Treatment for depression Blog

Let me say at the outset - depresssion is nothing to be ashamed of or to feel guilty about. It afflicts millions of people. It can be a chemical imbalance or a mental disfunction. Most importantly, it can be treated successfully.

How can you know when someone is suffering from depression or a manic disorder? You may not realize that each and every kind of symptom of depression are actually not hidden or mysterious. They are plain to see if one knows what to look for. At the same time it is actually quite easy to overlook such symptoms and not be able to help yourself or others who are suffering from depression. One can be too close to the forest to see the trees, so to speak.

There are actually many symptoms of depression. Some are not seen or felt every single day which makes them more difficult to identify. Also, since symptoms of depression actually vary, the time of their "attacks" varies as well.

Here are 10 of the most common symptoms of depression:

1) Prolonged period of sadness or not feeling "up to it". This is always that feeling of "not in the mood". This person would rather mope around the house and feel sorry for themselves.

2) A feeling of hopelessness, perennial pessimisism, speaking of feeling sorry for one’s self. This is coupled with actually feeling like he/she has nothing to look forward to in his or her life. As for being the perennial pessimist, those who show this symptom of depression are usually very negative about things, again, the feeling of hopelessness comes in to mind.

3) Guilt-driven and loss of self-worth. Feeling overwhelming guilt over something can actually make you very sad and make you feel like you do not deserve to be happy. Thus, the loss of self-worth. If you feel you are not worthy of being happy or enjoying yourself, that’s a clear tell-tale symptom of depression. Add to this a feeling that things simply will not go your way reinforces a feeling of being a victim of circumstances.

4) Has lost taking pleasure in simple things in life, a spirit of adventure, or hobbies, anything one used to enjoy doing. This is especially true when you begin shunning activities that involve family or friends and become reclusive.

5) Fatigue, always feeling tired or run down physically or mentally. People suffering from depression, having lost whatever interest in life that they may have had before are actually depleted of physical energy. Moping around, not eating properly, not getting enough restful sleep, all lead a depressed person on a path to not just a mental illness but to physical illnedd as well.

6) Having trouble concentrating, having bad memory and is indecisive. A person who is suffering from depression easily gives away this tell-tale symptom of depression. Wherein one’s lack of interest in the outside world, or in just about anything for that matter, can lead to an inability to keep track of things, not be able to remember things that happened, or recent conversations. Lack of interest actually makes depressed people very inattentive and their living quarters quite disorganized and messy.

7) Sleep and eating disorders: Lacking enough sleep, sleeping too much, waking up at wee hours of the morning, appetite lossor eating too much. Watch for sudden weight loss or weight gain.

8) Being suicidal, talking about death, about wanting to die, are clear indications of depression.

9) Being restless and irritable, physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive disorders, and various body pains.

10) Finally, and perhaps the most common warning sign that takes in the 9 already mentioned is when those people closest to you continually ask - "Are you O.K.?". This means they see behavior that you are not seeing because you are too close to the forest to see the trees.

Call your physician and make an appointment soon!

Yours for success in life!

Jim DeSantis

P.S. - Please forward this article to someone who may benefit from it.

By: Jim DeSantis

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About the Author:Jim DeSantis has Associate Degrees in Pastoral Counseling and Christian Theology. This link on-line-tribune-personal-challenges.blogspot.com will take you to Jim's Blog where you will find Free Resources to help with your personal challenges!

Treatment for Depression
Tips for Dealing With Depression
Depression Treatment Information

Change Personal History, is one of the most powerful techniques in an NLP practitioners toolbox. When clients come to see me for NLP, Herts at my NLP practice, Herts, it is possible to empower them to achieve emotional freedom using this technique.

Human beings only exist in the present. What we know is that we are constantly bombarded with sensory data from the environment. In order to make sense of this information, we filter it and store it as an internal representation or map. Anything not being experienced in the moment is a memory.

Often when individuals come to see me, for NLP in Herts, it is the memory of past events that are causing them a problem in the present. Specifically, it is the way the person re-experiences the past event during the process of remembering that accounts for distress in the present.

