Using Visualization to Fight Depression

Not every answer for combating depression can be found at the bottom of a medication bottle. There are other ways of handling the condition including visualization. If you feel like you are experiencing a strong level of depression, it is best to seek out a physician to have the condition evaluated in diagnosed. Different patients experience different levels of depression that are caused by a variety of factors.



Most individuals that experience depression often have a lack of appetite, and choose to stay away from friends, family and loved ones. They often find themselves with the inability to perform any type of duty, and find every excuse possible to not leave the house. These are classic signs of depression that can be overcome through visualization.



Step Number One



The first visualization for helping to combat depression is simple. Imagine yourself writing all of your problems, bad thoughts, and sensations on a chalkboard. Each time you have a new thought, bad behavior or sensation; write it down on the chalkboard.



As the chalkboard begins to fill up, imagine using an eraser, and simply wiping them all away. This method is extremely good at eliminating negative thoughts that can be extremely debilitating when left alone.



Step Number Two



Imagine yourself as a screen door. As a screen door, your body now has the ability to allow things to simply pass through without getting stuck, or hitting you directly. As things approach, such as negative thoughts, harmful activities, or the pain and suffering felt through depression, allow it to simply sift through your body. This process can help alleviate many of the conditions of depression.



Step Number Three



If the process really is true that you are what you think, then it is time to start creating better thoughts. Imagine how you want your life to be, instead of how it is. Imagine all of the different ways that you can remain happy in your life. It might be participating with others, enjoying a sport, getting active in a hobby, or some activity that brings you great joy. Picture yourself doing that.



Additionally, you can imagine yourself walking around in a happy state, conversing with others. By taking on the initiative as seeing exactly how that looks, it is easier to create in a real environment.



It is imperative to do everything possible to avoid dwelling on negativity. The above methods can help alleviate many of the bad thoughts that tend to increase the signs and symptoms of depression. Because everyone comes at depression differently, one-size-fits-all answers simply do not work. But by using different visualization techniques, it might be possible to overcome depression.



The symptoms and signs of depression do not react in the body the same way as other conditions or illnesses. However, they can be brought on by genetics, hormones, or other physical aspects inside the body. Even so, through visualization it is possible to turn around many of the signs and feelings of being depressed. Take the time to use the above visualization steps to see if it helps improve your overall sense of well-being.

What Can Be Done for Depression?

All of us get depressed from time to time and it is not uncommon for us to have a case of the blues. That doesn't mean, however, that you are suffering from a problem with clinical depression. This difficulty is something that affects millions of people in the United States alone and it can leave them feeling profoundly sad for weeks or perhaps even months at a time. If you suffer from clinical depression, what are some of the things that you can do to handle the situation?



One important thing for you to understand is the fact that you are not alone. There are many individuals that suffer from depression, including some that have suffered from it for years. The unfortunate thing is, dealing with this mental illness leaves you feeling as if you are alone in many different ways. That is why it is beneficial for you to seek out those who are also suffering from the problem so that you can discuss it openly.



Along with discussing your problems with others, it is also beneficial if you seek medical advice. Clinical depression is a medical issue, just as any other reason why you would visit the doctor. Many people tend to avoid going to a physician when they have this problem, either out of embarrassment or perhaps feeling as if they can handle it on their own. Although depression is not a curable problem, it is one that is treatable and there are numerous medical options that are available which can assist you.



Depression medication is often prescribed for individuals who have this problem. The type of medication that you receive will differ, depending upon your own specific needs. In most cases, the medication that was prescribed for you is going to help to lift your mood by affecting your brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. Those brain chemicals are often out of balance when you suffer from a mental disorder, including depression. Some of the more common neurotransmitters that are affected by this type of medication include serotonin and norepinephrine.



You should be aware, although depression medication may help you to have an improved mood, it may also have some severe side effects. One side effect that can occur, although it is somewhat rare, is for you to have an increase in your depression, including a tendency for suicidal thoughts and attempts. You should be very cautious when you start taking any type of antidepressant medication and report any changes in your mood or behavior to your doctor immediately.



Those are just a few of the things that you can do to help treat your depression. You can also try to lead a healthy lifestyle, including eating the right types of foods and getting some additional exercise. Your physician will likely have other suggestions which can help you on the road to recovery. Although you may feel as if you are alone when you are suffering from depression, you certainly are not alone. Talk to your Doctor about what can be done to help with your depression and you might be surprised with how quickly it works.

What Is Depression And What Can Cause Depression?

Introduction

Many people describe depression as a severe case in which someone feels extreme inadequacy, and feels useless within themselves the majority of the time. It can be a mental condition that can result in a lack of goals, desire and motivation and in the long-term can eventually lead to a loss of interest in what life has to offer. Many people with depression usually seek medical advice, and this can then lead to counselling support, or chemical support (anti-depressants).



What Does Depression Do?

Depression can rule a person's life once they are convinced/diagnosed with the condition. It can affect confidence, trust, beliefs and can completely interfere with lifelong goals. However, many people have different ways in dealing with depression. Many see depression as a lifelong condition in which they will never overcome, normally due to the negativity accompanied with the condition.



Can Depression Be Treated?

Depression itself can be assisted with treatments such as counselling. This is usually what happens before any chemical treatment is used (before anti-depressants). Usually it consists of the individual discussing their problems and feelings in order to establish a focal point for improvement.



Depression is difficult to treat with just counselling alone as many people have a low mood and a very low outlook on life as a whole due to self esteem and confidence issues.



