Depression: Escape Your Mental Prison - By: M6.Net Web Hosting

The way out of depression could be in changing the way you perceive the world around you.

There is an illness all around me in modern society that seems to be spreading like the Black Plague once did in Europe so long ago. It's called depression, have you heard of it? Has it affected you? The more I look, the more I see it in so many people in my life, including myself. Depression sucks. It's a real drag, and I mean real drag. It is different from the feelings of unhappiness that all humans have to deal with in their lives. It is being in a solitary prison where you are the only one who can see the walls; you are the jailor, the guard, and the prisoner all rolled into one. Sounds like fun huh? Well, we better become more aware of it because there are certain aspects of contemporary life that are causing more and more souls to lock themselves up, some believing that they have no hope of ever finding the key out.

If you look up depression on the Internet through a Google search query you will find a lot of different ways and means to manage or treat the problem. There are Eastern and Western approaches, psychological and spiritual; today there are 15,400,000 links about the subject. It seems to be on everybody's mind and yet we don't give it the general social awareness that we do for other illnesses. This is probably because there are so many stigmas around faults with the human mind. Broken bones and cancer we can understand or at least think we do; but we touch on a soft spot when we find a problem with that infinitely complex, helpful, magical device we call the brain.

Recently I went to a public talk by a world famous Psychologist named Dorothy Rowe who was selling her new book, 'Depression: The way out of your prison". I'm not going to tell you that she has all the answers, but I did like the different approach that she took to the illness. She's not against modern medication, but she feels that it can be only part of the solution. Of course there are types of intense clinical depression that need certain chemicals to rebalance the brain to a 'normal' working order, but for all depression she feels that the focus could be shifted from a management to a prevention paradigm.

Dr Rowe focuses on the assertion that depression comes when one's structure of interpreting the world around you has been affected by some deeply negative occurrences (usually in one's youth). Her theory suggests that if a certain event happens to one hundred people, they will all probably interpret the experience in an individual, different way; the perceived 'reality' having been a resulting construct from one's life experiences. For example: Let's say you get fired from your job. Just about everyone is going to feel a general unhappiness and grieve over the subsequent period. However, many people have built positive, optimistic ways of seeing life and will just go on and feel as though the layoff was another necessary step or a momentary setback on the way to their life's goals and dreams. "Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger." is a common sentiment from this type of personality.

However, a person who is prone to perceiving the world around them as threatening and dangerous (maybe their parents never gave them positive affirmations as a child, or even put them down emotionally) may believe that the loss of this job is a relative 'destruction' of their world, their safety, their confidence. This is where the illness of depression can dig its sharp teeth in. This is a pretty mellow analogy; in reality some people have gone through hellish childhoods filled with abuse, neglect and addiction. When this type of person then has to deal with the loss of a loved one or relationship break-up, you can imagine that they would be much more prone to perceiving the experience as deeply negative. Dr. Rowe believes that these constructed structures of perceiving what happens to you can be altered, thus giving rise to a new way of seeing reality. The main idea is based around the idea that we must learn to change the ways in which we see ourselves.

If we can learn to accept ourselves with all our faults and imperfections, and realize that if we are doing our best to be a loving and giving person everyday, then we can see ourselves as being worthy, and that all is well. Then if someone else treats us badly, ignores us, or says we aren't good enough, we can know and acknowledge that they are the person with the problem and that we don't necessarily need their affirmation or acceptance. We can then wait for positive people to come into our lives, as like attracts like. Soon enough we will find that there is a group of people that will stand by our side and support us when things get bad because we do the same for ourselves and for them.

One of the most powerful insights I had from this experience was the sheer number of people in the room for Dr. Rowe's speech. Each and every one had been or known someone close who had been depressed at one time in their life, thinking that they were completely alone in the world. When you see a big group of people together whom have all felt alone, you might just see into the true paradox of reality? If everyone who got depressed realized that it is a common occurrence, and connected to others in similar cases, it definitely could be a step towards healing. Could the Internet take a leading role in this process?

About the Author:

Jesse S. Somer, M6.Net (http://www.m6.net), Jesse S. Somer has been locked in a prison of his own mind. The way out was within.

Source: www.isnare.com

Loneliness - By Stephania Munson

Have you ever had one of those dreams -- or call it a nightmare -- where you're in a situation with several other people or even at a party, and no one recognizes you're there? Your dream-self is invisible; you're on the Outside Looking In. You speak, even shout, but no one hears. To the others in the dream, you have no face, no voice, no 'being'.

For some, it's only in their dreams when they can be assertive, have meaningful conversations, exciting adventures, true social interaction. But when they open their eyes and face the day, the feelings of isolation and estrangement begin.

Imagine how it feels, deep within, to believe there's a valid reason no one seeks you out for a friend. After all, you're dull and uninteresting. You're tongue-tied and never know what to say. You may even feel unattractive or ugly. Your self-esteem is non-existent, and just forget Confidence.

Someone actually invites you to a party, but you're hesitant to attend. Mary invited everyone in the office, and she only invited you because she didn't want to be rude. But your name wasn't at the top of her guest list, you're quite sure. So why should you go? Everyone else will be disappointed if you show up. Why spoil the party?

But then you win the days-long battle with yourself, and decide to go to Mary's party. You'll make an appearance. But when no one is friendly, you'll leave early...

Perhaps you've always been shy. As a child, it was hard for you to make friends. Some are lucky enough to be born into families in which social skills are taught and encouraged. And some are not. In fact, some families are so enmeshed and such self-contained units that children can learn by example that Home is the only safe place to be.

Psychologists have conducted research to identify those children whose behaviors reveal inadequate social skills. At recess, such kids may observe other 'popular' children from a distance, without seeming to know how to join the group. Or a little boy might give money to a popular student, or offer to sharpen his pencils for a year, if only he will be his friend. By nature, we are social creatures, and have a deep need to connect with others.

Henry David Thoreau said that being alone is the basic human condition, which may be true. We can't turn to others to imbue or give our life meaning. That must come from within. But psychologist Dan Kiley has coined the phrase 'Living Together Loneliness,' or LTL. Kiley described the stages of LTL as:

(1) a woman married at age 20 to 24, feels bewildered until age 28 to 30; begins to feel isolated;

(2) around age 34, the woman begins to feel impatient, anxious, and/or agitated;

(3) depression sets in at some point between age 43 and 50;

(4) ultimately, the woman may feel chronic bitterness, or unrelieved exhaustion. The 'culprit', in the woman's eyes, is her husband, because he's so self-obsessed, selfish, uncommunicative. For her, it's all his fault because she is so lonely.

Many people remain in unhappy, imperfect marriages (a) without making a shared effort to improve or rebuild the relationship, and/or (b) from the searing fear of breaking all ties and suddenly being alone.

Loneliness can be situational, and may occur when college students are away from home and family for the first time. Most college and university counseling services deal with this issue. And seniors who lose a spouse or live far away from friends and adult children may feel lonely due to the loss or disruption of their previous social network.

But intense loneliness can transmute into depression, and depression to despair. Every 18 minutes, someone in the US commits suicide -- women attempt suicide at three times the rate of males, but males are four times more 'successful' in their attempts. In the past 40 years, suicide by teens and young adults has almost tripled. And for seniors 65 and older, the suicide rate is 50% higher than that of the general population.

In the UK and Ireland, there are 200+ centers offering confidential support for suicidal thoughts, feelings of despair, or distress -- 4.8 million total contacts in 2001. Go to: http://www.samaritans.co.uk/ Or try Haven of Hope Sanctuary Hotline, http://www.mhsanctuary.com/suicide/hotline4.htm Wings of Support is a wonderful service, too: "Whether dealing with a crisis, addiction, coping with a mental disorder, or just feeling overwhelmed with life." Their services are free, and run by caring volunteers: http://www.the-bright-side.org/ Still other sites: http://www.stoploneliness.com/ which encourages you to create a Personal Plan for making positive changes in your life. And you need to visit the courageous, poignant site of Susan Rose Blauner, http://www.howistayedalive.com/ Blauner wrote a guide to suicide prevention, "How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me."

You're not alone. There are more people who will understand, first-hand, what you're going through than you could ever imagine. Please look in your Yellow Pages, under Crisis/Mental Health/or Emergency. If all else fails, call your local police department, and tell them you are desperate for someone to talk to. Don't go it alone. It hurts too much. Reach out and trust there will be a helping hand in the darkness.

