Healing Depression With Sound

Clinical depression with its symptoms of despair, guilt, exhaustion, pain and anxiety is a debilitating condition. Severe sufferers struggle with a reason for living and some attempt suicide. Rising rates of teen suicide raises the alarm that depression is out of control and growing rapidly. It has been predicted by the World Health Organisation that by 2020 depression will be a greater threat to human health than heart disease or cancer.

Socially, this can be seen as a reaction to the current state of the world, uncertainty or pressure to perform. At a biochemical level it can be seen as an environmental and chemical crisis, causing an imbalance in brain chemistry. The effectiveness of antidepressant drugs indicates that neurochemistry is a major causal factor.

Chemistry can be changed through psychological attitude, by drug treatment, or by a gentle vibrational stimulation, to bring about balance, such as that delivered in sound therapy.

The Bridge of Sound

Can a balance in the brain be achieved naturally through sound? The brain of a depressed person is much less active than normal and this can be seen on an MRI. There is less processing than there needs to be for healthy functioning.

This would account for the feelings of lethargy, slowness and lack of excitement a depressed person feels. The part of the cortex associated with conscious emotion is over active, while the part concerned with generating action is under active. This results in the depressed person feeling a lack of motivation or inspiration to do anything, while being swamped with emotion.

It is an interesting fact that when asked to think of something sad, women generate more activity in their emotional brains than men do. This increased power of emotional imagination may make women more easily prone to depression than men.

Dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter is necessary for physical motivation and the ability to act. A lack of dopamine is seen in Parkinson's patients and accounts for their tremor and their inability to generate the desired physical activities. Sound Therapy has been found to motivate people into more activity, and has assisted people with both depression and Parkinson's , so it is possible that it helps to stimulate dopamine production. Excess dopamine on the other hand is found in hallucinogenic cases and has been implicated in Schizophrenia. Hallucinogenic drugs are thought to work by stimulating the dopamine system. There are also reports of sound Therapy helping people with schizophrenia, so it may also help regulate excess levels of dopamine and keep the right balance in the brain.

Another very important neurotransmitter is Serotonin, responsible for feelings of happiness and well being. When we look at the effects of serotonin it looks like a list of reported sound therapy benefits. Listeners report an increase of good feeling, serenity and optimism. We also know that sound therapy affects sleep. A considerable number of people have reported a decrease in chronic pain and high blood pressure. Some have reported weight loss due to reduced appetite. All this implies that sound therapy may be improving the production or absorption of serotonin. It could therefore be considered as an alternative to Prozac, which acts by enhancing serotonin levels.

In his book Cultivating a Daily Meditation, The Dalai Lama has written:

In this modern age, Western Science has much knowledge about matter, but it seems very limited concerning consciousness. Without deep knowledge of consciousness the usefulness of even full knowledge of matter is questionable.

Could it be that sound brings us to a more aware state of ourselves by holding our attention? Richard Davidson and a team of researchers found for the first time, that a short program in "mindfulness meditation" produced lasting positive changes in both the brain and the function of the immune system. The findings confirmed the researchers' assumption: the meditation group showed an increase of activation in the left side part of the frontal region. This suggests that the meditation itself produced more activity in this region of the brain. This activity is associated with lower anxiety and a more positive emotional state.

The right brain is typically more involved with negative emotions and fearful, mournful or pessimistic feelings. People who experience severe left brain strokes often react as if they have undergone a tragedy, even if they suffer mild disabilities as a result. In contrast, those that have their right brain affected by a stroke sometimes seem unaffected emotionally and remain cheerful despite serious disabling effects. Sound therapy may be achieving the same effect increasing the dominance of left brain function and taking precedence over the parts linked to negative emotions.

The Future of Sound Therapy?

Music is a miniature of the harmony of the whole universe, for the harmony of the universe is life itself, and man, being a miniature of the universe, shows harmonious and inharmonious chords in his pulsation, in the beat of his heart, in his vibration, rhythm and tone. His health or illness, his joy or discomfort, all show the music or lack of music in his life. Azrat Inayat Khan, Mysticism of Sound and Music, 1996.

People accept the calming or stimulating effects of sound and it has been absorbed in our psyche. Could we make the leap of imagining that carefully directed tones, used like lasers, forming deep contact with the patient could be used as preparation for medical treatment, surgical operations, and fine tuning or balancing of the total organism - physically, emotionally and mentally? All that the patient would need to do is simply listen.

Bipolar Disorder Facts - When It's Bipolar Depression Disorder Or Bipolar Affective Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects all kinds of individuals. Adult and children alike are affected by the condition. This is a fact you will have to understand. Women suffer the most from the type of depression known as bipolar depression disorder.

This is not so strange or far-fetched in any case, because even when women suffer from regular bipolar type of depression or depressive disorder, they often spend more time depressed than they do being manic. This is not to say that only women are depressive; men also are and they can be affected by the condition.

Bipolar type of disorder is also known as manic depression because it is a mental condition in which you interchange often between phases of mania and depression. When you suffer from bipolar depression type of disorder on the other hand, you don't spend as much time being manic as you spend being depressed.

This depression form of disorder, you must understand is easy to misdiagnose as bipolar disorder because of the similarity of their symptoms. As a result, the doctor may have to keep you around for lengthy periods when they are trying to diagnose you condition. It certainly will not be flattering to either of you if you got treated for the wrong thing.

Bipolar affective disorder is just another name for bipolar disorder or manic-depressive illness. However, you don't want to mistake it for bipolar depression disorder. This is closely related, with all the symptoms of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, but very few, if any at all, of the mania.

Manic Depression Revealed

Bipolar Disorder also known as manic depression is a disorder that falls into the family of depression or mood disorders. Mood disorders effect how a person feels and is totally different to a disorder such as schizophrenia that make it hard for a person to distinguish whats real from what isn't.

Mental disorders or illnesses are not the type of problems that a person can easily overcome, they are not something that they asked for. They can't be overcome by willpower because they are problems that effect the brain. With proper treatment a person suffering with a mental illness such as manic depression can learn to control their symptoms and regain their quality of life.

Manic depression is an illness or disorder that affects a persons mood, one moment they can have a greatly elevated mood ('Manic') followed by a period of feeling low ('Depression'). Its perfectly normal for someone to have high and low moods but someone suffering from manic depression experiences greatly exaggerated highs and lows. Because manic depression is a chronic condition these episodes may come and go but they never truly go away untreated.

Someone in a manic phase of their depression may have a very high self-esteem, they may take risks that they would not normally take such as abusing drugs and alcohol or driving in a reckless manner. They may spend money in a way they wouldn't usually and its not uncommon for them to have a higher than usual sex drive.
Manic depression may also make someone suffer from sleep deprivation making them seem angry or irritable, this is due to them having an increased energy level making them feel high.

A person in the depressive stage of their illness is vastly different from the manic stage in that they suffer from feelings of hopelessness, guilt or even wanting to die. A change in appetite, a decrease in energy and an increase in the ability to make decisions can occur. Stomach aches and headaches is also a common part of the depressive state of Manic Depression.

In the United States more that 15% of all illnesses are mental illnesses. This equates to more that all forms of cancer or problems associated with drug and alcohol addiction. If you know of someone that has been diagnosed with manic depression then they are in good company. It is estimated that around two to 4 percent of the worlds population of 222 million suffer from some form of manic depression.

Treatment of manic depression.

Its not common knowledge but there is no cure for manic depression, but the symptoms can be treated and controlled by the use of medication. Acute symptoms caused by severe episodes of mania or depression are treated with some specific medication whilst other medication is used to prevent future episodes from occurring. These types of medications are referred to as 'maintanance threrapy'.

In addition to medication, people with manic depression can benefit from psychotherapy as part of their treatment process. The therapy process is good because it can make someone come to terms with their illness and see exactly what it means for them. Because of this, someone can better understand how their illness or disorder effects their relationships with their family and friends.

If the person undergoing treatment is having a depressive episode the therapy may help them to adopt some thought processes that are positive instead of the negative ones that they have that make them depressed. They may be able to recognise when a manic or depressive episode is starting and seek out the appropriate help quickly. If other family members attend the therapy too they will better understand the disorder and may too be able to help in the future.

Manic depression is a chronic but treatable mental illness. Getting proper treatment is key to having a good quality of life.

Making Choices - Dating a Bipolar Man

Are you dating a bipolar man, or have you ever been in a relationship with a person, affected by the disorder also known as manic depression? Last night, I went out with a man in Raleigh from Match.com, who is attractive, creative, successful, extremely intelligent - and bipolar -- which I found out on our first date. According to WebMD, "About 5.7 million adults are living with bipolar disorder in the United States."

Before meeting in person, my date and I chatted by phone and text messaged each other. Over the phone we got along pretty well, and appeared to have a great deal in common. When he invited me to go out to dinner with him I happily agreed. We decided to try a chic little Asian restaurant downtown that happens to be new.

While eating our citrus braised beet salads, my date started discussing his last serious relationship. I picked up my glass of white wine, and as I was sipping it, he uttered three words I will never forget.

"I am bipolar," he said.

I almost dropped the glass of wine.