Many doctors have chosen to treat MDD (major depressive disorder) with anti-depressants. Anti-depressants help to balance out the chemicals and hormones released in the brains to help boost the individuals moods, and almost numb their feelings in hope of a sense of improvement.



Anti-depressants come with many different strengths and usually are given over a period of a few months in order to get the best results. Most doctors do not tend to prescribe anti-depressants unless they are extremely depressed and therefore feel that counselling would not be beneficial for that particular individual.



Can Depression Be Cured?

Depression is normally an underlying problem that spirals into other problems. MDD is usually discussed as a mood disorder, and therefore it is a way the person thinks which causes the depression. However, this is due to no fault of the individual. Depression is normally accompanied by self esteem issues, motivation issues, bipolar personality symptoms and much more.



Depression cannot always be cured, but normally with most individual cases it is normally just a spell in which is as a result of external influences (for example a bad break up, redundancy, divorce etc.) and usually it passes when positive things happen again.



However, depression can be controlled to a certain extent and kept under control via the use of counselling sessions with a psychiatrist or via the use of medication which is regularly taken to lighten moods.



Conclusion

Depression cannot always be helped, and is not always identified as depression straight away. Many individuals may feel down in the dumps and mistake this for depression, however we all feel down sometimes and this may just be as a result of bad things happening at that present time.

So You Think You Are Depressed?

                                                                       
Are you feeling a little down on yourself? Do you constantly have negative thoughts and lack motivation? If you think that you are experiencing depression don’t worry, you are not alone. Depression is a symptom that plagues people all across the world. The prolonged sadness and lack of positive emotions is what most people feel when they are depressed. You know what depression really means? It means that you feel like you need to make a change in your life. What you need to start doing is taking steps towards living a more fulfilling life and ridding yourself from negative thoughts.

Think back to when you did not feel depressed. What was going on in your life at the time? Did you have a job? Were you in a serious relationship? Losing a job or breaking off a longtime relationship are things that can lead to depression. The stress of trying to make money and whether or not you will find love again can be overwhelming for the brain. To defeat depression you need to get your mind off of things and pick up a hobby. Start playing that instrument you have always wanted to learn. Paint portraits of people or places you admire. Just find something to get your mind off things and you will feel a little better about yourself over time.

Studies have shown that regular exercise combats depression. Putting your body into motion and relieving that stress can start to make you think positive again. Exercising actually helps give you an activity to do and helps get your mind out of the dark hole of bad thoughts that might be circling around up there. Get a gym membership or plan daily jogs with a neighbor or friend. Working out with someone else can help give you time to talk to someone and vent a little.

Anxiety and depression are closely associated with one another. When you become depressed you might experience anxiety and when that happens they both feed off on another. What's great about working out is that you can knock out two birds with one stone. Exercising helps reduce both anxiety and depression. Instead of staying in on weekends get out and have some fun. Go out with your family or friends. Even if you just go out and get a little time to yourself it can help you feel better about life. You might even meet a new group of friends or find a love interest when you go out.

Depression is hard to get over. You have to work at fighting depression every day. Work towards ridding yourself from those negative thoughts and over time you will slowly start to feel better. Instead of wallowing in despair about the past look forward to the future. Every day you have the most powerful option to make choices in your life. Choose to produce a better life for yourself and a few years from now you will forget what it ever felt like to be depressed.

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How to Leave Depression Behind

Often times, depression can be a difficult, debilitating illness that can cause great pain. It is a health condition that continually afflicts millions of individuals worldwide. When left untreated, it often provides the individual a sense of hopelessness and feeling totally alone. It is crucial that individuals that struggle with depression find out as much information concerning the disease and learn about all of the available treatments that can help.



Overcoming Depression



Since medication has been found to be highly effective on nearly everyone suffering from depression, it is important to take it as prescribed. Many individuals give up on the medication after just a week or two, because they see no noticeable change in their behavior. However, the medication used for depression does not provide instant relief. It takes time to work, and requires giving it the chance to work.



The easiest way to overcome depression is to take small steps to alleviate many of the signs and symptoms. Attempt to tackle the issues one at a time. By taking responsibility for every step it will be easy to recognize what changes are required to be made to improve overall health.



One tip that seems to help individuals fighting depression is to force themselves to smile every day. This can be extremely challenging, especially because depression produces an effect where there seems to be nothing to smile about. However, research indicates that smiling naturally releases the brain’s endorphins and can elevate mood and produce a happy state.



Managing Health



It is important to take care of your health. Depression is one of those types of conditions that can make individuals forget exactly how to provide proper health through a nutritious diet and exercise.



Depression can mask all types of feelings including fear and anxiety. Individuals may find that they cannot sleep at night, and have no understanding as to why. If you notice this has begun to happen to you, set a predetermined time for bed, and attempt to maintain that schedule. If it seems impossible to manage quality sleep, begin using relaxation techniques including self-hypnosis, visualization and meditation.



If you come to understand exactly what the root cause of your depression is, you are well on your way to getting rid of it. It may be nothing more than overwhelming negative thoughts. By simply working out routinely, on a treadmill, or jogging, you might be able to walk away the problem and eliminate many of the inward signs of depression.



Reach out



Taking the initiative to reach out to other individuals is the ideal way to produce an effective change. Depression has a tendency to create a sensation will refocus only inward on ourselves, and shut out the rest of the world. Take the initiative to look past your deep feelings and inner pain and help other individuals in your environment.



