Does Friendship Exist?

Friends are people who should always try to help you. But at the same time you should also do the same thing. It is not enough to say that "we are friends." Real friendship is based on good actions. Words are nothing if in difficult times your friends do not support you. Moreover, if they betray you from time to time, as a result, it can lead to depression. Many years ago, one of my friends betrayed me. I could not believe in it because he was my close friend. During several weeks I was in depression because I did not expect that she was possible to do it. It is so awful when you ask somebody do not do or say something but they do not want to hear you.

One of my acquaintances says that she tries not to acquire friends because, from her point of view, friendship does not exist. People are selfish and only think about themselves. Sometimes I think that she is right but it is almost impossible do not have friends because you can lose the life meaning. It is so good when you have people with whom you can share your thoughts and ideas. But I do not like people who flatter and do not want to accept truth. Sometimes it is better to say truth than to lie and say people what they want to hear. Real friends should always to say truth because they care about each other.

If your friends always lie to you, they cannot be considered your friends any more. In conclusion, I can say that friends are also good source of depression. Friends sometimes can betray you in an unexpected moment. Maybe it is good recommendations not to have friends because you never face a betrayal from close friends. Nevertheless, people cannot live without friends.

The Many Faces of Coeliac Disease

Suffering from diarrhoea, abdominal pain and / or weight loss? These are some of the key symptoms that might alert a doctor to the possibility of coeliac disease or an issue with gluten. Research, however suggests that individuals suffering from these 'classic' symptoms are merely the tip of the iceberg and that there are many, many more people who are likely to be affected..

So how does Coeliac Disease differ from gluten intolerance?

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease where in genetically susceptible individuals the villi in the small intestine (where food is absorbed), are progressively destroyed causing nutrient malabsorption. In non - coeliac gluten intolerance this villi damage does not happen, although gluten intolerance has still been associated with many serious health issues as we shall see

So what health issues are caused by gluten?

In some individuals the presenting symptoms will be similar to those described above, however in the majority of cases, ( yes it is important to note that it is in fact the majority of cases!), symptoms will be different or in fact there may be no symptoms at all. If symptoms are present then these may include digestive issues such as constipation, indigestion, bloating and flatulence. Alternatively signs and symptoms seemingly unrelated to the gut might emerge such as headaches, depression, schizophrenia, skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema and other autoimmune conditions such as hashimotos thyroiditis, graves disease, MS, lupus, abnormal liver function tests, infertility, anaemia, B12 deficiency and tiredness.

But if I've been tested then I have no need to worry do I?

In the UK, the main way that Coeliac disease is screened for is initially by a blood test for anti transglutaminase antibodies. Sometimes anti endomysial antibodies are also included. If the blood results come back as normal, then the individual is generally considered to be coeliac free and no further testing is deemed necessary. Generally they are told that they can continue to eat gluten and the case is closed. The problem with this is that the blood tests are in fact very accurate, very accurate indeed - if and here's the big 'if' - you have total villous atrophy. Research indicates than in this scenario the tests are 90-95% accurate

However, the damage caused by coeliac disease doesn't happen overnight. You don't go to bed with perfectly healthy villi one day and wake up the next with them totally flattened. It takes time to happen and in some individuals it can take years and years. During this time you may or may not be experiencing any signs or symptoms related to gluten intolerance, but if you are susceptible then an inflammatory process is going on and sooner or later it will make itself known one way or another.

An additional problem with this test is that IgA anti tissue transglutaminase and anti endomysial antibodies are measured. This is fine provided the individual has adequate levels of IgA antibodies. However we know from research that IgA deficiency is more prevalent in coeliacs. This means that a negative result on a coeliac test may be caused by this IgA deficiency and may in fact be a false negative.

More false negatives may be found on tests from individuals who have suspected a gluten intolerance and have attempted to self medicate by avoiding wheat and other gluten containing grains.

So if the Coeliac tests aren't that accurate then how else can I find out if gluten is a problem for me?

Although there are no 100% fool proof tests for gluten sensitivity you can increase the reliability of the tests by requesting a total IgA test to see whether IgA deficiency is an issue for you. It is also worth getting tested for both anti tissue transglutaminase and anti endomysial antibodies (both IgA and IgG). Research shows that including both markers increases the accuracy of the test and helps with diagnosis. Genetic testing for coeliac disease is also available and if positive increases the likelihood of gluten being an issue for you.

If the Coeliac markers are still negative then it is worth having a blood test which measures levels of antibodies (IgG and IgA) to gliadin (the toxic element of gluten). Unlike the other antibodies, which are autoimmune antibodies, anti- gliadin antibodies are antibodies to the food itself. We produce them in much the same way as we produce antibodies to milk proteins, egg proteins or to other foods and it is possible that these may be produced before we start producing autoimmune antibodies. This test is also useful for detecting non celiac gluten intolerance.

The bottom line however is this: if you know that gluten disagrees with you or you have a history of gluten intolerance or coeliac disease in your family it would be sensible to strictly avoid gluten to prevent the likelihood of developing one of the many diseases associated with gluten sensitivity.

Coping With Menopause Depression

Depression in women is a big concern, especially later in life. Changes to their bodies can cause a female to feel less like a woman and cause her to withdraw from her normal lifestyle. Depression is treatable with both herbal and prescription medications. Some women may even need to seek professional help to deal with all the changes that are happening and the loss of the ability to conceive children. Changes in diet and exercise may be all that is needed to combat some of the symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, and weight gain.

Change of life is a natural process by which women, usually 45-55, begin to have changes physically, emotionally and mentally. Because of the changes to the women's body, depression is a big concern. This is, in part to the hormonal changes that their bodies are going through. A woman can start to have negative signs like irritability,short temper etc that would lead us to suspect that she's going through menopause. A woman naturally has a decline in her reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone, the hormone that regulates her monthly period will be produced less, causing ovulation to become less predictable. Estrogen, a female hormone, regulates the reproductive cycle. Menopausal changes will begin to occur when the level of estrogen in the body starts reducing. Women sometimes will be depressed due to these body changes. Women can develop facial or body hair, decrease in breast firmness,weight gain and irritability. This is a good time for a woman to visit with her physician, to diagnosis the "change of life".

There are multiple reasons why a woman may go through, what is called symptoms menopause... Some women may experience a early total hysterectomy, which is the removal of all the female reproductive organs. Usually, a hysterectomy is preformed due to very irregular periods, or the development of tumors or cysts. Other women may experience this, due to chemo or radiation therapy.

Symptoms of the menopause can vary from one female to the next. Depression, being of high concern, is not the only thing that a women should expect to occur. There are other changes that can occur. Vaginal dryness, pain in intercourse, vaginal itching, changes in sleep pattern or sleep disturbance, increased abdominal fat, possibly due in part to the increase in craving carbohydrates, thinning hair, acne, weight gain, memory loss, fatigue, mood changes, depression hot flashes.

Depression, one of the symptoms for menopause is also a mental disorder. One should suspect possible depression if sleep has been disturbed, sadness persists more than 2 weeks, there is a feeling of inadequacy, lack of interest in participating in particular activities,that have been an interest prior to this change. Usually there is a pre-existing history of depression prior to the signs of the menopause symptoms. If you are suffering from depressive symptoms,it is very important to go and see your doctor as soon as possible. Depression can be easily treated and should not go untreated. Women should make an appointment with their physician.. It may be that the depressed female may just need replacement hormone therapy, vitamins, antidepressants or some sort of mood altering medication, which her physician could prescribe.

There are also some life style changes and home remedies that will aid in lowering the negative symptoms and making one feel better about themselves and no female has to live with the depression.

Atypical Depression - The Most Common Form of Depression

Atypical depression, a subtype of major depression, is the most common form of depression today. People who suffer atypical depression exhibit all the normal symptoms of depression but they also react to external positive experiences in a positive way. Atypical depression sufferers respond to their environment, enjoying the company of friends but slipping back into deep depression when alone or faced with a stressful situation. It is this aspect of atypical depression that differentiates it from melancholic depression in which external positive experiences still result in depressed feelings.

People who suffer from atypical depression also exhibit other symptoms that aren't normally associated with "normal" depression including:

o Increase in appetite with a weight gain of ten or more pounds.

o Hypersomnia -over sleeping of more than 10 hours per day.

o Leaden paralysis of the arms and legs

o Long term pattern of sensitivity to rejection in personal situations that causes social or work related withdrawal.

In 1998 Dr. Andrew A. Nierenberg, associate director of the depression clinical and research program at Massachusetts General Hospital, published a study that found 42% of participants suffered from atypical depression, 12% had melancholic depression, 14% had both depression subtypes and the remaining did not suffer from depression.

Studies have also found that atypical depression begins earlier in a person's life than other forms of depression with most sufferers beginning to show symptoms in their teenage years. Those who suffer from atypical depression are also at greater risk of suffering from other mental disorders such as social phobias, avoidant personality disorder or body dysmorphic disorder. Atypical depression is more prevalent in females than males as well, with nearly 70% of it's sufferers being women.

Treating atypical depression is an ongoing process. Research has shown that MAOIs such as Nardil or Parnate work reasonably well as do the newer SSRI medications (Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft). Most patients prefer the SSRIs because they do not exhibit the unpleasant side affects of the MAOIs.