About the Author:

Stephania edits a twice-monthly HTML ezine, Tidbits from the Pantry, that is currently sent to more than 11,000 opt-in subscribers. She recently retired after 40 years in the field of human services, and offers a free evaluation of a life problem to any subscriber by email.

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

Depression in Teenagers: Now What Can We Do? - By Douglas Cowan, Psy.D.

No doubt you have seen the recent news headlines about a federal panel that recommended to the FDA that anti-depressant medications carry the strongest possible warning label for use in children and teenagers. This recommendation to the FDA shook the medical community, especially those who work with depressed young people. The biggest problem from the treatment community's point of view was not the recommendation for the warning label, but the way that the media protrayed the panel's recommendation.

The panel reported that 2% to 4% of children and teens who were given anti-depressants for the treatment of depression became suicidal, that is they had suicidal thoughts, or made suicidal attempts of one kind or another. None of the 4,000 children and teens studied committed suicide.

What the media did not report well is the fact that 15% of children and teens with depression who receive no treatment will commit suicide. These 15% will not just think about it, but will actually kill themselves.

So what are we to do? If the media had their way it seems that no teens with depression would receive anti-depressants. As a result the suicide rate for those who could be using the medication would rise from nearly zero percent to about fifteen percent. But at least we wouldn't have to be concerned about evil medications.

Look, I understand that there actually are young people, even adults, who have become suicidal only after beginning treatment with an anti-depressant. Some have in fact gone on to take their own lives. This is absolutely tragic. But so is the fact that untreated depression is potentially a fatal disease. Fifteen out of one hundred young people with depression take their own lives. They should be allowed to receive a treatment that will lower the suicide rate dramatically, and without any stigma attached to it by the media.

Recently we had a patient brought to our counseling center named John (not his real name). John was rebellious, angry, withdrawn, and in trouble often, and yet he was diagnosed and treated for depression.

When we think of someone who is depressed, we usually picture a sad, tearful, lonesome person. But teenagers with depression don't look like adults with depression. Current studies show that there are about as many teenagers who are depressed as there are adults that are depressed. However, depression is exhibited far differently by teenagers than by adults. Teenagers do not commonly display gloom, self-depreciation, or talk about feeling hopeless like adults do.

Teenagers with Major Depression are described in diagnostic manuals as often becoming negative and antisocial. Feelings of wanting to leave home, or of not being understoodand approved of increase. The teen often changes, and becomes more restless, grouchy, or aggressive. A reluctance to cooperate in family ventures, and withdrawal from social activities, with retreat to one's room are frequent. School difficulties are likely as concentration is affected. Sometimes there is inattention to personal appearance and increased emotionality. Often there is an increased sensitivity to rejection in love relationships as well.

Teenage boys will often become aggressive, agitated, and get into trouble at home, at school, or with the law. Teenage girls will sometimes become preoccupied with themes of death or dying, and become decreasing concerned about how they look. Suicidal thoughts are common. Some studies suggest that 500,000 teens attempt suicide each year, and 5000 are successful.

Increased use of alcohol or other drugs is common, along with other forms of "self-destructive behaviors." Poor self-esteem is common with teenagers, but especially with those who are depressed.

Parents are often confused and frustrated when their teens begin to act like this. Sometimes parents become stern disciplinarians, or even put the teen down, which only serves to increase feelings of guilt and depression. Other times, parents feel helpless, and stand by waiting for adulthood to arrive. Of course neither course is the right one to take. If you know of a teen whose behaviors have changed to look like what has been described above, let the parents know that there is help available, and encourage the family to seek help from a professional. With proper diagnosis and treatment a depressed teen, or adult, can be greatly helped.

If someone close to you is suffering from depression, first please understand that depression is a very emotionally painful condition. For some people with depression it turns into a "terminal illness" due to suicide. Please take the situation seriously.

1) Get a medical evaluation. Symptoms of depression can be the result of a wide assortment of illnesses, including thyroid problems, viral infections, and other factors.

2) Deprex is an amino acid and homeopathic medicine for the treatment of depression that we have seen work well with our patients. It may be worth trying as long as the situation is "stable" and there is no suicidal thinking on the part of the depressed person.

3) Medications such as Prozac can be very helpful for more difficult cases. Consult your doctor. These medications are often prescribed by Family Practice Doctors, but in most cases ought to be monitored by Psychiatrists.

4) Increase intake of Protein somewhat. Use a protein powder supplement, just like a weight lifter.

5) Exercise daily. Just get out and walk for about 15 minutes.

6) Seek out counseling from someone who is good at treating depression. This can do a world of good for you. However, always use great wisdom and common sense when choosing a therapist. Some are good, and some are not, so choose wisely.

Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Cowan,_Psy.D.

Brighten Up Your Life - Author: John R. Cook, Ph.D.

Do you feel down in the dumps, have less energy and put on a few pounds during the dark, shorter days of winter? You may be suffering from the "winter blues" or a more severe form of the winter blues called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. One in five of us suffers from this problem. Symptoms can include an increase in sleep of up to four hours a day, a serious case of the munchies, and a desire to withdraw, almost like a bear entering hibernation for the winter.

In 60 to 80 percent of cases, the cure for this potentially disabling condition is to make up for the reduced daylight hours in winter through daily exposure to a photo-therapy lamp or SAD light. There are two types of SAD lights to choose from, high intensity and low intensity.

High intensity SAD lights (e.g., Uplift Technologies) are UV-filtered fluorescent lamps with low flicker ballasts that generate light about 20 times brighter than the average home or office. Low intensity SAD lights (e.g., Litebook) use LED arrays to emit blue light. Blue light suppresses the sleep hormone melatonin believed to be involved in causing SAD.

High intensity lamps are used by sitting 12 to 15 inches in front of and slightly below them, with eyes averted downward. Position and distance are less critical with low intensity lights, although it is still important to maintain an unobstructed pathway to your eyes. Carry on eating, reading or writing as you normally would.

Treatment for most people should begin in the fall and continue through till April when the outdoor light is sufficient to provide for their needs. An early start on photo-therapy in the fall can reduce or even prevent symptoms of winter SAD. Exposure periods range from 20 to 45 minutes a day, preferably in the early morning.

Besides its beneficial properties in treating seasonal depressions, bright light can also be helpful with seasonal overeating and weight gain that occur without depressed mood. Some non-seasonal depressions, sleep problems, and effects of jet-lag can also be treated with light therapy. Although side effects are rare, they can include headaches, eye strain, irritability or anxiety, and restlessness.

Before diagnosing yourself with SAD, and running out to buy a SAD light, see your family physician. He or can she tell you if there are any contraindications to using the lights such as eye disease or taking light-sensitive medication. Your physician can also help diagnose medical disorders that masquerade as SAD. These include underactive thyroid function, low blood sugar, and chronic viral infections.

Next, consider renting a lamp for two weeks to find out if the treatment is effective. Although the response rate for high intensity SAD lights is high (less is known about the efficacy of low intensity lights), you could be one of the non-responders. As a final consideration, find a reputable dealer who will allow you to apply the rental payments toward the purchase price.

About the Author:

Dr. Cook is a registered clinical psychologist in the Province of British Columbia (registration 1025), and founder of Aegis Psychological Services Inc.. Find your path to peace and calm through Dr. Cook's home study programs, electronic motivational aids and light therapy products, and self-help links at http://www.FeelBetterSolutions.com.

Article Source: http://www.Marketing-Seek.com

No More Stress, Anxiety, and Depression - By Craig Richard

Nowadays especially in the 21st Century, it is predicted that stress related illnesses such as anxiety and depression will become the biggest killers to human being. Despite significant advances in housing, standards of living, quality of food, and medical science, the pressures all of us have to face in today’s world are as demanding as any pressures experienced by our predecessors.

Why are these illnesses on the rise? And why do some people become so sick through these illnesses, they can find it hard to function?

Well they sure don’t happen overnight! You don’t suddenly wake up one morning and feel stressed or depressed. It is not like flicking on a light switch! And by the same rule, if you’re suffering, you can’t just wake up one morning, flick off the switch and say am I feel better now? Many people who don’t suffer from these illnesses often say to sufferers.

If only it was so easy! Should anyone say this to you, please forgive them as it’s just a lack of understanding. It’s very hard for people to understand how you’re feeling if they haven’t been reach the same level. The fact that these illnesses don’t suddenly happen means we can draw some parallels with illnesses such as heart diseases, some cancers and strokes. Because these illnesses don’t just suddenly happen either.