Depression does not need to be devastating. It can be alleviated through medication, meditation, and becoming active in exercise and helping others. These few simple steps can help get rid of the inner pain brought on by depression.

What Is Depression

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the fourth most burdensome disease each year.  Burdensome diseases are defined as those that affect people for an extended period of time, typically for years.  They estimate that there are 120 million people that suffer from this illness every year worldwide.  In the U.S. the total estimated to be diagnosed each year is about 17 million sufferers, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.  Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed as men, but this disparity is probably due to the fact that women are much more likely to seek help than men are when they feel depressed.



There are various levels of depression, and approximately 80% of those that are diagnosed with depression each year suffer from it to the point that their depression interferes in some way with their daily lives.  Close to 30% of those diagnosed suffer bad enough to make medical intervention necessary.  The most alarming figure to consider that is among those that have actually been diagnosed with depression, less than 50% of them will seek follow-up professional help.  That is particularly disturbing because about 90% of those that receive the diagnosis go on to at least attempt suicide, according to the Journal of Employee Assistance.



How does one know if they have a case of clinical depression, or if they are simply feeling the blues?  There are symptoms to look for.  Sometimes it can be difficult for the person that is actually suffering from the disease to recognize the signs and to admit to them self that they should seek medical assistance.  Often, particularly for men, they are embarrassed to admit that they may need help.   If you are a loved one of someone that you suspect could be suffering from depression, there are some symptoms to look for to determine if you need to encourage them to get help.



Some symptoms to consider are:  fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, insomnia, irritability, lack of interest in activities you normally enjoy including sex, loss of appetite, aches and pains that just will not go away, empty feelings, and thoughts of suicide.  These are according to the National Institute of Mental Health.  You may have some, or all of these symptoms.  Certainly if you are plagued by thoughts of suicide you should seek immediate help.



Depression is a medical illness, and as such it is a treatable condition.  It is not a sign of weakness and nobody should ever fail to seek help because they are embarrassed.  Consider this final statistic, and possibly it will motivate you to seek help for yourself or your loved one who you suspect is depressed.  Depression is life threatening.  One out of ten people who suffer from it do end up successfully committing suicide.  Anyone who expresses thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously.    You should call the local suicide hotline, or seek other medical assistance right away.  Recognizing the signs of depression and taking immediate action can literally save the life of someone that you love dearly.

Understanding Depression

Winston Churchill described his depression as a black dog that followed him around constantly. The sad truth is that not much has changed in the way depression is stigmatized in society today than it was when Mr. Churchill was walking his black dog.



It is still an issue that those suffering from the illness feel must be swept under the carpet and hidden. People not suffering from depression often feel that sufferers should just get over it or grin and bear it.



However, much has changed in the way that depression has been medically defined and is being treated today than it was way back then. The first thing people need to know so that they can understand depression is that there are different types of depression.



The most common type of depression and least known is probably reactive depression. This refers to a person succumbing to depression for a short period of time as a reaction to a traumatic or sad event that has taken place in their lives.



Reactive depression can be treated with therapy or even medication on a short term basis to help speed up the recovery time but most people tend to "get over it" on their own without any help. Reactive depression can however return in a more severe form if it is not dealt with.



Clinical depression is perhaps the most well-known of the different genres of depression. This is major depression and affects sufferers on a continual or recurring basis. In other words, it may seem that a person has overcome their depression through therapy or treatment but they will often begin displaying symptoms again even with continued treatment.



Clinical depression is a mental illness such as any serious medical illness that does not recede but can be managed and lived with like diabetes. Sufferers will probably have to deal with the symptoms for the rest of their lives.



Depression is also one of the major symptoms related to Bi-polar disorder. Bipolar disorder must be treated with a cocktail of different medications as well as therapy on an ongoing basis. Bi-polar depression can also be described as mood swings meaning that a person with the disorder can suffer extreme lows followed by extreme highs.



These extreme lows are major depressive episodes and can lead to a person thinking about and even acting on suicide. The extreme highs on the other hand leave the person feeling that they are on top of the world and has been compared to the feelings of elation that a cocaine user would experience.



There are other types of depression but more important than understanding the types of depression, understand the symptoms and treatments. It is advisable for a person to seek help if they are suffering from any of the following symptoms.



- A feeling of sadness without knowing the reason why they are sad.

- Feeling as if life is not worth living.

- Thoughts of suicide.

- Being so overwrought that they cannot maintain the function of normal tasks.



Don't feel alone and get help for depression.

What Is Chronic Depression

It is estimated that in the United States approximately 17 – 18 million Americans suffer from depression every year.  Of those people, only 5 to 6 million people actually seek treatment.  This is unfortunate, because depression is a treatable medical condition.  About 80% of those that have sought treatment have reported that their lives were significantly improved by their treatments.



While there are several different types of depression that have been defined, chronic depression is among the most frequent reported.  According to the National Inst. of Mental Health, approximately 1.5% of Americans suffer from chronic depression at some point in their lives. Chronic depression differs from major depression primarily by the fact that the severity of the emotions associated with them are less severe.  Though chronic depression is a milder form, the symptoms can last for a very long time, sometimes years.  Though it is less disabling than major depression, it still prevents people from functioning at their best.  People who suffer from chronic depression can also go through short periods of major depression.



