10 Common Symptoms Of Depression

Every year approximately 9.5 per cent of the American population suffers from depression. Depression is a grave illness that affects day to day life and destroys families. It is a disorder that controls the mind and its functions causing loss of appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and a deep sense of despair.

The symptoms of depression are varied and the severity changes with time. And, according to experts depression can be an inherited disorder, or caused by life threatening illnesses, or stress. Other causes are certain diseases, medicines, drugs, alcohol, or mental illnesses. Women are seen to experience depression more than men and this is attributed to hormonal swings, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-menopause, and post-menopause.

Common symptoms are:

1. An unshakeable sadness, anxiety, or emptiness.

2. Overwhelming hopelessness accompanied by pessimistic feelings.

3. Extreme guilt, feelings of helplessness, and no sense of self worth.

4. Loss of energy, a slowing down of metabolism, and activity levels. Being plagued by constant fatigue.

5. A sense of helplessness along with an increasing inability to focus and indecisiveness.

6. Loss of sound sleep and development of extreme insomnia.

7. Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain. Triggered by loss of appetite or eating binges.

8. Brooding and suicidal inclinations.

9. Irritability, short temper, as well as restlessness.

10. Physical afflictions like headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain for no particular reason.

If you experience any of the above along with a marked change in behavior do consult your doctor. He will give you a thorough examination to rule out physical causes for depression as well as any underlying medical problems. Then if required he will recommend that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Take matters in hand and try and erase negativity from your mind. Cut out from you life terms like exhaustion, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Change your life by setting yourself a few goals. Try and relax, meditate, and enjoy music. Start new activities that absorb your time as well as interests. Go out and meet people and participate in group activities. Avoid the company of negative people. Make up your mind to enjoy a movie, ballgame, family outing, picnic, or trek. Be positive, self confident, and have faith in yourself. Faith is itself a great healer. Decide to change your world for the better. However do follow the doctor’s advice. Treatment can include: anti-depressant medicines, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. In extreme cases electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy are prescribed.

If your depression escalates or you are suicidal seek help from your family physician or health care provider. Do call a local health department, a community mental health center, or hospital or clinic. Someone will extend a helping hand and talk you through the crisis.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a treatable brain disorder marked by extreme shifts in a person’s mood and disposition. Periods of intense mania are followed by bouts of severe depression, often with periods of normalcy in between. While on either end of the spectrum, sufferers of bipolar disorder often find it difficult to concentrate and maintain functionality sufficient for leading a productive life. Those who experience severe episodes of depression and hypomania are classified as suffering from bipolar II disorder, which women are diagnosed with more often than men. It is estimated that over two million Americans have a form of bipolar disorder, although many may be unaware of it. Bipolar disorder can develop at any time, however, most will experience the onset of symptoms in the post adolescence/early adulthood phase of their life. Fortunately, bipolar disorder can be treated but must be managed for long term success. Recognizing the symptoms of bipolar disorder is often the first step toward proper diagnosis and treatment.

The manic phases of bipolar disorder can be marked by an increase in energy, restlessness, irritability, the inability to concentrate, aggressiveness, euphoria, irrational thought and limited sleep, among other symptoms. The depression phase of bipolar disorder can be marked by feelings of sadness, guilt, helplessness, pessimism and agitation, as well as weight fluctuation, disturbed sleep patterns and a loss of interest in life. Suicidal thoughts may be present during prolonged periods of depression as well.

The importance of recognizing the symptoms of bipolar disorder cannot be overstated as many who suffer from it are improperly diagnosed because of the nature of their condition. Sufferers may feel that the extreme shifts in mood they are experiencing are simply the ebb and flow of life. They may seek help during periods of depression and not disclose their manic behavior because they associate it with happiness or normalcy. Recent attention paid to bipolar disorder and bipolar II disorder in the media, however, has helped to educate the population. Just as both forms of bipolar disorder have become more widely recognized by the medical community, the general public is also more aware than ever of their existence. Guidance is available for those who exhibit some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder as there are now many excellent resources for detailed information, both in print and on the web. Anyone who feels they may be suffering from bipolar disorder should always consult their physician. With proper treatment, those who have experienced the debilitating nature of this affliction can go on to lead healthy, productive lives.

Know How To Overcome Depression

There are times in a person’s life where loneliness and lack of contentment is experienced. Depression is a state where an individual feels bored and sad. This feeling can be disturbing especially when a person seems so low and cannot overcome the obstacles that he is experiencing.

Many have thought that this emotional problem is not that serious to worry about. Studies have proven that this state of depression can be an illness and must be treated. Some depressed people may go to a physician for check up and consultation. It could be more advisable if the person would see a therapist.