"Oh really," I responded trying to sound perfectly at ease with his statement.

He began talking about being a bipolar man, but he stated it was not, "that big of a deal." My date also indicated that he is fine, and that he does not take any medications or engage in treatment. After his declaration, I found myself thinking about his statement -- and honestly I was caught off guard. I was unsure what to think or how to feel.

I am not going to pretend to know a lot about dating a bipolar man or the actual disorder. I dated a person with pretty serious emotional issues in the past, and it was certainly not the most peaceful time in my life. Perhaps I am judgmental, but I simply know I am not equipped to act as a pseudo therapist, for a person who needs the guidance of a trained professional.

Respect and Personal Choices
I will say I actually respected my date more for telling me that he is bipolar on our first date. I was appreciative of the fact he was so open, and that he was honest enough to allow me to make a choice about dating a bipolar man. I think that more people should embrace that sort of honesty and openness. I definitely realize that nobody is perfect, so I focused on enjoying the rest of the evening, and getting to know more about him.

Life is all about personal choices, and earlier today after a great deal of thought, I made a choice of my own. I came to the conclusion that I definitely do not want to pursue dating a bipolar man.

What is Bipolar Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide."

Causes
WebMD states, "Though the exact cause of bipolar disorder has yet to be found, scientists confirm that bipolar disorder has a genetic component, meaning the disorder appears to run in families. Some research suggests that multiple factors may interact to produce a chemical imbalance in the brain, which results in bipolar disorder's symptoms of major depression and mania. Examples of environmental factors may include stress, alcohol or substance abuse, and lack of sleep."

My Dating Experience
Ultimately, bipolar disorder can be treated, but I am not willing to gamble on someone else's mental health, in the context of my next romantic relationship. I may sound like a harsh individual, but I have been there done that -- and I have no desire to pursue it in the future.

I am very intuitive and also sensitive, when it comes to personal relationships. I do find that depressed people negatively alter my own usually positive well-being. In the typical Piscean manner, I will take a friend's issue and make it my own. It is almost as though, I identify too deeply with what they are experiencing or feeling. Luckily, the majority of my friends are extremely upbeat, "glass half full" people.

I am moody at times, but my mild mood swings are boringly predictable - hunger and PMS.

Making Contact
When I contacted my date today, I again stressed that I had a very nice time with him and I thanked him for a great date. Although I was not exactly sure what to say, I decided to be upfront about my concerns. I told him that I was not sure if I could date a bipolar person, based upon my own dating history. He inquired about the specifics of my last serious relationship, and I said I did not want to go into it. Really I felt like it would be too much information at that point, considering I did not intend on dating him in the future. He then made a statement that actually reassured me regarding my decision.

"They tagged me as a bipolar man. I never believed it. I am actually more of an Aries."

I am not quite sure of the correlation there, but needless to say I am not going to try to figure out what he means while dating him. Yesterday, on our first date, he felt like being bipolar was significant enough to share his disorder with me over dinner. Today he is trying to act like it was a misdiagnosis, and he is just a stereotypical Aries.

I am going with what he initially revealed to me, in order to avoid the likely confusion and "emotional roller-coaster" down the road.

Bipolar, Aries, who knows? I am definitely choosing to not go there in a dating environment. We did agree to continue as friends, and to hang out in the future. He is a good guy, and while I am not willing to take on a romantic relationship with him, I would love to work on just being friends.

Sources

NIMH: Bipolar Disorder [http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/what-is-bipolar-disorder.shtml]

WebMD: What causes bipolar disorder?

Mental Illness - A Mother's Worst Nightmare

We hear much about bipolar disorder in the news these days. It is just one mental disease among many, but it seems the time we hear most about it is when some terrible crime has taken place. I know there are millions of families broken apart by mental illness. When one member of the family is ill, it has a profound effect on the rest of the family. In other words, mental illness is a family disease. (Most of these brain disorders have been around for a long time, but now they have new names. For example, Bipolar Disorder used to be called "Manic Depression".)

When I was growing up, my best friend's mother was mentally ill. She did very strange things before she was committed to a mental institution. For example, she would stay up all night washing the walls, ceilings, floors, dishes and clothes in pure bleach. (I learned never to drink out of any of those glasses!) My friend and her siblings all suffered, but learned to think of it as normal.

Now, many years later, my friend accepts many things as normal that I never would, like having her grown children and their children living with her. My friend is in her sixties, and still, she is playing "Mommy", just as she did in her family of origin where she was the oldest. Her mother was diagnosed as manic-depressive, along with a myriad of other mental problems. Obviously, she also had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Such is usually the case with the mentally ill. They rarely have one problem, but several. Anxiety, OCD, suicidal tendencies, and many other disorders usually accompany bipolar disorder.

I have other friends (and a couple of relatives) who also deal with bi-polar disorder in their grown children. It has torn these families apart, or at least altered what used to be normal. Daughters and sons swing from quiet, sometimes loving people into bizarre vitriol and hatred against their parents, threatening to hurt or kill them, and all without any warning. Or they go to a dark bedroom for days on end, too debilitated by hopelessness to even eat. To say it makes life tense for these families would be an understatement! One relative just breaks my heart every time we talk. She has talked to numerous "experts", but still can make no sense of her daughter's unpredictable vitriol. What makes it so hard for her is that this daughter is extremely intelligent, talented, and extraordinarily beautiful (she is a model). This is often the case with the bipolar.

As we study history, we find out many of the most talented musicians, poets, writers, and artists were either bipolar or schizophrenic. They fluctuated from angry, suicidal depression to the polar opposite of feeling omnipotent. It was usually during the manic state that creativity flowed, either constructively or destructively. Often drug abuse caused their conditions to worsen. And many of them self-injured and/or committed suicide.

Remember Vincent van Gogh (the artist) and the infamous ear-cutting episode? He put the lobe of his left ear into an envelope and gave to a brothel wench named Rachel with these words: "Guard this object carefully." After he tried to drink a quart of turpentine in his studio, he was sent to the asylum at Saint-Remy on May 7, 1889. The doctors began to treat him with hydrotherapy for acute mania and epilepsy. A precise diagnosis of Van Gogh's illness is still unavailable, despite hundreds of conjectures. But mental illness was prevalent in his family.

Herschel Walker won a Heisman Trophy for the University of Georgia in 1982. He was third on ESPN's list of the greatest college football players ever, unveiled this year. But according to ESPN and the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Herschel Walker will reveal that he has multiple personality disorder in a book scheduled for an August release by Simon & Schuster. It is called "Breaking Free" and will cover Walker's life with the disorder.

Mentally ill people operate at different levels of functionality. Some, high functioning, still live seemingly normal lives, at least in public. This is most likely when they are consistent with medications; however, not wanting to lose the "highs", many bipolars either refuse, or quit taking the meds that would balance their moods. Other mentally ill people must be confined to institutions.

I once watched a person with bipolar disorder declare, arms outstretched, "God is standing before you today!" It takes a terrible toll on families, especially mothers, because it is the mother who is usually most affected by her baby's behavior.

There are those who believe all brain disorders are nothing more than demon possession. These same people think epilepsy is also demon possession. They based their opinion on Matthew 17:14-16, 18

14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him." ( a: Literally moonstruck) 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.

I do hope reading about brain disorders will give you a different perspective on what seems to be a fearful or confusing subject. While parents must protect themselves, they must still exhibit love while trying to maintain equilibrium. Often, the mentally ill child will not accept the love; however, it is imperative that parents do not take this personally. Studying the subject of whatever disorder your child has will enable you to understand more and pray with understanding.

I have a friend, Charlene Collins, who is a retired nurse. She also has a mentally ill grown daughter, and she has written much about it. She has given me permission to refer to some of her articles in these pages. So if you are being affected by OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Dissociative Disorder, Epilepsy, or any other mental disease in your family, read on.

People who have mental illnesses are not crazy . They have a brain disorder. People with mental disorders don't just have one thing wrong with them; they have

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder? The illness is what is commonly called "multiple personality disorder" (MPD). This is a psychological disorder characterized by having one or more alter personalities...

The Suicidal Mind [As a child, my own mother couldn't study in school because she never knew if her mother had succeeded at suicide that day.]

If you have an overwhelming drive to wash your hands, or to wipe off surfaces after someone touches them, spend several minutes adjusting a picture on the wall, or continually fixing the fringe of a throw rug, chances are you have a condition known as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Understanding People Who Self-Injure

(Thank you, Charlene.)

2008 April Lorier

Depression Natural Cures - Lift Your Mood Nauturally and Quickly !

Depression is an illness, and it has been shown to affect no less than 6% of any sample population (America for example) at any given period.

The percent may indeed be much higher at times of stress. Many sufferers need medical attention; as the depression does not just go away on its own, here we are going to show you some simple natural cures.

Depression has basically three levels of severity; mild, moderate, and acute (meaning severe).

Mild depression is described as the sufferer having difficulty in with their normal daily activities.

moderate depression disables the sufferer to function properly at their work or in private life.

Acute depression can produce a condition that interferes with a person's ability to generally function normally. This in tern can also produce collateral symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations, and can eventually lead to suicide.