Change Personal History works by enabling the person to re-evaluate and make changes to the memory of past events. What’s more, the person is able to make use of current resources and knowledge that they have now, but didn’t have access to at the time the event occurred. So, whilst it’s not ever possible to change what actually happened, it is possible to change the meaning of past events and hence the effect this has on an individual’s behaviour.

During the Change Personal History process, the client is supported in re-living the event firstly in a dissociated state and secondly in an associated state, with the aid of a stacked resource anchor. The anchor is carefully chosen and built by the client and NLP practitioner. The client is giving the opportunity to imagine speaking directly to those involved in the event (this is done out loud), enabling the client to express what they needed too but were unable too at the time the event occurred. The client is supported to make changes to the event, to make it how they want it to be, with the benefit of the chosen resources. Other steps are included in the process, depending on the nature of the problematic past memory and unique needs and goals of the client.

In my experience, this technique is very effective and there is no longer any need for people to allow past memories to keep impacted on life in the present. If you feel you may benefit from experiencing the change personal history process, it may be worthwhile booking an appointment with an NLP practitioner. This technique is available at NLP, Herts.

By: Karen Hastings

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Karen Hastings is an NHS experienced occupational therapist. She has worked in the NHS with people with acute and chronic mental health problems. Karen is also a master NLP practitioner and also practices more traditional cognitive behavioural approaches. Karen is registered with the Health Profession Council. Her practice is in Aldbury, Herts. Karen offers home-visits throughout Herts. To find out more visit www.karenhastings.co.uk

Depression affects men the same that it affects women. The male image is one of being strong and the rock, the glue that holds the family together, but in reality as many men suffer from depression as women do. Of course, most men hide their depression by trying to cover their feelings up. They will cover up their depression with drugs, alcohol, sex, and work. Depression shows in men not as helpless or hopeless, but as angry, frustrated, and other aggressive feelings. Men are less likely to seek treatment than women and they are less likely to admit that they have a problem. Believe me, however, that if you are feeling depressed you should not feel weird about opening up to your best friend or perhaps a family doctor.

Depression is not a secret that should be hidden away. Just as with any other feeling or state of mind, there are things you can do to remedy the situation. Depression and men are a silent battle that barely makes a rumble until the battle is over. The drugs and the smiles and the carrying on and acting hide many of the typical signs of depression from showing. Its hard to pick up on the signs of depression if you are close to the person, and its harder if they are trying to cover them up. Its not abnormal to be shocked from their actions.

Of course, you can help them seek treatment.

If you notice that a loved one is showing any of the typical depression signs like oversleeping or not sleeping, tensionstressed, or uncontrollable anger (in the case of men) you should address the topic, but letting the person know that you care about them and that you are ready to listen to them when they are ready to talk. It's important not to push the issue and just let things run their course with men. Most men are the sorts of guys that will do their own laundry, so to speak.

By: Mandy Robinson -

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For more great anxiety depression related articles and resources check out panicdisorderhq.info

We all have fell victim to depression at one point or another. That is part of life. Some people will fall into a depression for a few hours, others may be in that state for days and eventually manage and conquer that depression to finally come back to a state of balance, a state of equilibrium.

Some people on the other hand, may fall into a depression and may require some help getting rid of the condition. Depression is either a state of the mind, or else a disorder of the mind which will result in a state of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, despair, etc.

Once we know that we have fallen prey to depression, the next step to manage and conquer depression is applying the effort to heal. Go into your mind for a clear understanding and explore the possible ways to solve the problem. Work toward cultivating new ideas that can help you master your emotions. Exploring your mind is an excellent way to spot tricks that can catch the emotions before they start.

Depression can also be genetic and can also stem from psychiatric conditions, such as disorders, medical conditions and chemical imbalances. Environmental conditions such as poverty, addictions, etc. can also lead to depression.

Before you decide to treat your depression with drugs, make sure you talk to your family doctor who can refer you to some professional with experience in the field of depression. Only after trying various programs should you seriously consider treating depression with drugs, since there will be side-effects associated.

