conditions not specifically arranged by the person for the purpose of bringing about his or her death, (Tom Beauchamp, 1978).

In general it was believed that two populations (those who commit suicide and those who attempt suicide) are essentially separate, made up of different individuals. In a sense the words attampt suicide are a contradiction in terms. Strictly speaking, a suicide attempt should refer only to those who sought to commit suicide and fortuitously survived. A good example is a story in the New York Times, August 11, 2006. In September 2000, Kevin Hines climbed over the railing of the Golden Gate Bridge, in San Francisco, and jumped. Mr. Hines fell some 250 feet and survived, becoming one of an estimated 1,200 individuals who survived the leap since the Bridge opened in 1937. According to this theory, Mr. Hines is a legitimate attempt suicide surviver.

The overlap of the percentage of individuals who commit suicide with those who previously attempted suicide is estimated to be 45 percent, whereas the overlap of those who attempt suicide and those who subsequently are successful is about 10 percent. To attempt suicide with less than total lethality might be called quasi-suicide except that this term has the unfortunate connotation that such individuals are malingerers or are simply seeking attention, and thus do not merit our full professional and sympathetic response. I believe that any event which uses a suicidal modality is a genuine psychological crisis, even though it might not, under strict semantic rules, be called suicidal event.

Attempted suicide should be used only for those events in which there has been a failure od a conscious effort to end the life. Those events are attempted suicide. All other self-mutilations, excessive dosage of drugs, and other events of this nature should be called quasi-suicidal attempts or probably, most accurately, non-suicidal attempts. An individual who holds a fully loaded gun to his temple and pulls the trigger but the gun does not fire, can legitimately be said to have attempted suicide or have committed suicide and fortuitously survived; or leap from the Golden Gate Bridge and survive.

We should also evaluate each suicidal event on a continum, say from 1-9, of lethality. The term suicide, committed suicide, or attempted suicide should be reserved only for those events in which the lethality is reasonably judged to be high-eight or nine. This may depend on the method used; shooting, jumping, hanging, immolating, and where cutting or barbiturates are the method used, evaluation is based on the risk to rescue ratio. A suicide attempt is an event where the risk of death is extremely high and the probability of rescue or intervention is extremely low. Shooting oneself with a gun, jumping from a high place present few theoretical problems for this paradigm; the difficulties occur mostly in relation to barbiturates. It is not what you do...it is the way that you do it. Thomas E. Hill (1983), recognizing that real life situations are more complex than any of our philosophic categories called our attention to four specially defined types of suicides as follows:

Impulsive suicide is prompted by a temporarily intense, yet passing desire or emotion out of keeping with the more permanent character, preferences and emotional state of the individual. We need not suppose that he is driven, blinded, or momentarily insane, but this act is not the sort that coheres with what he most wants and values over time. In calmer, more deliberate moments, he would wish that he would not respond as he did.

Apathetic suicide, sometime a suicide might result not so much from intense desire or emotion as from apathy. The problem is not overwhelming passion, but the absence of passion, lack of interest in what might be done or experienced in a continued life. One can imagine, for example, an extremely depressed person who simply does not care about the future...not intense shame, anger, fear, but rather emptiness.

Self-abasing suicide results from a sense of worthlessness or unworthiness, which expresses itself not in apathy, but rather in a desire to manifest self-contempt, to reject oneself, to put oneself down. One's life is seen as having a negative value...contemptable like a despised insect one wants to swat or turn away from in disgust.

Hedonistic calculated suicide is decided upon as a result of a certain sort of cost/benefit calculation seeing that others will be unaffected by his decision, the hedonistic calculator regards his choice as determined by his best estimate of the balance of pleasure and pain he expects to receive under such option.

Acccording to Durkheim suicide is the result of society's strength or weakness of control over the individual. Durkheim posited four basic types of suicide, each a result of man's relationship to his society. In one type, the altruistic suicide is literally required by society. In this instance, the customs or rules of the group demand suicide under certain circumstances. Hara-kiri (in feudal Japan) and suttee (in pre-colonial India) are examples of altruistic suicides. In such instances the person seemed almost boxed in by the culture. Under those circumstances, self-inflicted death was honorable; continuing to live would be igominious. Society dictated their action and, as individuals, they were not strong enough to defy custom.

Most suicides in the United States would be called egoistic by Durkheim. Contrary to the circumstances of an altruistic suicide, egoistic suicides occur when an individual's ties to his community are too few or too tenuous. In this case, demands to live do not reach him. Thus, proportionately, more individuals, especially men who are on their own, compared with men who are married or who are church members, kill themselves.

Durkheim's third type of suicide is called anomic suicide from the word anomie which Durkheim may have developed himself to describe that special kind of aloneness or estrangement that occurs when the accustomed relationship between an individual and his society is precipitously disrupted or shattered. The shocking immediate loss of a job, of a close friend, or of a fortune is thought sufficient to expedite anomic suicides; conversely, a poor man surprised by the disruption of a sudden wealth have also been shocked into anomic suicide.

A fourth type, fatalistic suicide, is suicide deriving from excessive regulation of the individual, where the individual has no personal freedom and no hope.

For additional information on suicide prevention visit:

http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.suicide

Dr. Smith is a psychologist and personal consultant with more than thirty years of experience working with clients helping them to understand and resolve profound personal and confidential issues. And I can help you. For a free assessment contact me at: http://www.insightconsultant.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_L._Smith_Ph._D.

Self-Help Tips For Dealing With Depression - By Michael Russell

Most of us have been there at some point. We're overcome by a feeling that doesn't seem to want to go away. Some event or circumstance may have brought this on, or it could possibly be a condition that we're predisposed to. Depression.

It can be quite debilitating to some people. So much so that they get to the point where drastic measures need to be taken to protect their well-being. Most often at this point harsh drugs would be prescribed to control the depressive state.

However, for those who may not quite be at that stage, but are looking for a way out of their depression, there may be steps they can take to help lift the cloud. Here we will explore some options for self-help.

First of all, think positively. It sounds easy, but this may be the most difficult step for a person suffering from depression to take. Whenever you find yourself drifting into thoughts of self-doubt, do your best to correct yourself and channel your thoughts to something more pleasant. It can be tough at first, but the more you work at it, eventually the easier it will be. The mind CAN be trained to think positively.

Do something nice for someone else. Often times the act of performing a selfless deed can be quite rewarding. Help a friend if they're in need, or if you're feeling really ambitious, join a volunteer organization and begin a regular routine of chipping in some of your valuable time. You'll be helping those in need and the sense of satisfaction you take from it can be more rewarding than you think.

Exercise. Exercise is a terrific stress reliever and has the power to help foster a more vibrant attitude. If you're feeling the effects of depression, get up and take a walk, or start a regular exercise routine. Set goals for yourself fitness wise and watch the results. Your sense of accomplishment at meeting and even surpassing your goals can be quite uplifting.

Sing. Find a song, or CD you enjoy with an uplifting beat to it. Turn your stereo up and let fly. Have fun with it and before you know it, the blues will melt away.

Chocolate. It may sound silly, but eating chocolate has been found to help lighten a person's mood. Chocolate helps release endorphins, which help foster improvements in well-being, as well as help relieve pain. So indulge in your favorite chocolate when you're feeling blue.

Associate with happy people. The more you associate with more cheerful friends and family, the less chance you have of feeling down. So spend time with people you enjoy as often as possible.

