Saturday, June 8, 2013

Feeling Down, Dumpy, Depressed? Don't Let an Underactive Thyroid Ruin Your Life


The Thyroid Gland is a small, butterfly-shaped mass of tissue found in the neck, just below the "Adam's Apple." Despite its small size, it has a critical role in determining how our bodies function, and, ultimately, how well we feel. The Thyroid controls the body's metabolism, which is the energy supply that is essential for all bodily functions. Think of the Thyroid gland as an automobile's fuel pump. If the pump is not working up to capacity, the car's engine will not get enough fuel, and will run slowly and inefficiently. Should the pump supply too much fuel to the engine, it will run too fast and eventually burn out. An under active Thyroid Gland causes a medical condition known as Hypothyroidism. For some unknown reason, it occurs much more frequently in women than in men, and as many as 15% of the female population may have some degree of Thyroid under activity.  

The symptoms of HYPOTHYROIDISM are quite common and diverse. Fortunately, they are rarely life threatening. Nevertheless, they are very disturbing since they affect the way a woman looks and feels, both physically and emotionally. Without any doubt, an untreated under active Thyroid gland can have a profoundly negative effect upon a woman's quality of life.

Below is a list of symptoms, both physical and psychological, that may be experienced by women who have underactive Thyroid gland function. These symptoms may vary in degree and in intensity. Check the boxes next to any symptom that you may be experiencing.

 Checklist of Physical Symptoms


  • Weight gain/ difficulty in losing weight.  

  • Always feeling cold, severely affected by cold weather, hands and feet cold  

  • Water retention

  • Dry hair and/or hair loss

  • Dry skin and brittle fingernails  

  • Constipation , other vague digestive symptoms  

  • Irregular periods, heavy menstrual flow, or absence of periods  

  • Infertility  

  • Miscarriages  

  • Joint or muscle pains; Fibromyalgia  

  • Carpal and/or Metatarsal Tunnel syndrome  

  • Tingling or numbness of the hands or feet

  • Hearing ringing or ticking in the inner ear  

  • Diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Epstein-Bar Virus)  

  • Family History of Hypothyroidism  

   Checklist of Psychological Symptoms  


  • Fatigue  

  • Depression  

  • Severe PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)  

  • Decreased Sex Drive  

  • Mentally "Foggy"  

  • Decreased Concentration (AADD)  

  • Poor Recent Memory  

  • Postpartum Depression  

Having seen the wide spectrum of symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, it is apparent that they are extremely common complaints, experienced by many women. It is quite possible that either you, one of your friends or a family member is plagued by one or more of these troublesome symptoms. Many times, women with these complaints have been tested for Hypothyroidism and were told that, despite their symptoms, they did not have an under active Thyroid gland because their Thyroid blood test results were within the normal range. They may have been told that their symptoms are part of the "normal" ageing process or are caused by anxiety or depression. In many instances, they are referred to a psychiatrist for treatment with antidepressants and psychotherapy, but often these treatments may not make a symptomatic woman feel better.  

Such symptomatic individuals may actually have a condition known as Subclinical Hypothyroidism. In this clinical condition, a patient may be symptomatically Hypothyroid, yet her blood tests may suggest, but not fully support, the diagnosis of Thyroid gland under activity. In Subclinical Hypothyroidism, there is a partial decrease in the Thyroid gland's ability to produce enough hormones to make the body's metabolism work at 100% efficiency; hence an individual will be symptomatic. Such individuals may benefit from a therapeutic trial of treatment with a natural prescription Thyroid supplement.  

There are two basic problems that account for the failure to diagnose many cases of subclinical hypothyroidism. First is that what is considered to be the "normal range" for one of the main blood tests used to diagnose hypothyroidism (TSH-Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is a bit too narrow to diagnose many patients who are symptomatically hypothyroid. Recently, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (A.A.C.E.) has recognized this fact and has reduced the normal TSH levels from 4.5 to 3.0, a change which will allow at least 15% more symptomatic individuals to be diagnosed as having hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, most clinical laboratories have not yet included this change in their laboratory reports. In addition to TSH levels, the amount of other Thyroid hormones such as T4 and T3, as well as antibodies against Thyroid tissue, must be evaluated in any woman having symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.

The second difficulty in diagnostic hypothyroidism is that we, as physicians and scientists, are trained to rely more on objective findings, such as laboratory tests, than subjective factors, such as a patient's symptoms.  Unfortunately, many doctors will not feel comfortable making a diagnosis of hypothyroidism if a patient's blood tests fall anywhere within what is strictly defined as the normal range, even if such levels may be close to indicating the possibility of an under active Thyroid gland in a symptomatic patient. There are definite "gray zones" that exist clinically, such that a patient's clinical symptoms may not be completely documented by their laboratory results. It is important to remember that blood tests only reflect a "moment in time" in the state of the human body and consequently may not always accurately represent its true condition! Therefore, a patient's symptoms must be considered as being of equal significance as their blood test results in diagnosing hypothyroidism.

In my experience, many women who present with physical and psychological symptoms associated with hypothyroidism will have some degree of improvement when treated with supplemental Thyroid medication. Improvement should be noted in two to eight weeks. Increases in energy levels, sex drive, body temperature and memory are the first changes noted. Water retention also improves fairly rapidly. An increased feeling of well-being may also be noticed, as depression resolves. Hair and skin begin to improve after 4-6 weeks, but weight loss usually will take quite a bit longer since the body takes time to breakdown existing fatty deposits.

When I treat women who have symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, I initially use a natural Thyroid medication that has been available since the 1940's, called Armour Thyroid Extract U.S.P.. It is a combination of two active forms of Thyroid hormone, T3 and T4. T4 is the form of the Thyroid hormone that is in the synthetic Thyroid medications commonly prescribed today. Normally, T4 is converted into T3, which is the biologically active form of the Thyroid hormone that actually controls the body's metabolism. In a significant number of individuals, the body is unable to properly convert T4 into T3. Hence a patient may be clinically hypothyroidism, yet have "normal" blood tests. Therefore, I find that a woman's clinical response to the natural form of a combination of T3 and T4, will often be better than giving T4 alone.

It is of critical importance that a physician be finely attuned to a patient's symptoms and her symptomatic response to treatment. Thyroid supplement therapy is very individualized, since the dosage requirements are quite different for each patient. Fortunately, Thyroid supplementation has no significant risks or downsides. A patient virtually never becomes Hyperthyroid when taking dosages of medication typically prescribed. If a patient feels some degree of clinical improvement after 6-8 weeks on medication, treatment will be continued and will be necessary for the duration of their lifetime. If, however, a woman notices no symptomatic improvement with Thyroid hormone supplement treatment, the medication should be discontinued and an alternate diagnosis be pursued.  

A patient's dosage needs to be reevaluated based upon the degree of symptomatic improvement and "fine-tuned" as necessary. Blood tests are helpful only to the extent that they insure that the Thyroid hormone dosage is adequate and is being properly absorbed. Blood tests that are taken 4-5hours after taking Thyroid medication may show elevated levels of T3. Elevated T3 levels in treated patients indicate good absorption and do not mean that the patient is taking too much medication.  The important point to remember is that the evaluation of symptoms is of equal significance to the levels of Thyroid hormone in the blood.        

 Summary

The diversity of symptoms can make the diagnosis of hypothyroidism quite challenging, especially since laboratory tests do not always reflect Thyroid gland under activity in a significant number of symptomatic individuals. If you, a friend, or a loved one experience any of the above symptoms or generally feel poorly, you should speak to your doctor about the possibility that SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM may be the cause of your symptoms. After an appropriate diagnostic evaluation of symptoms and laboratory tests, a therapeutic trial of a natural Thyroid supplement may provide relief from these troubling symptoms.

How To Cope With Loss And Trauma For A Person With Manic Depression


Dealing with loss of family can be especially difficult for those who suffer from manic depression. Not only are they trying to cope with the traumatic experience, but they are also trying to remain stable and trying to avoid a depressive or manic episode as a result of the stress it caused. Some with manic depression may even need to seek extra support to cope with the grief or anxiety that the traumatic event causes.

Everyone handles grief or anxiety differently during a loss or trauma. Living with manic depression can be a delicate balancing act. If something creates a lot of stress or anxiety for them, they can easily become overwhelmed and slip into mania or depression. When grieving, it is not unusual for someone to feel depressed. However, if someone with manic depression grieves and feels depressed, they have to make a conscious effort to try to avoid having a full-blown depressive episode. However sometimes, the looming depressive episode simply cannot be avoided.

A support system is absolutely necessary when dealing with trauma. Family, friends, support groups, and mental health professionals can all help the manic depression person through the traumatic event. Often, all it takes is an understanding individual to listen to the person with manic depression and offer encouragement.

Helping alleviate some of the stress and responsibilities from the person suffering from manic depression can help them focus on maintaining balance and managing the additional stress the trauma has caused. Encourage the manic depression person to take some time for himself to do something they enjoy. Taking a walk with the person can help provide exercise and social stimulation, which is often lacking. Many people with manic depression tend to isolate themselves when under too much stress. This can be counterproductive to their health and emotional well-being.

If the person with manic depression begins to experience nightmares, sleeplessness, anxiety, restlessness, distress, or if they are repeatedly recalling or reliving the acts of the traumatic event, they probably need additional assistance from their psychiatrist or doctor in order to cope with the trauma. Medication can help the person to manage the anxiety and distress caused by the event. It is better to get the extra help necessary to control the effects of the trauma and avoid an episode than to neglect getting help and face the anxiety and distress plus a manic or depressive episode.