There are of course, many synthetic pharmaceutical remedies for depression.

Some are very well known and have been used by doctors for some time. They do, unfortunately have their own adverse side effects, such as dependency (thus withdrawal symptoms. An example is Paxil, were the US, FDA is now requiring the manufacturer to state the drug has severe withdrawal symptoms).

Happily, there are several natural ways to lift depression, and some aren't even medicines at all. See below a list of what is being used (some very successfully against depression).

oKriya Yoga. This is a form of Yoga that uses a type of rhythmic hyperventilation, and its daily practice has been shown in studies to alleviate several or all of depressive symptoms in whole ranges of depressive symptoms.

oBright Light Therapy. Originally a test and treatment for depressed pregnant woman, the Bright Light Therapy has also been used to treat SAD (seasonal affective disorder), where the sufferer has a depression due to the season's lack of sunlight.

oSt. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum). This is a long-studied, and well tolerated natural herbal cure for depression.

St John's Wort contains a variety of natural antidepressant substances including, hypericin, pseudohypericin and hyperforin. These work at the root of mild depression, boosting neurotransmitter function and returning your mood to normal.

It may not work as fast as the pharmaceutical alternatives, but there are NO side-effects, and in time (perhaps 6 weeks) are just or more effective.

oEPA. This is one of the Omega-3 fatty acids, derived from fish oil. Recent studies show high does of this natural substance are curing acute depression, even suicidal tendencies.

oSaffron. New studies have indicated that saffron (long known for its anti-depressive qualities) is as effective as imipramine and Prozac.

oDL-Phenylalanine (DLPA), is now considered by many doctors an effective antidepressant. This herbal remedy for depression works by raising phenylethylamine (PEA) levels in the brain increasing the production of Norepinephrine. This natural antidepressant also protects and increases the lifetime of Endorphins (chemicals involved in mood and pain regulation). DL-Phenylalanine converts to L-tyrosine in the body.

oL-Threonine is an essential amino acid. In several studies, L-Threonine supplementation gave people with acute depressive symptoms a greater control over their moods.

o5-HTP. This is an herbal remedy for depression that is also the immediate precursor to Melatonin and Serotonin. Serotonin gives a neurochemical balance during times of stress, and is essential to regulating mood and other important bodily functions.

* Skullcap (scutellaria laterifolia). ) Skullcap is rich in the minerals that are essential for the nervous system. This herbal remedy for depression is also used for agitation, neurasthenia, anxiety, fatigue, hysteria, and headaches, Skullcap as an herbal remedy for depression is useful to relieve withdrawal symptoms when going off of pharmaceutical antidepressants and tranquillizers.

As you can see, there are many alternatives to the synthetic, and possibly harmful drugs now given to relieve depression.

Drums Along the Mohawk - 1939

Introduction

Synopsis

The film stars Henry Fonda farmer Gilbert Martin, who, in 1776, has returned with his wife, Lana, to his small cabin in the Mohawk Valley. At first uneasy to deal with the harsh physical challenges of frontier life, Lana adjusts to farm work and is soon able to help her husband in the fields. Shortly after they learn that the colonies are at war with the British, their farmhouse is attacked and burned to the ground by a party of Tory-led Indians. The energetic Widow McKlennar hires and shelters the couple, but soon after the Indians invade their community once more. Thus, men join the militia and try to win their independence from Britain, and defend their community against the crude wilderness and its dwellers. In the end, the war has finished and the Old Glory is on the top of the church tower. The American nation is born.

Cast

This 1939 Western adventure is directed by John Ford, and is one of his typical looks into the American history of the frontier. The story is based on a book with the same title by Walter D. Edmonds. Its music is composed by Alfred Newman. The actors include Henry Fonda as Gilbert Martin, Claudette Colbert as Lana, and Edna May Oliver (with her typical role play as an energetic masculine woman).

Setting

The film is made in 1939; however, it is a broken mirror through which to see the American Wars of Independence. The American frontier life during the colonial period, with all its hardships and dangers, is the theme of the film. One American community is built in the Mohawk Valley in New York and the people have farm-life there. Although of the Revolutionary American era, the film mainly focuses on how whites and Indians encounter each other, with obviously depicting the Indians as untamable savages who have no mercy on white colonists.

Analysis

Any historical account is informed by personal taste and prejudices. Reviewing history books gives us knowledge of the story of colonial America becoming a nation. No doubt, the accounts by different historians differ in details, but the essence remains significantly the same in almost all of them. However, to learn history form the viewpoint of the silver screen is another story.
Steven Mintz in his review of the book "Past Imperfect: History According to the Movies" -edited by Mark C. Carnes- talks of the "films' role in the construction of cultural memory". In the so-called "United States of Amnesia" the history is easily distorted, disfigured, clad-in-love scenes and presented to the audience; beautiful it is to notice how the audience digest it as authentic. If you have a look at the non-professional review section in http://www.imdb.com you will find the tragic reality come true. Many have found it a historical narration. Some have even advised history fans to go and watch it! This is the process of constructing "cultural memory" by an insignificant film of 67 years ago up to the present. This is "gap of representation" in the medium of movie.

Mintz also quotes the distinguished anthropologist Anthony F.C. Wallace criticizing the inadequacy of the film even in reproducing the original book, by adding that the film is a failure in "its depiction of Native Americans as stupid or savage killers...." The simple binary division of good/bad, savage/Christian Indian is one of the greatest flaws of the film, though the audience might endorse it.

Being Ford's first color film, Drums along the Mohawk, nonetheless, is a failed attempt to convert black/white coloring of the story into a gray continuum of characterization. All American whites are heroic able-minded men and women who withstand hardships to witness the birth of their nation. They are simple villagers, but in their hearts, they surrender to the savage wilderness; they are, in case of Lana, well-bred people who adjust to the situation for the sake of unity, love and future of their land.

The other issue of high import is that in a colonial community of immigrants inevitably different European origins have a stake; but in this film barely you might come across a German or Irish immigrant within the community. This clearly proves the partiality of John Ford.

The other interesting point about the movie is the same theme of patriotism, fear of Indians and other invaders and the military power of the immigrants during the colonial period. Set in the time of the American Revolutionary War, the film is not only a means of
re-presenting history, but also indicative of what is going on in the time film is being produced.
Such social factors as the Great Depression and the World War II had their influence upon the narrative of the film; Americans were confused as what their role was both internally and universally; and this was the time when more than ever myths came to help the American psyche find its way.

According to Ziauddin Sardar and Merryl Wyn Davies (American Dream, global Nightmare, 2004, p.32)American history is infused with fears and threats, and the American film industry takes the responsibility to remind Americans of such fears, when needed. Thus, it is regarded as a myth-making device on the eve of the Second World War. Americans should first be scared, and then called into action.

Back to the issue of Indian Americans, it is evident throughout the film that only one Indian is presented as good, one who is Christianized and helps the colonists. Others are heartless giants who are stereotypically malign, blood-thirsty and stupid. Ward Churchill, in his paper "Smoke Signals: a History of Native Americans in Cinema", points to this fact that Indians are depicted so because they have never had any voice in American film industry. Interestingly, he makes it clear that even when Indians were given trivial roles they were ordered to wear heavy bleaching make-ups in order not to annoy the audience.

The last point is that while the song "My Country" (which is heard at the last scene of the film as a sign of American nation being born) is a patriotic one, it highly resembles the British national anthem. What this might convey? Of course, Ford is no fool not to understand the similarity of the two. Instead it seems that in 1939 it signals a future possibility of the United States becoming ally to the Great Britain in the World War II. Also, it adds to the patriotic theme of the film, thus provoking the patriotic emotions of the Americans on the brink of WW II.

Conclusion

Highly propagandist in nature, Drums along the Mohawk is
well-situated on the eve of the Second World War. The American psyche once anointed with fear gets flexible before being introduced to a new missionary period. The Indians represent the European enemies, while the colonists are the contemporary Americans who should join the militia to defend not only their country but also their very values.

It should be noted, however, that the film is worthy of being seen; not only because of its implications but also because it is one of the first color films ever produced.

4 Tips on Being a Happy and Relaxed Person

Being a happy and relaxed person these days has become more and more difficult with financial and other issues to deal with which prevent us from doing life's important things. Stress and general ill-health brought on by psychological disorders are more prevalent today than at any other time in history. Now is the time to look at yourself honestly and ask exactly what is it do you want from life that will make you a more happy and relaxed person?

Really focus on the things that will make you happy and more relaxed until such time as they become reality for you. The only difference from people that do and people that don't is the state of their mind, period. The good news is that we all have the choice to change it whenever we really want to. Just changing this one aspect of your life, albeit a powerful one, will make you a happy and relaxed person, guaranteed.

I hope that the few tips below on being happy and relaxed will assist in helping you to decide to change for the better and forever:

Tips No. 1 - Being As relaxed and happy as you want is a personal choice

The song "don't worry be happy" is very difficult to listen to and stay miserable at the same time purely from the tone of the music. Music is therefore a great way to not only make you more relaxed but to put you in a happy state of mind. Music has been scientifically proven to assist in this area for many years. It is to do with the tone and the way they act on your brain.