These are just a few tips to help you along. If you have tried these tips with no success and you find that your depressive state has not improved, or has gotten worse. You would be strongly advised to see your doctor as soon as possible. You may suffer from a chemical imbalance or a disorder that may require professional treatment. If left untreated your condition could lead to serious harm to yourself or someone you care about. So if you feel you're at risk, seek help immediately.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Depression

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Depression Q&A: Common Kinds Of The Depression - By: Ammon Yorke

* What is Depression?

Depression is a disorder, engaged in a persons body, mood and thoughts. It can influence and interrupts eating, sleeping or judging manner. It is different from unhappiness or a down feeling. It is also not an indication of personal flaws or a condition that can be motivated or wanted away.

Persons with this disorder cannot just gather themselves together and get well. Usually, treatment is important and significantly vital to healing.

* Are there different types of depression?

Yes, there are actually three primary types of depression. Most of these are established by how ominous the signs are. They are:

Major depression This is the most serious type of mood disorder based on the number of signs and austerity of symptoms. It has become a severe health disorder and significant health concern in this country.

Manic depression This type involves both high and low mood swings. It also indicates other major symptoms not found in other depression types.

Dysthymia depression identifies the low to moderate level of depression that continues for about two years and sometimes longer. Though the symptoms are not as serious as a major depression, they more lasting and defiant to healing. People with this type develop a major depression for a moment when depressed.

* What is major depression?

This is the most serious type of depression. More symptoms found in this depression that are usually severe and serious.

Sometimes, it can be an effect from a particular disturbing incident in your life or it may develop gradually because of various personal frustrations and life struggles. Some people seem to develop the signs of a major depression with no apparent life problems.

Major depression can happen once, because of a major emotional trauma, react to healing, and will not happen again as long as you live. This is normally what they called a single episode depression.

Some people are inclined to have habitual depression, with events of depression followed by periods of a number of years without depression, followed by another one, typically in reaction to another distress. This would be continuing depression.

Usually, the healing is similar, but that healing normally is over a longer period for continuing depression.

* What is Post-partum depression?

Postpartum depression can vary from temporary "blues" following childbirth to serious, unbearable and emotional depression.

Post partum depression signs are just the same to those experienced by other depressives, involving desperate belief, feelings of despair, low self-confidence, and constant fatigue and mood changes.

It can be healed successfully as long as the mother and her support group identify the warning symptoms and examine them with considerate clinical experts. While some psychological occurrences and depressive feelings might be completely normal, constant feeling of unimportance or desperate views are not.

The secret to healing is to be honest with what you feel during each post partum meeting with your physician.

* What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder felt by most people during Winter months. It is characterized by a seasonal depression, the down feeling, a longing to sleep for too long and habitual desire for starchier foods.

The signs of SAD normally start in the late Fall where there is already less daytime. It may not start subside until late winter or spring.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:

Symptoms such as unnecessary eating and sleeping, weight increase normally take place during the Fall or Winter months.
Complete reduction from despair happens in the Spring and Summer months.

Indications have taken place in the past two years, with no seasonal depression episodes.

Seasonal episodes considerably outnumber no seasonal depression episodes.

There is a longing for sweet and starchy foods.

* What is bipolar depression?

Bipolar depression, also identified as manic depression, is categorized as a type of affective disorder or mood disorder that happens during lifes normal difficulties. It can become a severe clinical condition. It is a significant health concern in the United States. This is distinguished by irregular episodes of acute excitement, elevated mood, or bad temper (also referred to as mania) opposed episodic, common depressive signs.

Dane Loveless is a regular contributor to depression-related guuides and sites such as 'Depression Tips.' See: http://www.Depression-Tips.com

Article Source: Article Hub

Natural Anti-Depressants - St Johns Wort, Kava Kava And Lemon Balm - By Jason Ladock

Depression is a much bigger and widespread problem than many would believe. It is estimated that more than 1 in 20 Americans will develop depression in the next 12 months but most sufferers attempt to hide the problem from friends, family and physicians. This makes it incredibly difficult to diagnose unless you are specifically looking for the symptoms. Most sufferers find it difficult to diagnose depression and often attribute it to "feeling a bit down". There is a big difference between feeling down and having depression. If you or someone close to you is suffering from depression it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

The Safe Use Of Natural Remedies

As well as psychological and medical treatment there are also a number of natural remedies that can help to eliminate or, at least, reduce stress and depression. Introducing these supplements, vitamins or nutrients into your diet it can be possible to avoid prolonged depression. Always check for interactions with any prescription drug you may be taking and, if necessary, consult your physician to ask their opinion of a particular natural remedy and whether you are safe to take it.

St Johns Wort

St Johns Wort is one of the most popular and effective of herbs to help combat depression. It has become increasingly popular over the last few years, as more and more people have been made aware of its effectiveness. St Johns Wort inhibits monoamine oxidase, a chemical within the human body that is known to encourage depression. However, St Johns Wort does much more than this. It can help to restore self-esteem, confidence and regular sleeping patterns making it not only useful for beating depression but restoring physical health as well. It also increases appetite and restores interest in life.

St Johns Wort is available in capsule, tea, tincture and oil form. There are some recorded precautions that need to be taken when considering taking St Johns Wort. Cases of photosensitivity in those with fair skin have been reported so care should be taken in the sun. You should also avoid combining St Johns Wort with cold and flu remedies as well as other prescription based anti depressants. Avoid using St Johns Wort if pregnant or breast-feeding.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava is another excellent product that can help to beat stress and anxiety. It is particularly effective in the battle against physical stress. Kava Kava promotes feelings of calm relaxation without the drowsiness that can be associated with prescription drugs and even other herbal remedies. Depending on the patient, feelings of euphoria and elation may also be experienced but this is experienced in the minority of cases.

Lemon Balm

Due to its calming aroma and effects, lemon balm is also popular as a herbal anti depressant. Lemon balm has been used for centuries as an antibacterial ointment and also as an infusion or a tea to help calm nerves and settle patients. Lemon balm can easily be grown in gardens throughout the world and by tearing the leaves, adding honey and hot water the perfect, natural relaxant can be made.

A Final Word On Natural Remedies

Nature produces many different herbs and more than a fare share of these can help with depression, stress and anxiety. While some care should always be taken regarding drug interactions and the misuse they are generally considered safe for regular consumption and use. If you are in any doubt then consult your physician; something you should definitely do if you are taking any form pf prescription drug.

Jason Ladock writes for Health Guides & Articles where you can find more health tips and related articles. You may republish this article only if you retain resource box and active hyperlinks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Ladock

Help For Depressed Older People - By Michael Russell

Older people experience a lot of changes in their lives that cause depression. Depression is one of the most common health problems among the elderly. Changes in older people's physical, personal and financial capacities may contribute to their anxieties and in return, they may end up feeling sad, alone, empty and rejected.

Depression in older individuals is caused by many factors including accumulated lifetime losses and medication. Lifetime losses usually include changes in the standard of living, housing and reduced income. These also include changes in relationships, the loss of a loved one or close family members and in instances where friends and family move away. Even the loss of a pet or important possession contributes to depression. Medication on the other hand is also a common cause of depression among older individuals. Older people oftentimes take a lot of medications such as sedatives, tranquilizers, high blood pressure medicines and anti-inflammatories, all of which can cause depression. Drug interactions can sometimes be dangerous and can produce depression, mental confusion and many other physical problems.