People with manic depression who have experienced trauma or a loss should consider expanding their support system to include support specifically related to the trauma. Depending on the nature of the trauma, support groups and specialized counseling may be available. If the person with manic depression had not been receiving therapy, they should consider doing so to help them through this difficult time.

Antidepressant Drugs Are Used To Treat Depression Symptoms


The primary purpose of an antidepressant is to prevent depression symptoms from surfacing. Some of the usual symptoms of depression include pessimism, helplessness, inability to concentrate and sleep, weight changes, irritability, feeling worthless and hopeless, quick to anger, chronic anxiety, and seemingly uninterested in all aspects of life. These drugs that suppress depression are coupled with the proper counseling, the end result will be positive. These types of drugs help increase the level of serotonin and norepinephrine that's an effective against depression. There are only a small number of antidepressants and some of these include tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibotors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

The last antidepressant goes by the abbreviation SNRIs. These are some of the drugs used to treat depression and are the most commonly prescribed. Of the drugs enumerated, tricyclic ADs have been the first of many that was used to treat the disorder. These drugs affect the production of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They help increase the body's production of these chemicals. However, if the patient treated for depression is not improved, the MAOIs are used. SSRIs on the other hand, are used for improving the production of serotonin in the brain. SSRIs and SNRIs both have the same purpose which is to enhance the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine.

A number of drugs used for treating anti-depression includes aventyl, surmontil, anafranil, elavil, pamelor, norpramin, sinequan, pertofrane, vivacti, nardil, parnate, marplan, paxil, zoloft, and cymbalta. Majority of the listed drugs here have after effects; other drugs have more adverse effects than some. There are also antidepressants that can alleviate the condition of other people. For the reason that there are so many antidepressant side effects, the best course of action would be to consult a specialist to choose the right treatment for you. If not treated, depression can become life threatening because it causes suicidal tendencies. You should immediately alert your psychiatrist if you're feeling this symptom.

How to Deal With Panic Attack Depression


When an individual suffers from panic attack depression then normally they suffer high levels of anxiety as well. The two are actually closely related in panic attacks but their symptoms are very different.

When one has panic attack depression you feel lethargic, have no energy or interest in anything and just getting out of bed is a mission. Other symptoms include anger and possible suicidal thoughts. However when you have high levels of anxiety you feel as though your heart is constantly racing and some of the other symptoms are sweating, shaking, nausea and having an upset stomach.

My Anxiety symptoms: On more of a personal note, I myself have an uneasy feeling like someone is standing on my chest and I cannot breathe and feel the need to constantly fidget or move around and sometimes when my anxiety levels are very high I feel as though my heart is going to explode out of my chest...

These two conditions when experienced together greatly increases you risk of having frequent attacks and can be quite dangerous for the individual experiencing them.

Panic attack depression and anxiety are sometimes, more often than not, treated with the same medication. Anti-depressants.

The problem with anti-depressants is although they are to help the symptoms they do not treat the underlying problem on provide temporary relief. Another major drawback with anti-depressants are that the side effects closely mimic the actual symptoms you are trying to rid yourself of. Side effects of anti-depressants include possible increase in suicidal thoughts or actions, rage, aggressiveness, irritability and restlessness.

Kind of a catch 22 situation if you ask me.

Many people have reported that using the natural alternative herb "kava" greatly reduce the symptoms of anxiety and panic attack depression, so definitely worth a try.

A good thing about the Kava is that you cannot become addicted to the medication as you can with the prescription medication.

Here are some other treatments for high levels of anxiety besides using prescription medication:

Exercise & relaxation techniques

Exercise has always been a great way to reduce ones stress and anxiety so make sure you do enough of it. You do not have to overdo this just exercise a couple of times per week and this will help reduce your levels of anxiety and improve your overall feeling of well being. This will definitely then ease your feelings of panic attack depression as exercise works both your physical and physiological attributes. One can be taught meditation as well to help.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Get the negativity out of your mind! This is what cognitive behavioral therapy does for you. Having a clear mind not full of negative thoughts, especially those of stressing when your next attack will be, is the first step on the road to a healthy mind and body. Negative thoughts relating to your condition or in general will harm your condition even further and this is why it is important to get help on that issue.

Keeping a close eye on your diet and nutrition intake

This is not an article about dieting so do not worry...

It is,however, about making sure that you avoid certain foods that can "add fuel to the fire".

An example of a substance that can do this is nicotine and caffeine. Sugary foods as well are good to avoid and certain other foodstuffs. It is actually a good idea to visit a nutritionist to help you go through what to avoid for your symptoms and to negatively impact on your condition. They can also help you in what vitamins you can take to fight the anxiety or depression.

On a last note it has been observed that patients who have high levels of anxiety and are experiencing depression do take longer to get over their conditions as the depression further complicates the issue.

Remember though that as noted above there are many effective treatments to alleviate the condition for example: treatment by medication, therapy and relaxation techniques. Make a start today and take your life back from panic attack depression.

Depressive Dog - Here Are The Reasons Why


When it comes to depression dogs and people have the same emotions but their "reasoning" is different.

What is meant by that?

When a person gets depressed, he or she has specific thoughts which are part of the problem, so much so that some psychologists claim that those thoughts are the actual reason for the depression.

The depressed person thinks that:


  1. he or she himself is bad

  2. the world around him is no good either

  3. the future is grim

On the emotional side the person describes experiencing unhappiness, sadness, hopelessness, guilt and sometimes fear with hopelessness being one of the main features. The behavior of a depressed individual is subdued, inactive, lethargic or agitated. The sufferer finds it very hard to do things, has lost interest in things which formerly made him happy. On the behavioral and on the emotional side people and dogs share the same kind of suffering when depressed. Both feel sad, subdued, have lost interest in their environment, find it exceedingly difficult to be cheerful and generally active.

Because of the very elaborated thought processes human beings go through it maybe very difficult to find the reasons behind their depression. This is different in a dog. Dogs are much less creatures of thought and much more creatures of emotions and activity.

When a dog becomes depressed because of emotional reasons it is mainly because of:


  1. loss

  2. loneliness

  3. boredom

  4. problems in the family

  5. a depressed and unhappy owner

Both humans and canines may develop a depression when their diet does not provide the right nutrients or their thyroid gland is under active. The function of the thyroid gland should always be checked when someone, be it man or dog, shows signs of depression which last more than a few weeks.

Should your dog become less active and lethargic after a course of antibiotics his depression maybe caused by pathology of the mitochondria in his cells.

Those mitochondria live inside the cells where they provide all the power the body needs. Since they share some features with bacteria they too may get killed or otherwise harmed when you or your dog takes in certain kinds of antibiotics. This results in loss of physical power, the feeling of physical weakness and fatigue. Mitochondriopathy is an often overlooked condition in dogs and it may well be the reason for an apparently severe depression.

As dog owners we are well advised to limit the amount of antibiotics we give to our dogs. An otherwise healthy dog has an immune system which will be able to fend off most bugs and help the body heal - given enough time and the right nourishment. Antibiotics have their place in life threatening conditions but they should never be used as an easy fix because of the harm they may do to your dog's overall physiology.

Holistic vets provide excellent healthcare without causing damage to the body, healers are often able to enhance the body's self healing powers. Depression is on the rise in dogs as well as in people. Depression is mainly life style related which means it is not a turn of fate! The good news is that provided you take the right measures your dog may soon be well again!

Combat Depression With These Tips


Feeling depressed or lonely is a normal feeling in everyone's life. We tend to get upset if we fail a test, if we are rejected by a loved one or if we lose someone close to us. However, depression can be more than just being sad. It can have consequences that can take over your life, and create low self-esteem and cause health problems.

Here are some tips to help ease your mood and get more happiness out of your day:

Be sure to get enough sunlight. If you do not get enough sunlight you will not have the hormone melatonin secreted and it can put you into a sleepy and depressed state. This is one of the reasons people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, because nights are longer and they do not get enough proper sunlight.

Keep yourself busy and stay motivated. If you stay busy you will be more likely to not feel depressed as you will be too busy to notice it. Try doing things you love. Take a walk in the park, read books, do arts and crafts or any type of hobby. Set a goal for yourself, if you have a purpose in life, even if it is difficult, you can still have a positive attitude and pursue your dream, this will help you conquer depression when you have meaning in your life.

Relax. You can take a nice warm bath and listen to calming music, have a massage, and get away from your stressful tasks. Take a day to just goof off and have some fun.

Have a well-balanced diet and exercise plan. You should always avoid food that has a lot of sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Alcohol is actually a depressant and some tend to drink to try to forget their problems, however they are only making it worse. Caffeine and sugar, give you a boost of energy, and then you will hit a sudden low, making you feel even more down than before. You should exercise daily, it is a great way to combat depression because your body will produce more endorphins which makes you feel happy and reduces stress.

Start getting out and socializing. You need to socialize with friends who can offer you moral support. If you go out and have friends around you, you may find yourself feeling satisfied and enjoying yourself, which will help alleviate symptoms of depression.

You should never underestimate the power of being touched. It does feel good to have someone give you a pat on the back and words to encourage you during difficult times. So give someone a hug, you never know how much the person will appreciate it.

Keep ties with your family and friends. The love you feel by others could greatly enhance your mood and your health. And most importantly, you will live a more secure and joyful life.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Share the Fun and Humor With Funny Life Quotes


There are plenty of things happen to us on daily basis that makes our mood go down. Sometime our friends say something to us that we don't like. Sometimes work related problems makes us feel sad. And then those relationship problems which are so overwhelming that we feel there is no way to get out of it.