The Herbal Alternative to Relieving Depression:

There are the herbal ways to relieve or alleviate depression which may work for some and not others. You should consider looking into the differents herbs and vitamins that are out there and see the results.

Kava kava is one of the strongest anti-anxiety, anti-depressant herbs readily available in the world and your health food store.

St. John’s wort is also among the most commonly used herbal anti-depressant. It is also easily available across various medico-stores in most communities.

5-HTP derives its name from its function. It is used as a precursor for Serotonin, which is also known as 5HT. Some people suffering from depression has seen positive results with it.

Valerian root has been prescribed for those patients who have been facing lack of sleep due to depression. Valerian roots are well known for its tranquilizing effects on the brain. It is also used to calm the nerves.

Minerals like Zinc, Magnesium and potassium also play a major role in maintaining the overall feelings and mood of an individual.

Vitamins are extremely essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. They help to regulate numerous body functions, catalyze various reactions in the body, release of energy, transmitting of signals etc.

Self-talk does wonders for the mind. Don't worry about what they say that it can make you crazy. Go ahead talk and answer yourself. It is not crazy, rather it is a therapeutic treatment. In fact, self-talk can help you find answers to your questions and help you cure your depression.

By: Fritz

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Fritz Blanc has a web site on how to manage and conquer depression:
www.selfconfidence-selfesteem.info/depression/

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If the '20's were known as "Roaring," the '60's were about "Flower Power," and the '80's were the "Me Generation," then the 2000's will go down as the "Age of Anxiety." Even the June 10, 2002 cover of TIME Magazine is entitled: "Understanding Anxiety: Now more than ever, we are worrying ourselves sick!" It's true! About a third of my practice deals with what I am required by Texas State Law to refer to as "habitual worry." (The term "anxiety" is reserved for the medical profession... or preachers or lawyers!?)

The TIME article goes on to state: (1) We live in a particularly anxious age. (2) Eight months after the 9/11 crisis nearly two-thirds of Americans still think about the attack several times per week. (3) Nineteen million Americans are affected by anxiety disorders, but less than 25 percent ever seek treatment. My own theory about why so few seek help stems from the comments I hear from those who do show up, like "Oh, thank God! (when I tell them they are not alone) "I thought I was going crazy!" Why are we as a nation so scared? And what can we do about it?

First things, first. I believe a number of factors play into the "excessive worry" epidemic. We are literally overloaded, bombarded, with information daily. This "information crush" has the effect of short circuiting our own electrical systems. Then, too, people in general have less quiet time and very few understand how to get it. Solitude acts as a safety valve to let off "excess information" steam. Exercise, especially meditative types like Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates, and solitary pursuits like walking or running alone, can serve the same purpose.

Processed foods-- really little more than conglomerations of chemicals with refined sugar added-- also overload the central nervous system. (Review research at www.radiantrecovery.com) And, any toxins, including food additives, overload the liver and make it work harder to keep the body functioning properly. More heavy demands are made on the body by stress, which overload the adrenal glands. Eventually the body just wears out and the coping mechanisms break down, sometimes completely. The body processes "fear" in a two-phase approach. When fearful stimuli are perceived, one circuit goes through the amygdala, otherwise known as "fear central." The amygdala is the tiny almond shaped portion of the brain that doesn't take time to discriminate or reason things out. It just sends out messages to the "fight-or-flight" mechanism that say "Hey, get us out of here!!"
And the body responds blindly. Digestion and reasoning are shut down as blood is moved away from the brain and stomach and toward the arms and legs so we can "run like crazy" or stand up and fight. A second, slower route is through the cerebral cortex. This portion of the brain takes time to analyze the situation and come up with a game plan. If it decides, for example, that the "ghost" was only some sheets "Grandma" hung outside to dry that are now flapping in the breeze, it will send a message to the amygdala to "stand down." The only problem with the system is that the Fear switch is much easier to turn on than it is to turn off. In fact, what scientists are beginning to learn is that some people have switches that are stuck in the "on" position (namely chronic sufferers from anxiety disorders, like panic attacks, generalized anxiety, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder to name a few.)