Experts are divided on what exactly causes chronic depression.  Many believe that genetics do play a role; however there is dispute as to how great that role is.  Many who are treated for chronic depression report no instances of having other relatives that have suffered from the condition as well.  It is commonly accepted that changes in the chemistry of the brain are involved.  It is also believed that chronic illnesses, life stressors, and some medications contribute too.



The symptoms of chronic depression are the same as that for major depression, but are far less severe.  They include the following:  the feeling of sadness that lasts most of the day, the lack of enthusiasm for things that were once enjoyable, major changes in appetite or weight, either excessively sleeping or insomnia, physical restlessness, fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, and suicidal thoughts.



Diagnosis is made by examination of the symptoms by a medical doctor.  The doctor will rule out other possible physical causes, such as hypothyroidism.  He or she will examine your family history and will discuss with you any medications that could be causing your symptoms.  Unfortunately there is no blood test that can conclusively indicate that the symptoms are caused by depression rather than another cause.



As with any chronic disease, early diagnosis and treatment is very beneficial for lessening the duration and intensity of the symptoms.  Early treatment is also indicated to be effective for reducing the possibility of a relapse.  Treatment usually consists of psychotherapy, medication, or a combination.  Your primary care physician can usually treat the disease.



The cost of depression is very high, both in terms of human suffering and economic impact.  Education is the key to improving the quality of life for those that suffer from any form of depression.  Most people can be helped by treatment, and can go on to fully realize their potential having been freed from the debilitating effects of the disease.

Masking Depression With Alcohol

Depression and alcoholism are both serious medical conditions. They are not symptoms of a weak a character or lack of will power. They are, however, conditions that can destroy the lives of people suffering with either one of them. Ironically, it is not unusual to have depression lead to alcoholism.



Let me explain by telling you my own story.



There is a history of both alcoholism and depression in my family. My mother was subject to periods of depression that would last a month or longer. I also had several uncles and a great grandfather who were alcoholics.



I bring this up because with both depression and alcoholism a family history seems to create a predisposition. Some who work in the field  believe the predisposition to a alcoholism skips a generation --- but other experts do not necessarily agree.



When my wife and I were first married we had decided that after our first year of marriage we would accept a missionary assignment that would let us help others. The assignment was voluntary and required that we finance our own way.



Our assignment was in a very rural area of Appalachia where there was no work to be found.

As much as we enjoyed what we were doing, and made close friends, we simply ran out of money

Others who accepted similar missionary assignments had skills they could use to support themselves such as auto mechanics or heating and air conditioning. Unfortunately all of my experience was working with my office skills. As a result, we had to leave the assignment and return home.



Looking back I can see that there was no shame in going home; in fact I am now rather proud that we put forth the effort and tried. But at the time I felt like a failure and was devastated. Despite my wife's attempts to console me, I developed a deep depression. I did not realize what I was feeling was depression, but I did discover that having a few drinks made me feel better. In reality the drinks masked the pain of the depression and that is what felt better.



What developed was almost ten years of alcoholic drinking. The drinking, in turn, increased my depression.



For years I only sought help for my alcoholism --- in fact I went through three different treatment programs during the early 1980s. Treatment back then did not focus on depression.



It wasn't until years later, around 1991 that a counselor I was seeing suggested I try Prozac, which was a new anti-depressant. Since my counselor was herself a recovering alcoholic, I listened to her advice.



It became apparent that at each weekly appointment I was feeling a little bit better. Finally, on that 7th week, I will never forget her telling me "welcome back."  She explained that I had been self-medicating my depression for over 13 years!



I have not had a drink since that time and I still watch myself closely for signs of depression. It turns out that my case was not unusual. Doctors have since learned that masking depression with alcohol is very common. If you are having problems, I hope my story helps you.

Identifying Depression Triggers

More than twenty million Americans suffer from depression every year, but just because someone is suffering from the blues doesn’t mean it has to turn into something more serious.  There are certain triggers that can often flip a person from sad to clinically depressed.  Depression is triggered by the following ten common situations:



1. Job loss.  Losing a job is the number one depression trigger.  It causes financial strain, impacts the sense of self-worth and self-identity, puts strain on relationships and marriages, and brings conflict into situations that are already stressed and unhappy.  Older, higher salaried workers are particularly vulnerable to bouts of depression following a job loss.



2. Sexual issues. Depression and sexual problems are interrelated with one often triggering the other.  Many antidepressant medications cause sexual issues.



3. Empty nest syndrome.  Loss and change are two of the hardest things we deal with, so when a child leaves it’s a double blow.  Everything that’s normal changes, every day is different.  For some, this is a real problem and can trigger depression.



4. Alcohol abuse.  Depression has been linked to alcohol abuse for many years.  Alcohol effects mood and is a depressant on the central nervous system.  This can trigger depression in a person.



5. Illness.  Diagnosis of a serious illness can trigger depression.  It can change how a person thinks about the future, it can change their outlook, and how they think of the possibilities of a future.



6. Divorce. Change is hard no matter how it happens and a divorce is a huge change.  It is not only a change, but the change is to the social unit, to the status that goes with that social unit and this can trigger depression.  Loneliness, fear, sadness – these are all common reactions following a divorce.  Additionally, there is often financial strain which can add to the depression trigger.



7. Debt and financial stress.  Constant worry about how to pay the bills will, over time, add to stress and may eventually trigger depression.  It may also effect self-esteem and cause frustration.



8. Fertility.  Trying to have a baby and not being able to conceive can be a powerful trigger for depression.   Being forced into early menopause because of illness or as a result of surgery or chemotherapy may also trigger depression as a woman realizes she may never have children.