If we look at heart disease, it’s often the result of damaging behaviors practised over many years. Behaviors such as smoking, lack of exercise and a abnormal diet high in saturated fat. Strokes are a result of similar behaviors and cancers too, specially heavy smoking and drinking as you knew. So how do stressful illnesses such as stress, depression and anxiety compare to?

For many of us, feelings of distress remain constant companions: About 19 million Americans suffer from serious anxiety conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia, reports the National Institute of Mental Health, while virtually everyone else deals with less debilitating but still harmful levels of anxiety.

Stress is also the product of harmful mental habits and behaviors. These habits and behaviors are developed and practised over years since childhood in most of the cases.

Think of it like learning to drive a car. Initially, the skills required to control the vehicle needed conscious thought. It seemed really difficult didn’t it? But once we’re performed them for sufficient periods, we drive as an auto-pilot. We’re mastered the required skills by repetition. Here’re the key: if we eat healthy food, take regular exercise, cut out harmful behaviors such as smoking and drinking, we improve our health and drastically reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and strokes. We are repeating good habits, habits that will give our physical well being a huge boost.

It’s exactly the same for stress. What’s important to understand is that not everyone becomes stressed or depressed even when tragic and traumatic circumstances happen to them. Just like people who lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid harmful habits and behaviors, people don't become stressed or depressed because they have learned effective habits and behaviors that prevent stress from arising.

This is very good news if you suffer from these illnesses. Because just as we can learn habits and behaviors which cause us to become highly-stressed, depressed or anxious, we can learn the habits and behaviors which stop these terrible illnesses in their tracks. And the more often we make use of them, we’re soon begin to perform them automatically and our mental health will benefit tremendously.

No more feeling stressed out. No more feeling unable to deal with somebody. No more anxiety and no more depression.

I’m living proof of this. For more than 5 years, different kind of traumatic events sent me spiralling into an anxiety-induced depression nightmare. I came out of it by learning the natural skills that starve these illnesses. The more I used them, the less anxious I became. They’re now as natural to me as driving a car, and I am completely eradicated anxiety and depression from my life.

Discover More Click Here for natural Stress, Anxiety, and Depression formulas.
Dr.Craig Richard (Community Health Councils)

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

Questions to Ask Mental Health Professionals About Depressive Illness - By Christopher Ruane

If you or someone you love visits a therapist, there are questions you need to ask to avoid problems. Some therapists are more advanced than others are. I can tell you that some are not qualified to diagnose anything that is more complex. If you suspect you have a disorder, the best thing you can do is get accuracy on those symptoms, research your behaviors, and write them down.

If you go to the therapist you will be ahead of the game, and by learning more about your own behaviors, symptoms, and so on can save you from a diagnose you may or may not have.

Therapists as a rule base their treatment on the thought patterns, which includes hearing and talking. If the patient shows a disturbance in their thinking patterns, the therapist will consider psychosis, since this is a symptom related to the diagnosis.

They will search for signs that the patient may demonstrate, including vague thoughts, fleeting ideas, peripheral thought patterns, blocking thoughts, disassociation and so forth. Counselors often search for evidence of schizophrenia or psychosis when there is a break in reality, paranoia etc.

Paranoid and Paranoia are separate from the other, and must not be misconstrued.

Professionals could make a mistake in diagnosis if they are not aware of the difference of paranoia and paranoid. Schizophrenias are often paranoid, while patients that suffer posttraumatic stress in the early stages may illustrate paranoia.

When a patient answers out of content, or else the ideas delivered are unrelated to the conversation then there is a potential mental illness. For example, we are discussing society, and the patient says, “I never go there. After I get back from Australia next week we can do that.”

An area of concern is when the patient is talking fragments. The patient will start with one idea and jump to several other ideas. This pattern is known as fleeting thought processing. When the patient is illustrating thoughts that are sidetracked, the therapist may show a degree of concern.

Language is important when evaluating a patient, since some patients may not have sufficient skills in communication it could very well mean a lack of education rather than a diagnosis. If you have been talking individually to a therapist, and this is the only symptom, make sure that the patient is not on medications he or she may not need.

It is important to pay attention to symptoms and signs that link mental health problems and other issues. Ask the therapist questions any time there is a diagnosis, what the symptoms include, and what medicines can do to treat the disorder. When a person is suddenly, loosing a train of thought during a session this may be a possible diagnosis.

If a person is telling you about a dream related to his or her parent, and all of a sudden claims they cannot remember what they were talking about, this is an evident sign of some disorder. Most likely, this patient has suffered trauma. The symptoms are in front of you and it is important to continue treatment to find which diagnosis the patient may have.

Unfortunately, most therapists are not trained to treat patients with Multiple Personality Disorders, and often these people pay a steep price. The sign or symptom is known as disassociation or blocking memories and this is a definite sign or Multiple Personality Disorder. Multiple Personality Disorder is often exclusive in blocking memories to avoid pain.

It is always wise to ask questions when you are visiting any therapists since anyone can make mistakes without the complete medical picture and your mental health is important and should not be taken lightly.

For more related information visit: http://www.DepressionSymptomsTreatment.com - a site that offers advice for avoiding, coping with depression. Get professional knowledge on dealing with symptoms, drug side effects and improving your life!

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

When Someone You Love Tries To Hurt Themselves - By: Anna Allen

Has someone you love tried to hurt themselves by committing suicide? If so, how did it make you feel? I ask these questions because I can relate to them.

You see, my brother attempted suicide recently.

The whole ordeal really affected me. I was an emotional wreck. I had feelings of guilt and kept asking myself, ‘what could I have done to prevent this?’ Maybe I could have spent more time with him instead of being so wrapped up in my life. Maybe I could have been more alert and paid more attention to the signs. Maybe I could have done a little more to help him.

I was beating myself up playing the ‘Maybe I could have’ game.

I thank God everyday that my brother’s suicide attempted failed. He’s getting the help he needs and we’re spending a lot more time together. Things are getting a lot better. He’s smiling and laughing again. He’s on the road to recovery.

So why am I writing about something so personal and private in my life? Well, if my story helps just one person, it will all be worth it. You see, we were lucky, but unfortunately many are not. Hopefully with this article, it will help you recognize the warning signs or help you understand and deal with your feelings.

First of all, what are the possible suicide warning signs to look for?

• Talk of suicide (even in a joking manner)
• Isolation
• Recent loss (divorce, death, job, religious faith, separation, etc.)
• Previous suicide attempt
• Change in personality or behavior
• Change in sleep or eating patterns
• Sexual problems (impotence, erectile dysfunction)
• Low self esteem
• No hope for the future
• Substance abuse
• Giving away favorite belongings
• Making arrangements for pets
• Making out a will
• Giving up on life

So, let’s ask ourselves, ‘Why do people give up on life?’ Well, I’m a firm believer in the fact that many of those who take their lives do not want to die as much as they want to ‘end whatever is going on.’ They want the pain to stop.

Although the reasons why people commit suicide can vary, certain events in life can also trigger suicide. Some of these could be:

• Family or relationship problems
• Financial or work-related problems
• Retirement or physical illness, especially in elderly people.
• Loneliness
• Rejection

Another triggering factor of suicide (and probably the most common) has nothing to do with anything on a social level, such as a job or relationship. That triggering factor has to do with a person’s brain chemistry, which, in turn, causes Depression.

Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide. The thing to remember is, Depression can be treated successfully. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can be reversed.

Millions of people everyday cope with the problems and stresses of this world, so that nothing new. It’s the way a person’s mind and heart react to the pressures that lead some to kill themselves. So when the underlying factors are dealt with, many people react differently to the problems and stresses that can trigger suicide.

It’s important to realize that suicide is a ‘permanent solution to a temporary problem.’ One expert described it by saying, ‘Committing suicide is like treating a cold with a nuclear bomb.’ Suicide is never justified.

I feel I have to mention the fact that sometimes it’s only easy to recognize signs of suicidal feelings after the fact. The present is a different story. Many times this is because it’s almost impossible to know what another person is thinking and feeling. We’re not mind readers and it doesn’t help when many suicidal people just don’t open up and talk about their innermost feelings to others, even to close family and friends.

That was the case with my brother. He is a very quiet person who rarely spoke of his problems or things that bothered him.

So how can family, friends or others help?

Well, first of all remember that all suicide attempts should be treated seriously. There is no room for error. Studies have shown that ’20-30% of people who attempted suicide will repeat their attempt with a year.’ The study goes on to show that ‘more than 50% of suicides (in the United States) occur in people who have had no contact with a mental health professional.’ So as mentioned earlier, there is help available. Your condition can be helped. No situation is hopeless.