So what can you do if you're one of those people who suffer from "excessive fear and worry?" First, if you're reading this magazine, you're probably not interested in a pharmaceutical approach. At best, anti-anxiety medications can help you temporarily while you rebuild your adrenals and the rest of your coping mechanism. If you do decide to try pharmaceuticals, be sure to ask your physician lots of questions, and I recommend reading the drug section of The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, by Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D. Many of these drugs have serious side effects and some are highly addictive.

>From what I've seen, what works best for each person is highly individualized. So, I usually suggest a multiple-prong approach: (1) Essential oils like lavender can have fairly instantaneous calming effects. A few drops in the bath or a foot soak or dabbed behind the ears work wonders. (2) Borrowing from the Behaviorists, one of the best treatments "fearful" people can give themselves is usually the hardest for them to follow. To reduce anxiety and worry, remove as much disturbing stimuli as you can from the environment. Change jobs or take a vacation. Cut back on the amount of activities you try to cram into a week and get more sleep. Delegate. Ask for help. (3) Spend more time exercising. Exercise produces endorphins, nature's antidepressants. (4) Breathe--deeply. Oxygen is the #1 ingredient your body needs to survive and thrive. (5) Try the cognitive approach. Practice becoming aware of negative self talk and transforming it to positives. According to Dr. Bourne, worriers tend to imagine the worst possible scenarios all the time.

One of the best ways to change negative self talk is at the subconscious level. My primary tool is hypnosis. After all, all habits, including the habit of being afraid, are stored in the subconscious mind. The particular hypnotic techniques I use in working with "excessive worriers" include: releasing root causes; parts therapy (negotiating with the fearful part and getting it to agree to relax); desensitization to the fear producing stimuli; anchoring a "safe feeling" button; providing post hypnotic suggestions that work automatically to keep the person calm; and translogic, which helps move the anxious thinking from the emotional right-brain to the logical left brain. Once the person can begin to see the problem logically, they can begin to take the actions to heal themselves.

By: Jammy Hokins

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Jammy Hokins writes for www.anxietyremedies.info where you can find out more about cheap hotels and other topics.

Are you trying to learn more about postpartum depression well we have gather some helpful hints and tips about postpartum depression, so feel free to read this body language article as much as you want. Hopefully you find these postpartum depression tips and hints helpfull to you.

Become aware of your self-talk. Stop telling yourself how depressed you feel. This will only add to your misery and is very counter-productive. The word 'depression' is a vague term and does not in anyway help solve your problems. Rather than use the term 'depression', get more specific about how you are feeling. Are you feeling grief because a loved one has died or is injured' Are you feeling anger because your spouse has been unfaithful' Are you feeling stressed because there you have too much work to do' Telling yourself you are feeling very sad because your Son has passed away is far less debilitating than telling yourself you are depressed. It is natural to feel sad at the passing of a child. You need time to grieve and then let the grief go and start the healing process. You will add to your pain if every morning you wake up and tell yourself how depressed you are and how unfair life is.

Take up a sporting activity like walking, cycling, tennis, golf, water sports, riding, gliding, sailing, football, badminton. Something with a personal achievement goal. Spectator sports do not count and have little value for the purpose of defeating depression. Like alcohol (with which they are often associated) and television, they are simply ephemeral distractions. Depression cannot exist when the adrenaline is surging. Try bungee jumping.

Take ONE walk today, optimally in a park or natural setting, and notice anything that strikes you're a colorful, pleasing to your senses or beautiful.

Go out of your way to do something for someone else each day - a helping hand for an acquaintance or neighbour, a loving gesture for your spouse, an unexpected present for your children. It need not cost money but must involve your time, effort and devotion.

You may be able to get out of a bad mood by accepting that bad moods are an inevitable part of life! Sound confusing' Actually, the idea isn't that complicated. When you dwell on bad moods, they intensify. When you accept them as unpleasant but inevitable, they lose some of their grip on your psyche.