With so many things bringing us depression and sadness, we need something that can lift our spirit up and make us get back to life again. We want something that can empower us and ease all our anxiety of the day. One of the best ways to do so is by sharing fun and humor through funny life quotes.

Sharing funny life quotes with your friends and family makes you burst with laughter. The joy of telling funny quotes is amazing. It makes everyone laugh out loud. And when you smile out loud, you forgot all your tension and problems.

Some people might think that it wouldn't work. They might consider it as a trivial method but for me it is the best thing we could ever do. Life is for fun and we should live it to fullest extent. And when problems arise and sadness smothers us, just recall some funny quotes about life and read them out loud and see how they can quickly charge you up making you ready to tackle life problems.

Sharing fun and humor can also be used to impress your date. You can easily impress your date just by using the power of humor. Believe me it does work. This is the power of words. Try to memorize few funny life quotes and punctuate them in your conversation. And you will be surprised to see its magical effects. In fact, you can impress anyone including your friends, family, colleagues, your boss or everyone you want to.

Coping With Depression - Antidepressants, Serotonin, Exercise, Sleep and Drinking Tea


Are antidepressant drugs better than counseling or psychotherapy at helping people with clinical depression? Usually it is better to combine medicines and psychotherapy for the best results. Keep in mind that finding the right therapy is often a process of trial and error. Be patient, do not give up and keep searching.

Where do we get our information concerning depression treatments from? The usual places are our doctors, therapists, the mass media or the internet. Sometimes it is a combination of all these sources that defines our current view of treatment options. Keep in mind that the mass media is either biased or it is manipulated by interest groups and companies that wants to keep the image of their products and public relations as high as possible. Getting to the heart of the matter or sniffing out the truth is quite difficult in such an environment. Information concerning depression treatments and medications that are less than flattering to doctors or pharmaceutical companies do not get the mainstream exposure it deserves.

Antidepressants help to control or influence the way the brain uses serotonin, the chemical that is very important in regulating your moods. It is given off by brain cells in response to other signals traveling through the brain. This substance is very important for brain signals since it helps the messages to travel from cell to cell. Cells also absorb any unused serotonin. Antidepressants basically interfere with this absorption process which keeps more serotonin between cells. When there is enough serotonin available, you should feel calm and not anxious or depressed.

Medication is not the only option open to you. Other natural treatments for depressive disorder may include B-complex supplements and omega-3 fatty acids. A hyperactive or under active thyroid may also cause depressive moods.

Antidepressant medication can cause dryness in your mouth. This may lead to mouth problems such as tooth cavities and yeast infections. It is important to keep your mouth wet. Try chewing gum or rinsing your mouth regularly.

Exercise is also a good way to stop depression from taking root in your life. People who do no exercise are more likely to develop a mood disorder than people who exercise regularly. Also, keep doing exercises since abruptly quitting an exercise routine for a few weeks may lead you to experience fatigue, irritability and a worsening mood.

It is also important to get enough sleep, but not too much. Persons who suffer from depression may either experience insomnia or hypersomnia. So how many hours of sleep should we get each night? I recently read about a study which concluded that 6 to 7 hours per night is the best. Insomnia is very uncomfortable, but it is better than taking sleeping pills where your health is concerned.

Some research are suggesting that drinking a lot of ordinary black or green tea may be a good thing. Tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine which can positively influence the chemical mixture in the brain to reduce stressful feelings. It may also increase the levels of tryptophan in the brain. Tryptophan is an amino acid and a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that alters the mood in a relaxing way. If you ever needed a reason to drink five cups of tea per day, this is it. Remember that it is usually better to drink it without any milk. It is much more traditional as well, especially when drinking green tea.

This article has touched upon more than one subject concerning depressive disorder, but it may give you a few ideas you can pursue further. It is good to learn about developments and other treatments in the area of coping with depression disorders.

ADHD and Bipolar Disorder - Five Differences Between Hyperactivity and Bipolar


Both ADHD and bipolar disorder share many of the same characteristics, such as behavioral and emotional changes, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and learning problems. In addition, restlessness during sleep is common with both disorders, and the same treatments are generally effective. So how do you tell whether your child has bipolar disorder or ADHD?

1.) Anger

Children with ADHD tend to be destructive, but only in a careless natural way. Bipolar children show major temper tantrums and destroy things in fits of manic rage, and no effort taken will seem to console them.

2.) Duration of Outbursts

In bipolar children, the length of their angry outbursts will last over 30 minutes, and can continue for hours. In children with ADHD, bursts of anger will not last over half an hour.

3.) Triggers

While hyperactive children have episodes due to over stimulation, such as a change in scenery or a relative visiting for the weekend, bipolar children have outbursts due to conflict with authority figures, such as parents. In addition, manic depressive children hate being told no, and they will have fits just to test the limits of their parents.

4.) Depression

While the mania of bipolar disorder may mimic ADHD, hyperactivity children don't suffer from depression. If a child's mood switches from anger to sadness in the course of a day, or even hours, their diagnosis is bipolar disorder.

5.) Intelligence

Children with ADHD will have universal learning difficulties, while bipolar children have certain specialties, which they have great knowledge of. Sometimes a bipolar child will surprise adults with their advanced knowledge of a certain field, due to their intense interest in that area.

How Long Does it Take For BHRT to Start Working?


Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) involves using hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones that the human body produces. They come from a plant source of which a substance known as diosgenin is extracted and then altered to a variety of bio-identical hormones. It is used to treat symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, and post-menopause.

Once you have had the blood or salivary tests, and the BHRT has been created to meet your specific hormonal needs through a compounding pharmacy, you should notice that it is working within 3 to 4 days. It is important to be aware that because response to the treatment is individual, your dosage may have to be adjusted during the first few months of treatment to achieve the desired result.

A Bioidentical Hormone course of therapy is made by a compounding pharmacist for each individual patient that is centered on the particular symptoms and test results. The types of hormones used in BHRT include Progesterone, Tri-Est (Estriol, Estrone and Estradiol mixture), Testosterone, DHEA, Pregnenolone, Melatonin, and Desiccated Thyroid Extract, T3 & T4.

One method of administration is Transdermal. (Creams and Gels) They are absorbed into the skin and the hormones are dispersed within a few seconds. They attach to the target cells. Vaginal creams are also used in a Transdermal treatment.

Oral capsules are another method of administration. These capsules have to be formulated so they do not get broken down in the stomach and rendered ineffective. Sub-lingual Drops and Troches are dropped on veins close to the surface of the mouth. (Usually the vein under the tongue) It is designed to be directly absorbed quickly. Small doses are given and the drops are normally flavored.

Conventional Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy has been discovered to increase the risk of breast cancer, strokes, heart attacks, as well as blood clots. BHRT treatments have been proven not to increase the risk of these kinds of medical problems. Other benefits of BHRT include: decreasing insomnia, anxiety, depression, bloating, headaches, irritability, and hot flashes. There is also improved concentration, alertness, sex drive, and menstruation cycles.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has fewer side effects because the hormones are natural. Before going through treatment, it is important to test for a hormone imbalance so it is not misinterpreted for another illness such as depression. As well, the specific hormone that is not in balance has to be identified so the correct therapy will be given and customized to fit the particular needs of the patient.

A hormone imbalance can be very challenging condition to cope with. Anxiety, mood swings, depression, can be a tough situation to handle for both patients and their families. Fortunately medical researchers are discovering and implementing safer methods to boost low hormones. BHRT is one hormone replacement treatment that more medical professionals are now prescribing as a harmless and simple treatment for hormone replacement. Find out how Bioidentical Hormone Restoration Therapy can improve your overall health and well being.

Depression Symptoms


Depression symptoms are easy to overlook for both the person suffering from the depression and their friends and family. With today's knowledge about depression, their is no need for the person experiencing these symptoms to suffer.

One common symptom of depression is a long period of sadness or simply not feeling up to it no matter what the activity. This moping around and constant state of sadness is probably the number one sign of depression.

Another common symptom is a pessimistic attitude toward most things. A person going through depression will feel and act as if they have nothing going for them and possibly nothing to live for.

Causes for the sadness, such as extreme guilt are other symptoms to be on the look out for. Because you or someone you know may feel so guilty about something, you feel bad if you are happy. This causes you to be in a constant state of sadness. Helplessness is also another common cause of the constant sadness. When a person feels totally helpless and that nothing can go right no matter what they do, they will then do nothing. This essentially paralyzes the person into a state of constant moping and sadness.

Physical signs of depression are also often time present as well. You may become extremely tired and void of any energy. Even though you are extremely tired, you may not be able to get the required amount of sleep. Because you have lost all hope, you may not be eating properly or maintaining your personal appearance to the same standards you would have before.

Mental fatigue can also be a sign that you or someone you know is depressed. When a person lacks interest in the world around them, and becomes hopeless, the mentally begin to shut down as well. This mental breakdown may cause the person to forget things or not pay attention when you are trying to interact with them directly.

These are just a few of the symptoms of depression and if you or someone you know are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, it is recommended that you seek the services of a professional trained in to treat depression soon. Depression can be overcome, but may require you to take that first step and seek help.

Alternative Depression Medication - 3 Ways to Start Over


If you are tired of anti depressants and their side effects and want to get out of the vicious circle of not being able to get off them, then read this article to see what alternative depression medication is available.

Here is the first way to start over. Have you heard of SAMe? This is the short convenient name for S-adenosylmethionine which is produced by our own bodies and is present in both fluids and tissues. It has a positive effect on the serotonin and dopamine which govern our moods. Now the synthetic from of this is used to treat depression in Europe but it is not yet approved for prescription use yet by the FDA in America. If you live in the USA that could be a reason why you have not heard of this compound.