Another way that family and friends can help is to remember that sometimes an attempted suicide is a cry for help. So naturally family members and friends want to do and say the right thing to the one who has lost hope. One of the main things to remember is not to patronize them. They know what they did and why they did it, so they don’t need to be babied.

Also, it will not help to use expressions like: ‘Get over it,’ ‘A lot of people are worse off than you,’ ‘Stop feeling sorry for yourself’ and ‘Snap out of it.’ Instead, try to be there for them. Be a good listener and listen to whatever they have to say. Be a real friend to them. Stress to them that even though you cannot fully understand how bad they feel, the experience of others is proof things will get better.

In the case of my brother, my family all gathered together and discussed how we’d go about helping him. We made time for him and showed him how much we loved him. Don’t get me wrong, there were mistakes along the way. There were some that patronized him and treated him like a porcelain doll. Some seemed to be walking around on egg shells around him. He didn’t need that. My brother told me how bad that made him feel. That’s how I knew what to write in this article.

All this experience has brought my brother and I closer than ever. I thank God he is getting well.

The best advice I can give anyone out there who has gone through anything similar to my experience is to try to help their loved one by showing them that life, which should be their most prized possession, is worth living.

In conclusion, if Someone You Love Tries to Hurt Themselves, remember, it’s not your fault. Stop beating yourself up about it or blaming yourself. Get them the help they need. Be there for them. Don’t patronize them. Show them you care.

I hope I was able to help you by relating my personal and private experience.

Good luck to you all,

Anna

7 Tips to Help You De-stress & Handle Your Problems - By Rene Godefroy

Life would be so wonderful if it weren’t for other people. Let’s face it, people will upset you.

They will say things that will hurt your feeling.

And no matter how well you plan, problems and challenges will pop up. You will be stressed out. But it’s your responsibility to do something to feel better.

Here are 7 tips that can help you right away:

1) Don’t just sit there. Move! According to many psychologists, motion creates emotion. You might notice that when you are idle, it’s easier to become depressed. Your heart rate slows down, less oxygen travels to your brain, and you are slumped somewhere in a chair blocking air from reaching your lungs.

I challenge you right now, regardless of how you are feeling, to get up and walk around at a fast tempo. Maybe you might want to go to an empty room and jump up and down a little bit. It may sound silly but the results speak for themselves. Try it now for a few minutes. It works like magic.

2) Smell the roses. How do you smell the roses? How about investing some money to go on that one trip you’ve been dreaming about? Visit a country with lots of exotic places to jolt your imagination and spur your creativity. You need to detach from your daily activities and venture a little bit.

3) Get some company. If you’re like me, you have many acquaintances, but you only have a few true friends. This isn’t because I’m introverted. It is because I’m very selective about who I let enter my territory. I have worked too hard to build my house—my dream—and I won’t let anyone destroy it for me in the blink of an eye.

When you’re feeling down, call your true friends and share what it is that you’re going through. Ask for their advice or input. While their advice or suggestions may be helpful, often you’ll find that simply verbalizing your problems will help you feel better.

4) Help others cope with their problems. It is very therapeutic when you engross yourself in helping others. You will be surprised how many people’s problems are worse than those you may be facing. You can offer others assistance in countless ways. Don’t curl up in your bed and let depression and stress take hold of you.

Get out and help somebody. There are many charitable organizations that can use your help right now. My dear cousin Barbara reads to the blind. Call the National Federation of the Blind so that they can tell you how to get involved.

5) Laugh a little. By now you’ve heard that laughter is a good internal medicine. It relieves tension and loosens the muscles. It causes blood to flow to the heart and brain. More importantly, laughter releases a chemical that rids the body of pains.

Every day, researchers discover new benefits of laughter. Let me ask you this question: “Can you use a good dose of belly-shaking laughter every now and then?” Of course you can. What you are waiting for? Go a comedy club or rent some funny movies.

6) Visit third world countries. Nothing is more humbling than to visit a poor country and see first hand what other human beings go through just to survive. Most people who have taken such trips come back with a deep and profound sense of gratitude and appreciation.

They realize how much they’ve taken for granted without ever realizing it. I encourage you to travel whenever you can afford to do so. You’re not too busy. Do it for you. Your life will never be the same.

7) Wear your knees uut. If there were one sustainable remedy I could offer you when the going gets tough, it would be prayer. Many people, depending on their faith, might call it meditation. It doesn’t matter to me what you call it, as long as you have a place to run to.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Religions are crossroads converging upon the point.” Well, I don’t often discuss religion, and I don’t know what works for you; but Christianity is the way I know.

However, I am sensitive enough to respect your faith. My whole point is that when everything else fails, prayer works!

This article is an excerpt from Rene Godefroy's best-seller No Condition is Permanent. Rene is a motivational speaker that boosts morale and rekindles the spirit in the workplace. For more info about the book, visit Motivational Speaker

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Me in all my glory. 

How Depression Effects Learning Disabilities - By: Alex Fir

Depression and learning disabilities are frequently misunderstood. Learning disabilities and depression are common mental illnesses that affect millions everyday.

Studies has shown that children suffering with learning disabilities have complexity learning to speak fluently, take care of their health and bodies, and often suffer with the inability to cope with stress and the common pressures of everyday living.

A lot of the patients that suffer depression and learning disabilities are claimed to be borderline retards. Depression is related to emotional scaring, childhood traumas, chemical imbalances, insufficient nutrition’s, and other factors, so therefore it makes sense that it is believed a form of retard ness.

Learning disabilities are often stemmed from lack of education, positive influences, and miscommunications. Often people that suffer from depression and learning disabilities are overwhelmed, and this too creates a problem for the patients.

If you notice anyone around you that is suffering from symptoms of depression and learning disabilities, such as lack of enthusiasms while playing, unhappiness, feelings of despair, suicidal tendencies, and negative thinking then you should immediately contact a professional to avoid risks.

Depression is serious mental health disorder and it should not be taken lightly. Often people that suffer depression or learning disabilities use alcohol and/or drugs as a source for relief. This only creates a bigger problem, and help is needed immediately.

Depression also causes fatigue, lack of interest, and behaviors that could lead to criminal prosecution. Many people that suffer depression are affected by common problems, such as debts, deaths in the family, and so on. They often have the inability to cope with stressors, and often need support as a result.

Doctors often treat such patients with medications, including Prozac, however, recent studies has proven that the many medications used for treating depression and learning abilities have side affects that complicate the diagnose.

It is recently been discovered that depression may be linked to propensity for perception after the fact, for immersion in the mind’s eye, a normal accompanying friend to the restraint, if not antisocial, depressive irritation. I beg to differ with this philosophy, since most encounters I’ve come across with patients that suffer depression and learning abilities, they often strive for attention.

This is a complete contradiction of antisocial, since antisocial is a diagnosis where the patient refuses to associate in society. Commonly depressive maniacs, or handicaps that include depression and learning abilities they often strive to find the answers to their suffering, yet neglect to see the answers when it is in front of them.

The mind is a tricky thing, and when someone tells someone that his or her emotions are not real, it is only denying the true problem. It is important to recognize the problem, without promoting a label on the patient.

Regardless of the many philosophies available to us, one being that when a person is labeled they are often sees as a label by counselors, and other individuals. The key to eliminating any problem is learning to accept your disability. Once you accept and recognize the problem, in my experience it has proven successful in treating the diagnosis.

The problem then is not necessarily on the diagnose itself, rather it is on the many professionals, patients, and others that refuse to accept that the problem exists. Instead of examining the mind, it is also important to examine the diagnosis closely and pay thorough attention to the symptoms.

Once you start dealing with each individual symptom separately, you can then work through the other problems gradually. The problem many times is professionals want to turn to medication verses treating the patients with effective therapy.

Let’s look at a medicine that is given to patients with schizophrenia, antipsychotic, and other related diagnosis. Ziprasidone (ZIH praise ih dohn) for example, has possible risks including Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, affect on glucose or sugar level, affects blood pressure levels, and promotes involuntary movement disorder.

Now anyone that knows depression and learning disabilities should be wise to avoid risking or promoting such complications. The listed risks are often direct links to the central nervous system, and most people with depression and learning disabilities need to avoid any areas, including medicines that affect the nervous system.