If your older loved ones are showing signs of depression, you can help them by trying these strategies:

A loving touch can perform miracles and for depressed individuals it can give them the assurance that they are cared for and loved. Show your affection, hug or offer back rubs. These maybe the simplest forms of showing how much you care but these will mean so much for depressed people. Communicate with your loved ones in a manner that shows respect and honors their dignity. The manner in which you express yourself and talk to older people can create a huge difference in how they will feel about themselves. Be considerate to the older person's needs especially if there is physical barrier to communication. Face the person when talking to him or her and use short sentences as much as possible, especially if the person has hearing difficulty.

Respect their preferences and routines. They may be old and dependent upon your help but they too have lifelong routines and patterns that they need to follow for a sense of continuity and that needs to be respected.

The worst thing we do for our elderly loved ones is strip them of their dignity and control. In our desire to help them and make life easier for them, we tend to take over their lives and be in full control. Always bear in mind that overprotecting your older loved ones will only drive them to depression. No one likes to have his or her control and dignity taken away. Encourage them therefore to decide for themselves and always respect their privacy.

Finally, let them continue to be involved with life's activities. Being old doesn't mean staying inactive and glued to their beds. Help them become involved in meaningful activities that will spark their interest and enthusiasm. Involve them in volunteer activities or get them into crafts or hobbies that will make them look forward to another day. It is by being involved with life's activities that older people will find worth in themselves.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Depression

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

How to Beat the "Black Dog" of Depression and Have Better Sleep - By: Wendy Owen

Almost 10% of the US population suffer from depression at any one time. Similar statistics would be expected from other developed countries.

Depression can affect our sleep in many ways. Some of us sleep longer and others find themselves waking up in the early hours of the morning, unable to go back to sleep.

Insomnia can be one of the many symptoms of depression, so its best to treat the depression itself and usually the sleep problems will resolve themselves.

Depression can affect not only the sufferer but also family and friends who are often at a loss as to how they can help. We should let them and not try to shoulder the burden ourselves.

We have to be careful whom we chose to confide in though as some people still have the mistaken belief that depression is a "malingerers" complaint. The last thing we need when depressed is someone telling us to, "Snap out of it" or "Pull yourself together"!

Depression is a clinical complaint and a genuine illness. Symptoms of depression can include fatigue, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, irritability and even physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive upsets.

Depression can be severe (major depression) which can completely disable the sufferer, or moderate (dysthymia) in which sufferers can function from day to day but never really feel content or happy.

Then there is bipolar disorder which is less common. Those afflicted with bipolar disorder can swing from a high (manic) state to a low (depressed) state seemingly without cause.

What causes depression? It could be several things. Depression may run in the family, or start after a chronic illness. It can also be caused by hormonal imbalance which is why so many women fall victim. A person's thinking pattern may be prone to depression, for example those with poor self esteem.

"Cures" for depression are many and some more effective than others. There is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) while sounding like something from the torture chambers of the inquisition, is an effective aid for severe depression.

Prescribed medications like lithium can be effective but can also have side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, constipation and more
Herbal remedies are a viable option and have many less side effects while being remarkably effective and cheaper. Recommended are St John's Wort and Passiflora.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet are also important. Make sure there are plenty of B vitamins in the food you eat or take a supplement. Include foods which help raise serotonin levels (Oats, milk turkey and pasta) This will have a beneficial effect on your sleep too.

Cognitive or behavioural therapy can greatly assist by changing behaviour and thought patterns that may have led to the illness.

To summarise - Share your problems with a trusted friend or paid counsellor, watch your diet, exercise regularly, take appropriate medication or enrol in behavioural therapy. Help yourself defeat the "black dog" of depression.

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Want to know how to cure insomnia and achieve healthy sleep? Visithttp://www.insomnia-connection.com your resource for good sleep advice and articles. Sign on for our newsletter and receive 2 books absolutely free!Wendy Owen is a health researcher and author.

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How To Tell If You Are Depressed - By: Jandice Porter

Detecting anxiety and depression is one of the most important things you can do. It is truly the first step to recovery. To tell if you or a loved one is suffering from depression you will have at least five of the most common symptoms. These symptoms will effect your self-image in the following ways - feeling hopeless, feeling guilty, feeling worthless, feeling helpless, and feeling empty. If you feel any of these ways on a daily or regular basis, you may be suffering from depression. Other common symptoms are loss of interest in the activities that you enjoy the most and a decrease in energy in general. If you find yourself sulking away from society, be sure to confide in a close relative or a friend how things are going.

Failing to do so might be the last mistake you will ever make. You may also feel so tired and weak every day that its effecting your work or daily activities. Because your body feels so weak, you will find that it is difficult to concentrate. You may become spacey and even blackout from your depression. Because not only does your body feel tired, but you mind is tired to, you will have the worst time remembering things.

Another factor of depression is insomnia or hypersomnia. Insomnia is where you find it hard to fall asleep or to stay asleep. You may awaken yourself numerous times during the night or rise early. Hypersomnia is when you sleep long hours of the day. Some have been known to sleep through days. You may also feel like your restless or irritable on a daily basis. The restlessness could bring on thoughts of death or suicide because you cant control yourself anymore. Depression also affects our diets. You may stop eating or overeat.

So if you think you have any of these symptoms, you just might have a mild case of depression. Remember, however, that for depression to be depression and not just sadness, the effects have to persist for two weeks or more in length. Whatever the source of your feelings, talking with a good friend always helps.


About the Author:

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Is This You? Get Help Now!

Depression Treatment - By Steve Valentino

In the old days some psychiatrists used to think depression could be cured by removing a patient's colon or teeth. In an attempt to cure the ancient malady of melancholia, doctors resorted to scads of strategies, some of them plainly stupid or cruel. But others, like Prozac, were actually effective.

Greek and Roman physicians treated their patients by recommending rest, refreshment, and the forging of new emotional connections. They recognized the soothing effects of the waters in the spas in Northern Italy, where they sent agitated or euphoric patients. Two thousand years later, these waters have been found to be rich in lithium salts.

Treatment in the Western world had been more inhumane, reflecting the fears that manic-depressives were possessed by the devil, so they were forcibly restrained and chained. Treatments included euthanasia, exotic potions, bloodletting, and electric eels applied to the skull. It was not until the 18th and 19th centuries, with the growth of science, that a more humane approach to the treatment of mental disorders was once again adopted in the west.

Treatment for manic-depressive illness depends upon the symptoms, the severity and duration of the illness, the possible precipitating stressors and previous responses to treatment. It can combine medication, electroconvulsive therapy and psychotherapy. Medications for the treatment of manic-depressive illness fall into three groups: anti-depressants, tranquilizers and lithium.

Electroconvulsive therapy works by using an electrical shock to cause a seizure in a short period of irregular brain activity. This seizure releases many chemicals in the brain. These chemicals, called neurotransmitters, deliver messages from one brain cell to another. The release of these chemicals makes the brain cells work better. A person's mood will improve when his or her brain cells and chemical messengers work better.

Psychotherapy consists of a dialogue between patient and therapist in a supportive environment where there is respectful attention on the part of the therapist to the patient and his or her issues.

Apart from this there are many other methods of treating depression, like antidepressant medication, anticonvulsant medication, interpersonal psychotherapy, antianxiety medication, cognitive therapy, antipsychotic medication, stimulant medication, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, family therapy, group therapy and self-help groups.