Let me tell you about the trials that were done in Italy recently. They wanted to test whether this was as good or even better than the classic tricyclic depression medicine known as Desipramine. Not only was it just as effective as the Desipramine but there were hardly any side effects at all.

In addition they discovered that patients were already reporting symptom relief after only about one week compared to about a month for Desipramine. Now you can see why this is becoming a popular alternative depression medication. If you think this is worth a try, consult your doctor as it may interact with other medications and you want to be absolutely sure that it is safe. It is not suitable at all for people who are bipolar.

Here is the second way to start over. Are you sure that your diet is helping you with your depression? There are foods which can positively affect our mood and just by making a few simple changes to your diet, you can experience more positive thoughts, enhanced mood and a more serene outlook. The Omega 3 fatty acids which are present in fish oils have a positive effect on our serotonin levels. Research shows that depressed patients had low levels of these nutrients in their blood. The remedy is to eat lots of fish, flaxseed oil and walnuts. If you cannot get these foods easily, a good pharmaceutical grade Omega 3 will do fine. This is probably the easiest and cheapest alternative depression medication.

Here is the third way to start over. If you have not considered a herbal remedy for depression, then think again. If you suffer from mild depression or moderate depression, the St. John's Wort (SJW) herb is very popular and in Germany it is the number one treatment option for this mental disorder.

If you want to take this further, why not click through to my website where you can find all the details you need. As an alternative depression medication, it is gaining more popularity and when you read my website, you will understand why.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Optimistic Thinking and How to Get It


What do you do when bad things happen to you? More importantly, how do you explain why that bad thing has happened to you? Do you tell yourself that bad thing happened because you have rotten luck? Or that it's all your fault and you never get things right?

Research shows that how you explain why the events occur is one of the most powerful predictors of whether or not you become depressed. This is what separates resilient people who are able to bounce back on their feet when bad events happen to them and people who become paralyzed when adversity strikes.

Great news! According to world famous psychologist Dr. Martin Seligman and decades of scientific research, you can learn to become more optimistic! Here's how:

Firstly, there is a lot more to pessimism than seeing the glass as half-empty and a lot more to optimism than looking on the bright side of life. Optimism and pessimism are not traits they are ways of thinking.

That means you are not born an optimist or a pessimist, you learn to think like an optimist or a pessimist. Psychologists fondly refer to this as your explanatory style (ES); or how you explain the good and bad things that happen to you in your life.

Dr. Martin Seligman shows that people with a pessimistic explanatory style are more likely to describe the bad things that happen in their life as being their fault. If, for example, you ask a depressed child or one with a pessimistic ES, why he failed the test, his reply might be something like, "I'm stupid," "I suck at school," or "My teacher hates me!" A child with an optimistic ES might say he failed the test because, "The test was hard," or "I did not study enough". For the time being, it is irrelevant which explanation for the failed test is true. What's important is that after years of accumulating thoughts that support either ES, people fall into patterns. A model for explanatory style created by Dr. Karen Reivich is:

Me vs. Not Me Always vs. Not Always Everything vs. Not Everything.

People with a pessimistic ES describe negative events as Me, Always and Everything and positive events as Not Me, Not Always and Not Everything. For example, Jack asks Kelly out on a date and she politely declines. Having a pessimistic ES, Jack thinks to himself, "No wonder she doesn't want to go out with me, I'm a loser". He explains the event as being his fault (Me), and not just limited to this situation (Everything), saying "I'm a loser," refers to many areas of his life. Taking it further, he might even think, "I'll never get married" (Always).

If a positive event happens, like getting the job he wants, and someone asks him why that good thing happen, he might say "I got lucky." He certainly wouldn't forecast more luck in his future. The positive thing isn't attributed to his qualifications for the position (Not Me). He is referring to luck in this one particular situation (Not Always) which would be different from someone saying, "I'm a lucky kind of guy" or predict this luck to trickle into his love life (Not Everything).

Someone with an optimistic ES that gets rejected may say something like, "She is just not interested (Not Me). Oh well plenty of fish in the sea." That one negative event does not pervade their whole life (Not Everything) and just because this person rejected them doesn't mean everyone will (Not Always). Positive events, like getting a job are the result of their own actions "I got the job because I'm qualified for the position (Me) and I present myself well to others (Everything).

Test this out in your own life. Think back to the negative events. How did you explain why that thing happened? Where would you code that on explanatory style? And the good events? Are you expecting more positive events in your future? Or you on the look out for all the things that could go wrong?

We create our own reality based on our thoughts. Most of the time we don't pay attention to our thoughts and we accept them as unquestionable truth. So tune in. Challenge your Me, Always, Everything thoughts with the possibility of Not Me, Not Always, Not Everything thoughts when necessary.

Again, this is one of the most powerful techniques for combating depression and increasing your happiness. Put it into action!

Buddha and Walking the Path Alone


Who will save you?

Who will see that you reach your dreams and achieve your greatest desires?

Who will see that you become the person you are - in every way - meant to become?

Most people don't consider such questions. They don't spend time thinking of them or worrying about them. And though they may never spend any great time in consideration of these questions, they surely assume an answer to them, and most assuredly live by that answer.

And that answer affects them every day - how they act, who they are, who they become.

To the great many of humanity - whether they admit it or not - the answer is this: the responsibility lies in someone else.

Few do admit it of course. But their actions speak loud enough. And their voices do as well, when life becomes difficult, and obstacles obstruct the way. And when they retreat inside their head - when their fears take hold and their hope wanes - their thoughts confirm it.

"It's not my fault."

"Everyone hurt me."

"They will see me through."

And so when they don't learn enough at school, they blame their teachers. When they struggle too much in whatever endeavor, they blame the circumstances. When they fail at whatever goal, they blame the conditions.

When they see clearly and painfully that they are indeed far less than they hoped, and far worse than they imagined, they pray to be saved - to God they place their faith in, or to the nature they place their trust in.

"Justice will be done."

"These wrongs will be righted."

"The universe will correct this and I'll be made into what I dream."

This is, of course, the natural reaction in some respect. It's the normal reaction. But it isn't right, of course.

The Buddha once wrote the following about this very thing:

"No one saves us but ourselves. No one can, and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path."

There are no shortcuts on the long journey to become our best self; the journey that never ends, that never relents, that never comes easy. It would not improve you if it did not challenge you. It would not challenge you if it did not, at times, seemingly break you.

But help does not come anywhere but yourself. It is only you can overcome this most difficult challenge. In the endurance of the challenge is the defeat of it.

19 Facts About Depression At Midlife - Tips, Strategies, And Info-Bites


When we age, we produce less of two important mood stabilizing hormones, serotonin and dopamine. So, depression is a risk factor for both men and women as we get older. Yet twice as many women compared to men suffer from depression, which leads some to believe there is a link between the female sex hormones and depression.

1. Memory loss at midlife may not be related to aging, but depression. Depression affects our ability to concentrate and remember things. Our mind instead is caught in a cycle of self blame, guilt, or hopelessness,

2. Of the studies that differentiate between major depression and minor depression, an increase in minor depression (ie. non-clinical) is reported, rather than an increase in major depressive episodes,

3. Major depression is characterized by feeling sad or tearful all, or most of the time. Other symptoms include losing interest in regular activities and engaging in day to day life.

4. Those that seem to be at risk of suffering from major depression during menopause are those that have suffered major depression at some other time in their lives. This can include postnatal depression, severe depression associated with PMS, or any other type of clinical depression.

5. Some of the symptoms of perimenopause are also the symptoms of depression, so it's important to consider the whole picture. These common symptoms include tiredness, weight gain, insomnia, difficulties in concentration, memory loss, and a loss of interest in sex.

6. Depression is usually treated with psychological treatments and medication. The psychological treatments include cognitive behaviour therapy which looks at the negative ways we think; and Interpersonal therapy, to improve relationships.

7. Antidepressant medication covers a range including SSRI's, SNRI's, MAOI's, and others. Each class has a lot of individual medications within it, and people may tolerate one well, but have side effects on others. Finding an antidepressant medication appropriate to the individual can be a trial and error endeavor.

8. Some anti-depressants - prozac and others in the category of Selective Serotonin Re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI's) - may cause cardiovascular problems in some people after long term use.

9. If you're taking hormone replacement therapy, too high a dose of estrogen or androgen hormones can lead to side effects like headaches and anxiety. Synthetic progesterone treatments are also often associated with depression.

10. Caffeine and sugar, in excess, may have a negative impact on recurring depression.

11. Estrogen boosts the levels of serotonin and acetylcholine, which are neurohormones that make people feel good, and are part of a normal memory.

12. Deficiencies of the B vitamins biotin, folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, have been linked with depression, as have vitamin C deficiencies.

13. Vitamin B6 is important because of it's role in making the monoamine neurotransmitters, which help stabilize moods.

14. Minerals linked to depression include deficiencies of calcium, copper, and magnesium.

15. St Johns Wort has been found to be as effective as prozac in treating mild to moderate depression.

16. Anecdotally, 5HTP has been found to help some people with depression who also suffer from weight problems and insomnia.

17. Our brain needs a small supply of good qualify fats every day. This is because nerve fibers are coated with a fatty sheath called myelin. Good sources of healthy fats include non-hydrogenated olive oil, sesame oil, and fish oil. Deficiencies of the omega 6 fatty acids may play a role in depression.

18. Depression is a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

19. Depression can increase the risk of more heart problems in people with coronary heart disease.

Uncontrolled Anger Can Lead to Arguments and in the Extreme, Physical Fights


People are by nature beasts. When we are hungry, we eat. When we are tired, we sleep. We see something we want and we take it regardless of who may have been in possession of it at the time. Something makes us mad and we lash out. When you allow your emotions to run rampant you will find it easy for your anger to be out of control. When your anger is out of control you run the risk of being in constant disputes, arguments, and in extreme cases even fights.