Most depression therapists are very good in finding the reason why a person became depressed. The process in which a therapist treats depression is through emotional and psychological approach. On the other hand, a doctor will recommend patients to take anti depressant medicines. There are instances that have happened where a doctor treating a patient for depression was involved in such controversies where improper medications were applied.

An expert for depression would classify a depressed person if he shows some symptoms of significant weight loss, increase in appetite, loss of agility, or weight gain because of excessive eating. Others who are depressed may also encounter problems in sleeping or insomnia, over sleeping, decrease of sexual interest, and the lack of interest in lifestyle activities.

Some indications of depression may also come in a more emotional approach like the feeling of sadness and boredom, feeling of being a useless individual, the feeling of guilt to oneself, the feeling of being undecided to some simple decisions, and the decrease of the ability of the mind to think and concentrate. The most frightening symptoms of depression may come if a person is always thinking of his death or an individual wants to commit suicide.

Here are some ways to deal with depression in a personal approach:

1. A person must force himself to go outside. Do not even bother if the climate is not that good. Try to have a walk outside, read a book, or even try to write a poem. This can be an effective idea to overcome the depression rather than staying on the room alone.

2. It is always better if there are people that will support the person in depression. It is recommended that a person seek for a friend or a companion while he is still in the stage of recovering depression. If the individual is not use to this kind of therapy, the Internet should be a very good resort to find ways how to find ways to treat this kind of illness. It could be a little awkward to find some other people who are experiencing depression, but there is the possibility that there are others out there that can relate.

3. It is advisable for the individual to write what he feels at the moment. If there are no friends to tell what the problems are, he may try writing about the feeling so that the hatred or sadness will subside. Holding the feeling can just add more depression.

4. Meditation can be a good tool to overcome the depression. Deep breathing and good relaxation can relieve anxiety and pressure that may lead to depression.

Depression can be treated if the person realizes that he must also do his part on overcoming the illness. If these recommended ways do not show any development to let go of depression then it should be best if the person seek the help of a doctor or a therapist.

Emotional Responses in Healing the Hidden Self

Healing is a great way to alter emotional responses whereas anger, resentment or other negative responses develop.

Our emotions react to things we harbor in our mind, such as anger, fear, resentment, doubt, and so on. All these negative emotions build, which causes us to react in accord to how we see things. In other words, what we perceive also plays a part in how our emotions will respond.

The best way to manage emotional responses to heal the hidden self is to understand, the brain - and how it functions.

The brain has natural functions, which make up three parts. The parts make up the top, middle and lower region, which described we can say it is strictly oversimplified. The natural functions of the brain keep our lungs and blood functioning properly.

The key to understanding the brain is to realize that your power of mind only expands with use. By setting a goal to learn something new each day, you can expand your mind, grow and also work through self-healing.

Like the body, the brain needs exercise. If you fail to exercise the brain, it will waste away. When the brain wastes away, thus it becomes difficult each day to manage the emotions.

Therefore, we can see that by exercising the brain daily we can expand the brain, expand our growth and work toward healing the hidden self.

Our brain develops just as we do. Each time this area of our body develops, it creates myelin, which surrounds the nerve fibers in the brain. Myelin can develop into Demyelination, which causes an interruption to the pathological process. When myelin develops it acts as an insulting source, which myelin sheath insulates the nerve fibers to prevent damage. When Demyelination develops, it must function properly to assist myelin and its structure, it can lead to weakness or loss of brain functions.

Thus, keeping the brain active is the key to healing the hidden self. Of course, you will need to explore the subliminal mind to find answers to the many problems you may have, but ultimately, keeping the brain active is essential for healing the hidden self.

Experts have proven that once the “optic” nerves are destroyed in the brain area, thus the cells in the brain surrounding the visual environment will remain undeveloped. Thus, the brain must mature in order to assist us with self-healing and development.

Our perceptions play a chief role in how we perceive. In addition, when our perceptions are flawed, it often leads to emotional responses that interrupt our lives.

For this reason, too you want to make sure that you keep the brain active each day to avoid interrupting the optical nerves and brain cells.

Moreover, when myelin is lacking production that comes from natural resources, such as keeping the brain active, thus it can affect our memory. Babies for example find it difficult to recall anything during this time, especially once they have grown up. This is because an infant has a lesser myelin production than the adult does. Thus, by keeping the brain active, we encourage a healthy mind, ultimately complete consciousness.