Depression provides detailed information on Depression, Depression Treatment, Manic Depression, Postpartum Depression and more. Depression is affiliated with Signs Of Clinical Depression.

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Seeing The Light - By Mark Golding

During the early 1980s, a man called Herb Kern, began to believe that his seasonal cycle of fatigue and depression may be caused by the shorter and duller daylight hours of winter. Herb approached the National Institute for Mental Health (USA) with his observations. There, doctors proposed a treatment whereby Herb was exposed to bright light, equivalent to summer sunlight. By the fourth day of light exposure his symptoms had virtually disappeared (Lewy et al 1982). This was the start of our acknowledging the condition that has come to be known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the Winter Blues.

In all mammals, the desire to sleep is brought on by the secretion of a hormone called melatonin. In the evening the pineal gland reacts to the diminishing levels of daylight and begins producing melatonin. Melatonin is then released into the blood and flows through the body making us drowsy. Its secretion peaks in the middle of the night during our heaviest hours of sleep. In the morning, bright light shining into the eye reaches the pineal gland, which reacts by switching off the production of melatonin, thus removing the desire to sleep.

Seasonal affective disorder can be characterised by four main symptoms:

* extreme fatigue
* lack of energy
* a greater need for sleep
* changes in appetite, especially cravings for carbohydrates and sweets, which can often lead to weight gain and depression

Further symptoms may include; anxiety, loss of libido, menstrual difficulties and an increased sensitivity to pain - headaches, muscle and joint pain.

Light therapy is now regarded as a first-line treatment for SAD

Since the 1980's, most of the interest in SAD has been stimulated by its treatment response to bright artificial light. Clinical consensus guidelines are now recommending light therapy as 'a first-line treatment for SAD' (Lam & Levitt, 1999). Indeed, the treatment of SAD is almost exclusively associated with light therapy.

Surprisingly, research has consistently found that the general prevalence of severe SAD accounts for 5-10% of any population, who live 30 degrees north or south of the equator. Further, it has been found that approximately 25% of these populations suffer with sub-syndromal SAD or S-SAD, which is a milder, yet still problematic form of SAD. Therefore, it can be concluded that 30-35% of the UK population are suffering (to varying degrees) with seasonal effects during the dark winter months.

Taking all this information into account, it would be easy to think that the awareness of SAD would be quite high, yet this is not the case. One reason for this is that the Committee of Advertising Practices (CAP), who enforce advertising codes within the UK, have deemed SAD to be 'all in the mind'. However, this judgement is only based on 'their views' of SAD and not on relevant research or knowledge. Indeed, the CAP have put a stop to any mention of SAD, as it is 'in the best interest of the public'. Put in plain English, the CAP believe that the public are not ready for such information, that the lay person may be influenced into believing that they are suffering with SAD. Indeed, the public cannot be trusted with such information and therefore, ignorance is bliss!

It should be stated that it is not the intention of this article to pass judgement on the CAP, as they are only trying to do their job. The CAP have to monitor all media for advertisement infringements, inform advertisers of the relevant codes of practices and maintain high ethical standards within all advertising drenched media's, and all this is achieved by only ten, over stretched, CAP employees…

However, extensive research, which has been conducted over the last twenty years, has concluded that SAD is a biological fact and irrefutably linked to our highly complicated hormonal systems. It is not a psychosocial phenomena which is all in the mind of the neurotic or hypochondriac.

The problem that is inherent with labelling a disorder as 'all in the mind' is that the sufferer will not be able to receive the correct information, diagnosis or treatment for their symptoms. Indeed, it is an unfortunately reality that academic studies and the results are 'traditionally' slow to filter down to the medical community. This is especially true of disorders which can only be diagnosed on perceived symptoms such as SAD or indeed ME (CFS).

The effect of this can be extremely detrimental to the health of SAD sufferers. For example, in a recent study, it was found that General practitioners consultation time is mainly taken up by SAD sufferers during the Autumn and Winter (Kendrick, 2002). However, it has been found that only one out of 25 cases of SAD are actually diagnosed and 50% of SAD sufferers are being miss-diagnosed with clinical depression and needlessly prescribed antidepressants (Michalak et al, 2001). Clearly, as light therapy is the only effective treatment for SAD symptoms, then these individuals are not receiving the best advice from their health services let alone the correct diagnosis and treatment for their condition.

SAD is a reality and a consequence of living outside our natural habitat. Indeed, working within socially constructed environments such as offices without natural light are compounding SAD symptoms and we cannot biologically evolve fast enough to adapt to our 'light deficient' society. With up to 35% of the UK population suffering seasonal symptoms it is clear that we need to raise peoples awareness of this endemic disorder and thus replace miss-diagnosis and stigma with recognition, acceptance and effective treatment.

Mark Golding is the Managing Director of Goldstaff Ltd and a SAD sufferer. He started to manufacture light boxes after using one and discovering the benefits of light therapy. Goldstaff now manufactures the BriteBox, which is an optimum, 10,000Lux (daylight) SAD light therapy unit used for the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression, severe PMS, winter weight gain and other hormonal dispositions. For more information about BriteBox and Seasonal Affective Disorder, +44 (0)800 1388567 or visit http://www.BriteBox.co.uk.

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Depression And Relationships - By: June23

Depression can be a very lonely illness and your relationships are a key part of how you cope with your depression. You need friends for support. Not just good weather friends but friends who can support you when youre down. If one of these friends is also depressed it is not necessarily a bad thing. You can understand each other and perhaps be there on each others bad days (but not if youre having a bad time at the same time). However, you need to be conscious when choosing sexual partners that your depression will have altered you as a person.
It is likely that the person you get together with when depressed will not be the person you want to be with when you are better. When you are depressed you are a different person you may not even know who you really are but your partner will be with the person you are at that time. Also, depression alters your view of the world and therefore your view of other people, so your view of your partner will not be the same when you are better.

Now, Im not saying that you shouldnt start a relationship when depressed. On the contrary, it could be the best thing for you. It may provide the stability you need to start working through your problems and you may be able to talk to your partner about things you cant discuss with anyone else. Your partner may be the only person you can relax around and start to feel yourself again. Issues may arise that hadnt before and wouldnt have come up if you werent in a relationship. On the other hand, you may find that you keep up the pretence of being the person you think you ought to be. There is also the possibility that the relationship could fail before you are ready - perhaps due to your depression. This will make you worse. Either way, the stability may give you the space to start seeing things differently and the confidence to start seeking therapy.

However, what I strongly advise is do not start a relationship with someone who is also depressed. I am not a doctor but I do have 25 years experience of depression and there are two likely outcomes of this sort of relationship. Firstly, one of you will get better, you will split and the other will get worse. The reason is this: if you are simply friends with another depressed person you can help each other and if one of you gets better you can still be there to help the other one with your understanding and advice. However, if you are in a relationship with another depressed person and one of you gets better and you split up then the other person will have suffered the end of their relationship plus the loss of their friendship and support. By all means be friends with other depressed people, we all need friends when were depressed, but wait until you have both recovered before you think about starting a sexual partnership.

Depression is a difficult illness to really get rid of. Once you have had it there is always the possibility of a recurrence. If you have recovered from your depression but are still in a relationship with someone who is depressed it is very difficult to stay recovered. Also, you may find that you want to get out of the relationship but feel trapped because you know that the other person will get worse. The stress of this may send you back into depression. This is the second outome - you will both remain depressed.