9. Providing fulltime care for someone with a debilitating disease such as Alzheimer’s.  The caregiver role is extremely demanding taking incredible time and energy on the part of the caregiver.  This role often requires the caregiver to make conflicting choices resulting in guilt, feelings of inadequacy, and resentment.



10. Menopause and male menopause.  Hormonal fluctuations set off symptoms which can include depression, fatigue, anxiety, and low libido.  Any or all of these can lead to depression as well.



Knowing the depression triggers will help to identify potential situations and what might cause a slide into depression.  This knowledge can help prevent these bouts of depression by understanding what causes them and being able to head it off before it becomes too bad.

Medicating Depression Naturally

If you are like me and prefer not to put any chemicals in your body in the form of drugs and medication, you need to find a natural alternative. But what if you suffer from depression that requires you to constantly take medication just so that you can function normally in life? Are there natural alternatives that can suffice as a replacement for prescribed anti-depressants?



Finding natural alternatives for any type of illness is harder than you may think but they are available. This is because people are under the impression that these natural alternatives just don't work. The problem is that they take time to work and often don't give instant relief to symptoms as their chemical counterparts do.



We live in a society where instant gratification is key and we will take anything prescribed by a doctor without taking into consideration the side effects or the long term damage the drugs can do to our bodies.



The most well known natural treatment for depression is St. Johns Wort. The active ingredients in the plant are hypericin and hyperforin. These two ingredients inhibit the uptake of serotonin in the brain in much the same way as chemical antidepressants work.



There are different ways in which you can take St. Johns Wort. Consuming the actual plant or drinking it as a tea has been found to relatively ineffective in treating depression. This is because you would need to consume a large amount of the plant to inter enough of the active ingredients to take effect.



It is therefore recommended that it be taken in pill or tablet form where the active ingredients have been extracted from the plant and can be consumed in a more concentrated manner. Taking these tablets does not however guarantee a result as some formulations don't work.



Read the label of any St. Johns Wort supplement that you are thinking of purchasing and using. Make sure that hypericin is mentioned on the label. In some cases hyperforin may also be mentioned but in most cases just the mention of hypericin if enough.



If the label states that the product contains Hyericum, do not think that this is a variation on hypericin or a spelling error. Hypericum is simply the Latin name for the genus of the plant species and may not contain the active ingredient in high enough dosages.


The active ingredient hypericin should be contained in a dosage of 0.2% or more and can constitute up to 0.28% of the formulation. hyperforin should constitute between 3 and 6 percent of the capsule or tablet.


It is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully for St. Johns Wort to be effective. Take the amount of recommended pills over a recommended period of time.


The effectiveness of St. Johns Wort as a replacement medication for antidepressants can vary when considering the severity and type of depression. It is important to consult with your health care professional when discontinuing or changing your current medication for a natural alternative.

Main Depression Types And Their Symptoms

Main Depression Types And Their Symptoms

There are persons who use to say they are depressed without actually realizing what it really means. Being sad or disappointed by some unpleasant situation in your life, doesn't mean you are depressed. Depression is a severe mental illness and it should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.


If you are concerned with your symptoms and you'd like to know whether or not they are alarm signals that should make you go see a specialist, this article may be for you.


First of all, you should know there are several types of depression. Major or clinical depression is one of the most severe ones. If you experience a loss of interest in any of your former normal activities, if you aren't interested in your relationships anymore or if you have a constant sense of hopelessness, you might suffer from major depression. Secondary symptoms which may or may not occur in all sufferers include insomnia, lack of appetite, impaired concentration, thoughts of suicide or a significant variation in your body weight (be it loss or gain). An NIMH research shows that 20%-25% of the adult population suffer at least one episode of clinical depression during their lifetime.



Chronic depression or dysthymia is milder. Its symptoms are the same as the ones described above, but their intensity is much more diminished. Sufferers can live and function with the disease, but their quality of life won't be the best. If diagnosed, dysthymia is treatable via psychotherapy or medication.



Manic depression or bipolar disorder, as it is known today, is characterized by dramatic mood changes. In the depression phase, the disorder has the same symptoms as clinical depression. In the manic phase, the sufferer will have racing thoughts, grandiose notions, increased talking volume and speed, risk-taking behaviors, extremely high levels of energy and severe insomnia. The standard treatment may include mood stabilizer drugs such as lithium. Early diagnose and treatment are important in stabilizing the disease and reducing its symptoms.


Psychotic depression is a type of severe depression characterized by special psychosis symptoms. Patients might experience hallucinations either visual or auditive. They might have strange thoughts. For instance, they might believe they are watched and controlled by an extraterrestrial power. Psychotic depression is usually treated in the hospital. Patients may need to be under constant supervision, because they have a very high risk of committing suicide. With proper treatment and care, the disease is treatable, however one can expect at least one year from diagnosis to cure.


Postpartum depression occurs in women after giving birth. The cause is a rapid change in hormones after delivery, combined with all physical and emotional changes associated with having a newborn baby in her life. Although serious, this affection will heal completely in most women. They shouldn't neglect the symptoms. Speaking to a specialist will help them overcome this tough period of their life without any sequels.



Diagnosing depression can be challenging. Sufferers may refuse to go to the doctor. It will be a delicate task for family members to actually make them understand they need help.