About the Author: Visit Depression Help Center for more information on depression and latest news. http://www.depression-help-center.info/blog/

Source: www.isnare.com

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.

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Alone for the Holidays - By Susan Dunn

I remember some years ago picking my child up at preschool and watching the meltdown of a friend of mine. It was approaching Thanksgiving weekend, her birthday, and also her first Thanksgiving alone, as a divorced woman. The kind teacher of our children had asked my friend, Rita, I’ll call her, what her plans were for the holidays, and that’s what initiated the meltdown. Rita’s ex would have the kids and she would be alone.

Being an old pro at this, I took Rita under my wing. “Come on,” I said, “I’ll show you how to do this.”

And that’s the thing. Yes, there’s loneliness, and pain, and sometimes anger, too, but the root of the matter is that if we’re aren’t used to being “alone” for the holidays, we don’t know how to do it.

Having been single for many years, I’ve been “alone” for many holidays. I like to call it “being on my own.” It seems a funny word to me, because being “single” does not mean being “alone,” unless you’re new to it. To rephrase it, I am not married. I have not had my children with me for many holidays. Now, in fact, I am not married and my children are grown. What have I learned over the years?

Well, that year with Rita, we ended up serving Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless. I happened to work for a shelter at the time, so had all sorts of ideas. In order to fill all the corners of the holiday, we made placemats and favors beforehand, then spent several hours at the shelter with the homeless folks.

It was a heart-warming experience for Rita and fulfilled all the needs of a holiday -- keeping yourself distracted from current pain you may be enduring (there were tables to set, dishes to arrange, people to talk to, plans to make), and giving something to others, connecting, and being involved. At the end of the day, Rita’s heart was full. She had also heard other people’s stories. I don’t like to ever say “worse than one’s own,” because one’s own situation is always tantamount, but stories which helped her feel connected.

There was also a meaningful prayer when the archbishop showed up, as he sometimes did at the shelter. Don’t forget to nourish the spiritual side during a holiday. The archbishop talked about gratitude, and found things to say even at a homeless shelter. I agree with him that there is always something to be grateful for, if you turn your face toward the sun.

Here are some of the other ways I’ve enjoyed holidays as a single person:

1. Study and learning. My first year after divorce the children were with their father and his family. I was in graduate school and finals were approaching. Not being ready yet to sit at someone else’s table, though there were invitations of course, I opted to study. This year my son and grandchildren will be elsewhere, and I have a set of opera tapes I plan to indulge in. Check out the resources from The Teaching Company (www.teach12.com) bringing engaging professors into your home or car through DVD, CD, and tape. No homework or exams, and the best of the best teachers. How about “The Origins of Life,” or “History of the Bible?” You’d need a long weekend to hear the whole course.

2. Volunteer work, as mentioned above.

3. Take a trip. I’ve taken a cruise before for the holidays. You’ll find all kinds of people cruising for holidays, and you’re never alone on a cruise ship. There are always things to do, the sea to look at (it’s very healing), land excursions, and getting away from reminders.

4. Invite others to your home. Test your wins entertaining solo. Others are always willing to help and you can make it potluck. I’m sure you know people who would be glad to gather at your home. P.S. Think “friends,” not “singles.” People mean well, but I wearied of hearing, “I know you’ll be at a loss … why don’t you come over…” We like to hear the same sort of invitation everyone gets, “Please join us for Thanksgiving.” So form a mixed group!

5. Declare a non-holiday and distract yourself. Use the weekend to clean the garage. Put on some great music and your grubbies and tackle that chore. You’ll feel great afterwards. Sometimes it’s nice to go away from the holiday rather than into it.

6. If you choose to go it alone, treat yourself to a wonderful meal, like one of the grand buffets the hotel’s put on. Dress to the hilt and indulge. You are worthy of the best whether or not you are partnered, yes?

7. Connect with a singles group. They’ll probably have a full calendar; mine always does.

8. Connect with a coach, one who doesn’t require a contract so you can call when you feel like it. If you get discouraged, it’s good to talk it out.

9. If you’re at the peak of suffering, do get help. Therapists’ offices fill up at the holidays, for good reason, and they are trained to help. Stephens Ministry is also wonderful (google it)or getting prayer at your place of worship.

10. Start journaling, or start a blog. Share what you know and don’t know, and get ideas and community from others. 47% of US families are headed by single adults, so you’re hardly “alone.”

©Susan Dunn, MA, EQ coaching, http://www.susandunn.cc, mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc. Individual coaching, business programs, EQ Alive! #1 rated program to increase your EQ – simple, no memorizing, it works. Email for information, and free ezine.

Permission to reprint if byline stays intact and its links are activated on the internet. Courtesy copy appreciated. You may change the title if you like and make minor formatting changes to accommodate your publication.

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Taking Back Christmas - By Kristin Johnson

John Grisham wrote a book called SKIPPING CHRISTMAS. Amazon.com reports: “John Grisham turns a satirical eye on the overblown ritual of the festive holiday season, and the result is Skipping Christmas, a modest but funny novel about the tyranny of December 25...."

My friend Dessa Byrd Reed, author of the poetry books THE BUTTERFLY TOUCH and SEVEN BRIDGES, prefers nontraditional holidays. She wrote in THE DESERT WOMAN that as a widow she often spends time with friends over the holidays, take trips, or simply goes out to eat on Christmas (not necessarily turkey). It’s easy to see why, especially if you grew up with traditional Christmas expectations of warmth, family, and usually, expressions of faith. Christmas is under attack in this country. I think it was my high school AP Government class that asked us about cases involving removing Nativity scenes from public places. At the risk of revealing my ripe old age of 32, that was in 1990.

First we had the trend of saying Xmas for Christmas. Then Christmas sales started way back before Halloween. Now, the holiday season is more about parties, overeating and drinking, and commercialism than expressing spirituality, in particular and especially the Christian faith.

The secularists don’t much like church, whether because of parents who used religion as an excuse for too-strict disciplines (or hatred and prejudice), drug trips in the ‘60s, or fanaticism (never mind that Christ welcomed everyone). This secularist attitude got wonderful treatment in a recent episode of "Jack & Bobby" co-created by Brad Meltzer, bestselling author and a friend.

When we try to kick Christ out of a holiday named for Him, our society has a problem.

What's been the result of using the euphemism “holiday” and banning the Nativity? Congress may not be making any law about the free expression of religion, but the elite brain trust is acting like the Church of England kicking out the Puritans. What’s the result? Clashes over religion. Holiday depression. Loneliness around the holidays, especially in nursing homes. Suicide.

What's lost among the way? The spirit of giving. Warmth and compassion. Communion with family, friends and neighbors. And yes, that pesky expression of faith the secularists on the far left moan about. Ever notice that when it comes to their free expression of faith or lack thereof, they scream “racism” or “[fill in the blank] phobia” whenever Bill O’Reilly or anyone for that matter dares to pray or remind them that there is a God beyond their ideology? They accuse Christians of proselytizing but don’t hesitate to lecture on what is and what is not offensive today. President George Bush is mocked for his faith, and Senator John Kerry, a Roman Catholic, seems to have his usual difficulty sticking to a point on thorny social issues. No wonder the conventional wisdom was always not to discuss religion and politics, and for whatever God’s sake, don’t mix the two (even though it happens time and again), and let’s just all get along and sing carols at Christmas.

It seems that people are rebelling. The success of "Passion of the Christ," the Da Vinci Code and the Left Behind Series, as well as “Joan of Arcadia,” “7th Heaven,” and “Touched by an Angel” indicates a movement in popular culture.

Instead of skipping Christmas, let’s take back Christmas in our homes and families. Unless your family members and friends are Orthodox Jews or Muslims, you can celebrate Christmas with them.

After all, Judaism and Islam recognize Jesus Christ as a prophet. Every religion celebrates the spirit of giving, from Kabbalah to Hinduism. We all agree we have too much stuff, too much food (as our overweight society proves), too much alcohol, too little kindness, patience and respect. We all want connection, love, belonging, and a place in the manger.

Top ten tips for taking back Christmas:

1) Make homemade gifts. Skip the malls. You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to give something from the heart.

2) Invite friends or relatives to dinner instead of trying to give expensive gifts that no one uses anyway.

3) Don’t roll your eyes when someone says, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” And for Goddess’ sake, don’t use the “men” part to launch an anti-male rant.

4) Whatever your faith, speak up and say that Christian-bashing (or bashing of any kind) offends you, especially around the Christmas season.