There are two remaining possible outcomes - the first is that you will both get better and stay together. I believe this is highly unlikely but not impossible. You will both be different people when you are better, with different views and personalities from when you first got together. You may still like each other but want different things. It would be great if you both manage to help each other through depression and out the other side but the normal stresses and strains of a relationship make this unlikely.

The other outcome is that one of you will get better and you will stay together. I think this is the least likely to happen. If you recover from depression and live with someone who is depressed you are not likely to be really happy. You may still remember the feelings and understand but there may be an element of "I got through it so you should be able to as well." We all know that's unreasonable as part of depression is the feeling that you just can't try any more but don't people always say that ex-smokers and the worst critics of smokers?

Bear in mind that a long-term partnership is not necessarily a bad thing when you are depressed but please think about the consequences of getting together with another depressed person. Try to help each other and be there for each other but keep enough distance between you so that you help each other and not bring each other down. In other words, stay friends and dont live with each other, at least, not until you know who you really are.

June23 maintains the http://depressiononlinesite.com - a collection of articles for people living either with depression or with someone with depression.

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Teen Depression - By: cathrine

Generally, the term depression refers to a normal human emotion, but medically, it can refer to a mental health illness. In teenagers, depression is melancholy, sadness or a mood of despair, lingering for a long time that limits a teenagers ability to function normally. Those children who are under stress, who have gone through with some kind of trauma or have experienced loss, or who have attention, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression. In many cases, the depressed children have family history of depression. Causes of teen and childhood depression are the same as they are for adults, but it may also include additional factors such as social rejection, family turmoil, failures in exams, etc. Clinical Characteristics:

The diagnostic criteria and major features of teenage depression are almost similar to that of adults. However, the way symptoms are manifested in a teenagers behavior varies with the developmental stage of the youngster. Moreover, teenagers may have difficulty in properly identifying and describing their internal emotional or mood conditions. Research has indicated that parents are even less likely to identify major depression in their children than are the children themselves. Symptoms: Mental health personnel advise parents to be aware of the signs of depression in their children. Some of the symptoms of depression that parents needs to be aware of include:

Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying

Hopelessness

Decreased interest in activities once enjoyed

Persistent boredom, low energy level

Social isolation, lack of communication

Low self esteem and guilt

Fear of rejection or failure

Irritability, anger, or hostility

Frequent complaints of physical illnesses, such as headaches and stomachaches

Poor concentration

Major change in eating and sleeping patterns

Suicidal or self-destructive behavior

Alcohol and drug abuse

Treatment: Depression is a mental illness that requires professional help, self-help, and support from family and friends. Treatment for teenage depression often involves short-term psychotherapy, medication, or the combination. A combination of approaches is usually most effective:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy usually centers on the factor that causes the depression and helps change negative thought patterns of the patient.

Interpersonal therapy focuses on working through disturbed personal relationships that may contribute to depression.

Group therapy is beneficial for teens, because it removes the feelings of isolation that many teenagers experience.

Family therapy can address patterns of communication and ways the family can restructure itself to support each member.

Physical activities and regular exercise is helpful in lifting depression, as it causes the brain's chemistry to create more endorphins and serotonin, which change mood.

Creative works such as drama, art or music is an appropriate outlet for the emotions of teenagers.

Volunteer work can increase one's sense of purpose and meaning.

Hospital care is important in situations where a teen needs constant observation to prevent self-destructive behavior.

Medication as a first-line course of treatment should be considered for children and adolescents with severe symptoms, and only under careful supervision. Although there are real and frightening concerns about antidepressant medication like Lexapro and Prozac, most mental health professionals continue to recommend their use. Despite the staggering amount of antidepressants and psychotropic prescribed to adolescents and teenagers, very little research has been done into their effectiveness. From what research has been done, there is no definitive proof that depression medication is an effective treatment for teen depression. The problem that arises in treating depressed teenager is that many teenagers do not seek treatment because the feelings of apathy and hopelessness that they are experiencing lead them to believe that treatment would be pointless. But depression is better understood now and help is available easily.

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How To Be Worry Free And Overcome Depression - By Foras Aje

Reduced to a simple form, just what is worry? It’s only an unhealthy and destructive habit of negative thinking. Note the word ‘habit’.

That means you were not born with it but rather acquired this attitude from repetition and practice.

Now, some physicians have declared that most people are ill or sick because of ‘dammed-up anxiety and worry’. Moreover, a chronic worrier is very unlikely to live long. These considered, it goes without saying that breaking the worry habit is something that must be undertaken and as soon as possible.

The following steps should be used to deal with anxiety depression and its main symptom, worry. When used wisely and effectively, you will inevitably be successful at these natural depression help techniques.

1. Fill up the mind with powerful thoughts of faith and success to fill up the vacuum now left in the mind. You become a worrier by practicing it; you can be worry-free by practicing the opposite. Fill up the mind with powerful thoughts of faith and success to fill up the vacuum now left in the mind.

2. Practice Mind-drainage: Empty your mind of pessimistic and negative thoughts, especially before going to and after waking up from sleep. This mind-draining strategy cannot be overemphasized as I will let you know, if you fear something for a long period of time, it may actually come to pass. “For the thing which I feared has come upon me…” (Job 3:25)

3. Never participate in a worry conversation. Induce your conversation with faith and worry-free statements.

4. Say positive things about those things you previously spoke negatively of.

5. Make friends with optimistic people, practice prayer and meditation.

All in all, do not be discouraged for you can break your worry habits and have relief from its hold on you, consequently making you more prone to overcoming depression.

Believe in yourself for you’re empowered to win!

In Friendship,

Foras Aje

Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. He invites you to visit his blog for more tips on Depression Treatment and Self-Help Today.

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Botox Cures Depression In Patients? - By Ricardo Silva

Every once in a while, the medical profession comes up with something truly surprising. In this case, it is the new finding that Botox may cure depression.

Botox Cures Depression in Patients?

In the world of elective medical treatment, Botox has proven to be one of the more popular treatment courses. Given as an injection, this otherwise nasty stuff has proven to reduce or eliminate wrinkles in the facial area. Given the fact Botox injections are a fraction of the cost of a facelift, the procedure has met with massive popularity. Now, it may really explode on to the scene.

Over the years, medical professionals have noticed that patients getting Botox injections report being happier. Perhaps due to ego, most doctors simply thought they had done a good job and the patient’s happiness was a psychological result of feeling better about their appearance. A recent study, however, suggests there is more to the sensation of happiness than just the perception of one’s appearance.

Recently, a pilot study was undertaken to analyze the relationship of Botox injections and depression. The study involved 10 patients that were diagnosed with depression. They were then given a course of Botox injections per usual custom and standards of the medical treatment. 90 percent of the patients reported that their depression lifted after the treatments, a rather stunning result.

Medical professionals are drawing a number of general conclusions from the study. First, it appears facial expressions may have a direct correlation to mood. In the study, the injections were used to eliminate frown lines. Second, a discussion of the subject resulted in the surprising realization for doctors that many patients undergoing Botox injections have admitted they are doing so to feel better, not improve their appearance.

So, should you rush out and get Botox injections if you are depressed? Well, such injections carry little risk, so it probably will not hurt to do so. What you must realize, however, is a study of 10 people is not of sufficient size to draw any solid conclusions. Botox injections may help depression, then again they may not. The only way to really know is to conduct a study of a much larger number of people.