It is also important that if you or someone you know suffers from atypical depression that you or they seek psychiatric help. Atypical depression is not easy to diagnose the treatment choices can vary from patient to patient. A general care practitioner does not have the expertise to differentiate between the subtypes of depression and may not know the best course of treatment for their patient.

How Do You Cope With Anxiety and Depression?

It seems that anxiety and depression go hand in hand. Many times they will appear together and at times individually. It may occur due to a loss of a loved one, loss of employment, loss of your home, financial crisis, weight gain and the list can go on and on. We all know that it exists but do you know how to cope with it? Do you know how to handle an anxiety attack or the never ending bouts of depression? Do you walk away because you can't handle the situation or do you fall deeper into the state of depression because of the fear of what's around the corner?

These are very difficult questions and perhaps may not have answers that can help or place a person's mind at ease. However, we must not give up. As a person who has dealt with anxiety and depression on many levels, I can honestly say that you can not find the cure for these conditions on your own. Although anxiety and depression may feel safe at the moment because it is all 'yours' and 'they' possibly couldn't understand; it is far from safe.

One of the very first things you should do if you find yourself suffering from anxiety, depression and stress is to reach out for help. As easy as it may sound, it may in fact be one of the hardest things to do. If you are the person that is witnessing signs of anxiety, depression, withdrawal or worse, then YOU must reach out to that person. Of course that person may push you away or deny any problems but you must not give up. As one who has been there, denial is the first thing we will do. We will often wear a smile on our face so no one will suspect but all along we are falling apart inside, crying out for help.

Another thing that helps and has helped many is journaling. Whether you share your thoughts on paper or on a computer screen it is essential to let out those thoughts. Keeping those thoughts consumed within you will make you close up further which will not allow you to heal. Letting them escape the confines of your mind is a huge step towards healing. Whether or not you share these very precious thoughts is of no concern. Letting out those feelings will allow you to heal.

Changing your diet and exercise routine is another form of outlet for these conditions. When feeling anxious or depressed consider going outside. The change of scenery will help and so will the fresh air. You may enjoy running, jogging or perhaps hitting a punching bag to release those feelings of inadequacy which lead to depression and anxiety. Releasing the negative energy from within will help in the healing process. Just as exercise helps to heal, eating the appropriate foods will help as well. Introducing fruits and vegetables into your diet especially those high in antioxidants will help to release the toxins that have built up in the body.

Getting involved in your community is another way to cope with anxiety, depression and stress. Reaching out to others that may be experiencing the same conditions will help you with your situation as well. Many times when we focus on others needs it will help with our conditions.

There are many more ways to cope with anxiety, depression and stress but for space sake I have limited to the few mentioned above. Most importantly understand that you are not alone. Too often individuals will go to the extreme and turn to drugs or worse the taking of their own life because they feel alone.

If you are experiencing these feelings, please understand that you are NOT alone. If your family doesn't understand, reach out to someone that will listen. If you know of someone that is experiencing these conditions, be patient. But more importantly make yourself available, be there for them, let them vent or cry if necessary. These conditions are not easy for either of the parties involved but can be helped.

Please don't give up.

Cheating and Depression - Getting Over Feelings of Anxiety, Insecurity and Mistrust After an Affair

The Brain reacts to cheating by altering the concentration of some of the major biochemical compounds related to regulation of mood. Among others, these substances include serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. Brain reacts to cheating in same manner as the brain of a drug addict reacts to sudden deprivation of drug. When your husband or wife is cheating on you or is having an affair, you are suddenly deprived of your regular "drug", which in this case is the love and attachment of your spouse.

After cheating or an affair has occurred, you can no longer believe the love of your husband or wife towards you is as strong as it used to be. You have been robbed something very valuable and as a result of this you are experiencing similar withdrawal symptoms as drug addicts experience when drug is no longer available to them. You may experience anxiety, depression, deep sadness, hopelessness, insecurity, mental and even physical pain. These are natural biological responses to threatening possibility that you might lose your spouse.

There are ways to speed up the process of getting over feelings of anxiety and depression due to cheating, mistrust, insecurity and betrayal in a relationship. Understanding the evolutionary and biological basis of your emotions will help you to control your emotions better and recover faster after tragedies in life such as finding out about cheating or an affair.

The Human brain is amazingly complicated device. It is possible to teach the brain to react in different ways in certain situations by using simple methods, in similar fashion as it is possible to teach the brain to get rid of certain kinds of phobias or to block the sensation of pain. Brain is much more flexible than one would think. This gives hope to those of us who are struggling to get over painful memories related to cheating.

The key thing is to understand that you hold the power over your mind, not other way around. Do not let sadness and negative thoughts due to the memory of cheating drag you down. if you only think about the matters related to cheating, the neuronal networks in your brain related to the event of cheating or an affair will be strengthened. As a result of this, negative thoughts related to the memory of cheating are constantly occupying your mind even if you do not want them to. A negative feedback loop has been formed and if you do not do anything to interrupt the loop, it keeps strengthening itself and you may become seriously depressed due to cheating or an affair of your husband or wife.

How Depression Effects Learning Disabilities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Depression, The Connection - Treatment Guidelines for OCD

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder are plagued by persistent and unwanted thoughts known as obsessions. The person may feel irresistible urges to repeatedly carry out irrational actions or tasks against their will, which are also called compulsions.

OCD is often accompanied by depression, substance-abuse, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders, which makes obsessive-compulsive disorder all the more difficult to diagnose. It is normal for a person to have recurring thoughts or ideas once in a while. A man may wonder for hours if he had forgotten to lock his car after parking it. A student may trouble herself with the thought that she must have forgotten to put her name on a test paper, and will think about this constantly for weeks on end until she gets her paper back. A woman may be hearing a song over and over again in her head. These are all normal situations for anybody, but for people with OCD, obsessions and compulsions may take over and interfere with their lives.

Symptoms of OCD include obsessive thoughts and behavior such as showing excessive attention even to the smallest of details (getting things "in line"), fear of being contaminated by germs, a fierce belief in superstitions, excessively checking in on things and loved ones, and hoarding junk items which they have no use for. People with OCD generally lack confidence and motivation to overcome this condition.

If you believe someone has OCD, it is best that you consult a health professional such as a psychiatrist immediately, because OCD, if left untreated, can come between a person and his work, school, and relationships with friends and family.

Treatment, such as therapy and medication for obsessive-compulsive disorder is very much available. The most promising form of treatment for people with OCD is cognitive behavioral therapy. This involves repeated exposure to a person's source of obsessions, such as excessively washing his hands for example, and conditioning the person to control his urges to be rid of his anxiety. Intake of SSRI's or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors is also used as treatment, because those with OCD likely suffer from low serotonin levels.

OCD and depression frequently occur together. Research shows that almost half of people with OCD suffers or had suffered bouts of depression in their lifetimes. When OCD is accompanied by depression, therapy might be modified so that both depression and OCD can be treated. Because OCD and depression often go together, they are usually mistaken with one another. Finding the right kind of therapy and positive thinking are very important, if someone with OCD also shows signs of being depressed, it is important that you explain these symptoms to a health professional.

It may be a wise idea to treat the depression because the sufferer will start to feel better about themselves and will be more likely to be strong enough to face overcoming their obsessive compulsive disorder.

Remember, people can and do make recoveries from depression and go on to lead their best lives imaginable.

Wellness Insurance - The Best Health Maintenance and Management Insurance Coverage

Wellness insurance acts as a wonderful alternative to the traditional medical insurance. The main purpose of wellness insurance is to help you get healthy and to keep you in good health all the time by preventing diseases and their symptoms.

Taking care of all or a unique part of some health-related expenses and programs like vitamin provision, supplement aids, weight management courses, smoking cessation and more health-related challenges, wellness protection targets the total health maintenance and management needs of an individual and not waiting to treat health problems when they happen.

Benefits of Prevention

Basically, wellness insurance takes care of the bill for you to enjoy excellent health and be healthy by practicing prevention. This eventually leads to lesser health insurance claims and an overall reduced medical insurance rates. Also, considering the increase in health care services, it pays you a lot to get involved in preventing sickness. Are you just getting this preventive insurance information? be sure to read on and learn more on how you can get wellness coverage, stay in good health, and seriously reduce your medical insurance rates for good; all done at the same time!

Looking For Wellness Coverage

It is true that some health insurance companies now have wellness coverage included in their services to help keep you free of health problems with time. Note that this type of insurance protection and service is still relatively new.

Be sure to ask your insurance provider if they have wellness coverage in the list of their services. If the answer is yes, then you are sure to enjoy health maintenance insurance which will eventually reduce your annual premiums.

On the other hand, if wellness insurance is not available, you can get the same coverage by buying a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) then wisely combine the service with a Wellness Savings Account (WSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).

Do you need wellness insurance? Let us connect you with the agents on our network. This will make it easier for you to compare different health plans and their prices, and choose your ideal health cover policy.

Where To Get and Compare Free Quotes On Wellness Insurance From Leading Health Insurance Companies Nationwide?