Tips No. 2 A Happy And Relaxed Person = A Person Who Lives Longer And Livelier

Visualization of all the good things in your life will, over time, change the way you thing about life resulting in a happy and relaxed disposition. Stop focusing on those things that make you miserable and start to stop taking the good things in your life for granted i.e. source of income, family friends and pay them as much attention as you do to news and gossip about what is wrong with the world. What the mind focuses on and therefore believe in becomes your reality. You choose. Staying relaxed and to some extent happy has great medical benefits in reducing stress, strokes, high blood pressure, gastric problems etc etc.

A great quote that I will always remember is "The only thing in life, that will always remain the same, is change". Think about that one for a moment and see where it takes you. The magical thing about our minds is that we have the ability to change in an instance and go off in a different direction and improve our entire life, just through chosing to do so.

Tips No 3. Friends And Family

We, by nature, are creatures of a social nature and being around people who have the same outlook on life makes us feel comfortable, happy, safe and relaxed. Sometimes however it is easy to get into a negative mind set around such people and remain in the social group just because it gives you a sense of belonging to something, even if it leads you down the path of negative though manifestation on a constant basis. Take the gossip group at work for instance. A lot of people hang in these groups and belong to them but what is it doing for their chances of living a happy and more relaxed life, absolutely nothing.

Tips No 4. Super Tip To Increase Your Chances of a happy and relaxed way of life.

It's so simple. Change your mind/thoughts will change your life. Make a conscious decision today, convince your subconscious that you are a relaxed and happy person, stick with that line of self conversation and watch yourself change from the inside without having to consciously be involved in the process.

What needs to be done is that a reprogramming of your mind need to occur which alters your current paradigms (habits) into ones which get you were you want to go and make you the sort of person you want to be. The mind is a great and powerful thing and people should generally be more careful what they expose it to as once something appears in your subconscious it will remain in there.

One last quote, this time from Mr Abraham Lincoln. It goes life this "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be". Just go over that a few times and see where it takes you.

Negative Effects of Morphine on Human Body and Brain

Morphine is a potent opiate analgesic drug that directly effects the central nervous system. It is generally prescribed to manage pain after surgeries. It has neurotoxic effects on brain and is very addictive. Many people are getting addicted to Morphine unaware of its adverse effects on health.

Side effects
There are many side effects which result because of the Morphine abuse. The side effects of Morphine abuse include constipation, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, histamine release, pruritus (itching), flushing, dry mouth, excessive sweating, abdominal pain, somnolence (sleepy or drowsy feeling), hypotension (low blood pressure), euphoria (feeling of intense bliss, joy, excitement and happiness) etc. Some of the major side effects of Morphine are:

Constipation
Morphine reduces gut motility which results in constipation and it inhibits nitric oxide generation. Morphine reduces gut secretion and increases intestinal fluid absorption which leads to constipation.

Inflammation of the liver
Morphine abuse can cause Hepatitis C or inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C virus can be generally found in intravenous drug abusers. Morphine complicates hepatitis C by suppressing the immunity and also enhances the hepatitis C virus replication. Morphine abuse ultimately leads to progression of the disease.

Addiction
Morphine is a very potent and highly addictive drug. It can cause psychological and physical dependence. It mainly activates the brain's reward system. The ability of the Morphine is that it chemically alters the normal functioning of the reward system which leads to Morphine addiction. It is also said that it takes only a few days for an individual to get addicted to it.

Tolerance
There will be rapid tolerance to the analgesic effect of abuse of Morphine in abuser. Because of its high addictive nature, the Morphine abuser needs higher and higher doses to maintain the same effect of the drug.

Withdrawal
Sudden withdrawal of Morphine abuse leads to prototypical opioid withdrawal syndrome, suicide, heart attacks, strokes, seizures, dehydration, muscle twitches, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, muscle and bone aches, loss of appetite, involuntary urination etc.

Overdose
Morphine overdose is a result of intentional or accidental intake of too much drug. It will lead to asphyxia (condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body) and death due to respiratory depression if the person does not get medical attention immediately.

Effects on other systems and processes
The effects of Morphine on other systems and processes are slow metabolism, moderate blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, acute and chronic effects on the endocrine system, blood, heart and lungs.

Effects on immune system
The Morphine abusers have higher risk of infection of pneumonia, tuberculosis and HIV, as Morphine decreases the immunity. Morphine influences the production of neutrophils and cytokines which are a part of immune system. In Morphine abusers, there is high risk of infections and Morphine also may impair the healing of the wound.

Effects on human performance
Morphine is known as a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant. Early effects of Morphine include slowed reaction time, sleepiness, depressed consciousness, poor performance on divided attention and psychomotor tasks. The late effects of Morphine include inattentiveness, slowed reaction time, poor concentration, greater error rate in tests, fatigue, easy distraction etc.

The long term abuse of Morphine results in deadly effects like brain damage because of neurotoxic effects of the drug. It is a long and painful process to overcome the psychologically dependence on Morphine. There is higher chances of relapse in Morphine abusers after stopping its use. The high rate of relapse testifies the addictive characteristics of Morphine. Hence, it is important to not to suffer from all these problems by getting addicted to Morphine. It only gives small amount of pleasure but later it kills like a slow poison.

Consider Discussing These Manic Depressive Symptoms With Your Doctor

Manic-depressive symptoms run the gamut from barely noticeable to rather severe. They can be rather different from the usual ups and downs of life in that a "normal" person can usually shake them off, while a manic-depressive patient has a much harder time dealing with life's stresses. Very often, manic-depressive symptoms can cause poor school or job performance, damage relationships, and even suicide. However, the good news is that bipolar disorder, which is another name for this affliction, is treatable. Those individuals with the condition can lead normal and productive lives.

Research shows that bipolar disorder, very often develops in a person's late teens to early 20's. About half of those who have the condition, will get it before they turn 25. A small proportion of individuals get their first symptoms in childhood, and another small proportion may develop manic-depressive symptoms later in life.

One may be suffering from bipolar disorder if he or she has several manic-depressive symptoms for the better part of the day. Additionally, clinicians look for symptoms that appear almost daily, for at least 1-2 weeks. Sometimes these symptoms are very serious to the point that one can not function normally at home, work, or school.

In general, manic-depressive symptoms consist of symptoms of mania as well as symptoms of depression. In severe cases, psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions may also occur in patients that have multiple mental disorders occurring concurrently.

Symptoms of a manic episode or mania include:

• Mood changes such as an extended spell of feeling high, or excessively happy or friendly mood


• Extremely irritable mood, feeling "wired" or "jumpy", and agitation


• Behavioral changes such as talking very fast, having racing thoughts and jumping from idea to idea


• Being restless or easily distracted


• Having an unrealistic belief in a person's abilities


• Sleeping little or very poor sleeping habits


• Increasing goal-oriented activities, like working on too many new projects simultaneously


• Behaving recklessly and participating in many pleasurable, risky behaviors


• Impulsive business investments, impulsive sex, and impulsive spending sprees

Symptoms of a depressive episode or depression include:

• Mood changes such as a long-lasting feeling of worry and emptiness


• Lack of interest in things once enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports or intimacy


• Behavioral changes such as feeling "slowed down", worn out or tired


• Difficulty with concentrating, making decisions or remembering things


• Being irritable and or grouchy beyond reason


• Changing one's eating, sleeping, or other habits


• Thinking of suicide or death, or attempting suicide

With the help of friends and family, patient's should not hesitate to discuss any of the aforementioned manic-depressive symptoms with their doctor. Early detection is key to a favorable treatment regimen. Do it today for a better quality of life tomorrow!

The Relationship Between Anxiety and Depression: This May Surprise You

I think everyone would agree that anxiety, depression, and stress all tend to work together to get the best of you and deteriorate your mental health. In my journey towards overcoming anxiety, I have learned that there are actually 7 forms of anxiety and depression that exist. According to psychiatrist Daniel G. Amen, I have learned about these 7 types:

1. Pure Anxiety

This results from too much activity in an area of the brain known as the basal ganglia (responsible for setting the body's idle/anxiety level, combining feeling and movement, shifting and smoothing fine motor behavior, and suppressing unwanted motor behaviors). The most common symptoms are panic attacks, pessimism, conflict avoidance, excessive fear of being judged, and high levels of shyness or nervousness.

2. Pure Depression

This is from excessive activity in an area of the brain called the deep limbic system (serves as the brain's "mood center" and helps set the emotional tone of the mind, directly processes sense of smell, stores highly charged emotional memories, and promotes bonding with others). The most common symptoms include persistent sad mood, restlessness, irritability, feeling worthless, pessimism, sleeping too little or too much, and low self-esteem.

3. Mixed Anxiety and Depression

This is basically a combination of both pure anxiety and pure depression. Thus, both the basal ganglia and deep limbic center tend to be overactive. Both symptom clusters are also present on a consistent basis.