It is just that kind of unchecked, unbridled emotion that encouraged early man to organize into societies with rules and structure. However, unless we are willing to live in a feudal/ police state where the state exercises extreme control over everything we do, we have to figure out a way to get along. Laws are already in place to help society manage its impulses; speed and you get a ticket; steal and you go to jail and so on.

However, for society to do more than barely function people need to be able to exercise some control of their own, and not just what is forced on them by the legal system. That is where having anger management skills come in hand.

Many crimes are committed every year that get labeled crimes of passion. People get mad at someone for whatever reason and assault them, either hurting them or even killing them. In many cases, when the offending party calms down after the fact they realize what a terrible mistake they just made. The legal system takes their lack of self control under consideration; that can mean the difference in going to jail for a few years, for life, or even worse- the death penalty.

If a person can learn proper anger management tools they can live a much happier life. There is no need to live a life in turmoil and anger. Many disputes, arguments, and almost all fights can be avoided with the use of some very simple anger management tools.

Unsure You Have Depression? Examining Depression Symptoms


Depression is not a hidden illness. People facing these disorders exhibit evident symptoms which according to doctors are signs of clinical depression. On the other hand it can be said that it is quite easy to overlook these symptoms and as a result be unable to help one self.

It is not necessary for a person to possess all the symptoms to be said to be in depression. In addition the time of attack also varies with the symptoms. Hence if a person shows considerable symptoms, they should be diagnosed.

Some of the basic symptoms of depression are:

Extended sessions of sadness or not having a "drive". A feeling of wanting to be out of everything rather than being in it. Feeling bad about oneself is the best symptom.

Feeling disgusting, pessimistic; another common symptom is having no target, nothing to look forward to. This feeling combined with perennial pessimism is a strong symptom and gives rise to hopelessness.

A consistent feeling of guilt makes a person feel as if he doesn't deserve to be happy. This feeling of loss of self worth is a tell-tale symptom of depression. Having a feeling that one will never get what he wants, in other words having no hopes whatsoever is also a strong symptom.

In addition to having no pleasure, the loss of interest of finding pleasure; dropping things that once gave enjoyment. These symptoms show just how depressed someone can be. It is like being in a mess and having no feeling of getting out of it. It leaves a person with nowhere to go.

Consistent fatigue, always being tired: the loss of interest in the minds of people suffering from depression has drastic effects on their physical energy. They don't feel like doing anything, they don't eat or sleep adequately.

There is so much of the negative stuff going in one's mind that he finds trouble trying to concentrate. He gradually becomes inefficient in terms of his memory and also being indecisive are trademark symptoms that a person is in depression. His lack of interest in everything makes him backward and not up to date, as a result he tends to lose track of things that happened or people said. Sometimes it also leads to the person being inattentive. There is a category of symptoms which if visible call for an appointment with a doctor: inadequate or excessive sleep, regular breaking of sleep at wee hours, losing appetite or excessive eating shows ones lack of energy.

Thinking about committing suicide, talking about death, about ones intention to die are clear symptoms of depression. In addition one becomes restless and irritable as a result of poor mental health. Small disorders such as headaches, digestive disorders, various body pains, etc. are also the result of depression. All in all we can say that an unwell mind has its effects on all body parts and causes problem in most activities that a human undertakes ranging from eating to sleeping.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

You're Depressed Because You Are Ugly? It's Not Your Fault


I do know of some people who suffer from depression because they dislike their external appearance. This may happen because their friends always make sarcastic remarks of their looks all the time.

If you are an example of such a victim, I must make you realize that loving your body all begins with your physical self. Break your body into several component parts. Make a list of what body parts you find objectionable. Start from the top and go all the way down. Make a very long list.

Now, you have picked the physical attributes that you dislike. If they are parts of the body that can be changed, make changing them one of your goals. If you feel depressed because you have a big stomach, flabby thighs or arms, make huge efforts and commitments to change those.

Of course, there may be some parts that you disapprove and cannot be changed (for example, your physical features). They can be viewed in a totally different light. If you are not the person who is depressed due to such issues and you are reading this article now, make an effort to highlight to the depressed patient that he is letting other people dictate what is attractive for him/her. Whatever parts of the body that he/she doesn't like, is actually contemporary society's definition of external beauty.

As a medical practitioner, I have always felt pity for such patients. When they sink into clinical depression due to such reasons, it is very hard for them to be honest with themselves about self-acceptance. Therefore, I try to use orthomolecular psychiatry instead of prescribing anti-depressants for such people to lead more fulfilling lives.

Depression and Alternative Treatments


While everyone has experienced depression in one form or another, with clinical or other forms of major depression, sadness and other symptoms that present themselves are intense and last for longer than what is considered normal.

There are roughly 19 million American adults living with major depression. Because depression can become a serious medical illness, it requires professional care. Although depression can be mild, it is highly complex in nature, and one that should not be taken lightly. If one is feeling the symptoms of depression for longer than two weeks, speaking to a doctor or online doctor and/or setting up an online medical consultation and/or appointment is recommended.

There are several forms of depression, which include major depression, mild depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), and postpartum depression. While there are online doctor consultation services available for patients to discuss depression or symptoms of depression, seeing a certified doctor or psychiatrist in person is by far the best way to find the right solution for the specific condition. However, there are several online doctors who can offer insight into the causes and methods of temporary depression treatment that may be beneficial to one until he or she is able to consult with an offline medical professional.

The symptoms of depression vary - one may experience five or more of the following for at least a two-week period:

o Persistent sadness, pessimism
o Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness
o Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex
o Difficulty concentrating and complaints of poor memory
o Worsening of co-existing chronic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
o Insomnia or oversleeping
o Weight gain or loss
o Fatigue, lack of energy
o Anxiety, agitation, irritability
o Thoughts of suicide or death
o Slow speech; slow movements
o Headache, stomachache, and digestive problems

Qualified online doctors will inform that traditional forms of treatment for depression include antidepressant medication and/or psychotherapy. While these forms of treatment have proven effective, there are several successful alternative methods that treat depression as well. Some of these alternatives include:

o Acupuncture - Acupuncture has been found to dramatically reduce the symptoms of depression, especially in those who have not found antidepressant medications too helpful.
o Biofeedback - This is a technique used that encourages people to watch the signs that their own bodies give them, such as blood pressure, weight, etc. in order for the people to learn about what they can and cannot control about their bodies. This technique is known for its calming effects on the mind and body of the depressed individual.
o Homeopathy - Homeopathy is a system of medicine that is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances - typically in pill form - that triggers the body's natural system of healing. Trained homeopaths will match the most appropriate medicine to the patient.
o Dietary monitoring - This is a proven way to reduce the effects and symptoms of depression by following the belief that "you are what you eat." By changing diets and eating better, people, in turn, generally feel better and see a difference in their daily lives. A combination of a healthy diet and exercise has an incredible effect on depression.
o Aromatherapy - This form of alternative medicine dates back thousands of years ago. Different scents are formulated to calm or soothe the depressed individual.
o Natural vitamin supplements - these have been known to work in reducing the effects of depression by balancing out the body naturally.
o Color therapy - Similar to aromatherapy, this form of therapy focuses on sight rather than smell, and has been proven to reduce stress and bring a sense of comfort to depressed people.

Online doctors and other physicians are knowledgeable about the several ways to go about reducing the effects of depression, and suppressing the symptoms through simple changes at home. Watching diet and eating healthier, along with taking the proper vitamins can make a tremendous difference in attitude, drive, and happiness. With the combination of diet, exercise, and vitamins, aromatherapy and/or color therapy can account for an even bigger improvement in the lifestyle of the depressed individual. Additionally, the availability of online doctor consultations to discuss such conditions is also extremely beneficial.

Acupuncture, homeopathy and aromatherapy typically require the expertise of a professional - but are nonetheless easily accessible in this day and age of modern medicine.

Bipolar Disorder and Manic Depression Explained


What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression is a mental illness in which an individual alternates between states of deep depression and extreme euphoria. However, Bipolar or manic-depressive illness is much more complex than just alternating between depression and elation. Bipolar disorder affects thoughts, feelings, perceptions, behavior and even affects how a person feels physically (known clinically as Psychosomatic Presentations). Bipolar disorder has been subcategorized as Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Bipolar NOS, and Cylcothymia, depending on the type and severity of the mood episodes experienced.

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (commonly known as the DSM-IV because it is in its fourth major edition) indicates that Bipolar Disorder is defined by the occurrence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood (clinically known as mania) or mixed episodes often accompanied by depressive episodes. These episodes are commonly separated by periods of "normal" mood, but in some cases, depression and mania may rapidly alternate (rapid cycling). Extreme manic episodes may lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

Bipolar Symptoms

Mania/Hypomania:

Mania often begins with a sense of heightened energy, creativity, and social ease; these feelings can quickly progress to an extreme and continuous elevated mood involving an exaggerated sense of self-esteem and/or irritable mood. When in this state, individuals become more physically active, talkative, easily distracted, and show a reduced need for sleep. In most cases, people aren't aware that anything is wrong and may also enjoy the feeling mania brings. Judgment becomes impaired resulting in greater risk-taking behavior including overspending and sexual activity. In sever cases, the person may also hallucinate or become delusional; this is known as a psychotic episode.