Short Quotes Help the People Who Lost Their Beloved

Everyone in the world searches for love and care, but there are many love stories where couples do get their partners and get separate from each others. We fall in love and dream of spending life with him/her, but it is not necessary that we get our loved once. There may be family problems or your beloved may change the mind. This is time when you cry a lot and want stay alone. Short quotes are very helpful at that bad time. When life seems like dead end then these inspirational sayings helps you to forget what has happened. Losing your loved one is the most horrible experience ever comes in life and its after effects are:

- Lovers become very sad and hopeless.
- You do not feel any interest in life.
- Both of you want to go somewhere out and start ignoring each others.
- You do not care for your health.
- Always think about old memories.
- Do no sleep and keeps on crying.

So if you are going through same feelings than dear you must need to care about your life, one wrong step can spoil your whole life. Here you can take help of short quotes to come out from that depression and motivate yourself to re-start the life once again. They teach you that whatever happens in life, happens for a reason. One should live life practically, there may be some very good options are waiting for you. These inspirational sayings become the ray of hope and capable to stop the tear of sad person. I feel that we should never give up living life in any circumstances. We need to understand the situation first, than go forward. May be that person is not made for you. Do not play with your life and reading something good written by experienced people work like a miracle for you.

I would like to share one of the best quotation for this situation: "There is no market for your sorrows, so never advertise your feelings, just display your attitude." We get the power to bounce back from short quotes and find a new reason to start our life. The message from short quotes for handling this kind situation are:

1 Divert your mind and keep yourself busy.
2 Take part in extra activities like games and sports.
3 Take care of your health, do some work out and try to make more friends.
4 Calm down yourself by believing what happened, happened for your benefit.
5 Be practical and try to forget the bad experience.

It is only you who is going to suffer by doing this, no one else will get affected.

Depression: Hiding Behind the Facade

When suffering with severe clinical depression throughout my youth I became accustomed to hiding my feelings, my sadness and ultimately myself from the world. I built up a façade to protect myself from being hurt anymore, and at the time, I had no idea that I was not doing myself any favours by reacting this way.

The facade (or face) that I hid behind was one which to any onlooker made me look as though I was actually high on life. Anyone trying to understand me would have presumed I was a normal everyday person. I laughed, I smiled, I joked and I generally made it appear that I was OK. Fact was this was far from the reality of the situation.

If I sat and questioned now, as a recovered patient why I did this I would honestly answer that my reason for doing so was because it was the only way I knew how to survive. Pretending everything was OK in my family was something that I was expected to do by my parents. In turn, this promoted other detrimental behavioural issues, my façade being one of them.

As humans, we naturally have a built in mechanism whereby our response is that of one where we respond with flight or fight. My mechanism for coping was one which meant I was on edge constantly, waiting for someone to pounce; in turn this made me defensive and aggressive, especially towards anyone who may have criticised me and this was because I didn't want them to tell me something I didn't know about myself.

I didn't want anyone guessing what was wrong, telling me what was wrong or acting superior in knowledge towards me. I figured only I knew me therefore I knew best and as such I would deal with my issues in my own time and my own way. All the time adding layers to the façade I was hiding behind.

Eventually, when I went thought counselling and therapy and then hospitalisation and I was faced with the question, who am I? I wasn't able to answer it. I had built up a pretend person and was living a pretend life in pretend circumstances with pretend outcomes.

Finding out who I really was became a massive part of the healing process that I underwent to become depression free. As such, I would suggest to anyone suffering with depression - patient to patient, stop with the façade, it is OK to get help, advice and support, you do not have to pretend to be OK if you really are not, there are people who understand and who are there to help. Without these people, I know I wouldn't be who I am today.

Symptoms of Depression and Signs of Suicide

You try to lead normal lives, but depression invades your every moment. Then the fight with depression can be more difficult than you could imagine.

Symptoms of depression and signs of suicide are unfortunately all too often items that close to each other.

Many people who do not live near those who suffer from depression, absolutely can not imagine how depression is a severe form of the disease.

Complicated and difficult depressive disorder, of course, can lead a patient to suicide. It gives a sense of relief, especially when a person is depressed feels as though he had no solutions to their problems in life. Suicide seems like an easy way to get rid of problems.

Suicide can put an end to feelings of frustration, a sense of general worthlessness, depression and sadness that invades every pore of your being and hopelessness that fills every moment of your existence.

Symptoms of depression and suicide, the absolute signs of problems for human health, which should be taken very seriously.

What to do if your friend or loved one, whom you know is suffering from depression? What to do if you are concerned about signs of suicide? There are several things that you can watch for you and your families. Remember them, help others people and be calm!

Also, it is imperative that you, your friend or loved one go to a doctor immediately.

Often the treatment of depression at this level may include an increase in therapeutic counseling, adjustment of treatment, or even adding new antidepressants, or if symptoms of depression and signs of suicide are severe enough, hospitalization may be needed.

If your friend or loved one begins to talk about suicide and then starts to give away favorite things, this is a serious sign of suicide, and it should be solved immediately.

This indicates that the patient has seriously contemplated harming themselves. If someone is removed from you and those whom he loves, if they begin to miss work or school if they are no longer interested in what previously was interested, then this negative symptoms associated with depression and suicide. If you notice that your friend or loved one is beginning to change normal behavior and it is associated with depression, then you should also take action.

People with depression are seriously considering parting with their own lives, because they are trying to make life less difficult for those they care about.

Symptoms of depression and suicide symptoms may also include excessive anger, guilt, changes in eating habits, sexual promiscuity, as well as changes in sleep habits.

Never ignore the symptoms of depression and symptoms of suicide. You will never forgive yourself if you ignore the symptoms and your friend or loved one committing suicide.

The only correct solution is to get professional help from your doctor.

How to Combat Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder, is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders that causes shifts in a persons mood, energy, and ability to function. The mood swing is so intense, that it severely affects the life of a person. The different types of bipolar disorder are:

Bipolar I Disorder: This is the most severe type of disorder that is characterized by at least one episode of major depression or mixed episode.

Bipolar II Disorder: This disorder involves recurring episodes of major depression and hypo-mania, a milder form of mania. The patient experiences at least one hypo-manic episode and one major depressive episode

Cyclothymia: This consists of cyclical mood swings where the patient experiences numerous periods of hypo-mania and mild depression in a span of two years.

The symptoms of this disease vary in frequency, pattern and severity. Some people experience frequent mood swings while others experience few mood disruptions over a lifetime. Mania, hypo-mania, depression and mixed episodes are the four types of mood episodes observed in bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder need special care and medication to keep their symptoms under control and to reduce the frequency and severity of bipolar mood episodes. A proper treatment plan involves the following:

- Medication: Mood stabilization medication helps to minimize the extremes of bipolar disorder and keep symptoms under control.
- Visit the doctor regularly: To keep a check on the medication levels, it is suggestible to visit the doctor on a regular basis.
- Psychotherapy: Therapy is essential to cope with crisis and to manage stress and sore feelings.
- Lifestyle management: In order to keep the symptoms at bay, lead a lifestyle that involves plenty of rest, exercise, stress management, therapy and supportive people around.
- Awareness about the disease: The more you know about the disease, the better you will be able to tackle the symptoms. Educate yourself about the disease

Some of the common types of therapies that help in the treatment of bipolar disorder are Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Light and dark therapy, Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, Family-focused therapy. Above all, lifestyle and daily habits are extremely important to fight this disease.

The Best Loved Poems of The American People - By Hazel Felleman

This Book of Poetry was printed in 1936. Bear with me as I describe what our country was like at that time. It was in the middle of the last great depression, and so a very bad economic time. However it was purchased and read by many folks for the same reasons that I have read it many times. Tom Brokaw called it "The Greatest Generation".

The book was dedicated to Adolph S. Ochs publisher of the New York Times, who died in 1935. Ochs was a lover of poetry who began his career as a newsboy in Tennessee. While we now can "Google" information about most anything, at that time the radio and newspaper were our main source of information for those that could afford them.

Felleman worked for the Times, in the Question and Answer section of the Book Review area. She had received more requests for information about Poems, than any other items that showed her which ones were the public's favorites. The Times was the "Google" for those times and requests were mailed in from all over the nation. As Edward Frank Allen states in the introduction this book was edited by the American People. His introduction is well enough written and interesting that it will merit you reading it.

In that wise let me quote a few sentences from the introduction. I think what he says in 1936 is still fitting for today's society. Allen stated: "Today poetry is an absolute necessity. The world needs it for it's vitalizing strength. Poetry has nearly everything that music can give-melody, rhythm, sentiment-but it has this advantage: it can come closer to the heart. It satisfies a hunger for beauty that is a part of nearly every normal person's make-up.

The book is organized quite well. Reading Poetry is a personal thing and we like different types or even individual poems in different categories. Therefore the book is divided into 12 sections based on the subject of the poems. From Love and Friendship to Various Themes. Humor, patriotism, poems that tell a story and more. The first poem is by Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the last by Robert Browning. You will find an index listed by Authors, First Lines, and Titles. The 670 pages are well set up for easy access to all content by all readers. It is a very good book for all people of a wide range of age.. It has Poems by many famous Poets and others less known. Felleman includes some poems by Unkown Poets, whose poems were well liked but the authorship was not known.

You will find, as Hazel Felleman relates, all the poems are not necessarily her favorites but they were included because they were the favorites of the American People. A few of my favorites are not in this book but many are there.