Identifying and Treating Depression

The brain is the most powerful organ in a human body, yet depression (like many other forms of mental illness) is still a largely stigmatized disorder. Unfortunately, it also happens to be a widespread problem, as an estimated 19 million adults in the United States alone live with it. Symptoms typically manifest in patients between the ages of 20 and 30, and the disorder is often diagnosed through patients self-reporting of symptoms such as changes in self-esteem, appetite, sleep patterns, or enjoyment in everyday activities. Science has yet to fully understand what causes depression, but it is thought to be a mixture of hereditary, sociological, and psychological triggers.

The most common scientific explanation for depression is an imbalance in the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, all of which are chemicals that are naturally present to regulate brain function. When these chemicals become imbalanced, there may be a high level of one and a low level of another, thereby causing an imbalance. Depression also often comes with other issues, typically in the form of anxiety or general pain. Both of these problems have high instances of occurrence in depressed adults. However, they make diagnoses of the problem much easier for medical professionals, as patients can self-report these symptoms.

Currently modern medicine offers several approaches to treating depression. The most common school of thought surrounding the disorder claims that there is a direct relation between levels of stress in an individual and their levels of depression. Treating depression often involves treating anxiety and helping patients cope with stressors in their lives in the form of therapy and counseling. The addition of anti-depressants is often made as well. These drugs help to regulate the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which can offer immense relief to patients. There are also several theories concerning the brains of depressed people vs a healthy person, which state that there are differences in the shape of several important parts of the brain between the two. Poverty, child abuse, and social isolation are all thought to increase the risk for mental illness in general quite drastically. It is thought that when a highly stressful live event occurs without social support, the risk for depression in that person also tends to rise drastically.  Alcohol and drug use also are known to contribute heavily to depression.


Once diagnosed with depression, patients have several treatments to choose from. The most common is psychotherapy, in the form of group or individual therapy sessions. Antidepressants, while typically ineffective in patients with mild to moderate depression, are often given to those with severe depression. The success rate for antidepressants is thought to be more effective for severe depression because this is usually the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. The final method for treating depression that has not responded to other therapies is called electroconvulsive therapy. This involves stimulating parts of the brain while the patient is sedated, and has shown great success for those suffering heavily.  No matter what level of depression you may be suffering from, there is help available.

How To Help A Depressed Person

Do you have a friend or family member that suffers from depression or perhaps bipolar disorder? Not only is this very upsetting to the depressed person, but it can cause much frustration in those among their family and friends. Some hold back from trying to help such a person for fear that they will make them worse. What are some things that you can do to be a support to a depressed person?


The first step is to reassure your love for the person. They may feel like their illness makes them unlovable. Make sure to distinguish clearly in your own mind the difference between the illness and the person. This often takes a lot of patience and love. For example, at times, a bipolar person may not like being around other people, but don't take this personally. Keep being their friend.


Another step to supporting a depressed person is to do research about their particular condition. This can give you and them special insight into the way they think and act. This can help you see to what extent their illness is affecting them. This will also help you treasure the person behind the illness. You might even consider accompanying your friend or family member to the doctor so that they feel like they are not alone.


Good communication is essential when dealing with a depressed person. Misunderstandings can easily arise on either side. Being constantly kind and forgiving will reassure the person that you are there for them and understand what they are going through. You will also want to avoid making the person feel that they are responsible for their own suffering and that if they only exercised enough willpower, they could get better.


Try to be empathetic. This means putting yourself in the sufferers place and think of how you would feel or want to be treated. Try to see things from their point of view. Do not expect too much from them. When a depressed person feels accepted for who they are, they can gradually gain confidence. They thrive under a non-judgemental atmosphere.


Make yourself available. Another big help to a depressed person is to assure them that you are there for when they need a listening ear. Of course for them to trust this, you must follow through on your promises. If they sense you are too busy, they likely will not try to unburden themselves any further. Many depressed persons are comforted by the thought that they have an empathetic friend who is only a phone call away.


Be careful about what you say to a depressed person. Try to speak positively, but don't overdo it. Sometimes being too cheerful can give the depressed person the impression that you really just don't get how they feel. Instead, find something that you can commend the person for. Perhaps it is the way they care for their husband, wife, children, parents, or home. By offering sympathetic words and kind constant help, you can help a depressed person carry their heavy burdens.

How To Fight Those Feelings of Depression

Everyone goes through the doldrums at one time or another. However, you have to know the difference between just the regular blues and major depression. Sometimes what starts out to be a minor case of the blues can end up dragging you down so much that it results in depression. When you down, it is important that you do not ignore those feelings. Sometimes those feelings will not just go away on their own. You have to do something for yourself to bounce back. This article will give you some advice about that.


When you are not in a good mood, give yourself some time alone to reflect. What is bothering you? Did something happen recently that caused you to feel depressed? Get a piece of paper and write down the possible causes of your sad feelings. If you have been feeling that way for a while, it is time to take a serious look at the possible causes.



After you have written your list, look at each item to see if you can do anything about it. Can you change the situation in any way? Can get help in solving the problem? Write down some solutions that you can take. Writing things down is actually very therapeutic for you. Think of it as putting down your weight and moving on. Once you write something down, you do not have to carry it in your head any longer. You will only deal with it when you are ready.



Give yourself the opportunity to feel happier. Go outside and enjoy a walk in the park. Look at the nature around you. If you have a pet, spend some time with it. People say that pets can de-stress a person and bring about a calm feeling. You will be warmed by the affection from your pet.



Go and get some exercise. Studies have shown that exercising helps your body release endorphins, the chemical in your brain that makes you feel good. This is why runners have a euphoric feeling after a good run. This positive chemical is coursing through their brain, making them feel like they are at the top of the world. You can get a sense of that feeling if you go out for a bike ride or work on some weights. Find a physical activity that you enjoy. You not only will feel better, but you will get in good shape.



Eat a properly balanced diet. Foods have an effect on how you feel. Junk food may give you a brief moment of pleasure when you are eating it, but it will leave your body feeling tired and your brain exhausted because they are not nourished properly. Certain foods have elements that make you feel good, like chocolate.



As you can see, there are things that you can do to get yourself out of the doldrums. Do not ignore those feelings. Nip those negative feelings in the bud before they turn into something more serious.

How To Fight Depression In A Poor Economy

If you are one of the millions of Americans affected by the poor economy, then you know that depression is just around the bend. It is easy to get lost in blaming one another or just feeling that you aren't good enough. Instead of getting sucked into the black void known as depression, consider the free ways that you can fight depression.


Guilt is what leads to depression in most people, but probably the easiest way to beat it is to stop assigning blame to yourself. Your current situation is more than likely not your fault and blaming yourself will not help you in any way. Guilt can make you feel entirely inadequate and it can worsen the symptoms of depression.


Telling others about the fact that you're suffering from depression isn't easy. However, telling those who are close to you about your depression can let them know that you need them to be there to lend you emotional support. Reach out to your loved ones and don't let your depression isolate you from everyone.



You can feel a lot better if you start a regular exercise regimen like hitting the gym or jogging through the park. It has been concluded in a recent study that about 30 minutes of exercise each day can lessen the debilitating symptoms of depression. Exercise has also been attributed with boosting your mood for up to 12 hours.



People who suffer from depression often experience impaired judgment which can lead to many poor decisions being made. Postpone making any important and life altering decisions until you have gotten a handle on your depression. If making a decision is a must, don't make the process hasty and certainly don't be impulsive.



Sticking to a daily routine is important when you are battling the effects of depression. A daily routine helps you momentarily snap out of a rut that keeps you in bed or feeling horrified about your current condition.



Alcohol and drugs have been attributed with making depression symptoms worse. It can be tempted to reach for the bottle when you're depressed, but no matter how hard to refuse, don't do it! Your brain chemistry is affected by drinking and drugs, which can destroy the relationships you have in your life.


People often notice that insomnia can make their depression worse, so ensure that you are getting enough sleep each night. However, in some cases a lack of sleep has been shown to boost the mood of a person suffering from depression. It is still unclear in the medical world whether or not there is truly a link between insomnia and depression, but getting enough sleep can never hurt!


Fighting depression is not easy, especially when you think about the negative downturn of the economy. Instead of wondering where it all went wrong, or how your depression even started in the first place, try to work with your treatments by following the simple advice in this article. Depression affects millions of people each year, but how you cope is up to you.

Childhood Events Tied to Slow Recovery From Depression Later  

MONDAY, Jan. 27 (HealthDay News) — Recovery from depression might take longer among adults who suffered childhood abuse or had parents with addiction problems, a new study suggests.

University of Toronto researchers analyzed data from more than 1,100 Canadian adults with depression who were assessed every other year until they recovered, for up to 12 years. 

“Our findings indicated that most people bounce back,” study co-author Tahany Gadalla, professor emeriti, said in a university news release. “Three-quarters of individuals were no longer depressed after two years.”

There was, however, wide variation in how long patients took to recover, lead author Esme Fuller-Thomson, of the university’s Faculty of Social Work, said in the news release.

“Early adversities have far-reaching consequences,” Fuller-Thomson said. “The average time to recovery from depression was nine months longer for adults who had been physically abused during their childhood and about five months longer for those whose parents had addiction problems.”

The study was published in the January issue of the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology.

Study co-author Marla Battiston added: “Numerous studies have shown that childhood abuse and parental addictions make individuals more vulnerable to depression. Our research highlights that these factors also slow the recovery time among those who become depressed.”

The study did not determine why these childhood events are linked with slow recovery from depression, but the researchers suggested that these negative experiences might interrupt the normal development of a brain network involved in stress regulation.

Although the study found an association between childhood abuse, parental addictions and a person’s vulnerability to slow recovery time from depression, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has more about depression.

Source : http://news.health.com/2014/01/27/childhood-events-tied-to-slow-recovery-from-depression-later/

How To Lose Weight Safely

With a society focused on celebrities and models, it can be easy to get discouraged with our own self-image. Not to mention there is a multitude of self help books promoting new diet fads, commercials advertising new weight loss supplements, and dangerous new procedures to help you lose weight. However, what is the best way to lose weight safely and keep it off?


Most doctors have stated that it is safe to lose up to three pounds per week at home by utilizing a healthy diet and exercise. This would eliminate those crazy diets in which you lose upwards of ten pounds in one week.


Losing weight is really quite simply a game of numbers. One pound is the equivalent of 3,500 calories- a normal individual burns roughly 2,000 calories a day in daily activities and bodily needs. So if you eat less calories than your body uses, you lose weight. If you eat more calories than you body uses, you gain weight.


In theory, if you burn through exercise 500 more calories than what you are eating, after one week you could expect to lose up to 2 pounds. If you wanted to lose weight a little quicker, you would just have to burn extra calories, or reduce the caloric intake through food. Don't be fooled- some diets have you restrict your salt and starch intake for fast weight loss, but be aware this is mostly water weight and it will return.