Depression:

Depressive symptoms are intense, pervasive, persistent. Feelings may include:

* despair

* hopelessness

* frustration

* anger

* irritability

* worthlessness

* guilt

* loss of energy

* limited interest in normal activities

* changes in weight

* difficulties with sleep

* slowed thinking

* difficulty in making simple decisions

* and in serious cases, thought of suicide

Bipolar Treatment

There is not one simple answer to treating Bipolar disorder. Effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of many things.

* Education: Understanding bipolar disorder is essential. Individuals must educate themselves of its general signs and symptoms so they can better identify and understand their moods. Learning about treatment and triggers is a critical part of illness self-management. With this knowledge, people with Bipolar disorder and their families are better equipped to prevent future relapses.

* Medication: Bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness, and therefore, people require medication as a form of long term treatment. Most people need a number of medications to manage their symptoms and maintain wellness. Finding the right "cocktail" of medications can take several months, or even several years, before finding a successful combination. It is crucial that this process is closely monitored and discussed with a psychiatrist. There may be a strong urge to discontinue use of medication when feeling better; the majority of the time this behaviour leads to a relapse. The main categories of medication used include the following: mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, and anti-anxiety medication.

* Psychotherapy & Support Groups Psychotherapy and support groups are highly recommended, especially during the first year or two following diagnosis; this, in combination with medication greatly increases your chances of finding a stable healthy life style. Both professional and peer support provide insight in the form of personal stories, effective treatments, and coping strategies. Knowing you are not alone is effective treatment in itself.

Bipolar and Stigma Many people delay seeking help and treatment for bipolar disorder because they fear being labeled as crazy, dangerous, or even contagious; they fear what friends, family, and employers might think. There is still a social stigma attached to having a mental illness, but social attitudes are gradually changing. One of the most challenging aspects of stigma, following diagnosis, is self-stigma. This internal stigma results in believing devaluing attitudes and blaming oneself for the illness. Some strategies to counteract stigma include better understanding what stigma is and how it affects people, as well as sharing experiences and coping strategies within peer support groups.

Unsure Whether You Are Suffering From Clinical Depression?


According to psychiatrists, one is considered to be suffering from clinical depression when he or she succumbs to a deep feeling of sadness that lasts for a long time without any apparent reason. When a person finds himself or herself brooding all the time and is overcome with pessimistic and negative outlook towards just about anything, it may not necessarily mean that he has depression. For one to be concluded to be clinically depressed, this condition has to occur for a prolonged period of time. When a person feels that they are insignificant in life and will amount to nothing, despite all the signs to the contrary, then this could signal depression.

Let us examine a few types of depressions:

Bipolar - An abrupt change in one's metal stat. An example is when one moves from being very joyful to being very cynical.

Postpartum- This is common with expectant women who may suddenly be overcome with acute anxiety. These mothers may even reject their babies or say that they do not remember giving birth.

Dysthimia - This type is usually more moderate than the others. While it is not considered as serious as the others, it should nevertheless be treated as quickly as possible.

Cyclothemia - This is common with people who live a high-stress lifestyle. It used to be a rare type but is becoming very common. It also manifests in abrupt mood swings and extreme cynicism.

The Seasonal Affective Disorder - As the name suggests, this type of depression is seasonal (occurring in winters, summers, spring). Sometimes, people feel that they are stuck in a rut especially during winters. It is also characterized by sudden changes in mood during these.

Clinical depression is basically a medical term which the doctor will use more often to describe the mental state or the condition of the patient showing symptoms of depression. Clinical depression is actually a very common disorder and cannot be really classified as illness. In any case, the person affected must be administered to come or the other treatment to cure it.

The doctors advise that the person suffering from clinical depression should be treated as soon as possible. Although, it is a clinical disorder, it is curable if the right treatment s provided at the right time. Any person suffering from the same can easily recover and be in a state of good mental health after the completion of a proper treatment. The success rate for a patient being perfectly all right I above eighty percent which is quite positive. Thus people should never be ignorant of this disorder and should act responsibly by getting the proper treatment from a good therapist.

You might have some queries in the initial stages of your treatment or might just want to know about the problem and its treatment. For this purpose the health center should be your first choice. Of course, you can always consult books on psychiatry from any library. The easiest information access tool is internet, which is easily available and free. On the contrary, taking medication or subjecting yourself to treatment on internet without prior consultation of a psychiatrist is strictly not advisable. Clinical depression is one of the less sever forms of depression but still, care should be taken to undergo a treatment from an experienced therapist.

Psychotic Depression


Depression does not only let you feel sorry for yourself, but also it can make you see, hear things, and think illogically. They are not losing their minds, but rather they are what you call people with psychotic depression. Approximately over 20 % of people who are admitted to the hospital for depression state suffer from what is called psychotic depression. On top of the depressive symptoms of depression, psychotic depression also include some psychosis features such as hallucinations, seeing and hearing things that aren't present or delusions, irrational thoughts and fears, which most patients with mental condition are suffering from.

The difference between psychotic depression and other mental condition, such as schizophrenia, is that although they are experiencing the same symptoms, which are the hallucination and delusion, the ones with psychotic depression usually know that the thoughts they're having aren't exactly real. In other words, they may suffer from these symptoms, but also they are well aware that those are not true. The main reason why this type of depression is difficult to diagnose is because sufferers of this condition maybe ashamed or embarrassed about what they are going through and therefore would choose to hide them instead.

Having a single occurrence of psychotic depression can increase your risk of bipolar depression, recurring episodes of psychotic depression, and worse - suicide. That is why you should be aware of possible symptoms of this type of depression. Here are some of the symptoms of psychotic depression that anyone may experience:

Anxiety

Agitation

Psychosis

Physical immobility

Constipation

Intellectual impairment

Insomnia, and more

Since there are worst scenarios of how things will turn out with psychotic depression, immediate attention and treatment should be given to the patient. The treatment for this type of depression may take a longer stay in the hospital and close follow up by a mental health professional to keep track of the recovery progress. Anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications have been known to effectively alleviate the symptoms and are still widely used, but natural remedies can also be taken into consideration to help speed up the recovery. The natural remedies I am referring to include proper diet, which requires eating anti-depression food, daily intake of multivitamins and anti-depressant vitamins, such as B vitamins; exercise; avoid foods that can aggravate your condition, like coffee and sweets.

Treatment is very effective for people with psychotic depression condition. Usually within a year, one can recover from this sickness, but needs to continue medical follow-ups. Also, be aware that if symptoms of psychotic depression has been experienced and determined, proper treatment must be established as in other major depressive illnesses; otherwise, risk of suicide is great.

Some Ways to Improve Depression Without Medication


According to the Alternative Medicine Encyclopedia, depression is:

"Mental illness characterized by a profound and persistent feeling of sadness or despair and/or a loss of interest in things that once were pleasurable. Disturbance in sleep, appetite, and mental processes are a common accompaniment."

Clinical depression, which is far beyond just the popular meaning of "being depressed", it may be diagnosed by a health care professional after the condition described above, lasts for at least two weeks straight.

What are the symptoms of depression?

According to the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario, some signs and symptoms of clinical depression include, but are not limited to:


  1. Loss of interest in things one used to enjoy

  2. Feeling sad, blue, or down just all the time

  3. Feelings of constant restlessness

  4. Feelings of being worthless

  5. Pronounced changes in appetite, which may lead to rapid weight loss or rapid weight gain

  6. Lethargy

  7. Feeling anxious

  8. Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep; or, sleeping too much (more than nine hours a night on a regular basis)

How to overcome depression?

Here are five tips


  1. Start your day in a positive way. One of the very best ways to do this is to get up and do some kind of physical exercise--yoga, or going hiking, running, or bicycling out of doors.

  2. Create the habit of having adequate hours of sleep, eat in a balanced way, and get physical exercise at some point at least four days a week.

  3. Start building your self-esteem. Remember low self-esteem is a symptom of depression. If you have scars from your past that bring on negative thoughts about yourself, talk to close friends, a priest, or a counselor about them. There is no reason for you to feel inadequate.

  4. Learn to manage stress. Too much stress can weigh you down. It can be tricky, but get away from the things that are stressing you out for a while, or confront the problems causing the stress--don't just passively accept it.

  5. Make sure to see your family doctor to determine if you might need to talk to a psychiatrist. We want to avoid drugs for depression if we possibly can, but they might be necessary in some situations.

Some natural cures for depression

While there are times when pharmaceuticals are the best answer for depression, they are very over-prescribed, and they typically come with side effects that nobody wants. It's best to try to cure depression through other means first; for these other means are most often the best response to depression.

Herbal medicine: For instance, the herb St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a well-known stress-reducer, and this can lead to a remedy for depression. Other herbs that work like this include Valerian and ginseng. Talk to someone who practices homeopathy for guidance.

Bach Flower Remedies. Named after Edward Bach, a highly respected English doctor, homeopath, pathologist, and bacteriologist who came to distrust the isolationism of orthodox medicine, Bach Flower Remedies are medicines used to balance negative mental states and emotions.

Aromatherapy. This is an "alternative" treatment that uses the scents released from highly concentrated essential oils that are extracted from plants to treat symptoms and assist in the healing process for a wide range of disorders and illnesses. Consult an experienced practitioner.

Massage. Massage is being prescribed more and more for stress relief and for nervous system health in general, even in the workplace. Higher levels of health are associated with lower risks of becoming depressed.

Vitamins. Vitamin supplements, specially The B-complex vitamins, help to increase health and energy level, which prevent the risk of becoming depressed.

Conclusion

If you are concerned that you may be suffering for chronic depression, do not substitute this tips for medical advice. Consider all of them, but also talk to a doctor.