Well these are just a few postpartum depression tips that you can use and try to recognize. These tips have been gathered from some of the best postpartum depression sources on the internet today and from some of the best authorities on the subject.
postpartum depression -postpartum depression information.

By: millzee1

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webmaster of www.skeletalmuscles.net

Constipation and depression have a history of coinciding with each other. Is it coincidence or is there an underlying reason? Constipation can be a painful and troublesome condition, but does it cause clinical depression? And on the other hand, can depression actually cause constipation? I hope to help lay these questions to rest for any one suffering from these two conditions.

We should first look at what the diagnosis for constipation consists of. Constipation is when the individual has two or fewer bowel movements within a week. If three days pass with no bowel movement, it could pose a serious health risk. The stool will continue to harden the longer it’s in the body, making it even more difficult to expel. Patients are also considered constipated if they experience hard stools, straining or incomplete evacuations 25% of the time they do have bowel movements.

Depression can be the result of numerous factors. Lifestyle changes, eating habits, loss of a loved one and health issues can play a huge role in depression cases. Depression can also be rather difficult to diagnose in many cases. Understanding the signs and symptoms of both of these conditions will help you to have a better understanding of what to look for, how to deal with them and how to prevent them.

How to tell if you may be Depressed
The two most obvious symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness or hopelessness and a general loss of interest in daily activities that usually bring pleasure. Depression can be difficult to diagnose properly because it truly is a condition of extremes. It can cause weight gain or weight loss. It can cause insomnia or the sufferer may want to sleep all day. It can cause pain to move while at the same time causing restlessness. And yes, it can cause constipation or diarrhea.

Depression affects the body’s entire system, not just the emotional aspect. It causes the digestive system to function improperly. Headaches and bodily pain are commonplace. In a state of depression, the brain actually isn’t functioning the way it’s supposed to. It’s no wonder that depressed individuals feel as though the world is falling down around them. In a sense, it really is.

In the brain, there are two chemicals that affect your mood. Serotonin and norepinephrine. These two chemicals work as transmitters, sending signals from the brain to the nerves in the body. When there is a deficiency in these chemicals, the signals don’t get sent and it throws everything off. It’s interesting to note, that in most cases, the body can actually fix the problem itself. Unfortunately, it can take 1 to 3 years for that to happen and deeply depressed sufferers can’t wait that long.

To replace the depleted serotonin and norepinephrine levels, patients are usually prescribed Antidepressants. One of the main side effects of Antidepressants is constipation.

Why constipation makes us feel depressed
While constipation in and of itself does not cause clinical depression, it can cause someone to feel depressed. The reason is again because of the chemicals in the brain. Constipation prohibits food nutrients from being absorbed by the body. These nutrients are needed for the brain to produce the right amount of serotonin and norepinephrine. When constipated for a long period, the lining of the small intestine can actually build up a layer of toxins that fully prevent any nutrients from being absorbed. Toxins that are normally expelled by the body through bowel movements now have nowhere to go but to be re-absorbed by the body, making matters even worse.

Women are prime targets for both conditions, especially while pregnant. The body’s hormones are going so berserk that depression is rarely not seen during or after pregnancy. Another stage in a woman’s life that brings on depression is menopause. It’s been shown that estrogen provokes dramatic changes in the brain’s activity.

What can be done to prevent constipation and depression?
When you’re not feeling good, or feeling depressed about something, the most common thing people tend to do is head for some comfort food. It’s usually heavy and unhealthy but totally delicious, right? Unfortunately, those foods, when eaten in large quantities, wreck havoc on an already delicate gastrointestinal situation. It makes it almost inevitable that when you’re depressed, you’ll also end up constipated. It’s a vicious circle that many get stuck in.

The chances of becoming constipated and/or depressed can be dramatically lowered by eating a healthy diet and following a regular exercise routine. Avoiding alcohol and drugs can save the body from many traumas, both mental and physical. Try to follow a regular sleep pattern. Most importantly, if you begin to feel depressed, or have thoughts of suicide, you need to seek help as soon as possible.

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By: The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

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The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center's Web site features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center.