5) Get together with friends and family and make care packages for homeless shelters,nursing homes, etc. Make that your gift to each other.

6) Call those friends or relatives you usually avoid talking to. Hearing about your old college roommate’s third marriage might not thrill you, especially since you can’t get a word in edgewise, but it’s a good way to give of your time, something we all feel we don’t have enough of but make for friends anyway.

7) If you’re just dying to cook that turkey dinner but your parents or mother-in-law insist on doing it THEIR way, give in. This is not a “me me me” time.

8) Rent or watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Linus’ recitation of the Bible and the gang’s rendition of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” could make even Scrooge smile. And even Lucy van Pelt admits, “Charlie Brown is a blockhead, but he did get a nice tree.”

9) Take quiet time to think, meditate, and yes, pray. Consider it the mental vacation to Tahiti you can’t take because the family has camped out at your house.

10) Appreciate your children’s gifts, especially the homemade macaroni ornaments. The first gift of Christmas was a child.

We’ve taken back our streets. We’ve taken back the night. Let’s all take back Christmas, and we won’t have to skip it. But if you do feel like skipping Christmas to restore your faith, do it. The gift of one less stressed grumpy person around the holidays is priceless.

Kristin Johnson is co-author of Christmas Cookies Are For Giving: Stories, Recipes and Tips for Making Heartwarming Gifts (ISBN: 0-9723473-9-9). A downloadablemedia kit is available at our Web site, www.christmascookiesareforgiving.com, or e-mail the publisher (info@tyrpublishing.com) to receive a printed media kit and sample copy of the book. More articles available at http://www.bakingchristmascookies.com

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Kill Your Depression - Five 5 Super Effective Tips - By: Rene Graeber

Being lonely is a normal part of our everyday lives. We get sad when we fail in our exams, when we're rejected by the person we love, or when someone very close to us passes away. Depression, however, could be more fatal than just plain loneliness. It could render life-long consequences that could ruin your self-esteem, health, and well-being.

Here are some superb tips to conquer the melancholy mood and get the most bliss out of your daily activities.

1) Get Enough Light and Sunshine.

Lack of exposure to sunlight is responsible for the secretion of the hormone melatonin, which could trigger a dispirited mood and a lethargic condition.

Melatonin is only produced in the dark. It lowers the body temperature and makes you feel sluggish. If you are always cooped up in your room (with the curtains closed), it would be difficult to restrain yourself from staying in bed.

This is the reason why many people are suffering from depression much more often in winter than in the other seasons. It's because the nights are longer.

If you can't afford to get some sunshine, you can always lighten up your room with brighter lights. Have lunch outside the office. Take frequent walks instead of driving your car over short distances.

2) Get Busy. Get Inspired.

You'll be more likely to overcome any feeling of depression if you are too busy to notice it. Live a life full of inspired activities.

Do the things you love. If you're a little short on cash, you could engage in simple stuffs like taking a leisurely stroll in the park, playing sports, reading books, or engaging in any activity that you have passion for and would love to pursue.

Set a goal - a meaningful purpose in life. No matter how difficult or discouraging life can be, remain firm and have an unshakable belief that you are capable of doing anything you desire. With this kind of positive attitude, you will attain a cheerful disposition to beat the blues.

3) Take a Break.

I mean it.

Listen to soothing music. Soak in a nice warm bath. Ask one of your close friends to massage you. Take a break from your stressful workload and spend the day just goofing around. In other words, have fun.

4) Eat Right and Stay Fit.

Avoid foods with lots of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. Sugar and caffeine may give you a brief moment of energy; but they would later bring about anxiety , tension, and internal problems. Alcohol is a depressant. Many people would drink alcohol to "forget their problems." They're just aggravating their conditions in the process.

Exercising regularly is a vital depression buster because it allows your body to produce more endorphins than usual. Endorphins are sometimes called "the happy chemicals" because of their stress-reducing and happiness-inducing properties.

5) Get a Social Life.

No man is an island. Your circle of friends are there to give you moral support. Spending time and engaging in worthwhile activities with them could give you a very satisfying feeling. Nothing feels better than having group support.

Never underestimate the power of touch. Doesn't it feel so good when someone pats you on the back and gives you words of encouragement during your most challenging times? Hug or embrace someone today. You'll never know when you have saved another life.

Get intimate. Establish close ties with your family and friends. The love and care expressed by others could tremendously boost your immune system and fend off illnesses. Best of all, you'll live a more secured and happy life.

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

Source: www.isnare.com

Depression and Christmas - By Samantha Weaver

Christmas is supposed to be a fun, exciting, family orientated time of the year, right? Yes, sure for those with family and friends to share it with, but not for everyone and especially not for those unfortunate enough to be debilitated with the illness which is depression.

For most people, Christmas is filled with the excitement of sharing quality time with our loved ones. Looking forward to warm welcomes, cheerful smiles, gorging on endless supplies of turkey and chocolate treats. Yet there are those who seem to be forgotten at this time of year, those that dread Christmas with every inch of their being. Filled with anxiety and self-doubt the emotions felt by a depressive can and do become distorted, out of control and instead of being joyful and excited, the exact opposite happens. A depressed individual fears Christmas, wished it was just ‘all over and done with’ and was a day in their diary that they could simply delete from their lives as simply as ripping out the page in the diary that the 25th Dec sits in.

Thoughts consume their brain, fear takes over and the depressives mind is clouded and distorted into paranoid and anxious thinking. What,, where and how am I going to spend Christmas? Will I be able to make it through the day? How can I avoid feeling worse than I already do? How can I stop feeling so lonely, so unimportant, so worthless and so sad?

No depressed person wants to feel depressed. No depressed person wants anyone else to feel depressed because of their situation. No depressed person wants to ‘put on their façade for the day and pretend to be OK’ and no depressed person wants to mope around alone feeling sorry for themselves, especially on Christmas day.

Unfortunately, depressed people are also un-motivated to want to make a contribution towards Christmas. It isn’t their fault, it’s the depression consuming them taking control of their feelings and making them worse. Instead, Christmas sends a depressives emotions into deeper turmoil. The frustration of their situation takes control and drags them deeper into their thoughts, deeper into their depression. Repeating a never ending circle of repetitive motion which they can do nothing to help themselves from.

So instead, they are left alone, their mind pondering a thousand and one thoughts. Not normal thoughts, but dangerous ones. Wouldn’t this world be a better place without me? Wouldn’t my friends and family be better off if I wasn’t here? I wouldn’t have to feel this way next Christmas. No-one wants me around really; no-one really cares about me or wants to help me. No-one understands me and no-one knows what I am going through.

The death fantasy envelopes the mind of the depressive and within a few hours of irrational thought, of upset and distortion in the mind, the depressed person is close to contemplating suicide. So how can you help? What can you do for a depressed loved one this Christmas?

1) Don’t let them spend the day alone.

2) Encourage them to participate with Christmas

3) Tell them that they are not a burden

4) Remind them that they matter

5) Lend an ear if they want to talk

6) Lend a shoulder if they want to cry

7) Don’t expect anything from them

8) Feed them a healthy, hearty meal

9) Remind them that you care.

Ultimately, you can not force another person to be with you if they do not want to be, but the truth of the matter is that regardless of what a depressed person says or does, they do need to know someone is there, they do need to know someone cares and they do need to know that someone wants them around.

The Author maintains all rights and restrictions to this work.
Samantha C Weaver Author of 'Saving Samantha: A Young Woman's Escape from Childhood Hell' ISBN: 1401910300 http://www.samanthaweaver.com

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Depression: Vitamin Supplements May Help to Stop Depression - By Hector Milla

New research in depression causes found out that supplements could help to stop this disease in depressed people that might have problems metabolizing the B vitamin folate. According to Dr. Ingvar Bjelland of the University of Bergen, vitamins are important, not only for the physical health, but for the mental health as well.

The researcher explains that folate might play an important role in depression, as the body may need the B vitamin in order to build substances in the brain because a lack of these substances may cause different mental disorders, including depression.

Depression arises more commonly in people who has high levels of the amino acid homocysteine in their blood and in those who have a form of a gene that encodes a protein involved in processing folate, under results of an investigation performed in Norway.

It is known that folic acid (the form of folate found in supplements) aid in breaking down homocysteine, which is a normal byproduct of metabolism. Therefore, Dr. Bjelland explains that the lack of folate and/or a disturbed folate metabolism may partially cause depression in some people.

The fact that folic acid supplements may encourage the effects of antidepressants, as suggested previous research, is supported by Bjelland. Results published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, may support the suggestion that folate may prevent depression, acording to the expert.