American Dreams of Cheese Lead to Traps: Of Mice and Men and The Great Gatsby


Like a smoking hot cheese pizza, it is nearly impossible to evade the seduction of the American Dream. As tempting as it is, eating too much of the pie will only make you sick, or worse, in Gatsby's and Lennie's case, lead to a fatal end. It is a concept that without doubt will show up on the AP English Literature Exam, so make sure that you prepare your dough correctly.

F. Scott Fitzgerald was a man who was conflicted by the trappings of the American Dream, which is perhaps made most apparent in Great Gatsby quotes. As Nick poignantly assesses at the close of the novel, Gatsby's yearning for the green light at the end of the Daisy's dock, aka Daisy, was really "the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us" (9.149-151). In other words, Gatsby's desire for Daisy will never be fulfilled, just as the wealth and prosperity that he has obtained will never enable him to escape the past. Although American capitalism is theoretically a system in which every citizen can pull him/herself up by his/her bootstraps, theory does not translate to reality: just like gambling, the small possibility of winning breeds insatiable want. Although Gatsby in theory obtains the American Dream, his bootstraps are weighed down by bootlegging. Who could blame him? In a world where old money ruled the East coast, he had to cheat to get there. Unfortunately new money did not guarantee acceptance in those days, and Gatsby's obsessive desire for love, wealth, and social standing resulted in his death.

On a larger scale, the lust for wealth during the Roaring Twenties resulted in the squeaking thirties: The Great Depression. Of Mice and Men looks at the American Dream from the flipside: that of the extreme poor trying to make ends meet in the biggest recession in history. Their dreams are so far away, that they are mere fantasies. Curly's wife is a wannabe Hollywood movie star, Lennie and George are aspiring ranch owners, and the rest are rogues hoping for a big break. Even before they get the pizza, they are dreaming of the toppings. In one sense, it is a way for them to get through their destitute, downtrodden lives, but in another, it is false consciousness dragging them down into despair.

In this day and age, the American Dream is as alive as ever. Reality shows like American Idol and America's Next Top Model drive it home. As the film Confessions of a Shopaholic proves, consumer culture stays alive even in a recession; Visa and Mastercard make sure of that. Yet, despite its shortcomings, the dream shines before us and lights our way in the dark like a full moon, that even if it is only an illusion of reflected light, drives us forward. As Fitzgerald writes, with a dose of cynicism, "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." In other words, if you deny your past, chasing dreams, or even obtaining them, will never be fulfilling. Perfect your homemade crust before running down to the California Pizza Kitchen.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Diagnosing Clinical Depression - The Official Guide


In a recent article, we had a very general look at depression; comparing the symptoms to other mental conditions and showing how careful doctors must be to make certain they diagnose the correct illness.

We also had a look at how cures appear to have come full circle from Anton Mesmer's day to the present, with the FDA approving the use of magnets to 'cure' depression.

We have the vision of some poor individual with a couple of whacking great ingots of iron on either side of their face, wires going everywhere, and eyes going in circles. A good cartoonist would have a field day with this!

Now, on to diagnosing clinical depression. I'm listing this 'official' guide for the diagnosis for depression in a rather truncated form, in part because I don't want to copy it word for word, and also because it makes for pretty dry reading. There are nine symptoms in all, and they're prefaced by the following.

'Five or more of the following symptoms have been present during the same two week period and represent a change from previous functioning. (i.e. prior to the depression setting in). At least one of the symptoms is either depressed mood or loss of interest in pleasurable pastimes.

1. Being in a depressed mood for most of the day, nearly every day.

2. Markedly diminished interest in (almost?) all activities which were previously enjoyed.

3. Provided you're not on a diet, then significant weight loss or weight gain may be experienced. The patient's appetite decreases.

4. Insomnia or hypersomnia, (oversleeping), nearly every night.

5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day. (The patient either shows increased energy through agitation or their pace slows right down).

6. Fatigue and loss of energy every day.

7. Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.

8. Diminished ability to think and concentrate.

9. Ideation of suicide. (This has to be most carefully watched. All firearms should be hidden, as should as many poisons as possible, although of course there are so many household cleaners that may be used. My personal view is that the patient should be hospitalized as soon as clinical depression is diagnosed, if only for their own safety).

The comments in brackets are my own, either by way of explanation, or through personal experience.

Now, it goes on to state that 'depression can be diagnosed if the symptoms cannot be attributed to bereavement.'

Grieving is a natural response, so therefore depression is simply an out-of-place natural response. So what about the idea that depression is caused by some chemical imbalance in the brain? Wouldn't that make the feelings accompanying bereavement a chemical imbalance in the brain too?

Take it a step or two further and it makes all our emotions chemical imbalances.

Automatic Car Wash Case Study - Phoenix Depressed Crime Ridden City Location on Major Street


Not long ago, I was discussing some of the challenges of setting up a completely automatic car wash system to run remotely in a depressed suburban area of Phoenix, adjacent a rather nice gated retirement communicate (enclosed mini-city). Now then, there is no real commercial property available inside the gates of the retirement resort community, so, the only place to put such a car wash would be nearby where there is available land. Luckily, there is available land and relatively inexpensive which is necessary for a proper ROI. Okay so, let's talk about this scenario for a moment, is it a wise choice or business to go into?

Well, in this particular case study, the potential entrepreneur wants to build a business with a good solid cash flow and put an all automated car wash on a busy street in the area adjacent. It turns out that I do know the area well. But alas, I asked the entrepreneur; isn't there some crime around there, the neighborhood seemed somewhat sketchy last time I was through, as if the little area there survived the time-warp, real estate run-up, and the severe collapse now. Didn't they catch a terrorist or two near you too? What about drug gangs, etc. Don't you have some crime there?

It turns out they do have significant crime there, but he was unaware of this fact. The property now has a small house on it, so I asked; is it zoned to run a business there? Are you in the county or city where you are? Can you get a second on the house to finance the upgrades or would you "start small and finish big" in this case? Unfortunately, he explained that the property alone isn't worth enough to get a second on once the house is torn down. But the city has re-zones the area for light industrial, retail, and auto services - perfect.

Since the area is somewhat depressed there is a good labor supply there available, and the property is a nice corner spot on two main cross streets. Another challenge is the city has some sewer treatment challenges in their past history which could also be a factor. Also with the city upgrades there could be diminished land due to sidewalks and turn lanes, so the acreage which is now one-quarter acre could be cut further limiting space, that could be a problem too you see.

Now then, my point in this case study is that just because you think that an automated car wash is a good cash flow business doesn't mean it can't get you into hot water trying to navigate turbulent waters, government bureaucracy, and/or unforeseen challenges. Even the best small business world in the world comes with risks. Please consider all this before starting a car wash business of your own.

Anxiety Muscle Fatigue - One of the Major Symptoms of Anxiety


Approximately, 6.8 million adults worldwide are affected by anxiety and the symptoms of this psychological state of mind can prove to be rather crippling. Anxiety muscle fatigue is one of the most stressful and troublesome symptoms of anxiety that bothers people suffering from anxiety the most. It is believed that genetics, neurological imbalances and past-life experiences combined with anxiety are the main cause of this condition that is experienced by people.

How Does Anxiety Cause Muscle Fatigue?

Difficulty concentrating, interrupted sleep patterns, irritability, muscle tension and fatigue, and restlessness is among the most common symptoms of anxiety. If people experience any of these symptoms, particularly muscle fatigue, because of unknown reasons and for a prolonged period of time, then will be a wise decision to go and see a doctor. Basically, anxiety results in an increase in the production of the stress hormone and this is why people suffering from anxiety experience increased fatigue in their muscles. The energy levels in the body decrease if an individual continuously feels nervous, threatened and worried, and this is why they ultimately feel fatigued if they are too anxious. Even lifestyle factors can contribute to this condition. Thus, being overworked and undernourished can also lead to this condition as well.

Anxiety Muscle Fatigue and Cramps

People suffering from severe anxiety typically suffer from cramps and fatigue, since these among the main symptoms of this issue. Currently, there are millions of people in the world who are suffering from anxiety and a majority of them even experience muscle pain because of this problem as well. Anxiety basically brings out acute inner tension in people and muscle pain they feel is a common symptom of this. People suffering from anxiety, who also experience muscle fatigue, tend to become rather hopeless because of the pain and restlessness they have to endure. Thus, the physical pain that is experienced as a result of anxiety can only be reduced if the anxiety is treated first.

Prolonged Anxiety Muscle Fatigue

People should definitely seek medical assistance and go visit a doctor if they have been experiencing muscle fatigue from the past two weeks or so. Fatigue and weakness are two absolutely different feelings and should never be mixed with each other. Usually a lack of muscular and physical strength is experienced by people who are feeling weak. Weakness makes it difficult to move the arms and legs, while pain can also be experienced. On the other hand, people who are feeling fatigued will feel exhausted and tired, as if they need to rest. Usually, some larger issue tends to be causing these feelings and in many cases they are either a symptom of anxiety or depression. Thus, in order to treat this condition, this symptom must, firstly, be evaluated so that the cause can be ruled out.

How to Treat Anxiety Muscle Fatigue?

Using antidepressant medication is one way of treating muscle fatigue that is being caused by anxiety or depression. Both the physical symptoms and the psychological issues related to anxiety can be treated in a variety of ways. This condition caused by anxiety should never be ignored because this will only lead to further mental stress. Without adequate physical strength, managing mental issues can become quite difficult. The anxiety or depression that is causing this condition can be treated through dietary changes, counseling and regular exercising as well.