I "Googled" and found that it is still in print and is available both new and used at most Book Stores. I find prices from 25 cents to 17.00. Quite a bargain for the bookshelf and your pleasure.

Turn off the TV, toss the Newspaper, find your quiet nook and enjoy. I am sure you will enjoy it.

How Will Preexisting Conditions Affect Your Health Insurance Coverage?

If you have preexisting conditions when you are looking for NC health insurance, one of three outcomes are likely to happen. You will either (1) be declined for coverage, (2) have your condition ridered, or (3) your premium will be increased. In this article we will look at how most carriers will handle common preexisting conditions.

When people talk about NC health insurance and preexisting conditions, what they are talking about is getting coverage for conditions that you may have prior to getting the coverage. This could include chronic illness, mental illness, or hereditary illness. Each carrier will handle conditions differently and it really depends on what the condition is. For example, if you have had a heart attack, cancer, stroke or diabetes you likely will likely be declined coverage by all carriers of individual plans. Other common conditions that will lead to a decline are rhemoatoid arthritis, heart disorders, fibromyalgia, severe mental disorders, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. This is just a small sample of common but typically expensive conditions that will make you ineligible for individual coverage.

Another measure carriers do to control costs is by ridering (or excluding) the medical condition all together. When this occurs they will not cover any treatment, including prescription drugs, for the amount of time the condition is ridered. This is commonly done for conditions when treated with medication like asthma, gout, depression/anxiety and osteoperosis.

Some carriers may just increase your premium to cover the increased risk or costs that are associated with your condition. Common conditions for this are high blood pressure or high cholesterol. These types of conditions can still lead to a rejection by the carrier (depending on other risk factors) but likely you will see an increased premium level. The reason carriers do this is because they are taking increased risks that these conditions may lead into serious and expensive health conditions like a heart attack or stroke.

For people with serious health conditions or are on a multitude of prescription drugs, your best bet will likely be to obtain group coverage through an employer. If group coverage is not an option then you may qualify for the North Carolina high risk pool. This plan is a state issued plan that is guaranteed issue if you meet the qualifying factors and is designed for people with health issues. As long as you have not had a lapse of coverage of more than 63 days, your preexisting conditions will be covered by both of these options.

It's also important to note that if you have a preexisting condition and have been without health coverage for more than 63 days, if approved for coverage most carriers will automatically exclude the condition for the first 12 months the policy is in effect. This is why it is very important to have continuous coverage.

As you can see, if you have a preexisting health condition, finding the right coverage can be complicated. To get started, especially if you are clueless about insurance terminology and how carriers will handle preexisting conditions, you may want to enlist the help of an insurance agent who knows the particular ins and outs of NC health insurance carriers.

How to Deal With Clinical Depression

Clinical depression is one of the types of depression that should not be taken for granted. If you have severe clinical depression, it might lead you to building your own world and insanity. Are you going to allow yourself to be drowned and lose control just because you cannot handle depression?

There are a number of ways in how we can prevent depression from eating up our being. Aside from seeking professional help to deal with it efficiently, we can do simple things to make sure that we will not end up losing our sanity. This article will be presenting ways in how we can manage depression apart from seeking professional help. This will be beneficial to those who think that they are being drowned with depression and those that are on the verge of developing one.

The first thing that you can do it to create a list of the things that bothers you most of the time. You can write an entire paragraph without regards to spelling, grammar, punctuation. Make it a freestyle composition. Continuously pointing out all the things that would cause your depression is a way of venting it out.

What you have to do after is you have to read it aloud. The information that you are reading will eventually go back to the brain while your memory is making note of it. You also have to make sure you write down each of the coping styles you are using to cope with it. After writing down anything and everything that will bothers you, determine the cause of the things that bothers you. The cause should be valid enough to be the cause of you bothering a lot. List the constant causes of your depression.

You also have to ascertain if the causes and the things that you bother about will have the tendency to affect your daily activities or affect your life. Ask yourself the question whether it will have the risk of invading your personality or totally wrecking your system. Whether it is a minute effect or a huge one, you have to write it down. Great things start from small beginning. The depression gets worst because we tend to take it for granted while it is just a simple bother.

You also have to do a self-research on the case-to-case scenarios on how people with the same assumptions have overcome their depression. You will learn some techniques on how to make it work while keeping your thoughts intact. You have to accumulate their styles and use it to your advantage because it might help you to get away from it.

Tell somebody of how you feel and why you are feeling that way. Look for your friends that you will be comfortable in confessing your thoughts. You have to take note that he/she should be a good listener. It is one of the most effective ways of getting rid of bitterness. By venting out how you feel, they will give you advices that will lead you to better understand the feeling and get away from it. Make sure that you are totally ready for the confession.

These are just some of the things that you can do to cope up with depression. There is no harm in trying these means. It might work for you and you might end up depression-free after the activities pointed out above. Try it out and check the difference.

How to Care for Persons With Manic Depression

Every day in your life you experience things that may either give you a happy or a sad feeling. Stressors are always present in the environment and within you. It is the ability of the body to cope with it that makes you adapt to the norms. There are instances that the feeling of happiness is distorted to a frantic feeling. On the other hand, the feeling of sadness can be altered to a depressive state. These situations happen when you are suffering from a bipolar disorder. This disorder doesn't only manifest manic episodes but depressive episodes as well.

There are two episodes of this disorder as mentioned above. The manic episode is characterized by verbosity, ostentation, sleeplessness, flight of ideas (shifting from one topic to another), hypersexuality, distractibility, social intrusiveness, and psychomotor agitation. While the depressive episode can be manifested by fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, somatic complaints, diminished hygiene, inability to make decisions, social withdrawal, and suicidal ideations. The episodes can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. The two can interchangeably occur, but the duration of their occurrence will depend on the type of bipolar disorder the person has.

The first priority for this type of person is safety. As you can observe, safety is almost always the priority when you deal with people who have mental disorders. This is because they lack the ability to decipher things. When the person has a depressive disorder, it is extremely important to assess for the presence of any suicidal ideation. If the ideation is evident in the person, then you'll have to make sure that the environment is safe. Remove all sharp objects, bottles, ropes, or any materials which he can use to harm himself. Have a person watch over him for 24 hours to monitor his actions. You should also provide rest during this episode to compensate for the fatigue he is experiencing. On the other hand, when the person has shifted into a manic episode, you should be extra watchful because he has now enough energy to execute his suicide plan. The person can be hyperactive so there is a higher risk for that person to injure himself. Provide him with diverse activities that can channel his energy, such as ripping off newspapers, and you also need to set the limits for them.

The next main concern would be nutrition. This can be a crucial aspect of their care because both disorders involve existing problems dealing with food. Manic persons have hyperactivity, and they hardly pay attention to food because their attention is focused on other irrelevant things. Since most of the time they are in motion, you can give them high-calorie finger foods such as French fries and sandwiches. It will replenish the energy they've been using and also satisfy their needs temporarily. For a person who has depressive episodes, you may need patience to be able to convince him to eat. Give him time to finish his meal because they even lack energy to eat.

The most important and humane aspects in caring for these types of people are empathy and patience. For manic persons, you can portray the role of a father who protects and controls their inappropriate behaviors. As for the depressive ones, you can depict a mother figure that can be available to listen to them. You have to always be there for them. Assist them to achieve their optimum level of wellness where they can be a functional member of society.

Adrenal Fatigue - The Reason You're So Tired

Imagine you're walking through the woods one afternoon and come upon a bear. Instant fear elevates your adrenaline levels and sets off your fight or flight instinct. You turn and run, not looking back, until you're at a safe distance from the bear.

Only after you're out of harms way does your adrenaline level return to normal and your body calms itself down. This is how an adrenal gland operates, unless you're experiencing one of three stages of adrenal fatigue.

3 Stages of Adrenal Fatigue

Stage One: A normal functioning adrenal gland produces many hormones, the most important being cortisol, a hormone that helps the body deal with stress. Stage one of adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal gland increases production of cortisol. When cortisol levels elevate, it's similar to seeing a bear in the woods and becoming frightened. In this stage, the body will stay in a high stress state, never calming down and never being able to escape the bear.

High cortisol levels occurring in stage one usually causes increased sugar cravings, anxiety and depression.

Stage Two: In stage two cortisol levels are unstable. They fluctuate up and down, sometimes from week to week, day to day, or even hour to hour. A person who suffers from stage two adrenal fatigue may feel fine one day and then the next be extremely fatigued. The adrenal gland will first give the body a low period, where it doesn't pump any cortisol, but then it becomes stressed and compensates by pumping too much cortisol.

In stage two a person will generally crave more sugar to increase energy levels.

Stage Three: The third stage in adrenal fatigue is complete fatigue. The adrenal gland ceases to pump out hormones causing low levels of cortisol, serotonin, DHEA and epinephrine. A person generally feels very depressed in the third stage.

When a person reaches this stage and seeks medical help, physicians often place them on anti-depressant drugs instead of looking at adrenal gland function.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

*Fatigue- trouble getting out of bed
*Insomnia
*Afternoon lows- extreme fatigue mid-afternoon
*Sugar cravings
*Depression and anxiety
*Inability to lose weight
*Decreased sex drive
*Inability to handle everyday stresses
*Light headedness upon standing
*Often getting sick - cough, sore throat, cold and flu
*Thyroid disorder
*Hot flashes- not associated with menopause

Other Effects on the Body

Adrenal fatigue can be very taxing on the body. Not only does it affect the immune system but also gut health. It can affect the stomach's intestinal lining, breaking down the integrity of the intestines and causing diarrhea, constipation, inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Hormones such as progesterone, estrogen and DHEA are affected by adrenal function. These hormones are decreased as the adrenal gland places its focus on producing more cortisol. Lower levels of these hormones can cause many other complications.

Cortisol levels also have an effect on blood pressure, elevating levels when more cortisol is produced, and lowering blood pressure when there is less. Over time, however, blood pressure will become elevated, as well as higher cholesterol levels and chance of developing diabetes.

Treatment Options

Testing adrenal function is done through a simple saliva test. After assessing the results, there are a number of different treatment options, which vary from case to case.

People live very busy and hectic lives. They often burn the candle at both ends and don't take the time they need to relax and bring the body out of stress mode. A huge part of treatment is stress control. This can be done through meditation, yoga, running, reading or however the individual is able to calm the body down.

A healthy diet is also very important for healthy adrenal function and should consist of less sugar and carbohydrate based foods. Breakfast and lunch should never be skipped, and should include more protein based foods and vegetables with small portions of complex carbs. If a person is too busy to eat, then they most likely have an adrenal issue, and they need to take a few minutes to relax and enjoy a bowl of oatmeal or a piece of fruit.

Adrenal fatigue is often treated with nutrients, as well as B and C vitamins. Some herbs that are commonly used are rhodiola, ginseng and Glycyrrhiza (licorice).

It is very important to note that each person is different and therefore each treatment is different. A person that feels they may suffer from adrenal fatigue should always consult a naturopathic physician before beginning to take any herb.

Original Article Source: http://www.holistichealingnews.com/?p=4331

Do People With Mental Health Challenges Just Imagine Things?

See you being asked to describe what depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or Bi Polar Disorder is. What would you say "mental health problems", or similar? The average person would say the same thing, since there is a common belief that these problems are purely based on the mind. There is still something of an attitude that people with mental health and anxiety problems should be able to "snap out of it" or get over it, just like that. However many mental problems can be linked to a physical situation of the person.

One example of this is the much misused term, clinical depression; depression is now used to describe someone felling a bit low. Full clinical depression is now used to describe someone who experiences long periods of horrifying low moods, low motivation and a general feeling of emptiness. It is a cruel illness, which is described as being entirely mental and as such the sufferer is the recipient of the words, "pull yourself out of it!"

Depression has a physical cause. Depression is a direct result of a lower-than average degree of serotonin in the body. The "feel good" hormone serotonin is responsible for the mood, personality and feelings of a person.If serotonin levels are low, the individual will experience depressive, low thoughts. It is a physical problem with a mental outcome, correcting the serotonin levels through the use of anti-depressants has had a better than average success rate.

Furthermore those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder have been found to have enlarged lobes to the front of the brain in preliminary scans. Our worry and anxiety mechanism is controlled by these lobes, which when enlarged puts our anxiety in overdrive-resulting in what is termed OCD.

So these mental illnesses are, more often than not, physical in basis after all - and one can no more "shake off" or "get over" a hormone imbalance than one can "shake off" a broken leg!

Knowing How to Get Rid of Depression Naturally

Wondering how to get rid of depression? If this is the case then you are not alone. There are many people who suffer from this condition and thousands more who're diagnosed with it each year. Of these sufferers, the demand for thorough and efficient treatment without the additional complication of significant side effects is the need of the hour.

Although depression is quite a complicated neurological problem which could carry a range of symptoms that influence every individual differently, it is feasible to handle as well as completely eliminate symptoms once the correct strategy is effectively undertaken on your part. The right medium to get rid of depression begins with the right understanding and targeting the causes directly.

Though depression is treated like a mental disorder but it actually involves physiological causes like the breaking down of neuro-transmitters. Restoring neuro-transmissions by improving nerve function is the primary treatment of depression. By working on impaired transmissions you are able to lessen the emotions of worthlessness, excessive irritability, negative feelings and the change of diet and sleep patterns.

What's the primary cause of depression?

Generally, the main reason behind weakened transmissions is the scarcity of serotonin. Serotonin is a vital transmitter in the neurological system of our body which controls emotional balance and overall wellness. It also helps you to establish proper patterns of sleep and manage sexual desires, levels of energy and appetite. Retaining the right amount of serotonin is the most regarded medium to get rid of depression. Natural supplements are created with the goal to help in the production of serotonin.

Some of the most effective herbs

Among the most effective herbs to eliminate depression is by the name St. John's Wort. This herb has been utilized for centuries to balance emotional upheavals and maintain absolute equilibrium and wellness. It's proven particularly effective in controlling moodiness caused by hormonal levels throughout the menstrual and premenstrual phase in women. Natural items that contain St. John's Wort can be consumed regularly to create a positive mental attitude.

Another significant natural material that can help in overcoming depression is Passion flower. Its ingredients contain cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and saparin. These ingredients combine to create Passion flower particularly powerful for calming nervous setbacks and mood swings. It really works so well, in fact, it is acknowledged as a normal nerve tonic. And like St. John's Wort, it's absolutely natural. It carries no extreme negative effects, making it secure for individuals of all ages.

Some helpful tips to get rid of depression

Count To Ten

When you sense a little depression then you need to find a place where you can relax and meditate. If you are in your office then the toilet is the best place to take a small break. Just cut out of work and find a peaceful place. Then count till ten and take deep breaths. Repeat this process several times till you feel better. Furthermore, counting to 10 can help clear your mind.

Talk to a Friend

They say that women can readily deal with anxiety and depression because they have friends which are happy to listen up and suggest solutions. If you sense blue or just angry at someone or perhaps a scenario, you can usually ask your friends to help you with the matter.

Don't live in a space that is messy and unorganized

You will feel more upset if you live in a space that is cluttered and always messy. Specialists say that cluttered spaces can raise an individual's stress levels. Instead of feeling unhappy, focus all your efforts in cleaning and arranging your living space, home or desk. A clean room can help to make you feel better.

Perform some Internal Cleaning

To get rid of depression, detoxify your inner body. An individual who's suffering from toxin and constipation will have a more irritable behavior. Your internal cleansing could begin with the consumption of fiber rich vegetables, fruits, food and ginger. Research has noted that eating ginger and broccoli could help lower depression levels for a brief period.

Depression in Women: The Shocking Truth

Every year, more than 12 million women are diagnosed of clinical depression in the United States, and a lot of them remain untreated because depression methods are usually generic.

Though depression is a universal illness, it doesn't offer definite solutions. The healing approaches should be customized according to the needs of the sufferer, and women are completely different than men in this area.

Females are more prone to depression disorder than the males. One of the basic causes is hormones. Women and hormones have a very complex relationship. The latter can fluctuate before and during menstruation, as well as during and after pregnancy. The varying levels of hormone production can sometimes lead to changes in the brain chemistry. Thus, women often display some of the common signs of depression, such as irritability, fatigue, and mood swings.

The ladies are also more likely to develop hypothyroidism, a thyroid problem characterized by not enough production of hormones. One of the distinct symptoms of the illness is depression.

The medications women take can also affect hormonal production. These include oral contraceptives and gonadotropin stimulants, which are often taken by infertile women.

Culturally, a lot is expected from women. They should excel in their field in order to prove they're equal with men. They play a long list of roles, from being a mother to being a wife, friend, sister, and daughter.

It's the women who are often subjected to traumatic events, such as physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Most of all, the ladies are more sensitive. It's easy for them to get affected over something and carry the negative emotion for a very long time.

Types of Depression in Women

At least 1 in every 8 women goes through depression at least once in her life, and the illness comes in a variety of forms.

Women can suffer from postpartum depression, which kicks in after birth. She may also undergo dysthymia, a mild but longer-lasting type of depression. There's also the relationship between menopause and depression, and though men and women suffer from bipolar disorder or manic depression, the women have more depressive episodes than men.

Signs of Depression in Women

There's not much difference between depression in men and in women, except that the latter's symptoms are more noticeable and happen often.

Some of the symptoms of depression in women include lack of appetite, weight loss, lack of concentration, several or long episodes of sadness or loneliness, morbid thoughts, feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, and lethargy. Too much eating and sleeping, as well as weight gain, meanwhile, are known as atypical depression symptoms in women.

The Use of Subliminal Messages in Treating Women's Depression

There are a lot of treatments available to help manage or eliminate women's depression. One of these is subliminal messages.

The subliminal messages can change negative thinking to positive thinking. Affirmations like "I am filled with so much love for myself" and "I am grateful for every minute of the day" are powerful enough to alter a woman's perception of herself and her illness.

Further, subliminal messages or affirmations deal with the mind. As what people would say, what your mind thinks, your body acts. It is also safe to use along with conventional treatments such as medications.

10 Reasons Why You Feel Tired and Weak

Lack of energy and fatigue are common problems around the world, despite the high living standards in developed countries and despite access to adequate food and medical treatment.

The main problem is even the contemporary lifestyle, which involves little exercise, consumption of processed foods and physical excitants.

Here are 10 possible reasons why you might feel tired and weak, with no energy.

Lack of exercise

At least 30 minutes of daily physical activity helps you sleep better, according to a study conducted at Boston University, USA. Neurologist Thomas E. Scammell, who led the study, found that an increase in body temperature during exercise activates the brain cells responsible for inducing sleep.

Even a 30 minute walk every morning helps you with more energy during the day and a better during night. If you exercise at night, remember that physical activity should be completed at least three hours before bedtime.

Do you have a sleep schedule?

If you wake up in the morning during the week and on weekends you sleep until noon, you disturb the circadian rhythm, the body's natural sleep schedule.

Try to keep consistent bedtimes and wake up hours so your body form a habit. Research has shown that different waking up hours have a greater impact on your energy level than sleeping hours.

Is your bedroom dark enough?

Experts say that sleep is more restful in a completely dark bedroom. Make sure curtains and drapes are pulled completely when going to sleep. Although a low intensity light does not affect your sleep, a bright light from outside can disturb your sleep.

You are dehydrated

Dehydration causes the body to conserve energy, decreasing blood flow velocity. This deprives the muscles of oxygen and causes fatigue. Even mild dehydration can make you feel lethargic.

Among its symptoms are: constipation, rough skin, mouth, lips and dry mucous membranes, foul-smelling and dark urine, thirst and fatigue. Drink two liters of fluid daily and choose particular water, tea, lemonade, and eliminate carbonated beverages and sugar-rich juices.

You have an incorrect posture

An incorrect posture makes you feel tired because it doesn't allow you to breathe normal. On the other hand, blood flow to the brain and its oxygen supply may be reduced by up to 30%, which gives the feeling of fatigue. Correct wrong posture by strengthening your back muscles by exercise.

You eat too much sugar

Sugar juice, candy, chocolate and cakes give you energy for a short period of time. These foods trigger the release of large quantities of insulin, which lowers blood sugar level and makes you suddenly feel very tired.

Eat fiber-rich fruits, vegetables or whole grains to keep your blood sugar levels constant.

You drink coffee and caffeinated beverages

Caffeine may increase the body's response to stress. A study showed that two or three cups of coffee a day can significantly increase stress hormone levels in the blood.

Experts recommend you drink beverages with caffeine in the morning. "Organism needs 10 to 12 hours to completely eliminate caffeine, so it is advisable to consume coffee before lunch," says Dr. Jim Lane, a professor at Duke University.

You have iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is a very common problem for women and girls at reproductive age around the world. Symptoms that indicate iron deficiency are tiredness, physical weakness, incomplete breath, dizziness, fainting, pale skin, feeling cold, sadness and depression. Iron deficiency anemia is detected with a simple blood test and can be treated with iron supplements, taken only on medical advice.

You are depressed

Lack of energy and fatigue are common symptoms of depression, a problem that can be caused by tense situations, hormonal changes, too little sleep.

Alarm signals indicating pronounced depression are sadness, anxiety, guilt, lack of ability to concentrate, insomnia or excessive sleepiness, poor appetite or overeating, suicidal thoughts. If you have these symptoms, visit you doctor as soon as possible.

You snore

Snoring or sleep apnea is a temporary interruption of breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during sleep, for intervals ranging from several seconds to a minute or more.

If you are struggling with this problem, your brain can not get into a state of total relaxation, called REM sleep phase, and the effect is fatigue in the morning, headaches and irritability. There are a number of solutions in this regard, including nasal patches that keep your nasal passages open during night.

Are You Depressed and Feel Life's Not Worth Living? Here's an Easy Way to Get Rid of Depression

Depression is a mental condition that is becoming increasingly common. More and more people are suffering today from feelings of extreme despondency, apathy and complete disinterest. Their depression symptoms include a mood of hopelessness. Life seems futile and not worth living. Nothing seems worthwhile. It's a mental state that affects people of all ages - from young students to the elderly - in every walk of life. Many people, who feel constantly depressed, use anti-depressant drugs to help them get rid of depression

PROZAC.

One of the most popular anti-depressants prescribed by doctors is the Fluoxetine drug known as Prozac. Prozac has proved helpful in treating symptoms of depression. But, like all drugs, there is always the danger of side effects. Side effects reported include nausea, digestive problems, insomnia and extreme fatigue. In a number of cases there have been reports of undesirable sexual side effects. If you are one of the many unfortunate individuals, who suffers from depression and you don't want to use anti-depressants because of the danger of side-effects, you'll be pleased to know there is another way to get rid of depression - a very easy way. It doesn't require the use of any type of medication whatsoever. No doubt you've heard the following expression many times:

"YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE A REASON TO GET UP IN THE MORNING!"

Why are some people able to wake up in the morning bright and cheerful ready to start the day the day with optimism and enthusiasm while others find this so difficult to do? Why are some people, who suffer from painful physical ailments, able to ignore their pain and discomfort and focus their minds on what has to be done during the day?

BECAUSE THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO!

If you want to get rid of your feelings of depression and wake up in the morning feeling bright, cheerful and optimistic, there is an easy way this can be done.

GIVE YOURSELF SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO EACH DAY!

At every stage in your life it's important to have a goal. If you want to be motivated to do something that will give you a sense of satisfaction and a reason to get up in the morning, you must have a goal. A goal is an objective. It doesn't have to be a grand, impressive, ambitious objective. It can be a minor goal. A project is a minor goal. It may be a goal that some may consider insignificant and unimportant, but minor goals can motivate and energize you just as effectively as any grand, ambitious scheme that could change the world! Your minor goal will encourage you to wake up in the morning, bright, cheerful, and enthusiastic and optimistic because you have something to look forward to.

A PROJECT IS A MINOR GOAL! GIVE YOURSELF A PROJECT!

There are dozens of different projects that you'll enjoy getting involved in. They'll give you a purpose and a goal - a good reason to get up in the morning, As you improve you'll find that you'll look forward to them with more and more enthusiasm.

Here are fifteen suggestions of interesting projects you could consider.

(1) Start learning a new language. Attend regular classes.
(2) Begin a program of physical exercise, preferably in a class.
(3) Take classes to Improve a physical skill that you once had but have neglected - such as tennis.
(4) Join a debating society.
(5) If you have a reasonably good voice and can hold a tune, join a choir.
(6) Get a dog and start obedience classes and later take tests and enter competitions.
(7) Develop your writing skills. Take a creative writing course to improve your present skill.
(8) Bird watching is a fascinating hobby. It is a sociable and there's so much to learn.
(9) Join a society involved in social, welfare work. You'll help others and also make new friends.
(10) Take up photography seriously. Take a recognized course.
(11) Attend dressmaking and sewing classes.
(12) Start cooking classes.
(13) Take a course in sketching and cartooning.
(14) Pottery is an absorbing, fascinating and very satisfying past-time.
(15) Start dancing classes. Not only is it sociable it is good physical exercise.

When you wake up in the morning, knowing there is something you can look forward to doing that day, your life will become far more positive and meaningful. Not only will you be able to get rid of depressed feelings, you'll find that you'll start thinking more creatively. You'll awaken dormant creative powers you never realized you possessed.

Boredom stilfes creativity. Once you are more active physically and mentally you'll find that your creative juices will start flowing.

Once you are able to get rid of you feelings of depression you'll be able to use your creative imagination to look at situations from a new and original perspective. You'll be become more inventive, more original in your thinking, and more interesting to others. You'll discover new talents you never realized you had.

All of a sudden life will become worth living again! Creativity is not a gift possessed by the fortunate few. It's a skill that can be developed.

Visit the following site, where you'll find a great deal of valuable information, not only about ways to get rid of depression, but helpful methods you can use to develop your latent creativity http://creativemindpowers.com

Common Depression Symptoms to Watch Out For

A romance gone wrong, a death of a loved one, a disappointment in your endeavours are just a few of the reasons why we become sad. Sadness and grief are normal. It's just how the body reacts and cope to some of life's stressors. Typically, most people will heal and then revert back to their natural selves. However, if these feelings of sadness and grief do not go away, and they start to disrupts with the person's daily life, it is no longer normal. It becomes a mood disorder, called depression.

It is important that we watch out for depression in those people we care about. If it is unrecognized and untreated, it could lead to suicide ideas. There are a lot of depression symptoms we could watch out for as it could affect almost every aspect of a person's life. It affects your physical health, your thoughts, your behaviour, your feelings and even your relationships with other people.

Depression is more than just a state of being sad. Most depressed people also experience irritability, anger, hopelessness, anxiety, fear, fatigue, confusion and feelings of shame and worthlessness. They often feel weak and ill. Others even have hallucinations. Here are other signs of depression:

1. A lack of interest in pleasurable activities or even in any activity
2. Inability to feel pleasure, which is known as anhedonia
3. Weight changes (a loss or gain of at least 5% of the total body weight in a month)
4. Insomnia, oversleeping and other sleep problems
5. Restlessness
6. Slowed movements
7. Feelings of guilt about something that they cannot control
8. "Brain fog" or the decrease ability to concentrate, think and make decisions, and
9. Thoughts about death such as suicidal ideas, whether its planned or not

People with depression often have crying spells to express their sadness. Some of them self-medicate or even try to numb themselves by abusing a drugs and alcohol. Others engage in self-destructive behaviour to try to relieve the emotional pain they feel. These activities include overeating, sexual promiscuity, or physically injuring themselves.

Depression can either slowly progress or suddenly occur due to a stressful or traumatic experience. It is important for people to understand that those who feel depressed need all the support they need. Depression is a real illness and they cannot just simply snap out of it. They need your help, and when you know about the symptoms of depression, you'll be able to identify who needs support.

Just like other illnesses, depression can be treated. There are a lot of treatment modalities that can help control and diminish its signs and symptoms. Medications, psychotherapy and counselling are commonly used to treat depression. There are several options for antidepressants and several forms of psychotherapy available, so it is important that anyone suffering from depression symptoms to go see a doctor. With the proper support and the right treatment, a depressed person can return to his normal self and become a productive and happy member of society once more.

Remember that depression is the number one cause of suicide. Do not let depression take one of your loved one away. Watch out for the different depressions symptoms, and if you notice that someone you love has these symptoms, make sure that he or she gets treated. It could mean the difference between life and death.

Depression and Divorce, the New Couple in Your Life

Depression and divorce go hand in hand. Your marriage ends, and someone moves out, but someone also moves in. Like an unwanted house guest, depression becomes like a shadow, skulking in the background, right there, everywhere you go. The shadow is depression, and to move depression out, you are going to have to be armed. Arm yourself with knowledge, and call in the troops available to help you.

The bad news about depression is that when it's left untreated it can disrupt your job, your relationships, and your life. No amount of "cheering up," "toughing it out," booze, or exercise will make it go away. The good news about depression is that, once recognized, it usually responds well to treatment.

Depression affects about one of every seven Americans of all religions, races, genders, and income levels every year. About two thirds of those who suffer from depression don't get treatment for it. Take a moment to reflect on what that means. In any average group of 30 people, for example, the odds are that four of them will suffer from depression this year. It is believed that women are twice as likely as men to be affected by depression, but perhaps men are half as likely to seek help, and go undiagnosed. The first line of defense is understanding what depression is, and understanding that you cannot just ignore it, or pretend it is not there.

Just like an unwelcome house guest, it is there, coming right behind you, and though you may not see it, it is making messes, and those messed are left for you to clean up. Depression due to divorce is a double edged sword, because it tends to have a snowball effect. It tends to come ready made with a sense of failure being built right in, anger boils beneath the surface, your children suffer, finances change, living conditions change, it can often precipitate a move. It is no wonder divorce and depression is the new couple in any failed marriage.

Don't self-diagnose depression. Depression is too dangerous, and unpredictable, for any of us to attempt to diagnose or treat depression without professional help. You need the experience and savvy of a physician or mental health professional to help you understand your own case and get the right treatment for it.

Treatment for depression is twofold, including psychotherapy and medication. A lot of very smart people disagree about which is more important. Although it sometimes makes sense to use therapy without medication, it almost never makes sense to use medication without therapy.

Medication to treat depression keeps getting better. Medications now available for treatment of depression are more effective and faster-acting than ever. They have fewer, and have less disruptive side effects.

Most fall into one of four groups:

* Heterocyclics,

* Serotonin reuptake blockers,

* MAO inhibitors

* Lithium

Newer medications are coming on line every month. Here are some suggestions that will help your doctor find the best medication for you:

Use a psychiatrist. Generally, psychiatrists know more about the range of medications available than do general practitioners, for the same reason that pediatric cardiac surgeons know more about the options available for treating heart problems in children. They do it all the time.

Be patient. Although some symptoms may respond to medication quickly, the medications for depression usually take three to six weeks to become fully effective. By far the most significant factor in unsatisfactory treatment for depression is the impatient patient.

Expect changes in the medications. Expect depression to be treated in a trial-and-error manner. It is the only way to find the solution the right treatment for you.

Follow instructions. Take your medicine on schedule. Don't stop taking it entirely. Don't. If you follow your doctor's instructions carefully you equip your doctor with a full range of options for improving your treatment regimen over time and tailoring it for you.

Understand side effects. The side effects of medications for depression include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and changes in urinary and sexual function. Whenever your doctor prescribes a new medication, ask about side effects and what you can do to control them.

Avoid alcohol. Even in moderation, alcohol acts as a depressant. It can interact with medications in unpredictable ways. If you are an alcoholic, make sure your doctor knows this when he or she prescribes medications for you.

Keep your doctor informed. Conscientious physicians want their patients to let them know when they're experiencing something unexpected, because they can then evaluate the case and decide whether to change the medication. Don't expect to talk to the doctor whenever you want, but you should be able to describe your unexpected experiences to a knowledgeable person on the doctor's staff and get a reasonable response. If everyone seems too busy to talk to you, and if you're convinced you're not just being a pest, find another doctor.

Ready Set Goal!

"We can do whatever we wish to do provided our wish is strong enough.... What do you want most to do? That's what I have to keep asking myself, in the face of difficulties." ~ Katherine Mansfield

What do you want to have in your life at this moment and for your future? What are your goals for family, career, health, financial, education, spiritual, hobbies, social, public service, self-development, intellectual, life-style, and recreation? Do you want to get out of debt, buy a house, travel, become more knowledgeable on a certain subject, learn how to paint, change careers? What are your goals? And what is it going to take for you to achieve those goals?

Goals are best completed with a life plan or as many people today call it, "A Bucket List." The term "Bucket List" was made popular by the 2007 movie The Bucket List staring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. In the movie, the two terminally ill men travelled around the world with a wish list of things to see and do before they died. Many people believe that creating a bucket list can channel your energy into accomplishing goals rather than wasting time on things that don't matter.

A person in business is always recommended to have a business plan. In sports, the team has a game plan. In finance, there are financial planners. And then, into our adult years we're encouraged to have a retirement plan. All of these plans are developed to achieve the specific targeted goals. Our life must also have a plan... an outline to follow... a blueprint.

Developing a life blueprint takes time... it is a huge endeavor. It's not something you should expect to complete in just one hour. You should do a lot of meditating, writing, and soul-searching. Jot down the things you want to see in your life as they come to mind. A Mead Five Star Subject notebook works really well, it has folder pockets for papers, and it's durable. You can paste pictures or a calendar into your notebook for visual effect, as well. I like to use notebook tabs for separating categories, subjects, and keeping like items together. Your plan will need to include a precise course of action and a deadline in order to start achieving your goals. Keep in mind, this is a serious life plan, but it can also be fun, too. Create your notebook into a life plan you want to open. Make a wish or want list by pasting pictures from a catalog, book, or magazine. Paste your business card, photos, prayer cards, poems, quotes, etc. Place things in your notebook that are going to motivate you to start crossing items off your list. For example, if your goal is to lose weight... keep a record of your fitness routine, eating habits, and weight. Paste inspiring pictures of what your goal should look like. Get creative with your life plan. It shouldn't have to be a one page outline on a piece of paper. But again, do what works for you!

Remember, goals can be short-term, starting with months: 3-month, 6-month or 9-month goals. And, they can also include long-term by years: One, two, three, five, seven, or 10 year goals, and so on. Make a life plan according to your lifestyle. Whether your goal(s) will take 3 months, two years, five years, or ten years-- in order to reach your ultimate destination it will be imperative to devise a plan. Otherwise, without a plan: 1) Your goals will lag, be unfocused, unorganized, and move at the speed of a turtle. 2) Your plans will take triple the time. 3) You'll continuously feel immobile, defeated. out-of-control, incomplete, unconfident, unorganized, unsatisfied, unhappy, and in limbo. You don't need to be "unplanned." The only "un" you need before a word in achieving your plan is "(un)derstanding".

At one time or another, we've all lagged at finishing our goals, but for a lot of people there is a consistent pattern of not finishing what they start... a.k.a: self-sabotage. People who are stuck in a time warp of incomplete goals- a "merry-go-round" of unfinished business. Goals that have been sabotaged by their own fears and insecurities. When you're not working towards a desired goal, you are jeopardizing your own destiny's course of positive time management. So, ask yourself, "What is holding me back from completing my goals?" Is it because of:
1) Fear
2) Low self-esteem/depression
3) Laziness
4) Lack of motivation
5) Financial reasons
6) Focusing on other people's drama
7) Creating your own unproductive daily drama
8) A pessimistic outlook/ negative attitude
9) Procrastination
10) Excessive excuses
11) Spending your time unproductively.

Stop and take a deep look within yourself and find out what's holding you back from achieving productive results. You have to look inwardly at how badly you want to accomplish your goals.

Perhaps you've already created a life plan and it needs some updating and attention to get it current. If you've been working on a goal for ten years and are continually repeating the same destructive patterns of incompletion or progression, then maybe it's time to make peace (finish it) or revise it to a shorter term goal. Many times, unforeseen occurrences happen in one's life and just like a blueprint it will need some revising. There's nothing wrong with that. Crafting the life you want is a lifelong process and you should review your plans frequently. Don't stash your notebook above the closet hoping things will cross off by themselves or that mentally crossing off items will work. Keep it handy so you can check goals off your list as you accomplish them. I like to keep mine right on my desk to motivate me where I can visually see it, revise it, and cross things off daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly.

You are the only person that can accomplish your goals. If you are struggling to make a life plan and feel you cannot do it on your own, find a trusted friend, family member, or life coach to help you. Life coaching is a profession that is profoundly different from consulting, mentoring, advice, therapy, or counseling. Life coaches can help you discover what your obstacles and challenges might be, and then help you choose a course of action to make your life what you want it to be.

Writing a plan can start with just knowing what is desired in your life, then taking a few practical steps to accomplish those life goals. Devise a plan to stay focused on your goals because there is self-power in setting goals. The rewards for achieving goals cannot be measured. In return for your commitment to a goal, you gain: self-confidence, renewed pride, a higher self-esteem, satisfaction, happiness, and peace. Stop spinning your wheels and getting nothing accomplished... make a plan to reach your ultimate life goals!

Why wouldn't you want to finish your goals to have those rewards? Seeing your goals to fruition will benefit not only you, but everyone around you. And only YOU can make it happen!

"If you really want something you can figure out how to make it happen." ~ Cher

How to Help a Depressed Man

Let me ask you some things have you seen any woman who suffered from depression, in movies or in real life? How about men? Have you actually witnessed how a depressed man goes through such a state?

Depression is a sickness that affects both men and women. However, there are more women who are diagnosed with depression. Why? It's because a depressed man will most likely keep whatever his having to himself. He wouldn't verbalize sadness, or cry out his emotions like how women do it. Basically, depression in men is a little different from women's case. Although there are several common symptoms between men and women, here are symptoms that are more likely to happen in men with depression:

• A depressed guy will continuously blame others for everything that have gone wrong, opposite with how depressed women reacts who blame themselves.


• Men who are depressed also become more irritable and egoistic. You will notice that this guy will almost always be angry at other people and that they care much more on their status and ego.


• Unlike women, a depressed guy will usually create conflict. They would try to provoke other people or they themselves would start a fight.


• These men also always feel ashamed, in their performance in sex as a typical example.


• Because these men are having inflated ego, they are very scared to have any failures. They are much focused on how to achieve more even to the expense of forgetting about themselves or their relationships.


• A depressed guy will most likely abuse alcohol. Women usually try to eat their depression away, while men will resort to alcohol.


• They also probably become control freaks, and they become very compulsive.

So, how could you help a depressed man get over this ordeal? Just like how there are differences between symptoms of depression in men and women, there are also slight differences between ways on how to help them. Before anything else, you must be aware that men are harder to persuade in getting help. It is even more difficult for them to admit that they have a problem. Nevertheless, here are some things you could do to help him:

• First of all, help him admit his problem. Do not push him however. Just explain to him what you are observing slowly and what your concerns are. Ranting him about all his behaviors won't help.


• Encourage him to go to the doctor. Explain to him in a good manner why he needs to go and what he would get after.


• Do not give up on that person. A depressed person will ignore your efforts and make you feel unappreciated but little acts of kindness are really good for the person's being. Being there for him also shows that he has social support which are very vital in state of depression.


• Provide him with healthy diet. Avoid stocking unhealthy foods in your fridge or cabinet because a depressed guy will try to eat them as much as possible and not the healthy ones.


• Encourage him to take supplements such as vitamin supplements and homeopathic remedies. Taking vitamins will help his body systems heal and become more able in fighting depression. Homeopathy, which uses natural herbs like St. John's wort and Passion flower, will support emotional health and well being and promote a healthier attitude.

So there you have it. Symptoms and how you could help a depressed guy have been given. Remember, taking action will help save that important man in your life.

Small Changes Can Improve Your Life

Many unhappy people spend years in therapy with psychologists and psychiatrists, yet they achieve little to no results concerning their problems or not even small changes in their modes of behavior. Aren't there more direct activities a person can perform that will have a more significant impact on their lives, and cost much less at the same time?

Indeed, there are small changes a person can make in their daily lives to drastically improve their levels of happiness but before getting to them, please heed this WARNING: The tips below are no substitute for professional treatment of serious mental health ailments such as depression, bipolar disorder, various anxiety disorders, etc. - always be sure to seek proper care if you feel you're suffering from any of the aforementioned problems.

Below you will find twenty activities you can perform that hopefully will improve your happiness level or general sense of well-being. Each of them is (loosely) based on the Butterfly Effect, which is prominent in chaos theory. The Butterfly Effect states that small changes in the initial conditions of a system can lead to extreme variations in behavior later on (a common example given is that a butterfly flapping its wings in, say, Brazil can cause a tornado to occur later in Kansas), which proves that in some 'systems,' little things can make a drastic difference in overall behavior. The following twenty tips and quotes are based on the same principle and involve performing short, simple activities that are not too time-consuming or difficult, yet can still dramatically improve your life. Don't expect them to "heal" or "cure" you, but at least it may bring some benefits to you.

1. If you are feeling down or blue on a certain day and want to feel better, look in your bathroom mirror and plant a large smile on your face, even though you have to force it. Hold that smile for at least thirty seconds and soon you should feel a bit better about yourself.

2. To keep your personal relationships at their best, every time you find yourself being critical toward your spouse, friend, or family member, balance out the criticism by saying five positive things about them afterward.

3. If you ever lose your wallet and want to make sure it is returned to you, keep a photo of an adorable child in the wallet that is highly visible. Whoever finds your wallet will be more sympathetic toward you when they see the child and hopefully return it.

4. Compartmentalize small worries and anxieties that crop up during the day by imagining a big black box and whenever a negative thought enters your mind, place it deep inside the black box and slam it shut, and then allow the thought to vacate your mind forever.

5. Quote: "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do." -Eleanor Roosevelt

6. Say you are having a conversation with someone and want to convince them of something or persuade them in some way. According to psychologists, an effective way to lighten up the conversation and make yourself appear more likable is to mention a favorite pet or animal - the sillier the better, such as a turtle or hamster - which will "humanize" your personality and help persuade the person you are trying to convince.

7. Learn to embrace elements of chaos and uncertainty in your life and accept them as natural to achieving your primary goals. No one can be certain where their individual journeys will eventually take them, so learn to overcome fear of the unknown by accepting uncertainty as necessary and hopefully the results will surprise you.

8. Quote: "Be patient towards all that is unsolved in your heart and...try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without knowing it, live into the answer." - Rainer Maria Rilke

9. Concerning personal growth, make sure to banish negative thinking from your brain: Instead of allowing harmful phrases to come in, substitute positive phrases frequently. For example, "I am gaining too much weight," should be transformed into "I know I'll lose weight soon;" and "I will never find a boyfriend or girlfriend!" will change to "the perfect individual is on their way into my life right now!" Having positive information in your subconscious (or unconscious) mind is extremely important, since the job of that part of your brain is to bring to fruition whatever information is inside it.

10. Is there someone you would like to impress, or do you want a particular person to be interested in you? Psychologists claim that the best way to get someone to like you is not to give them a gift or do something for them, but to get them to perform a small favor for you - it's reverse psychology in action.

11. Experts have claimed that "fear" can be translated into F.E.A.R. = 'FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL.' Excessive fear prevents you from pursuing possibilities and new opportunities in life. Do not let fear be in control of you at any time. Whenever too much fear invades your mind, visualize yourself wiping the fear from your brain. Also take time to write out your fears on paper, then tear the paper up and toss it into the trash.

12. Tip concerning beautiful women: A woman's true beauty is shown through her personality and how she chooses to live her life and how she treats people on a daily basis.

13. Life Goals tip: at the end of every day ask yourself if the daily activities you have been performing are steadily taking you in the correct direction to achieve your primary goals, or if they are slowly leading you away from them, then make changes accordingly.

14. Hygiene tip. To ensure your breath smells fresh and clean during your next date, after dinner have a small serving of green tea flavored ice cream. The green tea will fight any bacteria in the mouth and mask unpleasant odors.

15. When exercising, try to use a treadmill for better results. Treadmills are less stressful on the ankles, backs, and knees, and they instantly list valuable feedback (readouts of distance traveled, calories burned, etc), which will encourage you to complete more work and make you feel good about yourself.

16. Want to lose weight? Drink out of tall narrow glasses to reduce calories; and put a mirror in your kitchen to reinforce what you look like; then write down every single thing you eat in the course of a day.

17. Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers, a recent best-selling book, stated that most successful people have practiced their craft for over ten thousand hours in whatever respective field they have chosen. Start practicing toward your 10,000 hours today.

18. To get better sleep, get a comfortable bed and make sure the room is quiet and dark. Excessive light will hamper production of melatonin. Also avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, and avoid consuming alcohol before bedtime. The stimulants will last for hours and although initially alcohol will relax you, it also vacates the body quickly to make you wake after only a few hours of rest.

19. Finance tip: Make the right decisions about where to spend your money. If there is a certain store or restaurant whose overall philosophy you approve of, be sure to spend plenty of your money there to support them. But if there are business establishments whose practices you disagree with, do not spend your money there. This will make you feel good about doing a small part to improve the world.

20. Instead of being materialistic and buying possession after possession, most of which you may never actually use, instead try to purchase interesting life experiences that will stay with you forever. Attend a concert you normally wouldn't ever see, go to an unusual restaurant, and take a trip to a country you have always wanted to visit. Instead of acquiring new toys, strive to perform unique activities that will provide you with interesting experiences important enough to share with your friends and loved ones.

It may not be much, but remember that big things come from little things. You have nothing to lose, so go try and see how small changes can end up improving your life.