Researcher’s findings state that people who has relatively high levels of homocysteine in their blood were almost twice as likely to be depressed, in comparison to people with the lowest blood levels of homocysteine.

Bjelland obtained his findings after scanning blood samples from 5,948 people between the ages of 46 and 49, and screening them for depression and anxiety.

Article written by Hector Milla, editor of :: MyDepressionSymptoms.com :: visit for Depression Symptoms Information at http://www.mydepressionsymptoms.com, plus a full list of 376 depression articles may be found at http://www.mydepressionsymptoms.com/xenu.html. Thanks for use this article in your website or ezine keeping a live link.

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Desperate Housewife No More- 8 Ways To Take Back Your Life - By: Marie Roker

Do you feel that you are living someone else’s life? Do you want to feel good and positive about yourself and your life? These 8 simple steps will help you to break free of what is causing distress in your life.

1. Change Your Approach to Life.

What is controlling your life right now? Are you controlled by your emotions, by your past experiences, or by your thoughts? The way you approach life is the way you will live your life. If you see your life as miserable and a failure, then that is the way you will live your life. By allowing yourself to grow in resentment and regret each day, you are cheating yourself of a quality life. You were not destined to live a life of uncertainty and emotional distress. Your negative experiences and disappointing past is what keep you in desperation and frustration. Start to see things as getting better rather than getting worse. Start each day with a clean slate and with the determination to be at your best. Think about what’s possible, not what’s implausible. Stop complaining about what isn’t right in your life and start to embrace what is good in your life. Don’t look back at what you have missed out on and what you have lost; think about all you have to gain. Anticipate the best for your life, be clear on what you want in your life, and then start to create life changing strategies. It’s not easy to change your approach; it takes time and commitment to living a better life. On useful way to change your approach is to not put any expectations on the day and to incorporate a bright attitude in your day.

2. Be Responsible for Your Own Happiness

No one has the power to make you happy. You are responsible for your own happiness. Not your spouse, significant other, children, parents, therapists, life coach, friends, lover, job, career, business, etc. Your happiness depends on your beliefs and attitudes. You can’t change the past or predict the future, so be content with what you have today. Happiness feeds your spirits and helps you regain your passion for life. It is up to you to make the strides towards your happiness. If you are constantly dealing with difficult people, develop a plan that will help you keep your sanity when dealing with them. By living in sadness and depression, you are giving away your powers and letting someone or something else control you. If you find that your interactions with certain people control your mood, and then make the decision to control whether or not you will be affected by them. You are in control of your thoughts and emotions. If you are blaming others for your state of unhappiness, ask yourself how are contributing to the problem too? Make a list of 25 things you can be happy about right now. Look over your list whenever you feel yourself giving in to self pity or sadness.

3. Let People Know How You Want to Be Treated

Don’t expect your friends, family and colleague to know what you want. If you have needs that aren’t being met, you must clearly communicate what you want. You have to let people know what is acceptable and what is not acceptable you. Be firm with your boundaries and let people know when they have crossed the line. Don’t assume because you wouldn’t do something to someone, that they wouldn’t do it to you. When dealing with strong personalities, let them know in an assertive manner what is not acceptable to you. If you continue to let people disrespect you, then they will just assume that it is acceptable. Be honest with people about how their behavior makes you feel. Don’t look for them to change right away, but at least by telling them you are giving the message that you have self-respect.

4. Stop Putting Up With People and Situations that You Have Outgrown.

What are you still tolerating that no longer works for you? Why are you still putting up with it? Tolerations can become old reliable friends once we’ve had them for awhile. Although you know that you need to make changes, you avoid doing so because you are so comfortable with the toleration. Getting rid of tolerations requires you to be honest with yourself about what isn’t working in your life and then you have to make the decision whether to change it or live with it. But what will it cost you in the long run? After some time, this toleration will drain your energy and sap your enthusiasm for life. If you have been desensitizing yourself from what you are allowing in your life, you will deprive yourself of a fulfilling life. Take some time to write down what you are putting up with and create a plan to change it.

5. Stop Attracting Drama into Your Life

Do bad things seem to always happen to you? Do you attract unstable or difficult people and situations? Yes, we all face problems in life, but if this is consistent t for you, maybe it’s time to look at what you are subconsciously attracting to yourself. If you don’t feel right unless there is some crisis or unforeseen circumstance in your life, maybe it’s time to shift your focus. You will always have these situations in your life if you are always thinking, worrying or talking about them. Learn to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right to you, then don’t do it. If you are being pressured or coerced into an uncomfortable situation, stand firm and decline making any major decisions.

6. Set Realistic Expectations

If your husband or significant husband is not romantic, then don’t expect him to do something outrageously romantic on your birthday. If you place unrealistic expectations on people or situations, you set yourself up for disappointment. Be real about what people can and can not do. Don’t expect people to live up to your dreams of what they should be like. Don’t expect more than people can deliver. If you have idealized expectations on what your life should be like, you may be dissatisfied in the actual results.

7. Maintain Your Individuality

Are you giving up so much of yourself that you don’t even know your true self anymore? If you are living someone else’s idea life, then you are not living a self actualized life. You can not make people accept or love you based on who they want you to be. You must be yourself at all times. What is great about you? What are your strengths, your natural gifts? The things that make you who you are can sometimes conflict with other people’s expectations. Building your self awareness and knowing your self worth helps you to avoid the pitfall of losing your individuality. You don’t want to look back on your life with regret or resentment because you gave up yourself for someone else. Don’t make sacrifices that will compromise your individuality. Do what you love to do, find what you are passionate about and live your life with enthusiasm.

8. Get Help When You Need It

It’s so much easier to live in denial than to admit that you need help. Sometimes life can seem overbearing and repeated setbacks can lead to sadness, anxiety and depression. Depression is a debilitating disease that progresses slowly and grows worse with time. There is a difference between feeling blue occasionally and not having any energy to do the simple things in life. This is when you need to make the decision to get help. Your situation will not get any better by not doing anything about it. Realize that you have a serious problem and seek help. Don’t try to handle it by yourself or make it go away.

About the Author: Marie Magdala Roker is a Personal Development Coach and Author of Successful Thinking for a Successful Life: How to Banish the Unhealthy Thoughts and Habits That Limit Your Success. Visit her online at http://www.thinkandbesuccessful.com Check out her Deperate Housewife No More group coaching programs for women at http://www.smartbeecoaching.com

Source: www.isnare.com

What Does Healing from Childhood Experiences Mean? - By Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD

The impact of child emotional, physical and sexual abuse can last a lifetime, unless the survivor has completed a healing process. The impact includes mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, relational and sexual aspects of your life. Abuse affects the very core of our being, as well as:

• your self-worth, self-esteem and self-trust
• your ability to love yourself and others
• your ability to experience true intimacy
• your belief in your ability to manage your life
• your belief in our own power
• your belief in the validity of our personal values and perceptions
• how we are treated by those we are in relationship with
• how we treat our children

These and many other areas of your life are directly influenced by the recorded experiences of your early life as well as the interpretations (or misinterpretations) you have made of those experiences. In the healing process you will work directly with the emotions, traumas, relationships and sometimes distorted life perceptions associated with child abuse. You will complete a seven step process to determine the main limiting patterns, beliefs and traumas that are holding you back from having a happy life.

In the Healing process you will learn to:

• Identify and release negative beliefs and thought patterns that no longer serve you
• Free yourself from old self-perceptions that no longer serve you
• Create and maintain the positive intention to change your life
• Break the karmic patterns that negatively influence your life
• Let go of fear, anger and guilt
• Identify your boundary issues in relationships and change them
• Understand how early life perceptions and decisions influence your current life
• Understand how your past beliefs create your current reality
• Free yourself from the controlling influences of your unconscious mind
• Turn the seemingly meaningless events of abuse into opportunities for learning and growth
• Practice a variety of self-healing methods and meditations
• Communicate with your spirit guides
• Consciously move into the realm of your personal power
• Open your heart in relationships and trust your own inner guidance
• Map out a positive course for your life and your relationships

Traditional psychotherapy/psychoanalysis focuses on symptoms and better coping strategies and fails to address the all-important relationship to one's true spiritual nature.

Traditional religious practice often bypasses -and thus fails to transform - the psychological conditional patterns and unconscious beliefs that arise from our personal histories and adaptations.