4. Overfocused Anxiety/Depression

This results from high activity in the brain's anterior cingulate gyrus (area of the brain that serves as the "gear shifter" and contributes to shifting of attention, cognitive flexibility, adaptability, and helping the mind going from one idea to another) in addition to an overactive basal ganglia and/or deep limbic system. Common symptoms include excessive worrying, upset when things are out of place or don't go the way you planned, tendency to hold grudges, to hold on to own opinion and not listen to others, and a need to have things done a certain way ("my way or the highway").

5. Cyclic Anxiety/Depression

This is from extremely high focal activity in the brain's basal ganglia and/or deep limbic system. This is a cyclic condition much like Bipolar Disorder in that you can never know when you'll have an episode of increased activity in the basal ganglia or deep limbic system. What really makes this type unique is the cyclic pattern of depression or anxiety. Symptoms will include at least four Pure Anxiety symptoms and/or Pure Depression symptoms plus at least four of these symptoms: periods of delusional/psychotic thinking, periods of irritability/aggression, periods of inappropriate social behavior, periods of marked increased energy, periods of elevated/depressed/anxious mood, and periods of grandiose notions/plans.

6. Temporal Lobe Anxiety/Depression

This results from either too much or too little activity in the temporal lobes (serves as the brain's "memory manager"; also helps with understanding and processing language, memory formation, decoding tone of voice, emotional stability, and temper control) along with too much activity in the basal ganglia and/or deep limbic system. Symptoms usually include short fuse, periods or rage with little provocation, misinterpreting comments as negative, dark thoughts that might involve suicide or homicide, or periods of spaciness/confusion.

7. Unfocused Anxiety/Depression

This is from high activity in the basal ganglia and/or deep limbic system in addition to too little activity in the brain's prefrontal cortex (serves as the brain's "executive center" and helps with attention span, impulse control, organization, problem solving, perseverance, forward thinking, and learning from experience). Symptoms will usually include trouble staying focused, overwhelmed by tasks of daily living, procrastination, always losing things, chronic boredom, and easily distracted.

Chances are you've been taught that you can either have anxiety or depression but not necessarily both. According to Daniel G. Amen's work, it is possible to have some combination of both. This info can come in handy if you feel either you or someone else may be struggling to overcoming depression/anxiety. In another article, I'll cover possible treatments for each type.

Clinical Depression Symptoms Often Lead to Suicide Attempts

There are more than 1.1 million suicide attempts in United States every year. In fact 1 out of 14 Americans will know someone who'll commit suicide this year. Worldwide the problem is even worse, since there are close to 20 million people attempting suicide every single year worldwide. To put this in terms easier to comprehend, that's more or less the entire population of Australia trying to kill themselves every year.

Clinical depression signs and symptoms include problems concentrating or remembering details, fatigue and feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness and irritability. Because of these, patients with clinical depression are a very high risk group for suicide(especially when it's a case of clinical depression in women). So much, that depression is the leading cause of suicide in United States. And since clinical depression, 1 out of every 10 people suffering from clinical depression will end up killing themselves.

As you can see suicide is a major threat and if you are depressed you are at very high risk for committing suicide. Even if you feel you'll never commit suicide, it won't matter. When you fall into the suicidal stage of depression, nothing you think now will matter...chances are you won't even remember thinking negatively about suicide, and will instead welcome death.

The clinical depression test is fairly simple...if you feel depressed for long period of time(more than a day) or have any of the symptoms, chances are you have clinical depression.

Clinical depression treatments usually involve anti-depression drugs...however you can't relax your suicide watch even if someone is taking these drugs. Why? Because the first couple of months the person's system hasn't stabilized yet and the drugs aren't effective yet, and afterwards you always run the risk that the person will simply stop taking their medication(thinking they are cured), which will in turn lead to a suicide attempt since there is nothing stopping them from attempting suicide.

Because of this, if you know someone who is depressed(especially if its adolescent clinical depression), you need to make sure to learn all the potential suicide warning signs, so that you can find out when the person is feeling suicidal, so that you can interfere and help save them from taking their own life. If you yourself have some of those symptoms or are just plain depressed, you need to make sure to make a suicide warning signs guide available to people around you, so that they can learn to recognize potential suicidal feelings in you and help save your life. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, don't let yourself make that mistake.

Natural Cures For Depression, Types, Symptoms and Treatment

Usually depression is related with the psychiatric disorder. In this problem a person is unable to concentrate, loss of appetite, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness, insomnia and feeling of extreme sadness. In some people these problems occur frequently or slowly and in some people this problem is consistently. For some people it becomes necessary to seek professional help. It is the illness which affects our eats and sleeps and affects our body, mood and thoughts.

Types of Depression and their Symptoms

It is related with the mood disorder that comes in different forms. Commonly there are three types of depression which are in majority.

Major depression

It is a combination of symptoms. It includes sad or irritable mood which last for 2-3 weeks. It is a symptom which interferes in eating, sleeping, ability to work and in the enjoyment of one's pleasurable activities.

Dysthymia

In comparison to major depression, it is less severe but long lasting. It includes some chronic symptoms and thus unable the affected person from feeling good. Sometimes it takes the form of major depression.

Bipolar disorder (manic depression)

A group of mood disorders usually called manic depressive illness or manic depression. It involves a cycles of mood that include depression as well as one episode of mania.

Symptoms of Depression and Mania

1. Feeling of hopelessness, pessimism
2. Feeling of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
3. Social isolation
4. Insomnia
5. Weight loss or weight gain
6. Persistently depressing, anxious, irritable or empty mood
7. Restlessness, irritability
8. Difficulty remembering, concentrating, making decisions
9. Crying spells

Natural Treatment for Depression

Exercise or Yoga: Exercise or yoga boost up our mood and it continues to get better for up to 20 minutes. It is observed that jogging for at least 30 minutes in 3 days a week is as effective as psychotherapy in treating depression. Massage therapy and relaxation and deep breathing are also very effective in treating depression.

Clarocet NRI: It is a combination effect of different types of herbs which is very helpful in relieving stress, anxiety and depression.

Meditation or Prayer: To create the capacity of problem solving and to improve our creativity, meditation is very effective technique. Meditation is nothing but an exercise, aiming to prevent thoughts in a natural way. It is performed by deeply relaxing the body physically and then trying to keep the mind completely blank with no thoughts. Only different types of negative thoughts lead to depression. So meditation helps in preventing the negative thoughts to enter our mind.

Recurring Thoughts of Depression Checklist - Are You Clinically Depressed?

Reports say that more than one in five Americans struggle with some form of depression in their lifetime.

Depression is a major issue that affects most Americans either directly or indirectly. If you feel depressed, please realize that you are not alone. Due to the high stress and pressure of living today, most people experience some level of depression during their lifetime.

To help determine if you are suffering a clinical level of depression, please review the following depression symptom checklist to see if you have experienced any of the most common issues associated early depression.

*** Depression Symptom Checklist ***

• Extended loss of energy and interest in daily activities.
• Continually diminishing ability to enjoy life.
• Decreased - or increased - sleeping or appetite.
• Difficulty in concentrating; indecisiveness;
slowed or fuzzy thinking.
• Exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety.
• Feelings of worthlessness; recurring thoughts about death and suicide.

If you are experiencing one or more of the issues on the "Depression Symptom Checklist" and are also experiencing some of the following recurring thoughts, you will need to consult your doctor for a simple and very common evaluation.

*** Recurring Thoughts of Depression ***

- I don't know why I did it!
- I can't stop worrying even when I try.
- My life is always up and down.
- I have no energy.
- I just can't seem to get started.
- Why do I speak without thinking first?
- I need to check it out just one more time.
- It seems I have to work so hard to be happy when others don't.
- I can't believe what I've done.
- What's the point? It's not going to work out anyway.
- You mean I'm not supposed to think all the time?
- I'm not meant to be happy.
- People think I'm weird.
- It's so hard to make decisions.
- If I die, the pain will finally go away.
- But what if I make a mistake?
- I'll never forgive myself, and neither will anyone else.
- I hate myself.
- I think I have a chemical imbalance.
- Something must be wrong with me.
- I get in bad moods for no good reason.
- My mind never, ever stops!
- Things are feeling unreal and I'm afraid to tell anybody.
- I just can't seem to get things finished.
- I deserve to suffer because I've hurt so many people.
- I can't stand feeling like I'm going to die or go crazy.
- It's so hard to listen and pay attention.
- Why can't I have a happy, successful relationship?
- Why do I get myself into so much trouble?
- I feel so empty inside.

If you are experiencing any of the previous thoughts or any of the issues on the checklist on a regular basis, do not worry or panic. You are among friends. You are not crazy or hopeless, and you are not destined to be unhappy forever. You're among millions of new people each year who simply fall out of balance. Although feeling "good" again may seem like a hundred years away, that is not the case at all. You will just need to take some responsibility for your own happiness and make an a point to see your doctor to begin your journey back to feeling like yourself again:

Then, when you get in front of your doctor you simply have to say, "I think I'm depressed." Once you do that, your doctor will tell you all about how depression works and how you can overcome it as quickly as possible. You will simply be amazed at how very hopeful your future becomes just by talking to professional.

No matter if you are for or against medical treatments or psychiatrists, if you feel lost and depressed communication with a medical or counseling consultant is the best way back to feeling like yourself again.