It doesn’t matter what aspects of our being we focus on for healing the hidden self. The fact is every, single thing that occurs in our life, thus the brain is the prime minister of functions that determine our faith, future, et cetera. Your personality is also considered by evaluating your brain. Thus, what your brain pushes, your personality will become. The key is to remember, you have the power within to take control of your life.

Keep your brain healthy by keeping the brain active each day.

Dating For The Depressed Soul

Nothing can be more upsetting than getting turned down by a the opposite sex especially when your suffering from depression. Be rest assured this is not the end of the world. While dating can be fun it can also help us out tremendously when we are feeling depressed. Having someone to talk to and be with will naturally lift your spirits up. But remember to keep cool and follow these general guidelines when dating while depressed.

Remember you may feel exhilerated at the first date, but as time goes on and you continue to date the person as things become routine you may start to feel depressed. Remember to always be doing something, The same routine over and over again is boring, unless of course your perfectly content with boredom.

Okay, we havent got to the part about asking the person out! That by far is the hardest part for anyone to do, especially if you are a person who is less socially active. But don’t dispair, it’s easier than you think. Think about it this way, do you get fearful when your calling up dear old gramma on the phone to check how she is doing? No! And I highly doubt she would reject you either. Just work up the courage, you can do it. Rehearse what you are going to say at first, and get it down so its fluid like. Don’t be depressed if you get rejected. The best of us all get rejected at times.

If your potential date says yes thats great. Now onto the date… Never, ever talk about how your depressed and feeling down on the first date. People have a tendancy to be turned off by those that are always sad and depressed. Find an atmosphere where you and your date can go that will uplift your spirits. If you get to the point where you have been dating this person for a while and still are feeling symptoms of depression then if you trust that person enough it may be okay to confide in them.

Hopefully this has started you on the path to happiness with dating. Remember to keep your chin up.

5 Ways To Effectively Treat Minor Depression

Consider adopting a pet. Studies have shown that individuals who own pets, including cats or dogs, live a happier and healthier life. The reason is because pets provide companionship and unconditional love, which is one of the reasons that they may help to eliminate minor cases of depression and/or stress.

$ A regular fitness regimen may help to treat depression, including walking or a leisurely jog. Experts believe that walking for 30 minutes each day may help to ease stress and anxiety, which often lead to depression, and may also improve cardiovascular health.

$ Find a hobby that you enjoy. If you have too much time on your hands, consider volunteering at a local hospital or becoming involved in some type of community activity that offers you personal satisfaction and enjoyment. After all, busy hands are happy hands.

$ The loss of sleep is one of the leading causes of stress and anxiety, which are directly related to depression. In order to improve the quality of your sleep, make sure that your mattress is comfortable, along with your pillow. It may also help to keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature so that you can sleep soundly through the night without being disrupted by hot or cold temperatures. And finally, the use of portable air filters will help to remove allergens in the air and will leave your room with a feeling of cleanliness. This may help to ease allergies, which often disrupt sleep and can lead to anxiety throughout the day.

$ Consider the cause of your depression and try to remove it from your life. Whether it be a job or a relationship, you may be able to effectively eliminate the depression by getting away from the cause. If your work is stressful because of the amount of hours spent on the job, consider cutting back on overtime in exchange for more enjoyment at home and with family. If your schoolwork is too demanding, consider evaluating your courses and which are most important for your education. If a relationship is what has you in a rut, consider a counseling session for couples or talk with your partner about whatever it is that’s troubling you. If the problem is too great to work through, consider some time apart to reevaluate your relationship and see if the depression eases after a trial separation.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein should be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional medical advice relating to the treatment of depression. Anyone who notices the symptoms of depression, or believe that they may have a problem, should consult a physician for a proper diagnosis and/or treatment recommendation.

Prevention of Suicide is Everybody’s Business

Prevention of Suicide is Everybody’s Business

We are losing approximate one million human lives a year worldwide due to suicidal deaths. It is not only the case of death and births subject, which keeps statistics of human counts. Today is September10, an international suicide prevention day . International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) a world health organization’s help group is seriously working on this subject. Now days we are passing through commercialization/Industrialization/capitalist regime, western countries has experienced it much earlier then us. They are facing bio products of this so called revolution as suicidal syndrome in these societies. Developed nations has high suicidal death rate than those developing nations which are passing through commercialization/Industrialization but rate are on rising side for developing nations if not minded will lead towards infinity.

As our Indian society is going through these conditions most affected are those urban areas where commercialization/Industrialization has taken place. Cut throat competitions in every sphere of life lead to mental pressure on these citizens. When our mind could not able to cope up with these men made pressures resulted into a suicide. It is not merely a criminal physical action but result of mental malfunction, which comes into health domain. It should be treated as well established man made disease like HIV/AIDS. Today its occurrence is approximate one million worldwide but it is still more lives lost than

• In all wars and homicides worldwide every year.