Both, in general, neglect the fact that we feel, sense, and experience global political mass consciousness, as well as our individual consciousness, like never before. A healing process addresses all three, therefore opening the door to true balance and transformation. Well-being comes from the understanding of the Self and others. We are each one heart of the Whole; each heart here to express its unique piece of the Whole. Knowing Self creates a sense of "I as a piece of this Whole," different and one at the same time.

The healing process is direct, focused, and combines healing the past while creating the future. You will make a subtle and effective transition to self-discovery and empowerment.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, If I'd Only Known...Sexual Abue in or out of the Family: A Guide to Prevention, specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention/Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_M._Neddermeyer,_PhD

How to prevent a loved one from committing suicide - By Linda Morris

Suicide prevention: There are clues that a depressed loved one is contemplating suicide. If you suspect they are, here are ideas for you to help prevent it.

30,000 deaths last year were due to suicide in the United States. The number one cause of suicide is untreated depression. It is estimated that this figure may be 3 times that number due to inaccurate reporting, i.e. suicides recorded as accidental instead. Healthy people do not kill themselves. Depression can alter a person's thinking, so they don't think rationally. They may not know they can be helped. Their illness can cause thoughts of hopelessness and helplessness, which may then lead to suicidal thoughts. In order to save lives, it's critical to recognize the warning signs of depression. There is still stigma associated with this illness which prevents public education and early treatment for sufferers. The topic of suicide has always been taboo.

It can be very frightening to hear a friend or loved one say they want to die. Even to hear a complete stranger say these words is hard. But, not every suicidal person will actually make the statement that he or she wants to die. Some clues that the person may be contemplating suicide may include:

Deepening despair in which the person becomes uncommunicative and withdrawn.

Talking or joking about suicide.

Making statements about being reunited with a deceased loved one.

Talking about experiencing feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness. Example: "Everyone would be better off without me."

Preoccupation with death like writing letters or leaving notes referring to death or "the end".

Suddenly more contented, or more at peace. If the person is emerging from a disabling period out of depression, he may now have the energy to end life. Be alert to evidence of final arrangements.

Loss of interest in things one cares about.

Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about: saying good-byes.

Giving possessions away, making arrangements, setting one's affairs in order.

Risk-taking behavior (reckless driving/excessive speeding, carelessness around bridges, cliffs or balconies, or walking in front of traffic). Having several accidents resulting in injury. Close calls or brushes with death.

While this list is not all-inclusive, it can provide general clues as to the suicidal individual’s mindset.

But, remember, because an individual is doing these things does not mean his mind is made up. He or she can be stopped! This person is merely focusing on ending the pain. You can help him or her to get much needed assistance so that life will be attractive again. If he or she knows that the pain may stop, that there is hope, he or she may then choose life.

If someone you know or love is behaving in a depressed manner or is acting out any of the above clues, there are things you can do to help. If you suspect that he or she is contemplating ending his or her life, ask. While this may be uncomfortable to you in trying to find the best way you would like to broach the subject, the easiest way to do it is simply to let the individual know that you care about him/her and ask if he/she is considering suicide. Just be yourself. Show that you care by talking to them, holding them while they cry, or whatever else is necessary. Do not be concerned that you are putting the idea into his/her head, because generally depressed individuals have thoughts of suicide/death. However, this does not mean the he/she has formulated a plan. By asking, you are showing the person that you do care, and that you are open to discussion without passing judgment on the individual’s feelings. Fortunately most depressed people will either say that they have no definite plans or that they are too frightened to do it themselves. Although this is still a serious situation, you know that they are probably not in imminent danger of hurting themselves. Take their words as a plea for help and proceed with helping them to get the assistance that they need. Urge them to seek professional help as soon as possible.

If the reply to your question is yes, ask if he/she has a plan, method, or means in mind. Does the method sound deadly? Is it available such as pills to overdose with, or a gun or knife? Try to determine if the individual has planned a time... today, next week, or some other future time. Listen without trying to be judgmental. Allow the person to share his/her ideas/plans with you. This will not only help you in preventing the person from going through with the plan at hand, it will provide the information that you will need to share with the professionals who may need to help your friend or loved one. Do not try to challenge or dare the person to go through with the act thinking that it will scare him/her out of the idea. . Avoid trying to offer quick solutions or belittling the person. His perception of the problem and how much he is hurting over it is what counts. Rational arguments do little good to persuade a person when they are in this state of mind. Instead offer your empathy and compassion for what he is feeling. Never call a person's bluff, or try to minimize his/her problems by telling him/her that he/she has everything to live for or how hurt their loved ones would be. This will only increase the guilt and feelings of hopelessness. Reassure your friend that there is help, that these feelings are treatable, and that the suicidal feelings are temporary. Do not hesitate to contact the authorities. They may tell you that you are making them angry or destroying your friendship. Just remember that you may permanently lose their friendship if you don't.

It is ok for you to say things like, "I can tell you're really hurting", and "I care about you and will do my best to help you." A supportive person can mean so much to someone who's in pain. Keep them talking so that they will reduce the emotional burden they are carrying. It will also give them time to calm down. The longer you keep them talking, the more you can take the edge off their desperation, making it harder for them to act on their feelings.

If you believe the individual to be merely seeking attention, do not take the chance of your thoughts proving to be not true. Always, always take any talk or suggestions of suicide seriously. Your next step is to try to help your friend/loved one to get professional help. Although he/she may be asking for you to promise to hold this in your confidence and not to repeat it, let him/her know that you can not keep this a secret. Remember, this has to be a response to a deadly issue, and not a time to worry about a test of your friendship. Arrange for professional intervention. Treat suicidal threats as just as much of an emergency as a heart attack. Call 911 or a suicide hot line. The national suicide hotline phone number is 1-900-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). Take him/her to a crisis center, emergency room, mental health center, psychiatrist’s office, or family doctor’s office. Under no circumstances should the person be left alone. Keep your eyes on the individual constantly, and if at all possible, try to stay within arm’s length distance of the person at all times. Do not allow the person to even go to the bathroom by himself. If the threat is serious, there are many innovative ways that numerous items in the bathroom may be used to assist him/her in taking his/her life. But, remember there is no certain way to prevent suicide.

Unfortunately, you may not be able to control the outcome, despite your most intense of efforts. Don't blame yourself. You did all that you could. This person ultimately made their own choices, for good or bad. If you were very close to the person, it may be wise to seek out grief counseling and suicide survivor support groups. In addition, dealing with a suicide threat is very stressful, whether the individual succeeded in taking his/her own life or not. Seek assistance to help yourself afterwards. Talk to a trusted friend or pastor about what you've been through and how you feel about it.

Written by Linda Morris - © 2002 Pagewise

Do You Have Seasonal Affective Disorder? - By David Maillie

Just like fibromylagia,and ADD (attention deficit disorder), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a hard to diagnose and easily disregarded or overlooked condition or form of depression. Some people get the winter blues. Some just feel sluggish and have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. But, for some it is a serious, almost debilitating disorder. For some it can lead to an actual diagnosis for depression.

For some it is just a mild, temporary feeling of helplessness - a very minor form of depression. For others it can be very serious. As evidenced in many studies, 1 out of every 10 people have some manifestation of SAD. And just like with regular depression, there have been cases ending in suicide, progression into different forms of depression and psychosis including manic depression, multiple personality disorder (schizophrenia), etc...

Key indicators that one has SAD are sluggishness, sleeping over 10 hours per day and still feeling tired, general lethargy, migraines that can be quite severe and usually hit their peak with drops in barmometric pressure. Studies have shown that depressed people are more susceptible to temperature extremes which some researches have attributed to evidenced lower sustained levels of electrolytes and essential minerals and salts in the body and brain. One of these is potassium. It has been proven that low levels of potassium can bring on severe migrains.

Another is vitamin D and sun exposure - many doctors believe that the seasonal limited sun exposure and lower levels of vitamin D produced at the cellular level in our skin can bring on SAD all by itself.

SAD can begin at any age, but is rarely evidenced in childhood. It occurs mostly women age 35 and above. If one or more symptoms of SAD can be seen it is strongly suggested that one seek appropriate medical care. It could be something as simple as a chemical imbalance that a small change in diet could quickly fix. Sometimes a trip to a spa for a skin treatment or skin peel can be enough to offset the condition. Or it could be more severe. There is no reason to let this condition go and suffer through it. With recent advances in medicine SAD can be treated very effectively and the sufferers quality of life greatly improved.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com and http://www.mdwholesale.com.

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