** Epilogue: Don't feel embarrassed to say, "I think I'm depressed." Realizing you are not feeling like yourself and seeing someone about it is a very mature step. Once you do it, you will be on your way back to feeling better every day and in every way.

Do Not Suffer in Silence, Depression is Treatable

Many people experience depression at some point in life. On the whole, women are about 50% more likely to have symptoms than men. This is most likely due in part to the significant hormonal changes women experience. Men do get this illness, but they often do not seek out treatment. Instead, they show their state of mind through anger and hostility. Men are 25% more likely to commit suicide than are women. The elderly are another population that often become despondent and who are, as a group, less likely to get help for it.

This is a real illness, not just a state of mind or something that someone can think themselves out of. There are several causes, including genetics, trauma history, physical illness (such as not making enough thyroid hormone), certain medications, chronic pain and grief.

Depression is a mood disorder in which signals are not passed between neurons normally. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that are in charge of passing the signals between neurons. Neurotransmitter signals may be too weak or there may not be enough of a particular neurotransmitter, similar to a phone line with a bad connection.

Symptoms include lack of energy, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, restlessness, weight loss or weight gain of more than 5% in one month, intrusive thoughts of suicide and death, guilt and feeling worthless and hopeless, general irritability, inability to concentrate, loss of enjoyment of favorite activities, self-imposed isolation, physical pain, headaches or even digestive upset that does not respond to any treatment. Any of these symptoms lasting more than two weeks is cause to see a doctor.

Some common forms of the illness include childhood and postpartum depression, bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Children can be depressed and may not be able to tell you in words what they are feeling. Children most often express what they are feeling through their behavior. Be attentive to any changes in the behavior or your children. Postpartum depression occurs in the first year after giving birth. This manifestation of the illness can be very debilitating and guilt producing. The woman may feel that because she just had this wonderful child she should not be feeling the way she does. This is just not true. She needs to get help. Bipolar is characterized by extreme periods of extremely sad, hopeless moods and mania. It tends to run in families. Seasonal affective disorder most often occurs in people living in northern latitudes with short winter days and long nights.

Depression is treatable. Cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy in combination with medications is a more successful treatment than therapy or medication alone. Eating well and exercising, taking time to relax and regenerate and listening to your body can help ease symptoms and possibly even prevent the illness. Stress management and reduction techniques, such as visualization, meditation and yoga practice are other ways to help manage symptoms. Light therapy is often the treatment method of choice for seasonal affective disorder.

If you think you or someone you know is suffering from this illness and it has been going on for more than two weeks, seek the attention of a doctor. Depression is a real illness that can sometimes be fatal. Remember that it is not your fault. It is a chemical malfunction in the brain that you have no more control over than a diabetic has control over their own insulin production. Remember that depression is a very treatable illness and that there is no reason to suffer in silence.

Dealing With Change in Life: 7 Reasons Why You Cannot Change

We all accept that we should change to catch the day. The world is changing faster than the day before. Dealing with change in life is vital for success. If you want a better life for yourself, you should learn how to deal with change.

I need to change my life, I want to change my life but I do not know how to deal with change.

These are the words more and more people use everyday. Most of us are aware of the need for a change. You think that you can change and you know how to deal with change. Unfortunately, when you need to take action, you feel like frozen. You hesitate and miss the chance to change.

You know the driving forces of change but somehow they are not strong enough to force you take action.

* Your expectations change
* Your desires change
* Your emotions change
* Your knowledge change
* Your goals change

These driving forces step on the gas but there are other forces which put the brakes on you.

If you can learn the forces which are holding you back from change, you can end these reasons and will not miss a chance ever again. Dealing with change in life is only possible if you can decrease the resisting forces.

7 Reasons why you cannot change your life

Admitting that you need to change your life is a powerful start for change. Now you need to discover the reasons why it is difficult for you to act.

1. You get used to your life
   People can get used to everything in life and they are satisfied with it. This is a protection mechanism of the mind. Mind protects itself from depression and anxiety by this way. You can get used to any trouble, problem or any condition. The problem is, getting used to anything means being blind. You cannot perceive the problems as they are or you cannot even notice them.


2. Justify Your Life
   Getting used to your life offers you a strong ability to justify your life. You can justify any problem and you cannot say "I need to change my life" anymore. All the problems fade away with your justification.


3. Leaving the Comfort Zone
   You get used to your life, you justified every problem and now you are living in your comfort zone. You know what you can and cannot expect. Life is casual. There is nothing new, neither problems nor opportunities. You do not need to change your life because you feel comfortable with it.


4. Fear of change
   Fear is the strongest emotion in any situation. You do not know how to deal with change and this is freaking you out. Dealing with change in life brings uncertainty and this means you cannot get ready for something you do not know. Worries about the change use all the power of your mind and you do not have much energy for dealing with change.


5. Social Environment
   You want to spend time with the people who are like you. You share the same problems and you understand one another. You want to be a part of this social environment. There is nothing wrong with it unless they are holding you back from changing your life. You feel too comfortable with them that you do not want to waste your time and energy dealing with change.


6. You do not have goals
   If you do not have goals, you should not worry about anything. You do not need to change anything unless you have goals. You will swing with the wind and accept everything what life brings. That is hopeless. You must think like that: "I want to change my life for better"


7. You are not ready to change
   How can you be? There is no time to get ready for a change. Life is changing so fast that all you can do is to adapt to change. Your mind always find a way for dealing with change.

How to deal with change

Now you know the driving and resisting forces of change. That means you can control these forces. Dealing with change is; increasing the driving forces and decreasing the resisting forces. You have the control of resisting forces. You resist to change yourself although you think you want to change your life. So, you should start the change from inside. You can decrease the resisting forces if you can reach your subconscious with subliminal recordings, brainwave entrainment or affirmations. All of these techniques are great tools to help you overcome your limitations.

Early Sign of Depression Symptoms

Depression can really affect your health. It is the problem not only related to your mind but badly affects your physical conditions. People who remain depressed for long time becomes very selfish and immature because they start to lose hope and they always think in negative angles. We all being human beings feel sad occasionally but people who are depressed feel sad on daily basis. The sadness and hopelessness are associated with the depression symptoms but there are some physical symptoms of depression exist as well in people who are suffering from problem of depression.

To give help to all people who are depressed is not an easy thing to do. When you will try to give them comfort form one side, they will think about the other points and when you will try to overcome other, they will take you in some other direction because they are addicted to remain sad and unhappy and when they feel anything good, they immediately start to think that this happiness can bring something else bad for them. So you need to tell them that they are depressed and it is a disease whose only cure is thinking positively.

The depression symptoms which can bring changes physically are less sleep and change in eating habits. When you do not feel sleepy at nights and on the next day, you want to sleep at work or at your school, you are most probably going towards the depression. Same is the case when your eating habits change. Sometimes, you do not feel hungry at all and sometimes, you feel so much hungry when you are depressed. If you are worried for some reason and if you are seeing depression symptoms in you, you should immediately consult someone to help you sort out your problem. Otherwise, you can suffer from depression. Another physical symptom of depression is lack of energy in body for doing anything. When you suffer from depression, you become lazy because your mind is not supporting you and your nervous system remains inactive for long period. In reaction, you feel less energetic and less willing to do anything. This usually happens when you cry and feel sad for long time. During period of crying, you lose your hopes and energy and the next day, you feel tired and lazy.

Chronic and constant headaches are another symptom of depression. Feeling pain in body for more than week and constant headaches can be taken as a positive step through the depression. Some patients feel constant pains in their body without any reason and when they go for medical check up they see nothing is wrong with them. It happens due to the depression. Sometimes, for this reason doctor's advice you to take some depression control medicines and foods which help to maintain your normal depression.

If you think you are suffering from any of the above mentioned symptoms, then you should take some guidance and help to overcome your depression problem completely.

IELTS - 10 Tips For Passing the IELTS Exam

To improve your score in the IELTS exams, you should focus on the following ten areas:

1. Improve your overall English ability

The IELTS exam has been designed to test your ability to communicate in English, so ultimately you cannot score well without a high level of English. Learning any language is a slow process that requires hard work and perseverance. The best way to improve your English is to immerse yourself in English...take every opportunity you can to read, write, speak, and listen to English. In addition, try to develop regular habits for doing things in English, such as, reading the daily news in English or starting a blog in English. Research shows that it is important to interact in English frequently as opposed to big chunks of infrequent study.

You can improve your listening skills by listening to the BBC news or watching movies. In doing so, try to understand as much as you can about what the speaker is saying, and do NOT rely on subtitles - they only improve your reading! Reading can be improved by regularly reading English newspapers and novels. Try to guess the meaning of words you don't know and only use a dictionary to check your guesses or for words you can't guess the meaning.

Writing can be improved by writing more often...how about starting a blog or joining a chat group or forum. Speaking can be a tricky one if you are in a non-English speaking country. One thing you can do is to record yourself speaking and listen to it for mistakes. Another thing you can do is to try to meet people over Skype - even if they are non-native speakers you can still benefit from this kind of interaction.