• Three times the catastrophic loss of human lives in the tragic Tsunami disaster.

. One suicide represents

• A lost life, lost talents, lost creativity, lost contribution made to society.

• A lost son or daughter, a lost father or mother, a lost friend or colleague.

• A wound that does not easily heal in those who left behind.

The health administrators in developing nations are not giving attention on this especially in country like India and china are in transformation era of commercialization /Industrialization/capitalist regime in check list. As in case of HIV/AIDS origin was in western part of globe (developed nations). It remained confined till it was in this part of world. When it reached in Asia the population basket of world it becomes manifold in its number in few years. Similar to this suicidal syndrome which is resultant of commercialization/Industrialization/capitalist regime, western countries has experienced it much earlier then us. It is now time to keep check on this syndrome otherwise HIV/AIDS type threat to human races is in waiting in coming year in our part of world.

Last not least is national level initiatives to fight against suicidal syndrome at medical and social fronts should be included in national health programme.

Why prevention of suicide is everybody business?

Answer to this is of English poet John Donne

“ No man is an island, entire of itself…..any man’s death diminish me, because I am involve in mankind; and therefore never send to whom the bell toll; it toll for thee”.

Just Say “No” To Depression!

Depression is believed by the medical profession to be the most prevalent disease of our time. The fear of developing heart problems or cancer alone is enough to cause tremendous stress and accompanying depression. There is a tremendous malaise circulating our world today. Both the medical profession and the media are constantly “warning” us of the dangers and probabilities of different diseases, some of which seem more than likely to shorten our life span. For instance, if there is cancer in your family, you’re most likely going to get it! And of course, if cancer is not threat enough there is always the West Nile virus, Bird flu, AIDs and a host of other diseases to frighten us…

One thing is for sure, we will never hear the end of calamities that are likely to beset us, whether from disease or some other form of challenge we may face. It seems inevitable that there will always be “something” that will get our blood pressure soaring.

So, what is the answer to this problem? How can we carry-on with our lives without being constantly afraid of what lies around the next corner? Here are several suggestions about how to effectively deal with life’s challenging situations:

1) Seek interpersonal support

People need other people, and there are many good and practical ways to relieve stress and anxiety. Exercise, good nutrition and positive thinking are great antidotes. These not only help relieve the angst; they actually give us a sense of empowerment over our lives.

2) Seek spiritual guidance about spoken words

The Bible tells us that the power of life and death are in the tongue. Words can both bless and curse (James 3). Negative words can evoke fear, anxiety and actually produce negative effects in a person’s life.

Whenever a word is heard - any word - the mind paints a picture of it. For instance, when someone says “black cow” immediately you will see that cow in your mind’s eye. Although words are not tangible, they have the power to bring about emotional and physical change! Remember - The Bible teaches that the earth was created by the Word of God! Now that’s real word power!

We all have a choice when it comes to listening and what we hear. We can choose to empower ourselves by listening to positive words and encouraging thoughts or we can do otherwise. Think about the last time you listening to some of your favorite music…Did your feet start tapping? Did you start to hum the melody? Didn’t your mood lighten-up a bit as a result of hearing the melody and the words? Negative words almost always produce negative results, whether seen or unseen. On the other hand, positive words instill a sense of well-being. A mere smile and a quick, happy-sounding, “Have a great day!” can instantly produce good feelings and joy.

3) Develop a “thankful” attitude.

Thankfulness is one of the greatest virtues. A wise man once said that if we divided a page in two and wrote all our setbacks on one side and all our blessings on the other, we would find that the blessings far outweigh the negatives. The Bible teaches us to give thanks with a grateful heart for all things. Don’t look back on past hurts, nor fret about tomorrow. Live “today” to the fullest…choose joy and thankfulness.

In conclusion, remember that our thoughts respond to what we feed the mind through our senses. Therefore, it naturally follows that happiness is a choice. This may be a foreign concept to many of us at first, but when applied, the results can be truly amazing! Break the habit of feeling trapped in a world of negative thoughts and decide to switch-on the power of positive thoughts, today.

Easy Steps To Avoid Depression

There seem to be so many people who are depressed that we really should take a look at the causes of depression in the first place. The factors that contribute to depression are well-known, and well-researched, but what causes it is not quite understood. New studies have uncovered some of the factors that contribute to the probability of people developing depression.