Could Botox be the cure to systematic depression in patients? The first impressions are good, but much more clinical analysis is needed.

Ricardo de Silva is with Plastic Surgeon Practices - a directory of plastic surgeons. Visit us to read more plastic surgery articles.

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I apologize to you all

Hello readers!

I want to apologize for not posting lately. I had a problem with my computer and had trouble logging in so I can post articles. I was driving me up the wall because I got no response when I asked for help from tecn support. They kept saying they emailed me the password, but I never received it, not even in my spam folder. So, I just kept trying till I guess what it was. hahaha. So, here I am ready to post. I thank you all for your patience during this 'down time.'

To your health,
Anna

Bring An End To Depression - By: Rene Graeber

Everybody gets the blues once in a while. Its normal to feel sad on a rainy day, get sentimental over a lost love, or feel so terribly lonely during really low moments of your life.

But once depression gets out of hand, it can wreak havoc on your mental state and drive you to such emotional lows - to the point that you might seriously choose ending your life. So if you think youre experiencing extreme emotional lows, then youd better do something about it.

What are the signs of depression?

1. Feeling sad without any apparent reason.
2. Getting mad at anything, everything, anyone, and everyone around you.
3. Thinking that your life is getting nowhere.
4. Feeling that whatever you do is not enough.
5. Feeling that youre not good enough for anything.
6. Always feeling tired.
7. Feeling that there is no more hope for whatever troubles you.
8. Feeling that you dont deserve to live in this world anymore.

These are some of the most common symptoms of depression. Recognizing these telltale signs can help lead you to take action before it becomes more serious. Knowing the root cause of these symptoms further boosts the chance of recovery.

Whatever the reason behind depression, it is always related to your state of mind, environment, and/or present circumstance. You may feel low if you are facing issues on work, marriage, or your financial status. The process of resolving these issues, however important, will inevitably result in stress and/or body aches. Emotional pain coupled with physical ills can really affect the way you view your life.Another cause of depression is bad experiences: the death of someone important, loss of something significant, or similar unpleasant experiences that would haunt you for a long time. This could mean a humiliating event at your workplace or school, traumatic environment at home, etc.

The best way to treat depression is to think positively. Thinking negatively about an already gloomy situation would only aggravate your mental state. Its not the end of the world, and theres a solution to every problem, yours included. Moping and sulking about it wont do any good.

Unfortunately, not all people see it that way. This is when depression starts to settle in. You think youre the unluckiest person alive. No one is there when you need help the most. Its better to die than suffer all the injustice being delivered to you.

Going to a psychiatrist to ask for help is one step toward finding the cure for depression. Various drugs can help you cope. However, these medications treat not the actual cause of depression, but only the symptoms. Complete recovery rests solely on your ability to have a positive outlook in life. Admittedly, this is easier said than done, so going to a psychiatrist doesnt immediately mean that youre going to ask medication for your depression. You could also ask your psychiatrist for help in developing a positive outlook and in controlling your depressive mood swings.

Depression is a serious matter. It causes emotional and mental breakdown, and it can result to suicide if left untreated. This is why depression should be diagnosed immediately. It is not a disorder that is easy to cure; but always remember: youre not alone in the world. Even if you live your life as a recluse, theres at least one person out there who cares for you and would be devastated if you allow yourself to lose the battle. Youre a strong person. Youre not alone. Keep your loved ones close to you and you will feel invincible.

Are you sick and tired of being "empty" inside and out? Worry no more! At http://www.depression-self-esteem-stress-management.com youll find free and reliable information that gives you the straight facts and solutions to beat depression.

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Facing Depression Head On - By Barry McDonald

Always feeling under the weather? Always not in the mood to be around others and have a good time? If you’re suffering from prolonged sadness for quite some time now, you should face these bouts of depression and get yourself diagnosed by a psychiatrist, they’re doctors who can actually help you out with your problem.

Depression or prolonged sadness is actually quite common in the United States, around 9.5 percent of the American population actually suffer from this illness, however, not all of them get to be treated, thus, depression and its ill-effects continue to be a burden to some individuals.

This illness may seem quite simple to treat but in reality, it takes more than a little cheering up to actually cure depression. Constant visits to a cognitive behavior therapist is a must as well as taking all the prescribed medicines that the doctor will ask the patient to take – none of these exactly come cheap, but the amount of suffering that a person is going through because of depression is enough reason already for others to start taking notice and face depression head on.

Depression oftentimes can easily get in the way of an individual’s daily activities and his or her’s normal functions, one’s zest for life can quickly and easily dissipate due to depression. And in place of an individual’s sunny disposition is more or less a person who hates his or herself, having no self-confidence, trying to isolate one’s self from the world and basically just not caring about living any more. More so, a person suffering from depression isn’t the only one who’s going to suffer from this destructive illness, his or her loved ones are sure to follow suit. By seeing the individual grow through such rough patches, basically not caring about anything or anyone anymore, it’s highly likely that not only will depression one’s relationship with one’s self but with his or her loved ones too.

Fortunately depression can now be cured, especially when diagnosed early, depressed individuals can actually be treated through therapy and medication, although it may be a bit costly, a person’s good mental health is something that shouldn’t be scrimped on. Cognitive behavioral talk or interpersonal talk are just some of the available psychosocial treatments that cognitive behavior therapists can offer to their patients, both actually prove to be able to produce fruitful and positive results.

Still, people tend to not recognize depression even it’s right before their eyes, being honest with one’s self is key to being able to cure such an illness. Never overlook the various symptoms, depressed individuals oftentimes exhibit uncharacteristic behaviors such as suddenly lacking interest in one’s hobbies (or other stuff that he or she usually enjoys), sleeps too much or actually aren’t able to get some shut-eye, suddenly becoming anti-social, talks a lot about death or being a worthless person. There are actually a lot more other symptoms but in case these already fit in your category or of someone that you know of, go to a reputable psychiatrist at once in order to see if the depression is still at an early stage or not. From here you’ll be able to assess how the treatments will actually go.

Depression shouldn’t be something that people fear of, instead, people should just start taking charge of their lives and actually face this illness and fight it. Life is too beautiful a gift to waste and if one will spend the majority of his or her life just moping around about every single little thing then what kind of life would that be? Depression may not kill one’s body but it’ll certainly kills one’s spirit if you’ll let it. Don’t be a victim.

Feel Happier, Get Back Your Passion for Life and Boost Your Energy Levels 100% by Conquering Stress, Depression and Anxiety in Only 90 Days - Many Clients Report Noticeable Results in Just SEVEN DAYS...Visit http://www.scienceofbreath.be/depressionhelp.html for details.

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Teen Eating Disorder And Anxiety Depression Causes - By Robin J. Derry

Body image confusion running amuck? A seemingly "perfectionist" orientation to the smallest details? When does this apparent detail-and-goal orientation by your child "cross the danger line" into obsessive compulsive behavior and accompanying teen eating disorder?

Eating disorders, and their deeper complex of potential causes, constitute the greatest mortality risk of our present crop of diagnosed and labeled psychiatric illnesses. An eating disorder in teen family members is utterly serious, and potentially life-threatening unless parents can orchestrate an intervention combining counseling therapy and some mix of anxiety medicine or anxiety herb remedies.

What Parents Need To Watch For - Early Sign Of Teen Anorexia. Anxiety depression symptoms evolve subtly, and combined with children's natural penchant for "secretiveness", are virtually impossible to initially detect.

* Physical Signs. However, what you look for in your child are physical signs such as below-average weight for her age group and body size.

* Eating Habits. Your son or daughter may have a history of battling you over meals and food types. However, when their growing perfectionist and thin-body obsession is applied to foods, you'll hardly know what to do. Suddenly, all sorts of foods are "banned" by your child as she focuses narrowly on new-found foods that are "better for me". Parents, go at you own peril because you're at the outset of a rapidly expanding food phobia, and an underlying swirl of mental confusion, anxiety, fear, low self esteem and more.

* Speaking Patterns - Black And White Reality Markers. A hallmark mental sign of teen eating disorder is the growing demarcation applied to many ideas, where your child is cut-and-dried in her judgments. Increasingly strong convictions and a deterministic attitude allow her to judge everything in good-versus-bad terms. She'll also obsess about having "the wrong body shape"..." I'm getting fat" even while she's below weight.

* Medical Risk Issues And Symptoms Of Teen Anorexia. Look for an increase in headaches, reduction or absence of regular monthly menstruation, cold insensitivity, bowel irregularity and constipation, dizziness and overall fatigue. She's wasting away, and can't stop herself.

Teen Anorexia - Cause Of Teen Depression. Self esteem and body image reflect leading edge aspects of the mind-body duality that can easily bump off the rails in the teen years leading to many forms of anxiety depression behavior. No surprise that young kids would be vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy, doubts, plus succumb to pressure from peers as to how they should look and act and whether they're attractive enough. Throw in the cascade of puberty hormones, perceived pressure to perform at school, uncertainty about future goals and adult life and you have an explosive mix.

Intervention Strategies For Parents To Know About. You need to act smart, and carefully in order to put a brake on a dangerous teen eating disorder. In most eating disorder cases including teen anorexia family dynamics and "family history" point to the need for 3rd party outside professional guidance, along with some form of chemistry intervention.

* Natural Anxiety Herb Remedies - Negligible Side Effects. Mood-altering synapse-disrupting chemicals are strong stuff and should be administered to teens with a light hand, on a fully qualified basis. For hundreds of years, and even supported by modern clinical research, herbs such as St. John's Wort have been shown to be as effective in triggering positive mood shift as well known brand drugs such as Valium...however without any side effects. Other anxiety herb remedies include rhodiola, ginseng and south pacific kava.

Other supporting nutrients that trigger the brain's secretion of serotonin and its mellowing "feel good" properties include zinc, selenium and members of the B vitamin complex including B6 and B12, along with Vitamins D and C.

* Anxiety Disorder Medications. Millions of Americans ingest stimulants, amphetamines, mild tranquilizers, so-called anti depressants, even anti convulsants in order to address the potentially underlying causes of teen eating disorder and the associated phobias, obsessive compulsive behavior, and fears and anxiety. Parents beware that many of these same palliatives pose risks to your teen: addiction, withdrawal difficulties, confusion, rebound anxiety panic attacks, physical discomfort including muscle cramping, blurred vision, diarrhea, and more.

Look into additional info regarding teen eating disorder, and natural options for managing your child’s brain health and moods while promoting natural rest and life cycles.

Natural Nutrients To Treat Eating Disorder: http://www.wise4living.com/hfvit-dir/
Melatonin: http://www.wise4living.com/hfvit-brain/melatonin-sleep.htm
Author Robin Derry is publisher for http://www.wise4living.com/ a specialty information site that gives solutions to health, household, sport, travel and legal needs.

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Major Depression and Manic Depression - Any Difference? - By Michael Rayel

Countless number of patients and their family members have asked me about manic–depression and major depression. “Is there any difference?” “Are they one and the same?” “Is the treatment the same?” And so on. Each time I encounter a chorus of questions like these, I am enthused to provide answers.

You know why? Because the difference between these two disorders is enormous. The difference does not lie on clinical presentation alone. The treatment of these two disorders is significantly distinct.

Let me begin by describing major depression (officially called major depressive disorder). Major depression is a primary psychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of either a depressed mood or lack of interest to do usual activities occurring on a daily basis for at least two weeks.

Just like other disorders, this illness has associated features such as impairment in energy, appetite, sleep, concentration, and desire to have sex.

In addition, patients afflicted with this disorder also suffer from feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. Tearfulness or crying episodes and irritability are not uncommon. If left untreated, patients get worse. They become socially withdrawn and can’t go to work. Moreover, about 15% of depressed patients become suicidal and occasionally, homicidal. Other patients develop psychosis—hearing voices (hallucinations) or having false beliefs (delusions) that people are out to get them.

What about manic-depression or bipolar disorder?

Manic-depression is a type of primary psychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of major depression (as described above) and episodes of mania that last for at least a week. When mania is present, patients show signs opposite of clinical depression. During the episode, patients show significant euphoria or extreme irritability. In addition, patients become talkative and loud.

Moreover, this type of patients doesn’t need a lot of sleep. At night, they are very busy making phone calls, cleaning the house, and starting new projects. Despite apparent lack of sleep, they are still very energetic in the morning — ready to establish new business endeavors. Because they believe that they have special powers, they involve in unreasonable business deals and unrealistic personal projects.

They also become hypersexual — wanting to have sex several times a day. One–night stands can happen resulting in marital conflict. Like depressed patients, manic patients develop delusions (false beliefs). I know a manic patient who thinks that he is the “Chosen One.” Another patient claims that the President of USA and the Prime Minister of Canada ask for her advice.

So the big difference between the two is the presence of mania. This manic episode has treatment implications. In fact the treatment of these disorders is completely different. While major depression needs antidepressant, manic-depression requires a mood stabilizer such as lithium and valproic acid. Recently, new antipsychotics, for example risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine, have been shown to be effective for acute mania.

In general, giving an antidepressant to manic–depressed patients can make their condition worse because this medication can precipitate a switch to manic episode. Although there are some exceptions to the rule (extreme depression, lack of response to mood stabilizers, among others), it is preferable to avoid antidepressants among bipolar patients.

When considering the use of antidepressant in a depressed bipolar patient, clinicians should combine the medication with a mood stabilizer and should use an antidepressant (e.g. bupropion) that has a low tendency to cause a switch to mania.

About The Author

Copyright © 2004. All rights reserved. Dr. Michael G. Rayel – author (First Aid to Mental Illness–Finalist, Reader’s Preference Choice Award 2002), speaker, workshop leader, and psychiatrist. Dr. Rayel pioneers the CARE Approach as first aid for mental health. To receive free newsletter, visit www.drrayel.com. His books are available at major online bookstores.
mike@drrayel.com

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DEPRESSION BECOMES YOU -

DEPRESSION BECOMES YOU

Have you ever overheard people talking about couples that have been married for a very long time? One of things often said is how a couple will begin to look alike over time. How and why do you think this occurs?

This phenomenon parallels a tea bag being steeped in clear water. After a while the water takes on the color and characteristics of the contents of the tea bag.

This is what happens with couples. They are both, at the same time, the "clear water" AND the tea bag -- Each saturating the other with ideas, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, food choices and so forth. After a while there is a melting pot effect where they each more resemble the other, and this is so powerful that couples eventually begin to look alike. Powerful, eh?

Now, having a relationship with depression can be scarily the same. The depression tea bag will steep itself deeply in your life at least one time. Normally you will be able to take out the depression tea bag by adding new coping skills and continually diluting the mixture back to its original quality. "Clear water" is who you really are at your core. You have a base set of qualities that make up both your personality and what is most important in your life. It's your essence!
We all know that some teas are stronger than others. The depression tea bag is a strong, biggie-sized tea bag! It can powerfully impact your life, saturating you completely until you forget who you are. Depression becomes you!

When this happens you take on all the characteristics of depression, leaving much of who you are behind. How you walk will reflect depression. Your tone will reflect depression. Your moods will reflect depression. Your posture will mirror depression and so on.

It's been said that some people look at life through rose- colored lenses. When you become chronically depressed you look at life through ash-colored lenses. It taints how you see everything in your life.

To lend an example... I walked out into the waiting room to greet a new client. I extended my hand and introduced myself. The gentleman replied with, "Hello, I'm Mr. Depression!" In all fairness, he said this in a funny manner. We each had a chuckle, but it gave me automatic insight into how deeply depression had sunk into this young man. We'll call him John.

By the end of our initial session I was talking with John about how is life might be different if (listen closely here) he was a man "under attack from depression" vs. a man who "is depression." Do you see the incredible difference here?

If I AM DEPRESSION... if that's who I am, how in the world can I change WHO I AM? John immediately saw how he had over-identified with depression. He had lost his identity. This took about two years. His insight was a huge first step in putting distance between himself and depression.

In later sessions we had some fun. I had him create a name for the depression problem. Then he completed a biography statement of the depression problem, including traits, goals, dominant feelings etc. In a following session he brought a picture to represent the depression problem, introduced the problem to me by name and taught me about the problem using the mini-biography form I had given him.

This added great distance between him and depression. We didn't stop there. His next task was to complete an exercise in re-acquainting himself with who he was at his core (outside of depression).

This was a powerful exercise having to do with death and what was most important to him as he imagined that he was in his final days here on Earth. Although a painful exercise, it is a direct path to the heart, making it very powerful.

And once you strip away all the clutter in your life, the heart holds the truth about what is most dear to you --

Your CLEAR WATER!


Dave Turo-Shields, ACSW, LCSW is an author, university faculty member, success coach and veteran psychotherapist whose passion is guiding others to their own success in life. For weekly doses of the webs HOTTEST success tips, sign up for Dave's powerful Feeling Great! ezine at www.Overcoming-Depression.com

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Depression Q&A: Common Kinds Of The Depression -

What is Depression?

Depression is a disorder, engaged in a persons body, mood and thoughts. It can influence and interrupts eating, sleeping or judging manner. It is different from unhappiness or a down feeling. It is also not an indication of personal flaws or a condition that can be motivated or wanted away.

Persons with this disorder cannot just gather themselves together and get well. Usually, treatment is important and significantly vital to healing.

* Are there different types of depression?

Yes, there are actually three primary types of depression. Most of these are established by how ominous the signs are. They are:

Major depression This is the most serious type of mood disorder based on the number of signs and austerity of symptoms. It has become a severe health disorder and significant health concern in this country.

Manic depression This type involves both high and low mood swings. It also indicates other major symptoms not found in other depression types.

Dysthymia depression identifies the low to moderate level of depression that continues for about two years and sometimes longer. Though the symptoms are not as serious as a major depression, they more lasting and defiant to healing. People with this type develop a major depression for a moment when depressed.

* What is major depression?

This is the most serious type of depression. More symptoms found in this depression that are usually severe and serious.

Sometimes, it can be an effect from a particular disturbing incident in your life or it may develop gradually because of various personal frustrations and life struggles. Some people seem to develop the signs of a major depression with no apparent life problems.

Major depression can happen once, because of a major emotional trauma, react to healing, and will not happen again as long as you live. This is normally what they called a single episode depression.

Some people are inclined to have habitual depression, with events of depression followed by periods of a number of years without depression, followed by another one, typically in reaction to another distress. This would be continuing depression.

Usually, the healing is similar, but that healing normally is over a longer period for continuing depression.

* What is Post-partum depression?

Postpartum depression can vary from temporary "blues" following childbirth to serious, unbearable and emotional depression.

Post partum depression signs are just the same to those experienced by other depressives, involving desperate belief, feelings of despair, low self-confidence, and constant fatigue and mood changes.

It can be healed successfully as long as the mother and her support group identify the warning symptoms and examine them with considerate clinical experts. While some psychological occurrences and depressive feelings might be completely normal, constant feeling of unimportance or desperate views are not.

The secret to healing is to be honest with what you feel during each post partum meeting with your physician.

* What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder felt by most people during Winter months. It is characterized by a seasonal depression, the down feeling, a longing to sleep for too long and habitual desire for starchier foods.

The signs of SAD normally start in the late Fall where there is already less daytime. It may not start subside until late winter or spring.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:

Symptoms such as unnecessary eating and sleeping, weight increase normally take place during the Fall or Winter months.Complete reduction from despair happens in the Spring and Summer months.

Indications have taken place in the past two years, with no seasonal depression episodes.

Seasonal episodes considerably outnumber no seasonal depression episodes.

There is a longing for sweet and starchy foods.

* What is bipolar depression?

Bipolar depression, also identified as manic depression, is categorized as a type of affective disorder or mood disorder that happens during lifes normal difficulties. It can become a severe clinical condition. It is a significant health concern in the United States. This is distinguished by irregular episodes of acute excitement, elevated mood, or bad temper (also referred to as mania) opposed episodic, common depressive signs.

Dane Loveless is a regular contributor to depression-related guuides and sites such as 'Depression Tips.' See: http://www.Depression-Tips.com

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Depressed Men - By Eddie Tobey

Men and women can suffer from depression; men are far more likely to hide their depression. This probably explains why far fewer men are diagnosed and treated for depression. Although depression can easily be treated with a variety of methods, men seldom ask for help. First of all, men don’t recognize their symptoms as depression. Men tend to be more competitive and don’t like to admit to weaknesses, no matter what the reason. Men don’t like admitting that they are feeling down, and they don’t opening discuss their feelings with anyone, including family and friends.

Symptoms of depression in men include feeling unhappy, anxious and worthless. Depressed men also seem to have a low energy level and difficulty when trying to concentrate. They may show signs of weight loss and may lose interest in sexual activities. On the other hand, some men gain weight and have extreme sexual tendencies. Family and friends might notice that a friend or loved one is unusually quiet, not able to discuss things, more irritable and always complaining about vague physical problems. They may also note that rather than seek help, men often turn to alcohol or drugs to deal with their feelings. This is disastrous in the long run and usually leads to poor performance at work and behavior that is unacceptable. Their relationships with family and friends also suffer dramatically. Married men who our having marital problems are prime candidates for depression. Unfortunately, the depression only exacerbates the marriage and the depression combined with a failing marriage lead to a vicious circle of unpleasantness.

One of the best treatments for male depression is psychotherapy. Although men find it hard to do, talking about problems and feelings with a psychotherapist seems to work in relieving depression. Other useful tools are to keep active, eat properly, use relaxation techniques and avoid alcohol and drugs. Reading about depression can also help to cope and can give depressed man strength to make important choices like seeking therapy without feeling ashamed.
Depressed provides detailed information on Depressed, Depressed Children, Depressed Teens, Depressed Men and more. Depressed is affiliated with Mental Health Clinics.

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