When planning your diet, it is very important to continue eating balanced meals. Focus on eating mostly fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fishes, egg whites, and nonfat dairy foods. Generally, try to minimize starches, additional sugars, and animal fats.


Here are some helpful hints: Try to eat a lot of vegetables- these will help to fill you up so you aren't tempted to fill up on junk food. Drink a lot of water, especially before meals. Do not keep  tempting foods in your house! Try to keep yourself occupied-if you get bored you will want to eat.


Stop the bad habits of eating on the couch in front of the television. This just encourages boredom eating. Only eat from a plate when you are sitting at the kitchen table. Most importantly, do not try to cut calories by skipping meals- this only adds to weight gain by making your body feel as if it is in starvation mode.


If you continue to have a problem with weight loss, consider keeping a food diary and an exercise log to identify potential causes for failure. Remember, losing weight is a healthy lifestyle change! Don't get discouraged if you do not see results right away!


In conclusion, even though there are many diet options out there, the most tried and tested methods are the best. Stick to a good exercise routine and try to eat a healthy, balanced diet. This will have good results and you will feel better about yourself and your future as well.

How To Fight Depression In A Poor Economy

If you are one of the millions of Americans affected by the poor economy, then you know that depression is just around the bend. It is easy to get lost in blaming one another or just feeling that you aren't good enough. Instead of getting sucked into the black void known as depression, consider the free ways that you can fight depression.


Guilt is what leads to depression in most people, but probably the easiest way to beat it is to stop assigning blame to yourself. Your current situation is more than likely not your fault and blaming yourself will not help you in any way. Guilt can make you feel entirely inadequate and it can worsen the symptoms of depression.


Telling others about the fact that you're suffering from depression isn't easy. However, telling those who are close to you about your depression can let them know that you need them to be there to lend you emotional support. Reach out to your loved ones and don't let your depression isolate you from everyone.


You can feel a lot better if you start a regular exercise regimen like hitting the gym or jogging through the park. It has been concluded in a recent study that about 30 minutes of exercise each day can lessen the debilitating symptoms of depression. Exercise has also been attributed with boosting your mood for up to 12 hours.

People who suffer from depression often experience impaired judgment which can lead to many poor decisions being made. Postpone making any important and life altering decisions until you have gotten a handle on your depression. If making a decision is a must, don't make the process hasty and certainly don't be impulsive.


Sticking to a daily routine is important when you are battling the effects of depression. A daily routine helps you momentarily snap out of a rut that keeps you in bed or feeling horrified about your current condition.


Alcohol and drugs have been attributed with making depression symptoms worse. It can be tempted to reach for the bottle when you're depressed, but no matter how hard to refuse, don't do it! Your brain chemistry is affected by drinking and drugs, which can destroy the relationships you have in your life.


People often notice that insomnia can make their depression worse, so ensure that you are getting enough sleep each night. However, in some cases a lack of sleep has been shown to boost the mood of a person suffering from depression. It is still unclear in the medical world whether or not there is truly a link between insomnia and depression, but getting enough sleep can never hurt!


Fighting depression is not easy, especially when you think about the negative downturn of the economy. Instead of wondering where it all went wrong, or how your depression even started in the first place, try to work with your treatments by following the simple advice in this article. Depression affects millions of people each year, but how you cope is up to you.

How To Beat The Blues: Depression Tips To Help You Feel Better

Serious medical depression is much more than just feeling down or a little bit sad. Real depression takes all of the joy from your soul and forces you to live in a world of darkness. If your life is spiraling out of control due to a severe depression or a more mild form of depression has got you feeling like you are stuck in a rut, this is the perfect article for you. Read on to learn tips and advice that can help you to beat the blues and overcome your depression.

First things first, it is important for you to realize that depression is a serious illness that impacts millions of lives. Never feel that you are alone in your battle with depression and never get angry or blame yourself for your sad feelings.


Be active. One of the best things that you can do to fight depression is to live an active life. This is much easier said than done as depression makes you want to lay in bed all day and isolate yourself from the world, but do your absolute best to engage with other people. Exercise increases your body's endorphin and helps you feel better both physically and mentally. During times of depression, try to go for a walk or a bike ride. Hitting the gym for a strenuous workout is even better.


Avoid excessive alcohol consumption or recreational drug usage. Depressed people very often attempt to self medicate by drinking and using drugs. This is a very bad idea, as substance abuse only worsens depression. The momentary escape from your pain brought on by drugs or alcohol only worsens your condition over the long haul.


Join a depression support group. During periods of severe depression it is very common to feel that you are totally alone. You may feel that know one else in the entire world can possibly understand the anguish that you are going to. By taking part in a support group you get to interact with other people feeling the same way that you are feeling. Talking with others in similar situations to your own and receiving positive feedback and support can help you to feel better about yourself and much less isolated.


Talk with a therapist. Licensed therapist have a wealth of experience dealing with depression. They are trained to help you overcome your illness through talk therapy. A therapist familiar with cognitive behavioral therapy can use specific CBT techniques to help you navigate through your depression.


Meet with a psychiatrist. If your depression is all encompassing, a psychiatrist may be able to help. Although prescription antidepressant medications due have side effects, they have proven to be helpful in the treatment of major depression. If you do decide to treat your depression with medication, be patient. It can take a few months before antidepressant medications begin to work.


Depression hurts and is difficult to overcome. Remember, however, that no matter how bad you may feel, there is always hope. With the right treatment you can once again enjoy life.