2. Understanding the Exam

The exam always follows the same format, so you should learn about the different question types, and how to answer them. First of all you should be clear about whether you will be taking the General Exam or the Academic Exam because the requirements are quite different for each.

Reading: You should know about the different text types that are used in the reading exam, and also the different question types. This will help you develop reading skills and strategies to answer each type of question, and also let you develop time management skills for each question type. Note: many students have trouble completing the reading section and as a result their grade is often lower than their actual level of English.

Writing: All candidates will write a 250 word essay, so everyone should practice writing a complete 250 word essay within 40 minutes. Many students practice essay writing, but they fail to practice with the time requirement - as a result they are unable to complete their essay during the actual exam. You need to make sure you are preparing for the correct type of exam because general candidates will write a letter whereas academic candidates will write a report based on a graph/diagram. Clearly the requirements are different, so the preparation for each type should be different.

3. Understand how the exam is graded.

Although your exam grade is a single number for each of the four section of the exam, this is not how all sections are assessed. In the speaking and writing sections there are four criteria for assigning a grade. Understanding how each of the criteria is evaluated is essential to maximising your score. This is because we should try to give the examiner what they are looking for so that they will assign a high grade! As an example, in the speaking test - you need to use some idioms or some infrequently used language in order to score a 7 for the vocabulary component of your score. As for grammar, you need to use some complex or compound sentences or your score is limited to a 5, in terms of grammar.

How the writing test is graded

Your writing test is graded and marked from 1-9 in accordance with four key criteria, as follows:

Task Fulfillment: this concerns whether you addressed all parts of the question, and also whether you fully developed all parts of your answer.

Coherence & Cohesion: Coherence refers to your writing being easy to understand and cohesion refers to the way it fits together - such as the quality of your sentence structure, paragraphing, and use of connective devices.

Vocabulary: To score highly you must use higher level words, pay attention to collocation, and also control your word endings (correctly use singular/plural and use the correct verb ending for the correct tense).

Grammar: To score highly you need to use a variety of sentence types (simple, compound, complex) and also avoid grammatical errors, such as with articles and prepositions and sentence order especially when they make your writing difficult to understand.

Special Note: In some instances errors can count in two categories; for example, many grammatical errors also result in a lower score for coherence. On the positive, it is useful to learn lots of connective devices because they can count for Coherence & Cohesion as well as vocabulary. Part of your self-study should be aimed at efficiently using your time to maximize your grade.

How the reading test is graded

Your speaking test is graded and marked from 1-9 in accordance with four key criteria, as follows:

Fluency and coherence: Fluency is about your ability to speak at a normal speed without excessive hesitation and restarting. Coherence refers to your speaking being easy to understand.

Vocabulary: To score highly you must use higher level words, pay attention to collocation, and also control your word endings (correctly use singular/plural and use the correct verb ending for the correct tense). In addition you should try to show an ability to paraphrase and use colloquial language.

Grammar: To score highly you need to use a variety of sentence types (simple, compound, complex) and also avoid grammatical errors, such as with articles and prepositions and sentence order especially when they make your speaking difficult to understand.

Accent: Your grade is influenced by the level to which your accent makes it difficult to understand what you are saying, and also the degree to which you use language features of a native speaker such as intonation, stress, and rhythm.

Special Note: In some instances errors can count in two categories; for example, many grammatical errors also result in a lower score for coherence. On the positive, it is useful to learn lots of connective devices because they can count for Coherence & Cohesion as well as vocabulary. Part of your self-study should be aimed at efficiently using your time to maximize your grade.

4. Do lots of practice exams and receive feedback

Doing lots of practice exams is the best way to familiarize yourself with the specific style, requirements, and necessary success factors of the IELTS exam. It is also a way to make mistakes without suffering any penalty. For example, better you find out that you have trouble with the time constraints of the exam before you actually sit the exam. Practice tests also give you insights about the types of questions you will be asked and the answers they require. For instance, many of the answers in the reading exam are synonyms (word with similar meanings) of words in the text. This is useful knowledge because there is usually no point in trying to find words in the answers in the text - instead you need to work on your skill in finding synonyms for these words. This avoids you wasting time looking for words that are not there!

Doing practice exams is not enough. Make sure you maximise the effectiveness of your learning by learning from your mistakes. Try to see patterns in your errors - what kinds of errors are you frequently making? The next step is to learn to overcome these errors. If they are grammatical errors you should do some grammar quizzes focused on that area, an excellent site is at http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar.

Of course if you are doing practice writing exams you will need a professional to give you feedback on your mistakes and how to avoid them. This is not just about proofreading for errors, you may have problems with the way you are structuring your essays. You are welcome to post in the writing section of my forum, which is available on the website connected to this article.

5. Developing skills

In addition to improving your general level of English and doing practice exams, you also need to work on many skills that will help you to perform better on the test. Reading skills such as skimming (which parts you should strategically read) and scanning (best choices for searching for information) are essential to deal with the time pressure of the reading exam.

Writing skills such as how to structure an essay and how to highlight your key points are necessary to score 7 and above. If you are doing the academic test you will need to learn how to write a report based on a graph/diagram - this requires a lot of specific vocabulary as well as a high level of ability in using the correct tense to describe trends. For the speaking exam you need to learn how to structure answers to questions and to quickly paraphrase words you don't know (part of the criteria for level 7 and above) and you will need to develop skills in note making and speech making for the part 2 long answer.

To score well in the listening exam, you should develop excellent pre-listening skills, so that you can predict answers and establish listening objectives. It is also useful to have skills in guessing the meaning of words - as you are likely to encounter many of these!

6. Work on your time management

In the IELTS test, time management is a vital element and so part of your preparation should focus on how you will manage your time in the exam. Candidates who do not perform as well as they had hoped often complain that they were unable to finish all parts of the test.

In order to improve upon your time management, you should improve your general English ability, do lots of practice exams under time restrictions, and work on skills that assist your ability to deal with the time pressures of the exam (such as skimming and scanning in the reading exam).

7. Get a tutor or join a class

If you really want to make progress, especially in a short period of time, you really need to join a class or hire a tutor. This is because a tutor or teacher can guide you on how to prepare for the exam, what skills to develop, and also give you valuable feedback on your practice exams and performance in class. Of course it is better to have a face to face class. However, if for some reason you are not able to meet with someone face to face, I have a low priced online service where we can chat online. My essay correction and feedback service may be of use to you also - even if you already have a teacher; do they have the time and experience to give you the level of correction and feedback that you require?

8. Find a study partner

One of the most overlooked resources of most English learners is a study partner. It seems many people think that they can only practice their English with a native speaker; however, it's not true. There are a lot of mutual benefits of having a conversation with another student or with reading each other's essays. Even though you may be at the same IELTS level you will have different strengths and weaknesses. Also, any kind of practice is still worthwhile because it still gets you using and thinking in the language. Finally, you can help motivate each other!

9. Set realistic goals

Part of knowing the exam and understanding the grading criteria is about knowing where you personally are and what you must do to get to the next level. It takes about 10 weeks of full-time study for most students to rise to the next IELTS level. Therefore if you are a level 5 student, it is not likely that you will be able to get a 7 within 10 weeks. It is best to be working on raising one level. To illustrate this if you are a level 5 student you should be focusing on things like correctly using complex sentences, learning to paraphrase unknown words, and the overall structure of an essay.

10. Establish a timetable and reward system

Based on the goals you have set for yourself you should set up a timetable for reaching those goals. A timetable will help you to push yourself to study and to get through sufficient work to achieve those goals. As mentioned above it takes about 10 weeks of full-time study to raise one level - so if you really do want to jump two levels within 10 weeks, you will need to work twice as hard as a full time student - and study about 10-12 hours per day! If you are gifted it may take less, but don't kid yourself.

Set aside the maximum number of hours you can spare each day to practise English for all four parts of the test. Practice regularly and give yourself a reward between tasks (I like ice-cream!). Take at least one day out of your week to rest and forget the test completely or you will become stale and depression may start to kick-in! Take every opportunity to immerse yourself in English whenever you can. Watch TV and films, listen to the radio, visit English websites and have as many conversations with native English speakers as you can.

Depression Pills - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

The depression pills known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely prescribed medication for depression. SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of a chemical transmitter called serotonin into the nerve cell endings. This action maintains a higher level of serotonin in the brain, which in theory reduces symptoms of depression.

The first drug in this category to find its way to the market was Prozac in 1988 followed by Paxil and a few others. From day one they have been the most popular and some would argue most overprescribed prescription antidepressant medication. Perhaps on reason for their popularity is that their side effects are less severe than older antidepressants (MAO inhibitors) and the consequences of overdose are also much less severe. 

An SSRI is often a doctor's first choice in treating cases of depression. These drugs are also used in cases involving dysthymia and seasonal affective disorder. They usually take from one to four weeks to become effective. While their side effects are not as severe as older antidepressants the list is still very long. Side effects include increased anxiety, fatigue, upset stomach, insomnia, apathy, lack of sexual interest, dizziness, sweating, tremors, dry mouth, weight loss, weight gain and headache.

Additional complications:

*Drug interactions: Taking SSRIs with another type of antidepressant called MAO inhibitors can trigger dangerous even life threatening interactions.

*Suicide in children: The popular SSRI Paxil has been linked to an increase in self harm in children which could possibly lead to suicidal attempts.

*Withdrawal: Abrupt discontinuation of any antidepressant including SSRIs can produce flu like symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, sweating and headache. Sudden withdrawal has also been linked to sleep problems and vivid dreams.

*If you are bipolar just say no: If you have bipolar disorder SSRIs can activate manic states which can involve dangerous behaviors. 

Naming names 

There are currently six selective serotonin uptake inhibitors on the market. They are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft.
 
In summary, if you have severe depression you should consult with your doctor to find the best treatment option for your unique situation. On the other hand many people with mild to moderate depression have found help in the form of herbal remedies for depression containing ingredients such as St. John's wort and Passionflower. These all natural alternatives are very safe and have been shown to be effective as a stand alone treatment or in combination with behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy. Herbs should not be mixed prescription antidepressant medications and you should consult your doctor before changing your treatment plan.

Are You a Little Low on Serotonin or Dopamine? Take A Test!

Ladies, do you feel depressed or overwhelmed by your moods? Men, do you frequently have low energy or can't focus? Did you know that this could be from a lack of serotonin in women and dopamine in men? These are brain chemicals and when they're at normal levels they create a sense of well being and contentment.

Many experts, including among others, John Gray, PhD., world-famous author suggests that we can create health, happiness and lasting romance by following a simple nutrition and exercise routine, as well as putting into practice some relationship and communication skills he recommends. The nutrition program helps the body create more serotonin and dopamine just by giving it the nutrients it needs each day, many of which we're not getting in our foods any more.

Dr. Gray says:

"... works immediately for more than 90 percent of the people who try it. The program is so easy to apply that almost everyone who tries it benefits immediately. Many, under the supervision of their doctors, have gradually gone off such psychoactive medications as Prozac. Thousands of overweight people have lost and kept off their extra weight in just a few weeks. Every day I hear the stories of increased health, energy, successful weight management, and better sleep at night.

Do you know if your serotonin or dopamine level is low? Take a test to see if you're deficient in these vital brain chemicals.

Take this test:

Find Out if you're deficient in the vital brain chemicals that help make you healthy and happy.

MEN:

1) Do you have lots of energy and passion at work but not at home? Work is stimulating and challenging, but when you get home, you don't have energy?

2) Have you found that your interest and passion declined as your relationship with your partner/spouse continued over the years? You find you avoid eye contact, you're distracted, and conversations with her are dull?

3) Are you inattentive and impatient? Have you lost interest in what your partner talks about and can't focus your attention on what she's saying?

4) Are you impulsive? You can't take time to think through a problem or reflect on your feelings?

5) Are you forgetful? Does your motivation drop and you forget, but you can always remember football games, important business calls, or problems at work?

6) Are you solution oriented with your spouse? You always want to solve her problems right away or talk her out of her emotional upset?

7) Are you unavailable emotionally? Do you need to go somewhere by yourself in your home for long periods and you can't devote time to listen to your partner?

8) Do you have tunnel vision? You can focus only on big problems and you ignore the little ones? And even if you know the little ones, you have no energy to put your attention to solving them?

9) Are you bored and have addictions? Are you bored with most normal life experiences and have developed addictions to escape this boredom? Addictive substances or behaviors such as excessive sports, video games, alcohol, drugs, smoking, sugar, coffee, overworking, oversleeping, over-exercising, excessive TV watching?

10) Do you need space and distance after sex? Do you fall asleep right away after sex?

WOMEN:

1) Do you have what Dr. Gray calls temporary amnesia? You're hungry and your partner waits a while to get food. Your blood sugar level drops and during this period you forget any good thing your partner/spouse has ever done?

2) Do you have sudden mood changes?

3) Are you needy at lot of the time? You're less autonomous that normal?

4) Do you give too much...often being driven by feelings of excessive caring, obligation and responsibility for others? Do you fail to give yourself what you need?

5) Are you resentful and hurt when you give too much?

6) Do you have unrealistic expectations, thinking that your partner knows the way you feel and think? (According to Dr. Gray, most men don't have a clue what women think and feel.)

7) Do you feel a need to help your partner even though he may not be asking for help? You're wanting to change him to improve him and you offer unsolicited advice?

8) Do you feel overwhelmed? There is too much to do and too little time to do it? You want to always please others?

9) Are you depressed? (These are signs of depression: chronic distress and despair; strong feelings of guilt and regret; feelings of isolation, abandonment and hopelessness; indifference toward life and relationships; inhibited sex drive; numbness or flatness of feeling; inability to sleep at night; lack of passion or interest; resistance to having fun; unwillingness to make relationships work; chronic fatigue; little or excessive hunger.)

10) Are you obese and do you eat emotionally to avoid or minimize your feelings of depression?

If you answered YES to 5 or more of these, you may have a brain chemical imbalance. And according to Dr. Gray, most of us have DO have an imbalance in brain chemistry.

How do we correct the deficiencies and imbalances that may be creating our feelings of depression and overwhelm, ladies, or feeling lack of energy or not being able to focus, men? The MAGIC KEY for all of us is in our diets...it's what we eat that greatly affects our health, happiness and love life.

Gray says,"A perfect" diet contains no sugar, no dairy, no bread, no processed foods, no hydrogenated fats. While attending with a Nobel Prize winning MD practicing in Mexico, every day, I witnessed patients who stopped addictions without any withdrawal symptoms by means of intravenous amino acid supplementation. Patients could come in high on heroin or cocaine and leave in nine days free from addictive cravings...

"Tears of joy would come to their eyes as they shared how happy they were. For the first time in theirs lives, such patients were producing healthy amounts of brain chemicals. All their unhealthy cravings seemingly vanished."

Gray's quest to find a natural way of getting the amino acids our bodies need so that we wouldn't have to travel to Mexico or get them intravenously. He found a nutrient-dense breakfast meal replacement shake that was rich in the amino acids he was looking for. All he had to do was eat his amino acids.

It is easy to lose weight, because the amino acid supplementation takes away all cravings for extra food. Correct brain chemistry gives us relaxation and endless energy. With this support for our brain, we stop overeating to get more energy or to find comfort. Think about learning more about brain chemistry in your pursuit of optimal health.

Regain Your Life After Depression - The Emotional SOS Approach

What is Depression?

Depression is a condition that can affect anyone, of any age. It can affect a person regardless of their circumstances or life experiences. In fact, one in five people will suffer depression at some point in their lives. It can be brought on by a number of mental and physical factors. Often it is hereditary, or brought on by hormones in the body. Sometimes if a person is not receiving adequate nutrition they may become depressed.

Stress is another known factor as well as drugs alcohol. Studies have also shown that many sufferers of depression have long term sleeping difficulties. Psychological causes of depression due to personal circumstances are very common. For example if someone loses a child or someone related or close to them it can often trigger depression. Other social impacts such as status or reputation can also have an impact on a person's self esteem or create additional stress which can lead to symptoms of depression.

Why do people suffer depression?

Unfortunately, unlike most medical conditions, it is extremely difficult to determine why a person suffers depression and when it started. Many sufferers tend to isolate themselves from social environments or hide their feelings from family and friends. Doctors believe some people are more susceptible than others and their depression can be triggered a lot easier. The symptoms of depression tend to vary between people depending on their personalities and method of coping. A person suffering depression is seen to be experiencing sadness helplessness and hopelessness. These people normally come across as pessimistic and have low self esteem. It can deplete motivation even to the point where the sufferer may not be able to get out of bed.

Some turn to drugs and alcohol?

People can deal with depression in several ways often depending on their personality. Some people suffer low self esteem in conjunction with depression which makes it harder to deal with. These people put themselves down and fail to see and positives which can cause their depression to become even worse. Some people will become angry and antisocial, isolating themselves from their support which can often have a negative effect. Many people, more commonly teenagers and young adults are known to turn to drugs and alcohol. This often exacerbates the situation. These substances are unhealthy and can have mental effects that can exponentially increase the effects of their condition.

Unfortunately, depression not only makes the sufferer feel down and unhappy, it can also affect other areas of their life. Younger people tend drop their performance in school, others at work, and it can also have an impact on their relationships.

What are the treatments available?

There are treatments and method to suppress the symptoms of depression. These include short term cures such as anti depressant medication, or seeing a psychologist. Anti depressants cure the condition by changing the chemical balance in the brain to change the moods and feeling of the person. Unfortunately this treatment cannot be used long term and is only effective in fifty percent of cases.

Diet and exercise can have an effect. Many sufferer's have reported significant changes in their condition just by eating healthier and exercising more often. Cognitive behavior therapy is used to give a person tools to cope with times when they feel depressed or to avoid getting into these situations. The benefits of this approach are that the results can last a lifetime. However it often suggested by doctors that sufferers take part in these treatments simultaneously for maximum results.

How Damian cured his depression.

Damian suffered from Depression for over 15 years and is now cured. He spent these years researching the condition and developed numerous steps to find his way out. His preference was to regain his life without taking anti-depressants. So he created a plan for his day to day activities and began to put that plan into action. