Depression is a serious but treatable medical condition - a brain disease - that can strike anyone, including men. In America alone, over 6 million men have depression each year.
Whether you're a company executive, a construction worker, a writer, a police officer, or a student, whether you are rich or poor, surrounded by loved ones or alone, you are not immune to depression. Some factors, however, such as family history, undue stress, the loss of a loved one or other serious illnesses can make you more vulnerable.
If left untreated, depression can lead to personal, family and financial difficulties, and, in some cases, end in suicide. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, however, most people recover. The darkness disappears, hope for the future returns, energy and desire come back, and interest in life becomes stronger than ever.
Depression can strike anyone regardless of age, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, or gender; however, large scale research studies have found that depression is about twice as common in women as in men. In the United States, researchers estimate that in any given one year period, depressive illnesses affect 12 percent of women (more than 12 million women) and nearly 7 percent of men (more than six million men).3 But important questions remain to be answered about the causes underlying this gender difference. We still do not know if depression is truly less common among men, or if men are just less likely than women to recognize, acknowledge, and seek help for depression.
Types of Depression
Just like other illnesses, such as heart disease, depression comes in different forms. This booklet briefly describes three of the most common types of depressive disorders. However, within these types, there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity, and persistence.
Major depression (or major depressive disorder) is manifested by a combination of symptoms (see symptoms list below) that interferes with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. A major depressive episode may occur only once; but more commonly, several episodes may occur in a lifetime. Chronic major depression may require a person to continue treatment indefinitely.
A less severe type of depression, dysthymia (or dysthymic disorder), involves long lasting, chronic symptoms that do not seriously disable, but keep one from functioning well or feeling good. Many people with dysthymia also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.
Depression
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable, including sex.
Decreased energy, fatigue; feeling “slowed down.”
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Trouble sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping.
Changes in appetite and/or weight.
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts. Restlessness or irritability.
Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment.
Men and Depression
Researchers estimate that at least six million men in the United States suffer from a depressive disorder every year. Research and clinical evidence reveal that while both women and men can develop the standard symptoms of depression, they often experience depression differently and may have different ways of coping with the symptoms. Men may be more willing to acknowledge fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and sleep disturbances rather than feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and excessive guilt. Some researchers question whether the standard definition of depression and the diagnostic tests based upon it adequately capture the condition as it occurs in men.
Men are more likely than women to report alcohol and drug abuse or dependence in their lifetime;14 however, there is debate among researchers as to whether substance use is a “symptom” of underlying depression in men or a co occurring condition that more commonly develops in men. Nevertheless, substance use can mask depression, making it harder to recognize depression as a separate illness that needs treatment.
Instead of acknowledging their feelings, asking for help, or seeking appropriate treatment, men may turn to alcohol or drugs when they are depressed, or become frustrated, discouraged, angry, irritable, and, sometimes, violently abusive. Some men deal with depression by throwing themselves compulsively into their work, attempting to hide their depression from themselves, family, and friends. Other men may respond to depression by engaging in reckless behavior, taking risks, and putting themselves in harm’s way.
More than four times as many men as women die by suicide in the United States, even though women make more suicide attempts during their lives. In addition to the fact that men attempt suicide using methods that are generally more lethal than those used by women, there may be other factors that protect women against suicide death. In light of research indicating that suicide is often associated with depression, the alarming suicide rate among men may reflect the fact that men are less likely to seek treatment for depression. Many men with depression do not obtain adequate diagnosis and treatment that may be life saving.
Depression in Older Men
Men must cope with several kinds of stress as they age. If they have been the primary wage earners for their families and have identified heavily with their jobs, they may feel stress upon retirementloss of an important role, loss of self esteemthat can lead to depression. Similarly, the loss of friends and family and the onset of other health problems can trigger depression.
Depression is not a normal part of aging. Depression is an illness that can be effectively treated, thereby decreasing unnecessary suffering, improving the chances for recovery from other illnesses, and prolonging productive life. However, health care professionals may miss depressive symptoms in older patients. Older adults may be reluctant to discuss feelings of sadness or grief, or loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
They may complain primarily of physical symptoms. It may be difficult to discern a co occurring depressive disorder in patients who present with other illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer, which may cause depressive symptoms or may be treated with medications that have side effects that cause depression. If a depressive illness is diagnosed, treatment with appropriate medication and/or brief psychotherapy can help older adults manage both diseases, thus enhancing survival and quality of life.
Identifying and treating depression in older adults is critical. There is a common misperception that suicide rates are highest among the young, but it is older white males who suffer the highest rate. Over 70 percent of older suicide victims visit their primary care physician within the month of their death; many have a depressive illness that goes undetected during these visits. This fact has led to research efforts to determine how to best improve physicians’ abilities to detect and treat depression in older adults.
Approximately 80 percent of older adults with depression improve when they receive treatment with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. In addition, research has shown that a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication is highly effective for reducing recurrences of depression among older adults. Psychotherapy alone has been shown to prolong periods of good health free from depression, and is particularly useful for older patients who cannot or will not take medication.18 Improved recognition and treatment of depression in later life will make those years more enjoyable and fulfilling for the depressed elderly person, and his family and caregivers.
A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood.
Depression can strike anyone regardless of age, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, or gender; however, large scale research studies have found that depression is about twice as common in women as in men.In the United States, researchers estimate that in any given one year period, depressive illnesses affect 12 percent of women (more than 12 million women) and nearly 7 percent of men (more than six million men) But important questions remain to be answered about the causes underlying this gender difference. We still do not know if depression is truly less common among men, or if men are just less likely than women to recognize, acknowledge, and seek help for depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few; some people suffer many. The severity of symptoms varies among individuals and also over time.
Depression
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyable, including sex.
Decreased energy, fatigue; feeling “slowed down.”
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Trouble sleeping, early morning awakening, or oversleeping.
Changes in appetite and/or weight.
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts.
Restlessness or irritability.
Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment.
Depression can coexist with other illnesses. In such cases, it is important that the depression and each co occurring illness be appropriately diagnosed and treated.
Research has shown that anxiety disorderswhich include post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disordercommonly accompany depression. Depression is especially prevalent among people with PTSD, a debilitating condition that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.
Traumatic events that can trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults such as rape or mugging, natural disasters, accidents, terrorism, and military combat. PTSD symptoms include: re experiencing the traumatic event in the form of flashback episodes, memories, or nightmares; emotional numbness; sleep disturbances; irritability; outbursts of anger; intense guilt; and avoidance of any reminders or thoughts of the ordeal. In one NIMH supported study, more than 40 percent of people with PTSD also had depression when evaluated at one month and four months following the traumatic event.
Substance use disorders (abuse or dependence) also frequently co occur with depressive disorders. Research has revealed that people with alcoholism are almost twice as likely as those without alcoholism to also suffer from major depression. In addition, more than half of people with bipolar disorder type I (with severe mania) have a co occurring substance use disorder.
Men and Depression
Researchers estimate that at least six million men in the United States suffer from a depressive disorder every year. Research and clinical evidence reveal that while both women and men can develop the standard symptoms of depression, they often experience depression differently and may have different ways of coping with the symptoms. Men may be more willing to acknowledge fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and sleep disturbances rather than feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and excessive guilt. Some researchers question whether the standard definition of depression and the diagnostic tests based upon it adequately capture the condition as it occurs in men.
Men are more likely than women to report alcohol and drug abuse or dependence in their lifetime; however, there is debate among researchers as to whether substance use is a “symptom” of underlying depression in men or a co occurring condition that more commonly develops in men. Nevertheless, substance use can mask depression, making it harder to recognize depression as a separate illness that needs treatment.
Instead of acknowledging their feelings, asking for help, or seeking appropriate treatment, men may turn to alcohol or drugs when they are depressed, or become frustrated, discouraged, angry, irritable, and, sometimes, violently abusive. Some men deal with depression by throwing themselves compulsively into their work, attempting to hide their depression from themselves, family, and friends. Other men may respond to depression by engaging in reckless behavior, taking risks, and putting themselves in harm’s way.
More than four times as many men as women die by suicide in the United States, even though women make more suicide attempts during their lives. In addition to the fact that men attempt suicide using methods that are generally more lethal than those used by women, there may be other factors that protect women against suicide death. In light of research indicating that suicide is often associated with depression,17 the alarming suicide rate among men may reflect the fact that men are less likely to seek treatment for depression. Many men with depression do not obtain adequate diagnosis and treatment that may be life saving.
More research is needed to understand all aspects of depression in men, including how men respond to stress and feelings associated with depression, how to make men more comfortable acknowledging these feelings and getting the help they need, and how to train physicians to better recognize and treat depression in men. Family members, friends, and employee assistance professionals in the workplace also can play important roles in recognizing depressive symptoms in men and helping them get treatment.
The first step to getting appropriate treatment for depression is a physical examination by a physician. Certain medications as well as some medical conditions such as a viral infection, thyroid disorder, or low testosterone level can cause the same symptoms as depression, and the physician should rule out these possibilities through examination, interview, and lab tests. If no such cause of the depressive symptoms is found, the physician should do a psychological evaluation or refer the patient to a mental health professional.
A good diagnostic evaluation will include a complete history of symptoms: i.e., when they started, how long they have lasted, their severity, and whether the patient had them before and, if so, if the symptoms were treated and what treatment was given. The doctor should ask about alcohol and drug use, and if the patient has thoughts about death or suicide. Further, a history should include questions about whether other family members have had a depressive illness and, if treated, what treatments they may have received and if they were effective. Last, a diagnostic evaluation should include a mental status examination to determine if speech, thought patterns, or memory has been affected, as sometimes happens with depressive disorders.
Treatment choice will depend on the patient’s diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and preference. There are a variety of treatments, including medications and short term psychotherapies (i.e., “talk” therapies), that have proven effective for depressive disorders. In general, severe depressive illnesses, particularly those that are recurrent, will require a combination of treatments for the best outcome.
Alcohol including wine, beer, and hard liquoror street drugs may reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants and should be avoided. However, doctors may permit people who have not had a problem with alcohol abuse or dependence to use a modest amount of alcohol while taking one of the newer antidepressants.
Questions about any medication prescribed, or problems that may be related to it, should be discussed with your doctor.
How to Help Yourself if You Are Depressed
Depressive disorders can make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect. In the meantime: Engage in mild exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or participate in religious, social, or other activities. Set realistic goals and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive. Participate in activities that may make you feel better. Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time. Often during treatment of depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before depressed mood lifts.
Postpone important decisions. Before deciding to make a significant transition–change jobs, get married or divorced–discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
Do not expect to ‘snap out of’ a depression. But do expect to feel a little better day by day.
Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking as your depression responds to treatment. Let your family and friends help you.
How Family and Friends Can Help
The most important thing anyone can do for a man who may have depression is to help him get to a doctor for a diagnostic evaluation and treatment. First, try to talk to him about depressionhelp him understand that depression is a common illness among men and is nothing to be ashamed about. Perhaps share this booklet with him. Then encourage him to see a doctor to determine the cause of his symptoms and obtain appropriate treatment.
Occasionally, you may need to make an appointment for the depressed person and accompany him to the doctor. Once he is in treatment, you may continue to help by encouraging him to stay with treatment until symptoms begin to lift (several weeks) or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs. This may also mean monitoring whether he is taking prescribed medication and/or attending therapy sessions. Encourage him to be honest with the doctor about his use of alcohol and prescription or recreational drugs, and to follow the doctor’s orders about the use of these substances while on antidepressant medication.
The second most important thing is to offer emotional support to the depressed person. This involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. Engage him in conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage the feelings he may express, but point out realities and offer hope. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Report them to the depressed person’s doctor. In an emergency, call 911. Invite him for walks, outings, to the movies, and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused. Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities, but do not push him to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs diversion and company, but too many demands can increase feelings of failure.
Listed below are the types of people and places that will make a referral to, or provide, diagnostic and treatment services.
Family doctors
Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors Religious leaders/counselors
Health maintenance organizations
Community mental health centers
Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
University or medical school affiliated programs
State hospital outpatient clinics
Social service agencies
Private clinics and facilities
Employee assistance programs
Local medical and/or psychiatric societies
Conclusion
A man can experience depression in many different ways. He may be grumpy or irritable, or have lost his sense of humor. He might drink too much or abuse drugs. It may be that he physically or verbally abuses his wife and his kids. He might work all the time, or compulsively seek thrills in high risk behavior. Or, he may seem isolated, withdrawn, and no longer interested in the people or activities he used to enjoy.
Perhaps this man sounds like you. If so, it is important to understand that there is a brain disorder called depression that may be underlying these feelings and behaviors. It’s real: scientists have developed sensitive imaging devices that enable us to see depression in the brain. And it’s treatable: more than 80 percent of those suffering from depression respond to existing treatments, and new ones are continually becoming available and helping more people. Talk to a healthcare provider about how you are feeling, and ask for help.
Or perhaps this man sound like someone you care about. Try to talk to him, or to someone who has a chance of getting through to him. Help him to understand that depression is a common illness among men and is nothing to be ashamed about. Encourage him to see a doctor and get an evaluation for depression.
For most men with depression, life doesn’t have to be so dark and hopeless. Life is hard enough as it is; and treating depression can free up vital resources to cope with life’s challenges effectively. When a man is depressed, he’s not the only one who suffers. His depression also darkens the lives of his family, his friends, virtually everyone close to him. Getting him into treatment can send ripples of healing and hope into all of those lives.
Depression is a real illness; it is treatable; and men can have it. It takes courage to ask for help, but help can make all the difference.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arthur_Buchanan
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Health – Depression & Broken Heart - By Teow Aun Chew
You don’t have to suffer in silence. In most cases of panic attack, it usually starts with depression. A female reporter in Hong Kong who successfully juggled the demands of writing for publications around the world suddenly suffered panic attack. She often had panic attacks as she was overwhelmed by feelings of isolation, hopelessness, inadequacy and failure. She would always excuse herself and pretended to have urgent private calls to make so that she could get out and calm down.
A cartoonist for a famous Japanese magazines; suddenly hit a dry spell in 1986 and she was afraid to get out of bed in the morning. She stopped eating and lost seven kilos within a few days. She was left without getting any assignments for a month and spent her time lying in bed, smoking and drinking and was overwhelmed with thoughts of dying. Both the female reporter and cartoonist were suffering from clinical depression.
There are millions of people like them and they kept the illness to themselves. In Japan alone there are more than six millions people suffering from depression according to Dr Takahashi Toru of the Toru Clinic in Tokyo. It is estimated that one in 13 people aged 24 to 64 suffered from depression according to a study done by Singapore National Mental Health survey.
We seldom hear about depression just thirty years ago but the world is different now. People were different then, but presently many human beings have lost their value of life. Many have lost their conscience and killing is everywhere. People live in fear from many kinds of threats and even in the comfort of their homes, danger is there. There is no peace even to just go marketing for fresh vegetables. A bomb may explode anytime, anyplace.
Financial security is one of the main causes for depression. Jobless people or those hardly can make end meet, are usually victims of depression which can after some time of suffering start to have panic attacks. Depressive disorders range from dysthymia – low grade, chronic depression – to bipolar disorder, or manic depression, which causes extreme swings between depressive lows and manic high. Depression remains widely misunderstood and sufferers lead a double life. One minute full of confidence and another minute worse than a little mouse when panic attack.
Depression is a taboo among Chinese and if people know that you are depressed, they will avoid you.
I should say broken heart is the worst mental blues and almost everyone gets the blues once in a lifetime. Those who have not experience it are lucky or maybe they have never fallen in love before. They will not be able to grasp the anguish depression brings. It’s so emotionally intense that it paralyses you and says one sufferer, “You never know when it will end, the pain is so overwhelming that you want to end it all.”
People will sometimes give advice with the best intentions for broken heart but says Siti Mohammad, a young female accountant who has lived with depression for much of her life: “Sometimes my relatives will tell me to look at the positive side of things. They say, ‘You have to be strong and believe in God.’ They make it sound as if I could just snap out of it. If it was that simple, I wouldn’t be like this.”
Depression is often inadequately treated or not treated at all because the truth of broken heart may not be admitted by the sufferers. For instance, many Malays believe the emotions lie in the liver and will complain about stomach soreness rather than admit to depression. Among the Chinese, the heart is often seen as the source of emotions, so they complain about chest discomfort. Singapore National University’s Kua says these cultural factors lead to misdiagnosis or no diagnosis at all in as many as one-third of cases.
For the elderly, physical ailments can mask symptoms of depression (it is often confused with Alzheimer’s disease), and there is a belief, even in the medical community, that depression is simply a fact of an older person’s life. According to a study conducted in the 1980s by Dr Lee Aik Hoe, president of the Malaysian Mental Health Association, showed that three-quarters of people who had attempted suicide also suffered from depression.
Rose Lee’s depression nearly killed her. As a teenager, she tumbled into a black pit and said, “I was severely depressed – the pain was terrible. It seemed logical to kill myself.” Richard Ng of Kuala Lumpur said he lost his father to suicide. “He displayed signs of depression – being withdrawn and losing his appetite – signs that I recognized but did nothing about, but when he committed suicide, I was shattered.”
The road to recovery is a tough one but it can be treated. If it is not because of broken heart, then the chances of recovery is good with medication. If it is because of broken heart, then there is no medicine that can cure a broken heart. There are many drugs that physicians can prescribe and certain antidepressants really work effectively so as to allow the sufferers to get on with life. But drug may have side effects like insomnia and sexual dysfunction, professional help is advised in such a case to take the right type and also avoid the risk of taking an overdose.
One of the best rescues is interpersonal and cognitive counselling. Therapy can help to change a patient’s thinking and reappraise their external circumstances. Interpersonal therapy focuses on specific-related problems, while cognitive therapy tries to counter the feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness that plague those who are depressed. In Malaysia the “Befrienders” is doing an excellent voluntarily job to make life worth living. The 24-hour helpline, modelled on the Samaritans in the United Kingdom, is one of the oldest services in Asia. It has more than 200 volunteers and fielded 24,000 calls a year.
Suicide is a grave sin according to spiritual teachings in almost every religion. Certain religion says that if a person commits suicide, he will also commit suicide for his next seven future lives. I had a relative who committed suicide many years ago. She was one of the most beautiful women in my hometown and married to one of the richest men there. Very fortunate during her younger days because of her beauty, but when her husband passed away early in life, she was cheated of everything she possessed by a conman who only wanted her properties. Unable to take the pain of her broken heart and loss of all her possessions, she took her life.
Author: T.A Chew
T.A Chew had gone through a very severe broken heart in 1993. Fortunately six months before it happened, Goddess of Mercy showed him a miracle and he realized that Heaven loves him more and it is unconditional love. He understands very well the pain and it is only through doing good deeds and meritorious works that broken hearts can be mended fast. Website: http://www.white-sun.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teow_Aun_Chew
A cartoonist for a famous Japanese magazines; suddenly hit a dry spell in 1986 and she was afraid to get out of bed in the morning. She stopped eating and lost seven kilos within a few days. She was left without getting any assignments for a month and spent her time lying in bed, smoking and drinking and was overwhelmed with thoughts of dying. Both the female reporter and cartoonist were suffering from clinical depression.
There are millions of people like them and they kept the illness to themselves. In Japan alone there are more than six millions people suffering from depression according to Dr Takahashi Toru of the Toru Clinic in Tokyo. It is estimated that one in 13 people aged 24 to 64 suffered from depression according to a study done by Singapore National Mental Health survey.
We seldom hear about depression just thirty years ago but the world is different now. People were different then, but presently many human beings have lost their value of life. Many have lost their conscience and killing is everywhere. People live in fear from many kinds of threats and even in the comfort of their homes, danger is there. There is no peace even to just go marketing for fresh vegetables. A bomb may explode anytime, anyplace.
Financial security is one of the main causes for depression. Jobless people or those hardly can make end meet, are usually victims of depression which can after some time of suffering start to have panic attacks. Depressive disorders range from dysthymia – low grade, chronic depression – to bipolar disorder, or manic depression, which causes extreme swings between depressive lows and manic high. Depression remains widely misunderstood and sufferers lead a double life. One minute full of confidence and another minute worse than a little mouse when panic attack.
Depression is a taboo among Chinese and if people know that you are depressed, they will avoid you.
I should say broken heart is the worst mental blues and almost everyone gets the blues once in a lifetime. Those who have not experience it are lucky or maybe they have never fallen in love before. They will not be able to grasp the anguish depression brings. It’s so emotionally intense that it paralyses you and says one sufferer, “You never know when it will end, the pain is so overwhelming that you want to end it all.”
People will sometimes give advice with the best intentions for broken heart but says Siti Mohammad, a young female accountant who has lived with depression for much of her life: “Sometimes my relatives will tell me to look at the positive side of things. They say, ‘You have to be strong and believe in God.’ They make it sound as if I could just snap out of it. If it was that simple, I wouldn’t be like this.”
Depression is often inadequately treated or not treated at all because the truth of broken heart may not be admitted by the sufferers. For instance, many Malays believe the emotions lie in the liver and will complain about stomach soreness rather than admit to depression. Among the Chinese, the heart is often seen as the source of emotions, so they complain about chest discomfort. Singapore National University’s Kua says these cultural factors lead to misdiagnosis or no diagnosis at all in as many as one-third of cases.
For the elderly, physical ailments can mask symptoms of depression (it is often confused with Alzheimer’s disease), and there is a belief, even in the medical community, that depression is simply a fact of an older person’s life. According to a study conducted in the 1980s by Dr Lee Aik Hoe, president of the Malaysian Mental Health Association, showed that three-quarters of people who had attempted suicide also suffered from depression.
Rose Lee’s depression nearly killed her. As a teenager, she tumbled into a black pit and said, “I was severely depressed – the pain was terrible. It seemed logical to kill myself.” Richard Ng of Kuala Lumpur said he lost his father to suicide. “He displayed signs of depression – being withdrawn and losing his appetite – signs that I recognized but did nothing about, but when he committed suicide, I was shattered.”
The road to recovery is a tough one but it can be treated. If it is not because of broken heart, then the chances of recovery is good with medication. If it is because of broken heart, then there is no medicine that can cure a broken heart. There are many drugs that physicians can prescribe and certain antidepressants really work effectively so as to allow the sufferers to get on with life. But drug may have side effects like insomnia and sexual dysfunction, professional help is advised in such a case to take the right type and also avoid the risk of taking an overdose.
One of the best rescues is interpersonal and cognitive counselling. Therapy can help to change a patient’s thinking and reappraise their external circumstances. Interpersonal therapy focuses on specific-related problems, while cognitive therapy tries to counter the feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness that plague those who are depressed. In Malaysia the “Befrienders” is doing an excellent voluntarily job to make life worth living. The 24-hour helpline, modelled on the Samaritans in the United Kingdom, is one of the oldest services in Asia. It has more than 200 volunteers and fielded 24,000 calls a year.
Suicide is a grave sin according to spiritual teachings in almost every religion. Certain religion says that if a person commits suicide, he will also commit suicide for his next seven future lives. I had a relative who committed suicide many years ago. She was one of the most beautiful women in my hometown and married to one of the richest men there. Very fortunate during her younger days because of her beauty, but when her husband passed away early in life, she was cheated of everything she possessed by a conman who only wanted her properties. Unable to take the pain of her broken heart and loss of all her possessions, she took her life.
Author: T.A Chew
T.A Chew had gone through a very severe broken heart in 1993. Fortunately six months before it happened, Goddess of Mercy showed him a miracle and he realized that Heaven loves him more and it is unconditional love. He understands very well the pain and it is only through doing good deeds and meritorious works that broken hearts can be mended fast. Website: http://www.white-sun.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teow_Aun_Chew
When Someone You Know Has To Deal With Depression, Anxiety And Fear - By: Stan Popovich
What do you do when you someone you know has to deal with persistent fears and anxieties or even depression? Well the first thing you need to do is to get the person to seek the services of a professional and/or counselor who can lead them in the right direction and give them the help they need. In the meantime, here are some other things you can do to help the person cope.
Learn as much as you can in managing fears, anxieties and depression. There are many books and information that will educate on how to deal with fear and anxiety. Share this information with the person who is struggling. Education is the key in finding the answers your looking for in managing your fears.
Be understanding and patient with the person struggling with their fears. Dealing with depression and anxiety can be difficult for the person so don’t add more problems than what is already there.
As for the person dealing with the anxiety, he or she must realize that managing anxiety and fear takes practice. So when experiencing an anxiety related situation, begin to learn what works, what doesn’t work, and what you need to improve on in managing your fears and anxieties. As you do this, you will become better in dealing with your anxieties.
Don’t forget to Pray and ask God for help. A person can only do so much. Asking God for help can give us additional resources to help manage our fears and anxieties. It is not always easy, however God is in control and he will help you if you ask him.
Another thing to remember is that things change and events do not stay the same. For instance, you may feel overwhelmed in the mornings with your anxiety and feel that this is how you will feel the rest of the day. This isn’t correct. No one can predict the future with 100 Percent accuracy. Even if the thing that you feared does happen there are circumstances and factors that you can’t predict which can be used to your advantage. You never know when the help and answers you are looking for will come to you.
As a Layman, I realize it is not easy to deal with all of our fears. When your fears and anxieties have the best of you, seek help from a professional. The key is to be patient, take it slow, and not to give up. In time, you will be able to find those resources that will help you with your problems.
About the Author: Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods”-a book that presents a overview of techniques in managing Fear. For more info go to: http://www.managingfear.com For free articles on managing fear please go to: http://www.managingfear.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Monday, December 12, 2005
Antidepressants 101- What You Absolutely Need To Know - By: Mansi Aggarwal
Introduction
Change in social and economical states throughout the world although has brought prosperity among the individuals of the world but at a price. It has brought both physical and mental stressors. Now people have to work harder and under mental tensions. Now the depression is prevalent everywhere at office, in transport and also at home. To relieve those stressors people are trying every type of therapy be it drugs or some exercise or some kind of psychotherapy so as to work efficiently.
What is depression?
Depression is basically a pathological change in mood. For being diagnosed as depressed medically one has to have certain well defined symptoms such as early morning awakening, decreased or increased appetite, decreased interest, sense of guilt, etc. continuously for a period of 2 weeks. From the biochemical point of view at the neuronal level it is hypothesized that there is a lack of nor adrenaline and Serotonin at the neuronal nerve endings.
Different types of antidepressants
Modern day antidepressants are classified broadly into nor adrenaline and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake intake inhibitors and the atypical ones. As stated above, the cause of depression is lack of nor adrenaline and serotonin and hence most of the antidepressants are meant to serve that purpose for e.g. some like imipramine increase the concentration of nor adrenaline and serotonin while selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like fluoxetine block the uptake and hence increase the concentration of serotonin. The atypical antidepressants like mianserin increase the release of nor adrenaline at the neuronal nerve endings cause the elevation of mood. Extreme forms of depression are associated with suicidal tendencies and they are mostly treated by electro convulsive therapy.
Uses and side effects
The antidepressants are used in major depression and also are sometimes used in enuresis of children. The side effects of the antidepressants are many like dry mouth sedation increased appetite hypotension and convulsions to name only few but the most important of them all are dependence of the patients on these medications and then the drug abuse. The electro convulsive therapy has the side effect of some impairment in memory hence it is only used in extreme cases.
Other options and their advantages
The other options available in the market are herbal medicines, cognitive psychotherapy, yoga and other alternative medicine. Most of these therapies are based on the age-old system on minimally disrupting the chemical composition of the body but at the same time relieving the subjects of their symptoms. One of the herbal medicines is St. John’s wort. Therapies like yoga and psychotherapy are gaining ground as most the drugs are having their own side effects profile but these have none. Cognitive therapy aims at altering the thought processes of the individual and has beneficial effects not only in depression but also in disorders as varied as panic attacks, bulimia, etc. From the discussion it is clear that there are a number of options available and what is best for one is not necessarily going to be the best for other and hence the therapy should be customized for individual rather than generalized.
About the Author: Mansi gupta writes about Antidepressants topics. Learn more at http://www.antidepressantguide.com .
Source: www.isnare.com
Change in social and economical states throughout the world although has brought prosperity among the individuals of the world but at a price. It has brought both physical and mental stressors. Now people have to work harder and under mental tensions. Now the depression is prevalent everywhere at office, in transport and also at home. To relieve those stressors people are trying every type of therapy be it drugs or some exercise or some kind of psychotherapy so as to work efficiently.
What is depression?
Depression is basically a pathological change in mood. For being diagnosed as depressed medically one has to have certain well defined symptoms such as early morning awakening, decreased or increased appetite, decreased interest, sense of guilt, etc. continuously for a period of 2 weeks. From the biochemical point of view at the neuronal level it is hypothesized that there is a lack of nor adrenaline and Serotonin at the neuronal nerve endings.
Different types of antidepressants
Modern day antidepressants are classified broadly into nor adrenaline and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake intake inhibitors and the atypical ones. As stated above, the cause of depression is lack of nor adrenaline and serotonin and hence most of the antidepressants are meant to serve that purpose for e.g. some like imipramine increase the concentration of nor adrenaline and serotonin while selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like fluoxetine block the uptake and hence increase the concentration of serotonin. The atypical antidepressants like mianserin increase the release of nor adrenaline at the neuronal nerve endings cause the elevation of mood. Extreme forms of depression are associated with suicidal tendencies and they are mostly treated by electro convulsive therapy.
Uses and side effects
The antidepressants are used in major depression and also are sometimes used in enuresis of children. The side effects of the antidepressants are many like dry mouth sedation increased appetite hypotension and convulsions to name only few but the most important of them all are dependence of the patients on these medications and then the drug abuse. The electro convulsive therapy has the side effect of some impairment in memory hence it is only used in extreme cases.
Other options and their advantages
The other options available in the market are herbal medicines, cognitive psychotherapy, yoga and other alternative medicine. Most of these therapies are based on the age-old system on minimally disrupting the chemical composition of the body but at the same time relieving the subjects of their symptoms. One of the herbal medicines is St. John’s wort. Therapies like yoga and psychotherapy are gaining ground as most the drugs are having their own side effects profile but these have none. Cognitive therapy aims at altering the thought processes of the individual and has beneficial effects not only in depression but also in disorders as varied as panic attacks, bulimia, etc. From the discussion it is clear that there are a number of options available and what is best for one is not necessarily going to be the best for other and hence the therapy should be customized for individual rather than generalized.
About the Author: Mansi gupta writes about Antidepressants topics. Learn more at http://www.antidepressantguide.com .
Source: www.isnare.com
Battling the Blues and Winning - By Leigh Erin Connealy
Summer time is over, the kids are back in school and soon the holiday preparations will begin. But unfortunately, what should be a magical time of year, all too often signals the beginning of the winter blues for millions of Americans. And whether you suffer from a mild form of depression when it comes time to start your holiday shopping, or you go into full blown panic attacks at the mere mention of hosting Thanksgiving dinner, you are not alone. The good news is that, while the changing of the seasons is inevitable, the holiday blues don’t have to be.
Depression seems to be the catch phrase of the new millennium and the health care community is often all too quick to prescribe antidepressants as a cure to what ails you. But not all forms of depression and anxiety warrant such drastic measures. Often times, with a few changes to your diet and lifestyle, you could be looking at the world with a whole new attitude.
Understanding the Evils of Depression and Anxiety We’ve all said it at one time or another, those words that seem to sum up our angst so perfectly: I’m so depressed! But what does that mean exactly? The symptoms of depression can be characterized by many factors, ranging from irritability and insomnia to panic and the inability to enjoy life’s little pleasures. Often times we strive towards perfection in an effort to manage our feelings of despair or inadequacy, generally falling short and leaving us feeling worse than we when we began.
Many of us were raised on the old adage, Mind Over Matter, and feel that we should be able to manage our emotions on our own, that anything less would be a sign of weakness or failure. Not true! This method of thinking is outdated and most often ineffective, as the culprit in depression is generally not a weak will, but rather a reduced level of an important brain chemical called serotonin.
Serotonin is the body’s primary defense against anxiety and depression. When our serotonin levels are low, we tend to lose our natural good nature and find that life’s challenges become increasingly more daunting.
There are many reasons why your serotonin may be low, genetics often times being a key factor. Does depression seem to run in your family? Did your parents have a difficult time facing the day to day stresses that seemed so easy for others? Is there a history of alcoholism or drug abuse in your family? These are all signs that low serotonin might be present. Don’t be discouraged if this is the case, though. As you will see, genetics do not mean a life sentence of depression. There is hope.
Stress can also be a contributing factor to depression. Have you experienced elevated levels of stress over an extended period of time? Whether the stress is the result of a major tragedy in your life, like the loss of loved one or the difficulty of a bitter divorce, or the result of a lengthy or debilitating illness, the effects on your body are the same. Under attack by such stressors, your serotonin store is tapped into repeatedly which can eventually lead to total serotonin depletion, leaving you running on a perpetual state of “empty”.
Believe it or not, but the time of the year may also have a very real affect on your mood. Do you find that your mood seems to drop when the weather is cloudy, or the sun doesn’t come out for days on end? There is a biological explanation for this. Serotonin is one of the few body chemicals that are actually stimulated by light. An underexposure to light can lower your serotonin production, leaving you feeling down and depressed. And if you are already running on low levels of serotonin, something as minor as a cloudy day can serve to bring you further down.
A major contributor to depression, and the one most often overlooked, is your diet. In order for your body to produce serotonin it relies on the foods that you eat to provide the much needed amino acid, Tryptophan. Tryptophan can be found in high-protein animal-derived foods such as turkey, chicken, beef and cheese. Once ingested, your body converts the amino acid, tryptophan, into a chemical called 5-HTP (5 hydroxytriptophan) and then into the neuro-transmitter, serotonin. Without tryptophan, your body is unable to produce 5-HTP and subsequently serotonin, leading to a myriad of problems, most notably, depression.
There are four key symptoms that could indicate the presence of low levels of serotonin: Gut and Heart Problems 90% of the serotonin in your body is in your gut and when you raise your serotonin levels your digestive tension (including constipation) can often dissolve with your depression. Your heart is also partly serotonin dependant. It’s well known that low serotonin type negative moods, including fear and anger, are closely associated with heart disease.
Sleep Disturbance Many people with low serotonin levels obsess and worry instead of getting to sleep, while others tend to wake up too early in the morning.
Fibromyalgia, TMJ, Migraines Raising serotonin levels not only has a powerful muscle relaxing effect, it can also stimulate our natural pain killers, the endorphins.
Cravings for Carbs and Alcohol Ingesting carbohydrates (whether through food or alcohol) can set off body wide stress, causing your pancreas to release insulin in order to remove the excess carbs from your bloodstream and store them as fat. The insulin sweeps most of the amino acids out of your bloodstream, along with the carbs. Only one amino gets left behind-tryptophan-and it goes right into your brain, unimpeded by the other aminos that usually crowd it. Once in the brain, the tryptophan can easily convert to 5HTP and then to serotonin, elevating your mood temporarily. The downside? This source of instant euphoria most often leads to a dependency on sugary foods which can in turn lead to excess weight gain along with a myriad of other health problems.
Turning the Corner to Peace and Happiness The treatment of depression may take some time but it can be accomplished. And while your mood may not improve right away, don’t let this discourage you.
Counseling can often be an effective tool in coping with depression and anxiety. By adopting valuable problem solving skills you can begin to regain control and achieve happiness in your life. Learning to recognize and accept your feelings, even feelings of sadness, anger or fear is an important first step.
One of the most important treatments for depression is exercise. When you exercise, your body seeks out the amino acids in your bloodstream for routine muscle repair. This causes tryptophan, the only amino acid not used for muscle repair, to go straight to the brain. Once it gets there, it is quickly converted to 5HTP and then to serotonin. Exercise also increases your oxygen intake which is critical to the formation of serotonin from amino acids. The amount of exercise needed to fight depression is not much and even a small amount of exercise has been shown to enhance the powerful mood elevating substances in the brain known as endorphins. When the endorphins are elevated, our mood improves. Physical exercise is a very safe and natural antidepressant, perhaps the most effective natural antidepressant available.
The presence of food allergies is a very significant factor to consider as a cause of depression. Food allergies often times play a major role with people who suffer from depression. A simple food allergy test could reveal whether or not you are experiencing the effects of this common problem.
Hypoglycemia, the result of a dysfunctional sugar metabolism, is a common but often unrecognized cause of depression. The brain doesn’t function properly when the sugar levels in our body are low, creating symptoms such as depression, irritability, anxiety, fatigue and headaches. A dietary intervention consisting of a proper balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats could completely alleviate this problem.
Our bodies are put under a lot of stress from consuming too much alcohol and caffeine and the natural production of serotonin is inhibited by such chemicals. Alcohol is a brain depressant that disrupts the normal sleep cycles and interferes with the many brain cell processes. Individuals who are prone to feeling depressed seem to also be especially sensitive to caffeine. Drinking too much caffeine can lead to all of the common symptoms of depression. Just by cutting down on, or eliminating all together, these two addictive chemicals, you could see a dramatic difference in your mood.
Proper levels of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and B vitamins are needed to ensure the conversion of tryptophan to 5HTP to serotonin. Although it is difficult to diagnose, there is evidence that vitamin deficiency tremendously affects our health and can cause fatigue or a general lack of well being. Individuals with depression have often been found to be deficient in folic acid, B12 and B6. Also, very importantly, a deficiency in essential fatty acids (the omega 3 oils) has recently been linked to depression.
When I evaluate a patient for depression and/or anxiety, it is important that I gain a complete understanding of all of their symptoms along with their physical state of well being. There can be several physiological causes of depression, including chronic disease, low adrenal function, heavy metal toxicity, PMS, menopause, hypothyroidism and more. By determining the underlying cause of the depression and/or anxiety, the proper illness can be treated, which should subsequently ease the patient’s emotional unrest.
The drug Prozac, and medications similar to it, have become big sellers, generating over $2 billion in sales annually. However, it is doubtful that 20th century Americans have suddenly developed a Prozac deficiency. Before I place my patients on medication that could have both short and long term side effects, I begin with one of the many natural treatments that are available, such as tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine or melatonin. I do sometimes find that the use of amino acids along with a low dose of an antidepressant medication may also be beneficial to the patient.
When people are depressed, they are often times unaware that their behavior has changed. If other people have noticed a change in your outlook, consider whether or not you might be suffering from depression. If it is possible, try adjusting your diet and adding approximately 20 minutes of exercise 3 days a week to your regular routine. If your depression is too severe to be affected by these adjustments, please seek the professional help that you need to start the healing process.
Depression is a very real disease and one that can be treated with the proper assistance. Don’t be held down by the weight of its symptoms any longer than you have to be. Solutions are out there and everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy and full life. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Do it for the holidays.
LEIGH ERIN CONNEALY, M.D., M.P.H. received a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Texas and her M.D. from the University of Chicago. She did her postgraduate training in family practice at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Connealy began practicing medicine in 1986. More and more of her patients started asking about alternative treatments and this prompted her to learn everything she could about nontoxic protocols. In 1992, she founded the South Coast Medical Center for New Medicine in Tustin, California, where she serves as Medical Director. Her practice is firmly based in the belief that strictly treating health problems with medications does not find the root cause of the illness. Her goal is to empower and educate individuals and their families through her treatment plans, lectures, newsletters and articles.
For more information and products visit her website at www.perfectlyhealthy.net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leigh_Erin_Connealy
Holiday Depression - Five Easy Tips for Beating the Post-Holiday Blues - By Jeff Standridge
People have different experiences during the Holiday Season. For many it is a time of joy, peace, good will and optimistic hope for the New Year. For others it is a time of self-evaluation, to reflect on the past, or to review accomplishments and failures.
Regardless of the approach to the Holidays, for many people, this time of year results in feelings of loneliness, detachment, and sometimes depression. There are many different causes and contributors of these feelings and severe cases may even mimic clinical depression. Follow these five easy tips for getting in front of Holiday Depression:
Get your mind right – The first priority for this Holiday Season is to get in the right frame of mind. Think about what the Holidays mean to you and get a clear firm picture of the feelings you want to experience throughout the Holidays and even into the New Year.
Plan your Holiday experience – Once you know what you want to experience or leave the Holidays feeling, then plan your activities so as to create those experiences and/or feelings. For instance, if you wish to enter the New Year with feelings of gratitude & love, then plan to volunteer at a local homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or youth home.
Grow your relationships – The Holidays are a time for being together. Set a goal of nurturing one or more relationships during this period. Pick out one or two “acquaintances” or friends, and make it a point to have a stronger relationship after the New Year than you have today. Do what it takes to get there.
Plan your spending – Don’t overspend for the Holidays. Many times the worst part about the Holidays is the dread of receiving the credit card bills in January. Remember, the Holidays are more about relationships than about commercialism. Resist the illusion or temptation of buying your way into the hearts of your loved ones.
Serve someone else – Nothing makes for a great Holiday experience than doing something nice for someone else. Instead of feeling pressured to buy something for every friend, co-worker, or employee, send each of them a card with a note saying “I served soup at the local soup kitchen in your honor,” or any manner of other service-oriented activities.
Dr. Jeff Standridge is co-Author of The Abundance Principle: Five Keys to Extraordinary Living (http://www.TheAbundancePrinciple.com). He can be reached at http://www.AbundantLifeProject.com, or by emailing Jeff@AbundantLifeProject.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Standridge
Regardless of the approach to the Holidays, for many people, this time of year results in feelings of loneliness, detachment, and sometimes depression. There are many different causes and contributors of these feelings and severe cases may even mimic clinical depression. Follow these five easy tips for getting in front of Holiday Depression:
Get your mind right – The first priority for this Holiday Season is to get in the right frame of mind. Think about what the Holidays mean to you and get a clear firm picture of the feelings you want to experience throughout the Holidays and even into the New Year.
Plan your Holiday experience – Once you know what you want to experience or leave the Holidays feeling, then plan your activities so as to create those experiences and/or feelings. For instance, if you wish to enter the New Year with feelings of gratitude & love, then plan to volunteer at a local homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or youth home.
Grow your relationships – The Holidays are a time for being together. Set a goal of nurturing one or more relationships during this period. Pick out one or two “acquaintances” or friends, and make it a point to have a stronger relationship after the New Year than you have today. Do what it takes to get there.
Plan your spending – Don’t overspend for the Holidays. Many times the worst part about the Holidays is the dread of receiving the credit card bills in January. Remember, the Holidays are more about relationships than about commercialism. Resist the illusion or temptation of buying your way into the hearts of your loved ones.
Serve someone else – Nothing makes for a great Holiday experience than doing something nice for someone else. Instead of feeling pressured to buy something for every friend, co-worker, or employee, send each of them a card with a note saying “I served soup at the local soup kitchen in your honor,” or any manner of other service-oriented activities.
Dr. Jeff Standridge is co-Author of The Abundance Principle: Five Keys to Extraordinary Living (http://www.TheAbundancePrinciple.com). He can be reached at http://www.AbundantLifeProject.com, or by emailing Jeff@AbundantLifeProject.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Standridge
Sunday, December 11, 2005
What To Do If A Loved One Seems Depressed - By Arthur Buchanan
Depression can take on many faces depending upon the person, their age, and their gender. Overall, the best thing to be aware of is a significant change in activity or behavior.
Depression In Teens
Depression in teenagers can be difficult to identify, as their mood cycles are traditionally erratic. In general, females tend to suffer from depression more than males, but don’t overlook a young male whose behavior has changed. Again, the things to look out for are marked changes in behavior. If the teen tends to be social and there’s been a significant reduction in their social activities, than that might be an indication that he or she is depressed.
Is the phone ringing a lot less? Have they become more withdrawn from the family? Are they sleeping excessively but still seeming to be tired a lot? It’s also not unusual for them to be especially irritable and cranky. Tearfulness is yet another sign. Grades in school often decline as the teen becomes more distracted and less attentive.
Drug use is also a concern for teens that are depressed—as it is for anyone suffering from this problem—because people often medicate their depression with alcohol and /or drugs to try to feel better.
Depression in Adults
Adults tend to hide their depression a little better than kids. They’ve learned how to put a mask on and act as if everything is fine, even when it is not. Appetite is often a strong indicator. The loss of appetite is most common, however there are those who sooth themselves with food so, in that case, you would expect to see a weight gain. Sexual appetite is another variable that is often identified. Depression puts a damper on sexual desire. Essentially when a person stops doing those activities that they used to enjoy, there’s a good chance that depression can be a factor.
Depression In The Elderly
The elderly suffer from depression a lot more than is reported. The older generation still feels a lot of shame and embarrassment about mental illnesses. The harsh reality of the elderly is that their friends are dying on a regular basis. These losses bring up many different feelings, ranging from loneliness and loss to the realization that their time is also limited. Withdrawal is a common sign, as well as weight loss, fatigue and irritability. It is critical to have the elderly evaluated by a competent gerontologist (a doctor who specializes in the older population) to rule out worrisome medical concerns.
Discussing Suicide
When a family member is discovered to be depressed, there is often a reluctance to be direct and straight forward with them. Often people think what if I ask the person if they feel like they want to end their life, and I’ve gotten them thinking about suicide when they hadn’t previously considered it?
That will never happen. If a person is severely depressed, they will most likely have given some thought to ending their life. Vague, passing thoughts about suicide are normal for everyone at one time or another. What you need to be worried about is if a person has actually constructed a plan to end their life. Another phenomenon to watch out for is if someone who had been previously very depressed suddenly seems to be fine—happy even—and starts giving their possessions away. Do not be fooled into thinking that this person has made a spontaneous recovery.
So, if someone takes a sudden turn for the better and starts giving things away, or if someone talks to you about having a specific plan to end their life, you MUST take action. These are definitely cases of it being better to err on the side of caution. Let the person know that you are concerned about them, and ask that they speak with a mental health professional. You might offer to get an appointment for them and then take them to the appointment. If they refuse treatment, it is essential that you contact a mental health professional and seek their advice.
You can search the internet, the phone book, or call information to get the number for your community mental health center. Most community mental health centers have an emergency clinician on call 24 hours a day to assist in such an emergency. Do not leave the person alone until they’ve been evaluated and it has been determined that they’re able to be left without supervision. People often feel concerned about upsetting the person by pushing for evaluation or treatment. The most important thing here is to prevent a suicide.
Even if the person is initially angry, once their depression lifts they will be forever grateful that you intervened on their behalf. Depression is a life threatening illness. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Imagine this….a person feels so miserable that they decide they can’t take feeling this badly for another minute. But the good news is that the vast majority of people suffering from depression will recover and continue to have normal lives.
Don’t be afraid to talk about depression. Don’t be afraid of tears. There is help available for everyone. Most community mental health centers receive state and federal funds so they have the opportunity to provide treatment and no or low cost. Everyone today can find some kind of treatment if they need it.
Please know that you can share this article with friends, family, associates and anyone you think that it may help, when in doubt, I say pass it along, our goal at Out of Darkness, is to reach the hurting and lost souls and those that feel like there is no help.
They are calling Arthur Buchanan's methods of recovering from mental illness REVOLUTIONARY! (MEDICAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN) 'Arthur Buchanan has given us a revolutionary blue print for recovery in these uncertain times, when Mental Illness at a all time high in the United States of America, yet if you follow this young mans methods, we assure you of positive results and I QUOTE 'If these methods are followed precisely, their is no way you can't see positive results with whatever illness you have' Dr. Herbert Palos Detroit, Michigan'
With Much Love,
Arthur Buchanan
President/CEO
Out of Darkness & Into the Light
43 Oakwood Ave. Suite 1012
Huron Ohio, 44839
http://www.out-of-darkness.com
567-219-0994 (cell)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arthur_Buchanan
Depression In Teens
Depression in teenagers can be difficult to identify, as their mood cycles are traditionally erratic. In general, females tend to suffer from depression more than males, but don’t overlook a young male whose behavior has changed. Again, the things to look out for are marked changes in behavior. If the teen tends to be social and there’s been a significant reduction in their social activities, than that might be an indication that he or she is depressed.
Is the phone ringing a lot less? Have they become more withdrawn from the family? Are they sleeping excessively but still seeming to be tired a lot? It’s also not unusual for them to be especially irritable and cranky. Tearfulness is yet another sign. Grades in school often decline as the teen becomes more distracted and less attentive.
Drug use is also a concern for teens that are depressed—as it is for anyone suffering from this problem—because people often medicate their depression with alcohol and /or drugs to try to feel better.
Depression in Adults
Adults tend to hide their depression a little better than kids. They’ve learned how to put a mask on and act as if everything is fine, even when it is not. Appetite is often a strong indicator. The loss of appetite is most common, however there are those who sooth themselves with food so, in that case, you would expect to see a weight gain. Sexual appetite is another variable that is often identified. Depression puts a damper on sexual desire. Essentially when a person stops doing those activities that they used to enjoy, there’s a good chance that depression can be a factor.
Depression In The Elderly
The elderly suffer from depression a lot more than is reported. The older generation still feels a lot of shame and embarrassment about mental illnesses. The harsh reality of the elderly is that their friends are dying on a regular basis. These losses bring up many different feelings, ranging from loneliness and loss to the realization that their time is also limited. Withdrawal is a common sign, as well as weight loss, fatigue and irritability. It is critical to have the elderly evaluated by a competent gerontologist (a doctor who specializes in the older population) to rule out worrisome medical concerns.
Discussing Suicide
When a family member is discovered to be depressed, there is often a reluctance to be direct and straight forward with them. Often people think what if I ask the person if they feel like they want to end their life, and I’ve gotten them thinking about suicide when they hadn’t previously considered it?
That will never happen. If a person is severely depressed, they will most likely have given some thought to ending their life. Vague, passing thoughts about suicide are normal for everyone at one time or another. What you need to be worried about is if a person has actually constructed a plan to end their life. Another phenomenon to watch out for is if someone who had been previously very depressed suddenly seems to be fine—happy even—and starts giving their possessions away. Do not be fooled into thinking that this person has made a spontaneous recovery.
So, if someone takes a sudden turn for the better and starts giving things away, or if someone talks to you about having a specific plan to end their life, you MUST take action. These are definitely cases of it being better to err on the side of caution. Let the person know that you are concerned about them, and ask that they speak with a mental health professional. You might offer to get an appointment for them and then take them to the appointment. If they refuse treatment, it is essential that you contact a mental health professional and seek their advice.
You can search the internet, the phone book, or call information to get the number for your community mental health center. Most community mental health centers have an emergency clinician on call 24 hours a day to assist in such an emergency. Do not leave the person alone until they’ve been evaluated and it has been determined that they’re able to be left without supervision. People often feel concerned about upsetting the person by pushing for evaluation or treatment. The most important thing here is to prevent a suicide.
Even if the person is initially angry, once their depression lifts they will be forever grateful that you intervened on their behalf. Depression is a life threatening illness. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Imagine this….a person feels so miserable that they decide they can’t take feeling this badly for another minute. But the good news is that the vast majority of people suffering from depression will recover and continue to have normal lives.
Don’t be afraid to talk about depression. Don’t be afraid of tears. There is help available for everyone. Most community mental health centers receive state and federal funds so they have the opportunity to provide treatment and no or low cost. Everyone today can find some kind of treatment if they need it.
Please know that you can share this article with friends, family, associates and anyone you think that it may help, when in doubt, I say pass it along, our goal at Out of Darkness, is to reach the hurting and lost souls and those that feel like there is no help.
They are calling Arthur Buchanan's methods of recovering from mental illness REVOLUTIONARY! (MEDICAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN) 'Arthur Buchanan has given us a revolutionary blue print for recovery in these uncertain times, when Mental Illness at a all time high in the United States of America, yet if you follow this young mans methods, we assure you of positive results and I QUOTE 'If these methods are followed precisely, their is no way you can't see positive results with whatever illness you have' Dr. Herbert Palos Detroit, Michigan'
With Much Love,
Arthur Buchanan
President/CEO
Out of Darkness & Into the Light
43 Oakwood Ave. Suite 1012
Huron Ohio, 44839
http://www.out-of-darkness.com
567-219-0994 (cell)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arthur_Buchanan
Friday, December 09, 2005
Dealing with depression - By Linda Williams
It is estimated that of the 32 million people age 65 and older, 5 million suffer from depression. In fact, the rate of depression among nursing facility residents can run as high as 50%, according to some studies, with about 10 to 15% of residents suffering major depression and 25 to 35% suffering milder forms. Because societal attitudes consider it normal in the elderly, depression often goes untreated. Treatment also can be hindered because signs of depression in the elderly are often masked by other factors, such as physical infirmity, chronic pain, or dementia.
The need for caregivers to effectively communicate with their residents is most important when evidence suggests that residents feel imprisoned by the anguish of depression and can't find relief. Please take the time to review the circumstances surrounding the following situation and make changes as appropriate at your facility.
The Situation
A 76-year-old woman with a long history of major depressive disorder was admitted to the assisted living facility (ALF) of a CCRC. The woman was able to function independently and primarily needed assistance with her medications. Her history included four suicide attempts and several psychiatric hospitalizations, as well as a history of insomnia and prescription drug abuse. She was scheduled to receive psychiatric services on a routine basis while at the ALF.
The woman seemed to adapt well to her new environment and often socialized with her neighbors. Her daughter lived nearby and visited her every day, often taking her for walks on the campus or on overnight weekend trips to her home. The CCRC had a large campus that included walkways and a nearby fenced riverfront recreational area. The fence was kept unlocked so the independent and ALF residents could access and enjoy a riverfront area whenever they desired.
Facility policy required guests to sign residents in and out when leaving the facility, but the policy often wasn't enforced. As a result, the daughter seldom signed her mother out, but she always asked the staff for her mother's medications if she planned an overnight trip.
A month after her admission to the ALF, the woman began abruptly to make statements about killing herself. She was taken to a hospital and released a short time later. Her physician felt that her depression was related to her insomnia, and so adjustments were made to her medications.
After the hospitalization, the woman seemed to be adjusting well, so staff members were not alarmed when she stopped seeing her psychologist just four months later. For the next several weeks, the woman's daily activities seemed routine, until one Saturday evening when the staff noticed that she did not show up for supper. The staff paged her and checked her room but did not find her. Two days earlier, the woman's family had taken her shopping for new shoes and to the beauty parlor to get her hair styled. The staff concluded that the woman must be with her daughter on another weekend trip. A staff member left her medications in her room and attempted to call her daughter several times throughout the weekend but was not able to reach her.
The following Monday morning, the daughter called the facility explaining that she had just returned from an out-of-town trip and was unable to contact her mother at the ALF. The authorities were summoned and a missing person investigation was immediately started. The woman's lifeless body was soon discovered in the river with her new shoes neatly placed on the dock. A note was found in her room with something written on it about the river. The woman did not know how to swim, and her death was ruled a suicide.
Both the staff and the woman's family were devastated by this tragic event. The administrative personnel at the ALF immediately chained and locked the gate, in-serviced staff on missing person procedures, and began to strictly enforce the sign-in and -out policy. Meanwhile, the family sought legal counsel and filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility for waiting two days before launching a search for their mother. Their demand to settle the case was $750,000.
The defense hired a medical doctor who was a well-respected expert in geriatric suicides to review the case. The doctor felt that the woman's care was appropriate and stated that choosing between life and death is deliberate and can be impulsive. A person with suicidal tendencies will often use whatever is available to carry out the act. In this case, the river was available. The doctor did express concerns with the psychiatric care that the woman received; however, that was not the responsibility of the facility. The case was later mediated and settled for a fraction of the demand amount.
How to Protect Your Residents and Facility
As this case demonstrates, caregivers need to be alert to the possible threat of suicide among elderly residents with chronic illnesses, particularly those with symptoms of depression or other risk factors that can lead to suicide. Seniors make up approximately 13% of the population, but account for almost 20% of all suicides. In the general population, only one in 20 suicide attempts is successful, but among seniors, one in four attempts succeed. Warning signs of a resident's suicidal thinking may include the following:
* any mention of dying, disappearing, jumping, or other type of self-harm
* a recent loss, such as death of a loved one; decrease in health; separation; or a broken relationship
* a change in sleep patterns or eating habits
* low self-esteem
* expressions of hopelessness about the future
Caregivers need to be alert to statements indicating hopelessness, such as, "Life is no longer worth living," or, "I wish my life could end tomorrow." Indirect communication can be manifested in self-destructive behaviors, such as refusing food, fluids, or lifesaving medications. Other worrisome behaviors include writing good-bye letters, giving away valued possessions, not attending activities or engaging in therapeutic programs, collecting sharp objects, or hoarding medications. A sudden change from a demeanor of suffering to one of contentment also can indicate a decision to end one's life.
Caregivers have an obligation to intervene and attempt to seek treatment for residents whose words or actions indicate depressive hopelessness. The following are some steps that caregivers can take:
* Listen to the resident in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way to try to understand his or her predicament and how he or she can be helped.
* Encourage communication by asking open-ended questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no answer.
* Inquire about any suicidal thoughts or plans as the resident opens up, if it is appropriate to do so.
* Assess the seriousness of the resident's responses. If suicidal tendencies are apparent, ask the resident, "What can be done or changed to help you from acting on these thoughts?"
* Protect the resident by safeguarding his or her room or environment against injurious objects or accessibility to medications. If symptoms are sufficiently pronounced, it may be necessary to keep the resident under one-on-one surveillance until outside help arrives.
* Contact the resident's physician and report your concerns. In some cases, it may be necessary to arrange for an immediate transfer to an acute psychiatric facility.
* Consult with social services or chaplain services that are available within the facility.
* Maintain a heightened vigilance as to the resident's whereabouts and confirm supervised outings.
With appropriate intervention by caregivers, residents may be able to find the treatment needed to ease their depression or manage their chronic pain or illnesses to a greater comfort level.
If a resident chooses to end his or her life despite your best interventions, remember the loved ones that he or she left behind. Surviving the suicide of a friend or family member can often lead to feelings of guilt or blame for their loved one's death. Thoughts such as, "If only I had the foresight to see what was happening, I could have intervened in time" can be overwhelming. Many survivors find it easier to tolerate their own failings or to redirect the blame toward others rather than to accept that someone they loved has died by his or her own will. You can help survivors with your attitude (empathy, kindness, active listening), your professional responses about losing someone to suicide, and suggestions of community resources.
By taking these necessary precautions, you can protect your residents and facility, now and into the future.
Nursing Homes, August, 2005 by Linda Williams
The need for caregivers to effectively communicate with their residents is most important when evidence suggests that residents feel imprisoned by the anguish of depression and can't find relief. Please take the time to review the circumstances surrounding the following situation and make changes as appropriate at your facility.
The Situation
A 76-year-old woman with a long history of major depressive disorder was admitted to the assisted living facility (ALF) of a CCRC. The woman was able to function independently and primarily needed assistance with her medications. Her history included four suicide attempts and several psychiatric hospitalizations, as well as a history of insomnia and prescription drug abuse. She was scheduled to receive psychiatric services on a routine basis while at the ALF.
The woman seemed to adapt well to her new environment and often socialized with her neighbors. Her daughter lived nearby and visited her every day, often taking her for walks on the campus or on overnight weekend trips to her home. The CCRC had a large campus that included walkways and a nearby fenced riverfront recreational area. The fence was kept unlocked so the independent and ALF residents could access and enjoy a riverfront area whenever they desired.
Facility policy required guests to sign residents in and out when leaving the facility, but the policy often wasn't enforced. As a result, the daughter seldom signed her mother out, but she always asked the staff for her mother's medications if she planned an overnight trip.
A month after her admission to the ALF, the woman began abruptly to make statements about killing herself. She was taken to a hospital and released a short time later. Her physician felt that her depression was related to her insomnia, and so adjustments were made to her medications.
After the hospitalization, the woman seemed to be adjusting well, so staff members were not alarmed when she stopped seeing her psychologist just four months later. For the next several weeks, the woman's daily activities seemed routine, until one Saturday evening when the staff noticed that she did not show up for supper. The staff paged her and checked her room but did not find her. Two days earlier, the woman's family had taken her shopping for new shoes and to the beauty parlor to get her hair styled. The staff concluded that the woman must be with her daughter on another weekend trip. A staff member left her medications in her room and attempted to call her daughter several times throughout the weekend but was not able to reach her.
The following Monday morning, the daughter called the facility explaining that she had just returned from an out-of-town trip and was unable to contact her mother at the ALF. The authorities were summoned and a missing person investigation was immediately started. The woman's lifeless body was soon discovered in the river with her new shoes neatly placed on the dock. A note was found in her room with something written on it about the river. The woman did not know how to swim, and her death was ruled a suicide.
Both the staff and the woman's family were devastated by this tragic event. The administrative personnel at the ALF immediately chained and locked the gate, in-serviced staff on missing person procedures, and began to strictly enforce the sign-in and -out policy. Meanwhile, the family sought legal counsel and filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility for waiting two days before launching a search for their mother. Their demand to settle the case was $750,000.
The defense hired a medical doctor who was a well-respected expert in geriatric suicides to review the case. The doctor felt that the woman's care was appropriate and stated that choosing between life and death is deliberate and can be impulsive. A person with suicidal tendencies will often use whatever is available to carry out the act. In this case, the river was available. The doctor did express concerns with the psychiatric care that the woman received; however, that was not the responsibility of the facility. The case was later mediated and settled for a fraction of the demand amount.
How to Protect Your Residents and Facility
As this case demonstrates, caregivers need to be alert to the possible threat of suicide among elderly residents with chronic illnesses, particularly those with symptoms of depression or other risk factors that can lead to suicide. Seniors make up approximately 13% of the population, but account for almost 20% of all suicides. In the general population, only one in 20 suicide attempts is successful, but among seniors, one in four attempts succeed. Warning signs of a resident's suicidal thinking may include the following:
* any mention of dying, disappearing, jumping, or other type of self-harm
* a recent loss, such as death of a loved one; decrease in health; separation; or a broken relationship
* a change in sleep patterns or eating habits
* low self-esteem
* expressions of hopelessness about the future
Caregivers need to be alert to statements indicating hopelessness, such as, "Life is no longer worth living," or, "I wish my life could end tomorrow." Indirect communication can be manifested in self-destructive behaviors, such as refusing food, fluids, or lifesaving medications. Other worrisome behaviors include writing good-bye letters, giving away valued possessions, not attending activities or engaging in therapeutic programs, collecting sharp objects, or hoarding medications. A sudden change from a demeanor of suffering to one of contentment also can indicate a decision to end one's life.
Caregivers have an obligation to intervene and attempt to seek treatment for residents whose words or actions indicate depressive hopelessness. The following are some steps that caregivers can take:
* Listen to the resident in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way to try to understand his or her predicament and how he or she can be helped.
* Encourage communication by asking open-ended questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no answer.
* Inquire about any suicidal thoughts or plans as the resident opens up, if it is appropriate to do so.
* Assess the seriousness of the resident's responses. If suicidal tendencies are apparent, ask the resident, "What can be done or changed to help you from acting on these thoughts?"
* Protect the resident by safeguarding his or her room or environment against injurious objects or accessibility to medications. If symptoms are sufficiently pronounced, it may be necessary to keep the resident under one-on-one surveillance until outside help arrives.
* Contact the resident's physician and report your concerns. In some cases, it may be necessary to arrange for an immediate transfer to an acute psychiatric facility.
* Consult with social services or chaplain services that are available within the facility.
* Maintain a heightened vigilance as to the resident's whereabouts and confirm supervised outings.
With appropriate intervention by caregivers, residents may be able to find the treatment needed to ease their depression or manage their chronic pain or illnesses to a greater comfort level.
If a resident chooses to end his or her life despite your best interventions, remember the loved ones that he or she left behind. Surviving the suicide of a friend or family member can often lead to feelings of guilt or blame for their loved one's death. Thoughts such as, "If only I had the foresight to see what was happening, I could have intervened in time" can be overwhelming. Many survivors find it easier to tolerate their own failings or to redirect the blame toward others rather than to accept that someone they loved has died by his or her own will. You can help survivors with your attitude (empathy, kindness, active listening), your professional responses about losing someone to suicide, and suggestions of community resources.
By taking these necessary precautions, you can protect your residents and facility, now and into the future.
Nursing Homes, August, 2005 by Linda Williams
Thursday, December 08, 2005
When Your Child Dies - By: Rose DesRochers
Children are the most special part of life. Losing a child is something that few really understand. Even a brief life offers so much that is special. My Daughter Katie Lindsey Rose, died July 1992. She was just five weeks old. I held Katie after she died and can never, would never, forget Katie as a person or my daughter. I also found out how hard it is for so many to talk about the death of their child.
Many people find it easier to talk about the death of your mom, dad or your wife or husband than their child. But, this is often a time that you do want to talk or share feelings. You often get from people she doesn't want to talk about it. But it helps to talk. After your child dies you have feelings of disbelief, denial, anger, depression, hopelessness, guilt. Loss of appetite, sleep patterns change, we cannot get through the mourning alone. It is important to talk about the death, what you’re feeling and it’s ok to cry.
The doctor came into the room. The operation was over. He sat down and started to tell my husband and I about the surgery. The surgery was over but during the surgery there was a blood clot that burst and Katie died instantly. How could I go home without my baby? Shock was not the word for what I felt. Katie's been gone 11 years now. I remember just after she died everyone was right there offering to help me. (Now I'd be lucky if they remember). Then the people stopped coming, calling, I would see people in the grocery store, and they would look at me, turn their head, and walk off, as if I had something contagious that they could catch.
I remember a mother had her baby the same time as Katie. She said to me," I'm so glad it was not my daughter". My oldest daughter is growing up and it's starting to get scary cause I know Ill never see Katie get married or have children. I feel Angry, like I have been let down by Katie. Its normal to feel let down by the person who died or when you are looking for someone to blame for his or her death.I blamed God for the longest time and I blamed myself.
Anger is very common following the death of a child. In fact following any death you may find yourself angry, angry at the world. You will often find that you take out this anger on those closest around you. You find yourself saying my child should not of died.
How do you imagine life without your child? "They were too young", "They were too good", "They were too healthy, "They never sin" "Why God Why?”, "I can't survive without him or her". All of these are common feelings. Your fear is, you are afraid it will happen again, that you will loose another child or someone close to you. You begin to be a little over-protective of your other children.Please know that you are never alone, It's ok to say I hurt, to say I'm scared, to say I need a friend. No matter how old your child is when they die, the pain of loosing your child is still the same. Its very difficult for most to find the words of comfort to say to you, but there are places you can turn, people you can talk to when you feel your loosing it. You can't do this on your own.
Katie had suffered from congenital heart disease, Congenital means inborn or existing at birth. Among the terms you may hear are congenital heart defect, congenital heart disease and congenital cardiovascular disease. The word "defect" is more accurate than "disease." A congenital cardiovascular defect occurs when the heart or blood vessels near the heart don't develop normally before birth. Katies' story is just one of a million parents' stories out there. As I surf the net I found so many, but there is help.
About the Author: Rose DesRochers admin@todays-woman.net http://www.todays-woman.net Rose is a published author and web columnist from Canada Ontario and she is also the founder of Today's Woman a community for men and women over 18, where writers/poets/columnists meet and exchange ideas, contest, rate and review and help each other succeed in the writing industry.
Source: www.isnare.com
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Effective Ways To Deal With Sadness - By: Mary Maddux
No one ever has a problem dealing with happiness or feeling good. When joy comes into our life we experience it freely, but when sadness or grief is present, we often struggle with them. This is especially true during the holidays when we are expected to be cheerful and have fun. We live in a culture that tells us to "put on a happy face" and this can make it very difficult to be comfortable with sadness. Yet sadness and grief are a normal part of everyone’s life. Whether they are caused by a major loss such as the death of a loved one, or smaller everyday setbacks, we can learn to live with them with greater ease.
Not only can we become more at ease with these feelings, it is vital to our health and well-being that we handle them in a healthy way. The risks of not dealing effectively with emotions became evident when a neighbor of ours lost his wife to illness several years ago. When I offered my sympathy, he quickly denied that he had any feelings about it. Within a week he had disposed of all of her belongings and basically stated that everything to do with her illness and death were over and done. Not surprisingly, his health has declined steadily since then. He has told me of one complaint after another. At first no cause was found for his symptoms, but as time went on, real physical problems have developed (all of which are known to be stress-related).
Of course, this is an extreme example, but it illustrates the importance of how we deal with our emotions. It's well worth the effort to explore how you handle these feelings, and learn new skills. This article focuses on how to deal with the emotion of sadness. Part 2 will explore grief, which involves a whole array of emotions and experiences that are caused by a major loss, such as the death of a loved one.
Holistic approaches to health have long realized the role that our emotions play in our health, and modern medicine is now taking this more and more into account. For a healthy emotional life, we need to honor all of our emotions and allow them room for expression. When sadness comes, we need to allow ourselves to feel it fully. It helps to understand that it is a normal, natural reaction to loss, and not an indication that there is something wrong with us.
Any loss can trigger sadness -- it might even accompany a beautiful sunset that signals the end of the day. We might not always know what makes us feel sad -- it could even be a shift in our body chemistry with its changing hormones, blood sugar levels, etc. It helps to let go of the need to understand all of our emotional reactions or to feel that we have to be able to justify them. What is important is that we not resist or suppress our emotions. Allowed to be present, the emotion will simply "pass through".
In addition to accepting our sadness as a normal part of life, and allowing it to be present, there are some other ways we can help ourselves through sad times:
1. Share what we are feeling with a trusted friend or family member, in particular someone who can listen without judging us or trying to change us. The simple experience of being "accompanied" with our feelings can be comforting.
2. Take time to do something that is nourishing and soothing to you. Take a leisurely walk, get a massage, curl up with a good book, do gardening or other favorite hobby.
3. Find a way to slow down and relax. This will allow the feelings to be released. Meditate, listen to some relaxing music, do some simple stretches.
4. Write in a journal or diary. When we do this, it feels as if we have an ideal listener with whom we can confide. Expressing and exploring your feelings in this way can bring perspective and comfort.
5. Learn to be your own best friend. Step back and view yourself with compassion and love. Notice if you are judging yourself harshly ("you should be over this by now"), and find sympathy for yourself instead.
When to Get Professional Help
Sadness which is intense and long-lasting may be depression. Depressed individuals tend to feel helpless and hopeless and to blame themselves for having these feelings. If feelings of extreme sadness or despair last for at least two weeks or longer and interfere with activities of daily living -- such as working, or even eating and sleeping -- it is advisable to seek professional help. If accompanied by thoughts of death or suicide, seek help immediately.
About the Author:
Mary Maddux is a practitioner, teacher and writer in the fields of healing and self-development. She has an MS in clinical social work, has been trained as a Healing Touch Practitioner and has many years of experience in the practice and teaching of meditation. Drawing on her extensive work background in both conventional and alternative settings, she has created a unique series of CDs for relaxation, meditation and healing. Visit her website, http://www.heartofhealing.net for in-depth discussions and practical information on topics related to healing.
Source: www.isnare.com
Antidepressants: Know Your Side Effects - By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Drugs to raise brain levels of serotonin are far more effective in treating depression than just psychotherapy and talking, because depression is associated with low brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Depression is a condition lasting at least two weeks in which sadness prevents people from functioning up to their capacity. They lose enjoyment and interest in usual activities, are sad and cannot express warm emotions towards other people, sleep all the time or barely at all, are exhausted, lose their ability to concentrate or think clearly, have feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, feel that life is hopeless, and they eat less or more than usual. Insomnia in young men is associated with a marked increased risk for depression that persists for at least 30 years afterwards.
Doctors treat depression with antidepressants, and the most used and effective antidepressants are Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. They raise brain levels of a specific chemical called serotonin that helps to make people feel good. A once a week dose of Prozac can often control depression, but high brain levels of serotonin often reduce sexual desire.
On the other hand, Wellbrutin does not raise brain levels of serotonin significantly, does not reduce sexual desire and may even increase desire. Patients who need to stay on the serotonin-uptake-inhibitor antidepressants, but want to maintain interest in making love can take the shorter-acting Paxil or Zoloft safely four days a week from Monday to Thursday and not take them from Friday to Sunday. Taking Prozac intermittently does not prevent loss of libido because it is a long-acting antidepressant.
When a single drug fails to alleviate depression, two or more drugs taken together are far more effective than larger doses of a single drug. Buproprion (brand name Wellbruton) combined with Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft, appears to relieve depression more effectively than the single drugs. However, patients on the combination regimen still have a high incidence of decreased sexual desire, insomnia, tiredness and tremor.
Antidepressants that raise brain serotonin levels are used for other effects. Sibutramine is used to suppress hunger and treat overweight. They may be the drugs of choice to treat premenstrual syndrome or attention deficit disorder. They can be given safely to people with heart disease. Check with your doctor.
Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com
Free weekly newsletter on fitness, health, and nutrition.
Journal references on antidepressants.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabe_Mirkin,_M.D.
Depression is a condition lasting at least two weeks in which sadness prevents people from functioning up to their capacity. They lose enjoyment and interest in usual activities, are sad and cannot express warm emotions towards other people, sleep all the time or barely at all, are exhausted, lose their ability to concentrate or think clearly, have feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, feel that life is hopeless, and they eat less or more than usual. Insomnia in young men is associated with a marked increased risk for depression that persists for at least 30 years afterwards.
Doctors treat depression with antidepressants, and the most used and effective antidepressants are Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft. They raise brain levels of a specific chemical called serotonin that helps to make people feel good. A once a week dose of Prozac can often control depression, but high brain levels of serotonin often reduce sexual desire.
On the other hand, Wellbrutin does not raise brain levels of serotonin significantly, does not reduce sexual desire and may even increase desire. Patients who need to stay on the serotonin-uptake-inhibitor antidepressants, but want to maintain interest in making love can take the shorter-acting Paxil or Zoloft safely four days a week from Monday to Thursday and not take them from Friday to Sunday. Taking Prozac intermittently does not prevent loss of libido because it is a long-acting antidepressant.
When a single drug fails to alleviate depression, two or more drugs taken together are far more effective than larger doses of a single drug. Buproprion (brand name Wellbruton) combined with Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft, appears to relieve depression more effectively than the single drugs. However, patients on the combination regimen still have a high incidence of decreased sexual desire, insomnia, tiredness and tremor.
Antidepressants that raise brain serotonin levels are used for other effects. Sibutramine is used to suppress hunger and treat overweight. They may be the drugs of choice to treat premenstrual syndrome or attention deficit disorder. They can be given safely to people with heart disease. Check with your doctor.
Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com
Free weekly newsletter on fitness, health, and nutrition.
Journal references on antidepressants.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabe_Mirkin,_M.D.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Understand the Different Types of Depression - By Justin Meyer
Depression is not a straight-forward thing. There are different kinds with different causes. If you suspect that you are depressed, the first thing to do is examine the cause. That cause will help you to determine what kind of depression you suffer from.
There are different types of depression. The two main classifications are clinical and situational. These are not mutually exclusive – you can suffer from both, but to know which is the primary cause is important.
Situational depression is just how it sounds, depression based on what is going on in your life. Have you just lost your job? Did your girlfriend just break up with you? It's common to be depressed after these events. While therapy would be beneficial here, medication most likely would not.
Are you depressed for no reason? If you have trouble getting out of bed on a daily basis, or you feel down and don't enjoy things that you used to with more frequency, then you might suffer from clinical depression. Clinical depression is caused by changes in brain chemistry and can be treated with medication.
While situational depression is more common, people who suffer from one can frequently suffer from both. What is important is to find the cause and get treated for all parts. Situational depression can frequently exacerbate clinical symptoms.
You can read more about depression at http://www.curemydepression.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Meyer
Monday, December 05, 2005
A Powerful Method For Healing Depression - By: Margaret Paul, Ph.D.
Kendra had been depressed on and off for the last three years before consulting with me. “I’ve tried various medications and they help somewhat, but I still feel depressed. I’ve tried psychotherapy and it also helps a little but not enough for me to feel happiness or peace inside. I hate feeling this way and I just don’t know what to do.”
The first thing that I did with Kendra was to help her create a personal source of spiritual guidance. I asked her to make up a being who was very loving, wise and powerful - a man, woman or animal to whom she could turn to, in her imagination, for help and guidance. Kendra made up an older Indian medicine woman whom she called Elder One.
Next I asked Kendra where in her body she felt the feeling of depression. “In my heart and stomach. My heart and stomach often feel so heavy and sad.”
“Kendra, imagine that your feeling self, the part that is presently depressed, is a child within. How old is this child?” She told me she thought the child was around six.
“Now, imagine that you are sitting in a beautiful place in nature with Elder One. Imagine that Elder One is surrounding you with love so that you feel safe. Now imagine that little six-year old depressed Kendra is also with you. Ask her how she feels about you as her inner parent, her inner mom and dad. Ask her how you are treating her that is causing her to feel depressed. Ask her out loud.”
“Okay. Little Kendra, how you you feel about me as a parent? How am I treating you that is causing you to feel so depressed?”
“Now go inside and imagine that you are little Kendra and that you are talking to you as the adult, the inner parent. What do you as little Kendra want to say to adult Kendra? How does adult Kendra treat you? What is adult Kendra doing that causes you to feel so bad?”
Little Kendra: “I barely exist for you. You really don’t care about how I feel. You never stand up for me with other people. You decide on things without ever asking me how I feel about it - like having dinner with Kathy tonight. I don’t want to have dinner with Kathy. All she does is talk about herself and I just end up feeling drained. But you don’t care about how I feel. You don’t want to say no or tell Kathy the truth because she might feel hurt or angry, but what about me? You never speak up for me with Harold (her husband) either. I just feel like I don’t exist in this marriage, just like with Mom. You treat me just like Mom treated me - like what I want and feel doesn’t matter. Other people are always more important than me. Of course I’m depressed! How else would you expect me to feel?”
Kendra started to cry at this point, and little Kendra continued. “I’m so mad at you! When are you going to care about me!”
“So,” I said, “You are a caretaker with your husband and friends. You take care of them but neglect yourself. You allow them to control you without standing up for yourself. Can you see how this would lead to depression?”
Kendra was quite stunned by this information. She had believed that her depression was caused by outside events rather than by how she was treating herself. She thought it was due to a chemical imbalance and to her husband’s controlling behavior. She may have indeed had a chemical imbalance that resulted from the stress of not taking care of herself, but the imbalance was likely the result rather than the cause of her stress and resulting depression. Her husband was indeed controlling but it was her response to him and others that was the cause of her depression, rather than her husband’s or friends’ behavior.
Kendra began to see that until she had the courage to take loving care of herself, she would continue to be depressed. Through practice, she learned to open to Elder One for guidance about loving behavior toward herself. As she began to take loving action for herself - for her Inner Child - her depression gradually diminished until she was able to get off the medication. Now, when she feels the depression coming up, she knows that there is some way she is not taking care of herself. She speaks with little Kendra to find out what it is and with Elder One to discover the loving action. When she has the courage to take the loving action, her depression goes away. Kendra has learned a powerful, spiritually-based method for healing her depression.
About the Author: Margaret Paul, Ph.D., best-selling author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You” and co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or email her at mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone Sessions.
Source: www.isnare.com
Sunday, December 04, 2005
5 Reasons To Not Let Depression Control You Anymore! -By: Adrian Calvin
Family – It can be very vexing to loved one’s when you are depressed. On one hand they want nothing but the best for you, but on the other they sometimes get frustrated and wonder why you can’t simply snap out of it. It can be particularly hard on children of someone with depression as it may affect their outlook on life for many years to come. Having experienced this myself, I can say definitely this is the number one reason to fight your depression.
Work - Work life generally suffers when in the throws of depression. It is more difficult to concentrate and not as easy to create and maintain good professional working relationships and partnerships. Furthermore, it makes being a “Self-starter” more unlikely. Rather than moving forward, maintaining the status-quo becomes more acceptable, even if only unconsciously.
Love – The love life of a person with depression can suffer tremendously. Regardless of How much someone may profess their dedication to another person, if the other person can never see the bright side, it can wear on them. Life is short, right? Love conquers A WHOLE LOT, but it doesn’t conquer everything. Sometimes we must add internal fortitude to love to truly be invincible. Besides isn’t it better to fight, not just for you, but for this person that you love as well?
Health – University studies have proven that people who are depressed are more likely to get sick, and more likely to die of an illness than those who are content. It is in your benefit, health wise, to fight your depression as well. A recent New York Times article, citing a University study, indicated that persons who have been diagnosed as depressed have more hospital visits, and a shorter lifespan.
Prosperity – The depressed person sometimes lacks clarity of thought, and may miss golden opportunities to improve their lives if only they had been paying attention. This may be, perhaps, the most important point, since many people believe they would be happier if only this part of their life, or that part of their life, etc was different. Allowing good things to happen in your life might just give you the jump start needed to end the cycle of depression and self imposed-isolation( even if only figuratively ).
Fighting depression can help your life in many ways. In some ways, the fight in itself is also a reward. You become stronger, do better at work, have better relationships, and can focus on what is really important in life so that you can improve it, for yourself, your family, friends, and loved ones.
About the Author: Adrian Calvin is co-founder of kertera.com. A mental health forum for people to discuss depression, stress, anxiety and more. If you would like to visit, then type http://www.kertera.com in your web browser.
Source: www.isnare.com
Work - Work life generally suffers when in the throws of depression. It is more difficult to concentrate and not as easy to create and maintain good professional working relationships and partnerships. Furthermore, it makes being a “Self-starter” more unlikely. Rather than moving forward, maintaining the status-quo becomes more acceptable, even if only unconsciously.
Love – The love life of a person with depression can suffer tremendously. Regardless of How much someone may profess their dedication to another person, if the other person can never see the bright side, it can wear on them. Life is short, right? Love conquers A WHOLE LOT, but it doesn’t conquer everything. Sometimes we must add internal fortitude to love to truly be invincible. Besides isn’t it better to fight, not just for you, but for this person that you love as well?
Health – University studies have proven that people who are depressed are more likely to get sick, and more likely to die of an illness than those who are content. It is in your benefit, health wise, to fight your depression as well. A recent New York Times article, citing a University study, indicated that persons who have been diagnosed as depressed have more hospital visits, and a shorter lifespan.
Prosperity – The depressed person sometimes lacks clarity of thought, and may miss golden opportunities to improve their lives if only they had been paying attention. This may be, perhaps, the most important point, since many people believe they would be happier if only this part of their life, or that part of their life, etc was different. Allowing good things to happen in your life might just give you the jump start needed to end the cycle of depression and self imposed-isolation( even if only figuratively ).
Fighting depression can help your life in many ways. In some ways, the fight in itself is also a reward. You become stronger, do better at work, have better relationships, and can focus on what is really important in life so that you can improve it, for yourself, your family, friends, and loved ones.
About the Author: Adrian Calvin is co-founder of kertera.com. A mental health forum for people to discuss depression, stress, anxiety and more. If you would like to visit, then type http://www.kertera.com in your web browser.
Source: www.isnare.com
Sorry Everyone!
Just wanted to apologize for not posting any articles the last couple of days. I've been so sick and trying to move into a new place at the same time. I finally got my computer hooked up and ready to go. So, now I should be back on target posting articles that hopefully you all find helpful and informative.
Thanks for being loyal readers,
Anna
Thanks for being loyal readers,
Anna
Being Alone And Depressed - By Justin Meyer
It can be hard to say goodbye, because you know that you will be going back to being alone. Especially when you are very close to someone, or when you are very lonely. Saying goodbye can be difficult because you are (rightly) not interested in being alone. It can cause a very hard down after a very pleasant and long-lasting high. So how do you say goodbye? How do you part when you know that parting is not “sweet sorrow”, as Shakespeare wrote, but something that will just lead to sorrow. However, staying too long can also lead to problems, if you worry about what people will say about you.
So how do you accept that it is time to part? For some it is an easier process than others. But the acceptance that while this is goodbye it is not so forever is a good first step. The knowledge that while you might be alone now, you won’t last in that state is also important to recognize.
Especially when the person saying goodbye is someone who you spend a lot of time with, you should feel comfortable that they will return and you will see them again.
In the meantime, it is important to not look upon loneliness as a terminal state. Look for ways to occupy yourself. You will know when you are going to be alone, and you can find things to do with that time, so you are not as sad and lonely.
Learn to alleviate your depression at http://www.curemydepression.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Meyer
So how do you accept that it is time to part? For some it is an easier process than others. But the acceptance that while this is goodbye it is not so forever is a good first step. The knowledge that while you might be alone now, you won’t last in that state is also important to recognize.
Especially when the person saying goodbye is someone who you spend a lot of time with, you should feel comfortable that they will return and you will see them again.
In the meantime, it is important to not look upon loneliness as a terminal state. Look for ways to occupy yourself. You will know when you are going to be alone, and you can find things to do with that time, so you are not as sad and lonely.
Learn to alleviate your depression at http://www.curemydepression.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Meyer
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Surviving Those Holiday Blues - By Garrett Coan
Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with the holidays. Many people feel stressed and unhappy in response to the demands of shopping for gifts, spending large amounts of money, attending parties and family gatherings, and entertaining houseguests. It is not uncommon to react to these stresses with excessive drinking and eating, difficulty sleeping, and physical complaints. The holiday blues are a common result. If you experience reactions like these during the holidays, you are not alone. Let’s take a look at what causes the holiday blues and what you can do about them.
What Causes the Holiday Blues?
Fear of disappointing others. Some people fear disappointing their loved ones during the holidays. Even though they can’t afford to spend a lot of money on gifts, some people feel so obligated to come through with a fancy gift that they spend more than they can afford.
Expecting gifts to improve relationships. Giving someone a nice present won’t necessarily strengthen a friendship or romantic relationship. When your gifts don’t produce the reactions you had hoped for, you may feel let down.
Anniversary reactions. If someone important to you passed away or left you during a past holiday season, you may become depressed as the anniversary approaches.
Bad memories. For some families, the holidays are times of chaos and confusion. This is especially true in families where people have substance abuse problems or dysfunctional ways of relating to each other. If this was true in your family in past years, you may always carry memories of the disappointment and upheaval that came with the holidays. Even though things may be better now, it is difficult to forget the times when your holidays were ruined by substance abuse and family dysfunction.
It could be SAD. People who live in northern states may experience depression during the winter because of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD results from fewer hours of sunlight as the days grow shorter during the winter months.
Strategies for Dealing with the Holiday Blues
While the holiday blues are usually temporary, these ideas can help make this year’s holiday experience more pleasant and less stressful:
Be realistic. Don’t expect the holiday season to solve all past problems. The forced cheerfulness of the holiday season cannot ward off sadness or loneliness.
Drink less alcohol. Even though drinking alcohol gives you a temporary feeling of well-being, it is a depressant and never makes anything better.
Give yourself permission not to feel cheerful. Accept how you are feeling. If you have recently experienced a loss, you can’t expect yourself to put on a happy face. Tell others how you are feeling and what you need.
Have a spending limit and stick to it. Look for holiday activities that are free, such as driving around to look at holiday decorations. Go window-shopping without purchasing anything. Look for ways to show people you care without spending a lot.
Be honest. Express your feelings to those around you in a constructive, honest, and open way. If you need to confront someone with a problem, begin your sentences with “I feel.”
Look for sources of support. Learn about offerings at mental health centers, churches, and synagogues. Many of these have special support groups, workshops, and other activities designed to help people deal with the holiday blues.
Give yourself special care. Schedule times to relax and pamper yourself. Take a warm bath or spend an evening with a good book.
Set limits and priorities. Be realistic about what you will be able to accomplish. Prepare a To-Do list to help you arrange your priorities.
Volunteer your time. If you are troubled because you won’t be seeing your family, volunteer to work at a hospital or food bank. Volunteering can help raise your spirits by turning your focus to people who are less fortunate than you are.
Get some exercise. Exercise has a positive impact on depression because it boosts serotonin levels. Try to get some type of exercise at least twice each week.
After the Holidays
For some people, holiday blues continue into the new year. This is often caused by leftover feelings of disappointment during the holiday season and being physically exhausted. The blues also happen for some people because the start of a new year is a time of reflection, which can produce anxiety.
Is It More than Just the Holiday Blues?
Clinical depression is more than just feeling sad for a few weeks. The symptoms generally include changes in appetite and sleep patterns, having less interest in daily activities, difficulty concentrating, and a general feeling of hopelessness.
Clinical depression requires professional treatment. If you are concerned that a friend or relative may be suffering from more than just holiday blues, you should express your concerns. If the person expresses thoughts of worthlessness or suicide, it is important to seek the help of a qualified mental health professional.
Garrett Coan is a professional therapist,coach and psychotherapist. His two Northern New Jersey office locations are accessible to individuals who reside in Bergen County, Essex County, Passaic County, Rockland County, and Manhattan. Garrett also offers online and telephone coaching and counseling services for those who live at a distance. He can be accessed through http://www.creativecounselors.com or at 201-303-4303.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Garrett_Coan
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Talk to a Significant Other When They Are Depressed - By Justin Meyer
It is a tough feeling, seeming like you can never say the right thing. Especially when your significant other has slipped into a depression. The wrong thing can send them yelling and screaming, and you might not even be sure why. How do you talk to him or her without it being a problem? How do you avoid making things worse, when you just want to be supportive? How do you say things so they are not taken the wrong way?
The worst thing that you can do is say things with the wrong tone. That can be the most important thing to do. If your tone is perceived as being condescending, it may be interpreted as such. Even if you don’t think your tone is wrong, you need to be careful. It is a hard thing to determine, but the best thing to do is stick to a neutral tone of voice.
The second thing to do is not to pry, but let your significant other talk to you about what is wrong. Listen, comment when appropriate, but don’t voice too many opinions. This is a time for them to be upset and they will deal with it as appropriate. Telling them to snap out of it is not the best approach. Let them set the tone for the conversation.
Finally, when they are depressed, be supportive. Now is not the time to say things that are critical. As hard as it might be, now is a time when you need to hold your tongue a little bit.
Learn to alleviate your depression at http://www.curemydepression.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Meyer
Anticipatory Grief and Holidays: 12 Survival Tips - By Harriet Hodgson
Anticipatory grief - a feeling of loss before a death or dreaded event occurs - is a hard journey. Holidays make it even harder. At a time when you're supposed to feel happy and joyful, you feel sad and anxious. You're on pins and needles and wonder what will happen next.
Remember, your grief stems from love, and you may find comfort in that. Holidays don't erase your reasons for feeling sad and lonely, according to the National Mental Health Association, and "there is room for these feelings to be present." So accept your feelings and, if you feel like crying, go ahead and do it.
Crying will help you to feel better. Here are some other ways you can help yourself.
BE REALISTIC.
You don't have to create a "perfect" holiday. Do you really need to knit sweaters for everyone? No. Do you really need to serve a six course meal? No. What you need to do is set realistic goals, get organized, and pace yourself. Rather than focusing on one day, the National Mental Health Association recommends focusing on "a season of holiday sentiment."
ASK FOR HELP.
You don't need to do everything yourself. Family members and friends will be glad to help with planning, decorating, and cooking. One family member could bring a traditional dish, such as pumpkin pie. Another family member could provide linens and launder them afterwards. Your request for help makes others feel needed.
BUDGET.
Finances can cause stress at any time, but they cause lots of stress during the holidays. Set a budget for gifts, decorations, and entertaining. Staying within your budget will make you feel better about the holidays and yourself. Your gifts don't have to be new. Holiays are a perfect time to pass along family possessions - a flower vase, historic photo, or beloved book. Stick a short note about the item in with your gift.
EAT RIGHT.
Because nutrition affects brain chemistry, you need to eat balanced meals during the holidays. Yummy as they look, pass up the candy and cookies that come your way. Choose lots of fruits and veggies from the buffet table and one dessert. Keeping a supply of healthy snacks on hand will also help you to eat right.
DRINK MODERATELY.
Alcohol makes the holiday blues worse, according to the National Mental Health Association. Too much alcohol can cause you to say things you'll regret later. If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation or skip it all together. Drink sparkling cider, non-alcoholic punch, or flavored water instead of alcohol.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP.
You've probably thinking, "Yeah, right." But you need sleep to survive the holidays. Getting enough sleep is hard to do with so many holiday events going on. However, you may be selective about what you attend, leave early, and get a good night's sleep. Balance a late night with a short nap the next day.
LIGHT YOUR WAY.
Vanerbilt University wellness experts say more people get depressed during the holidays than at any other time. Some of these people have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you live in a cold climate and the days are short you may wish to be evaluated for SAD. Phototherapy (intense lighting) is usualy recommended for those with SAD. Even if you don' have SAD well lit rooms will lift your spirits.
EXERCISE.
Daily physical activity is a proven way to cope with stress. Walk around town or the local mall and look at holiday decorations. Play catch with your kids or grandkids. Bundle up and go cross country skiing. A half hour of physical activity per day helps to chase the blues away.
BE CONCILATORY.
According to www.MayoClinic.com family tensions may flare during the holidays if members are "thrust together for several days." Holidays aren't the time to settle family disputes, they're a time for concilatory and kind behavior. Discuss family grievances at a later date.
HELP OTHERS.
Holidays are associated with families and togetherness according to Jill RachBeisel, MD, Director of Community Psychiatry at the University of Maryland. But, due to the divorce rate and fragmented families, many don't have this kind of holiay experience. Still, you may connect with a substitute family by volunteering a a senior center, reading to shut-ins, or tutoring children.
MAKE NEW MEMORIES.
The memories you make during this holiday season may comfort you in the future. Take digital photos of holiday events and put them on a CD. Send copies of the CD to all family members. Every family has stories to tell and you may create new memories by tape recording some of these stories. You may also videotape holiday events.
SAVOR THE MOMENT.
Though you are sorrowful, you're alive, able to be with those you love and care about. Surround yourself with life: family members, dear friends, colorful flowers, a tail-wagging dog, and hobbies that make you happy. For every moment of life - even the sorrowful ones - is a miracle.
Copyright 2005 by Harriet Hodgson. To learn more about her work go to http://www.harriethodgson.com
Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com The book is packed with Healing Steps - 114 in all - that lead readers to their own healing path.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harriet_Hodgson
Remember, your grief stems from love, and you may find comfort in that. Holidays don't erase your reasons for feeling sad and lonely, according to the National Mental Health Association, and "there is room for these feelings to be present." So accept your feelings and, if you feel like crying, go ahead and do it.
Crying will help you to feel better. Here are some other ways you can help yourself.
BE REALISTIC.
You don't have to create a "perfect" holiday. Do you really need to knit sweaters for everyone? No. Do you really need to serve a six course meal? No. What you need to do is set realistic goals, get organized, and pace yourself. Rather than focusing on one day, the National Mental Health Association recommends focusing on "a season of holiday sentiment."
ASK FOR HELP.
You don't need to do everything yourself. Family members and friends will be glad to help with planning, decorating, and cooking. One family member could bring a traditional dish, such as pumpkin pie. Another family member could provide linens and launder them afterwards. Your request for help makes others feel needed.
BUDGET.
Finances can cause stress at any time, but they cause lots of stress during the holidays. Set a budget for gifts, decorations, and entertaining. Staying within your budget will make you feel better about the holidays and yourself. Your gifts don't have to be new. Holiays are a perfect time to pass along family possessions - a flower vase, historic photo, or beloved book. Stick a short note about the item in with your gift.
EAT RIGHT.
Because nutrition affects brain chemistry, you need to eat balanced meals during the holidays. Yummy as they look, pass up the candy and cookies that come your way. Choose lots of fruits and veggies from the buffet table and one dessert. Keeping a supply of healthy snacks on hand will also help you to eat right.
DRINK MODERATELY.
Alcohol makes the holiday blues worse, according to the National Mental Health Association. Too much alcohol can cause you to say things you'll regret later. If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation or skip it all together. Drink sparkling cider, non-alcoholic punch, or flavored water instead of alcohol.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP.
You've probably thinking, "Yeah, right." But you need sleep to survive the holidays. Getting enough sleep is hard to do with so many holiday events going on. However, you may be selective about what you attend, leave early, and get a good night's sleep. Balance a late night with a short nap the next day.
LIGHT YOUR WAY.
Vanerbilt University wellness experts say more people get depressed during the holidays than at any other time. Some of these people have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you live in a cold climate and the days are short you may wish to be evaluated for SAD. Phototherapy (intense lighting) is usualy recommended for those with SAD. Even if you don' have SAD well lit rooms will lift your spirits.
EXERCISE.
Daily physical activity is a proven way to cope with stress. Walk around town or the local mall and look at holiday decorations. Play catch with your kids or grandkids. Bundle up and go cross country skiing. A half hour of physical activity per day helps to chase the blues away.
BE CONCILATORY.
According to www.MayoClinic.com family tensions may flare during the holidays if members are "thrust together for several days." Holidays aren't the time to settle family disputes, they're a time for concilatory and kind behavior. Discuss family grievances at a later date.
HELP OTHERS.
Holidays are associated with families and togetherness according to Jill RachBeisel, MD, Director of Community Psychiatry at the University of Maryland. But, due to the divorce rate and fragmented families, many don't have this kind of holiay experience. Still, you may connect with a substitute family by volunteering a a senior center, reading to shut-ins, or tutoring children.
MAKE NEW MEMORIES.
The memories you make during this holiday season may comfort you in the future. Take digital photos of holiday events and put them on a CD. Send copies of the CD to all family members. Every family has stories to tell and you may create new memories by tape recording some of these stories. You may also videotape holiday events.
SAVOR THE MOMENT.
Though you are sorrowful, you're alive, able to be with those you love and care about. Surround yourself with life: family members, dear friends, colorful flowers, a tail-wagging dog, and hobbies that make you happy. For every moment of life - even the sorrowful ones - is a miracle.
Copyright 2005 by Harriet Hodgson. To learn more about her work go to http://www.harriethodgson.com
Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com The book is packed with Healing Steps - 114 in all - that lead readers to their own healing path.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harriet_Hodgson
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Meditation For Depression - By Justin Meyer
How to meditate, it's an unusual topic for this series. However, it is very applicable. As we discuss the problems of losing your temper, a serious problem in depression, it is helpful to know how to meditate, because meditation is a very effective technique for calming yourself.
The first step towards meditation is to turn off the TV, the radio, try to eliminate as much noise as possible. Meditation will encourage you to focus on your own breath, and that is what you want to be listening for. You want to try and avoid any distraction at this point.
Second, close your eyes. You may want to open them to see what is going on, but remember, you are focusing on the internal right now, not the external. It doesn't matter what is going on in the other room. All that matters is what you are doing. Take deep breaths. Get into a rhythm of deep breaths in and out. Try to extend your exhalation so it is longer than your inhalation. Begin counting to ten with the odd numbers on the inhale and the even numbers on the exhale. This will put you in your body's natural rhythm. With your eyes closed, imagine a shade of purple that just gets darker and darker without ever turning to black. This will give you your focal point. The deep purple will soothe you, as will the counting of your breath.
Eventually, you might find that you only need to breathe and be able to go into a meditative state. That is fine. Always remember to count from one to ten in cycles, though because you do want to bring your body to that calming rhythm. The pace of your breathing is what will maintain your calm and without that, you will not be able to move on.
You can read more about depression at http://www.curemydepression.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Meyer
The first step towards meditation is to turn off the TV, the radio, try to eliminate as much noise as possible. Meditation will encourage you to focus on your own breath, and that is what you want to be listening for. You want to try and avoid any distraction at this point.
Second, close your eyes. You may want to open them to see what is going on, but remember, you are focusing on the internal right now, not the external. It doesn't matter what is going on in the other room. All that matters is what you are doing. Take deep breaths. Get into a rhythm of deep breaths in and out. Try to extend your exhalation so it is longer than your inhalation. Begin counting to ten with the odd numbers on the inhale and the even numbers on the exhale. This will put you in your body's natural rhythm. With your eyes closed, imagine a shade of purple that just gets darker and darker without ever turning to black. This will give you your focal point. The deep purple will soothe you, as will the counting of your breath.
Eventually, you might find that you only need to breathe and be able to go into a meditative state. That is fine. Always remember to count from one to ten in cycles, though because you do want to bring your body to that calming rhythm. The pace of your breathing is what will maintain your calm and without that, you will not be able to move on.
You can read more about depression at http://www.curemydepression.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Meyer
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