Stress

Stress takes the first place prize. It’s true that any stressful environment or situation can lead to depression. It can be anything such as social stress, getting a job, relationship difficulties, worrying about money, staying up late, lifestyle out of control, pressures of school and getting good grades. Other events that could cause depression are: death, change of job, moving from one place to another; even the fear of the unknown can cause depression. The list is endless. While these events cannot be avoided, we must come up with an effective stress coping mechanism to be able to thrive even in stressful situations because they are never going to go away. Stressful situations just keep changing.

Drinking and Drugs

People who take drugs and alcohol are more prone to depression. When these substances are used at a young age, they can effect a a person’s brain in negative ways. These substances help make the person feel good temporarily, but in most cases, people become addicted.

Drugs release dopamine in the pleasure center of the brain. For example: delicious food boosts dopamine release by about 50 percent. Sex, on the other hand, doubles this number. However, drugs can increase dopamine release anywhere from four to ten times. This unnatural high almost certainly leads to depression after the high goes away. This substance is the surest way to fry brain circuitry.

Drugs make a person depressed more than it makes him happy. This effect will spiral downward until the person doing drugs will want more and more of the substance to break the cycle of depression that follows each high and so the addiction is born.

Not Enough sleep

Studies show that up to 40 percent of adults do not get the proper amount of sleep per day and among students, up to 71 percent complain of sleep disorders and lack of sleep.

Sleep is essential to a person’s health. During sleep, the body repairs itself and reorganizes thought. Lack of sleep contributes to a lack of coherence in brain waves. This scenario often leads to depression. Sleeping during the day and staying up late also interferes with the body’s natural rhythms. This can lead to a sense of depression.

Here are few ways on how to prevent depression.

Sleep is a vital part of preventing depression. Balance your life with enough rest and exercise everyday. Most people require seven to eight hours of sleep per day.

Keep some regularity in your life. Orgaize your activities so they can come at expected and regular times. If your weekly, daily or monthly routine is set then your body has time to get used to the activities. This will lead to a reduced chance for depression to set in.

Don’t push yourself beyond your limits. Keep stress in check and try to avoid stressors if you can. If this can’t be done, then try to deal with the stressors in a manner that minimizes the damage it causes.

Sunlight and exercise can help the brain to function a higher level. Make time to enjoy the sunlight and try to stay active in the daylight when possible.

Keep away from alcohol and drugs. They may seem attractive, but all they really do is cause havoc in a person’s life.

Make at least one warm meal daily a priority. Good eating habits and good health are important when keeping away from depression.

Have fun every day. Nothing takes the load off of depression like some good old fun time. Social activities such as chatting, joining a support group sports, and other hobbies can do wonders towards healing a stressed out and busy mind.

Depression can be avoided and treated and it can be fun doing so. Follow the above mentioned tips for a brighter and happier disposition each day. You will look and feel better for it!

Counteract Anxiety Attacks

Sometimes life is hard and can cause you to feel out of control. Does anyone know what I’m talking about? Things are going well for a while and then it seems like out of no where comes something hard and unexpected that throws you into an anxiety attack? I have had this experience all too many times in my adult life, but it wasn’t until recently that I began to be aware of the symptoms before they hit so that I could counteract the anxiety attacks.

Anxiety attacks are brought on by many different things and can affect people in vastly different ways. An event that may send someone into an anxiety attack may be handled with ease by another person. There is no telling what will or will not cause an anxiety attack to occur. We can, however, learn our own bodies and responses so that we can be better prepared when anxiety attacks occur.

For me, anxiety attacks seem the most likely when I am dealing with health issues with myself or my family. For some reason, I have always felt anxious about health related issues and potential health problems in the people I care about most. My husband, on the other hand, takes health related issues in stride yet finds himself dealing with anxiety attacks over financial issues that threaten our family. I am so thankful that while anxiety attacks are a normal part of life, that not everyone deals with them the same or gets them at the same time. Can you even imagine a world like that?

I have learned myself pretty well over the years, so that now I know how to counteract anxiety attacks. The biggest thing that I need to do is to get away and get alone. This could mean walking into another room or getting outside for a walk or run. I know that my anxiety attacks are made worse when I am forced to deal with them in front of people. Another key for me in counteracting anxiety attacks is to get active. Taking time regularly to exercise is one of the best methods of stress control and hence anxiety attack prevention for me. The more active I am, the less the little things seem to stress me out.

Figure out the things that cause anxiety attacks in you and look for good ways to counteract them. Your life will be a lot more manageable if you can learn to take things in stride and to not let small things lead to big anxiety attacks. Talk with a doctor or a counselor for more advice.

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