People might have to undergo evaluation by a healthcare professional if the muscle fatigue is persisting, and the cause cannot be determined. Once the healthcare professional determines whether anxiety, depression or some other mental condition is causing this condition, they will then recommend the appropriate treatment for it. The muscle fatigue can turn extreme, and the everyday aspects of life can be affected by other symptoms that will begin arising if anxiety that is causing the fatigue is not treated on time.

The feelings of muscle fatigue can also be combated in some easy ways, such:

- Visiting a counselor and seeking advance to deal with stressful situations
- Drinking at least eight glasses of water everyday
- Joining a meditation or yoga class
- Eating a balance and healthy diet to keep energy levels maintained
- Balance the intake of calcium and magnesium

If nothing works, then the best treatment plan for anxiety muscle fatigue can be determined by a qualified doctor.

Understanding Ways to Control Endometriosis and Combat Depression


Millions of women around the world suffer from endometriosis. But the pain is only part of the anguish. Endometriosis can also cause depression that in some women may be quite pronounced and difficult to manage. When a condition like endometriosis persists on a month-to-month basis, it impacts your lifestyle in a very significant way. It's important for you to know how to control endometriosis so that you can reduce your risk of encountering depression and live a more enjoyable life.

How Endometriosis Occurs

Endometriosis is still a puzzling condition for many medical experts. It is a common condition that affects women during their reproductive years. It involves the displacement of endometrial tissues that line the inner area of the uterus.

Endometrial tissues form inside the uterus during every menstrual cycle, providing a cushion for a fetus should a woman get pregnant. If she does not conceive, the uterus simply sheds the lining as part of her menstrual period.

Endometriosis occurs when microscopic endometrial tissues grow outside the uterus, usually attaching themselves to the surrounding reproductive organs.

Sometimes, endometrial implants can even extend to the intestines and bladder and in some rare cases, can also grow in the lungs and on the skin. These misplaced endometrial tissues still function as those inside the uterus do, and will still be driven by hormone stimulation.
Because the implants continue to grow, endometrial tissues will break down and bleed during each menstrual cycle causing pain and internal inflammation and scarring.

Dealing with this month after month can also lead to feelings of depression. These feelings can spiral downwards as endometriosis is a progressive condition and the symptoms worsen as time goes by.

Controlling Depression in Endometriosis

Endometriosis tends to be a chronic condition; but that doesn't mean that women have to endure depression each month. Depression can be described as a feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness, everyday life becomes a struggle and people tend to lose interest in the world around them.

One of the main triggers of feelings of depression in women who have endometriosis is their inability to manage or stop pain. Others include poor nutrition, hormonal fluctuations, a lack of exercise, problems with your sex life, lack of emotional support from family and partners and not trusting your health provider.

Pain is the overwhelming symptom of endometriosis and can cause chronic pelvic pain, pain during menstruation, painful bowel movements, and pain during sex, and lower back pain and painful urination during periods.

All this pain can really start to effect your overall quality of life with work, social and sex lives being disrupted on a regular basis.

One way to tackle the pain is through taking pain relievers with both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These medications can be in an over-the-counter form or you can speak to your doctor about a stronger prescription medication.

Hormone treatments or oral birth control pills may also be prescribed to control ovulation and help in reducing pain and depression. Hormone treatments have been shown to be effective to at least 80% of women, but results vary from one woman to another. Depending on how a woman responds, her relief can last for several months or longer.

Birth control pills are only effective for women who do not plan on getting pregnant. A combination pill containing progestin and estrogen is frequently used. Birth control pills work by controlling ovulation and prevent endometrial tissues from swelling, effectively reducing pain and allowing the growths to diminish and inflammation to reduce. This method is not as popular these days because of the availability of other treatments, but it may offer relief from pain and depression for some women suffering from endometriosis.

Surgery is another option you can consider for reducing endometriosis pain. Surgeons can remove the errant tissues that grow outside the uterus using laparoscopic surgery. This can bring relief, however it may not last, as many endometrial implants are so small and so they get missed and the endometriosis returns.

Keep reading to find out how to deal with depression and to sign up for our free newsletter on tackling the symptoms of endometriosis naturally.

While you are seeking treatment for the pain, there are a number of steps you can take to combat depression.

Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling and whether they have any suggestions for medication or lifestyle changes. See if you can get a referral to a therapist that deals with women's health or people with chronic pain. That way they should have the right kind of knowledge to help you.

Try and find other women suffering from endometriosis. Sharing experiences can help and knowing that you are not alone makes a big difference. Isolating yourself away from the world will only exacerbate the depression. Talk to your family and partner, ensure they understand exactly what having endometriosis means. Give them a copy of this article! Once people realize the implications of having endometriosis they should be more flexible with their demands on you when you're have a bad day symptom-wise.

As you can see, there are a number of ways to control endometriosis and any associated depression. Start with your doctor to learn more about which of these options is right for you.

Eating Chocolate To Help Prevent Depression?


Did you know that Chocolate can help prevent Depression?

We've all said it, "I feel so depressed!" Most of us have down days, but when those down days become weeks, months or even years that is when it becomes depression. Depression is defined as 'an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts that affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself and the way one thinks about things.' (medterms.com). For many years people have looked to chocolate to boost their moods on a blue day, but there are some studies that say that chocolate can actually worsen the original depression. Why would that be, when eating chocolate seems to make so many people so happy? Well the answer is confectionary chocolate that is so popular in America is high in sugar and appears to have a rebound effect, meaning it may boost your mood for a short time, but then makes your mood crash even faster and harder than before. The mood boosting effect from the chocolate is reversed by the high amounts of sugar. That's why The Doctors Chocolate can actually help prevent and fight depression, because it uses the sugar alcohol zylotol instead of sugar.

Phenyl ethylamine (PEA) and Serotonin

Your body makes a compound called Phenyl ethylamine (PEA), known to elevate your mood by releasing dopamine in the pleasure center of your brain. One of the biggest anti-depressant medications Prozac and its natural counterpart St Johns Wart are intended to raise serotonin levels. PEA, serotonin and even the ecstasy molecule are a lot alike chemically, in the fact that they all calm down unpleasant feelings and boost your mood. That's why one of the signs of depression is drug or alcohol abuse, because people turn to these for comfort from their bad feelings. That's why it is so refreshing to hear that eating a couple of The Doctors Chocolates can give you the same feeling without being dangerous to your health. In fact you'll be healthier for eating it!

Depression healed by Natural Remedies

Most health professionals will agree that most cases of diagnosed depression can be cured by natural remedies such as diet and exercise. Sometimes all it takes is eliminating something harmful from your diet that will get rid of the bad feelings and make you healthier in the mean time. Dark chocolate has so many health benefits, that helping with your depression is just a happy side effect. Try eating some of The Doctors Chocolate next time you are feeling blue to start feeling happy again.

Of course if you are having severe depression that does not respond to doctor recommended diet and exercise changes, than talk to your doctor about getting medical treatment. We all know that it is always better for your body and health to try to heal with natural remedies, but if your feelings of hopelessness have you turning to drugs, alcohol or thoughts of suicide, please seek medical help immediately.

Depression - Reasons, Symptoms - What Can You Do?


Depression is a state of mind in which a person goes into extreme sadness for longer time and becomes very unstable. The person suffering from depression may feel really low and depressed all the time. There are many reasons due to which a person develops such a state of mind. Anyone suffering from depression need to have very warm any loving atmosphere around. It is a serious illness that can have affects for a longer time. Such an illness can affect the daily life of the sufferer. Depression is a common illness found in our country. The number of women suffering from depression is more than the number of men suffering from this disease. Depression can affect people of any age, including children. It is also considered as hereditary illness. It is very important to cope up with this illness. The family and friends of the sufferer has to provide with good and loving atmosphere around so that the patient is free to express his feeling with others. Psychiatrist should be consulted and proper medication should be given to the patient so that he/she can cope up with depression.

There are different stages of depression such as mild depression, moderate depression and severe depression. It is good to cure the illness at early stage. Mild depression is a stage in which the sufferer can cure himself without any outside help by reading good book. In the second stage i.e moderate depression one can talk about it with friends and family and can be cured. Severe depression is the worst kind of all, as it takes longer to get cured. Special effort are made to get a patient out of severe depression. At times the patient tries to commit suicide in this stage. The person suffering from severe depression should consult a psychiatrist as soon as possible. When the number of symptoms are more it means that a person is suffering from severe depression.

DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS-The symptoms of depression are when a person feel tiredness, loss of appetite, depressed, lack of energy, etc. A person suffering from depression lose interest in the things that he used to enjoy. Through these symptoms depression can be diagnosed. The patient should consult a psychiatrist should be consulted. There are no tests that can diagnose depression but questionnaire are used for diagnose. The signs of depression are when a person starts feeling helpless, low self-esteem, feeling of guilt. In women when changes to the menstrual cycle starts taking place, it also symbolizes illness.

Depression is a kind of illness that can be cured. Person suffering from should share his/her feelings with others. Consulting a psychiatrist is the best way to deal with depression. There are various therapy treatment through which one can overcome his/her depression counseling can also help the patient. There are certain medicines, which can be consumed by the patients under the guidance of the doctor, through which one can overcome depression. Some of the medicines are cipramil, cipralex, anafranil, etc. There are some side affects of these medicines that can overcome with passage of time.

There are different kinds of depression such as bipolar depression, manic depression, etc. Bipolar depression is a condition that affects one's mood and results in swinging of mood. If one is suffering from bipolar depression than he/she can have episodes of feeling very high and very low.
Manic depression is a kind of depression whish is quite similar to bipolar depression. In this kind of illness the patient feels very high at times and gets very excited or the patients becomes really low and sad.

Therefore depression is an illness in which a person goes in extreme sadness and its curable.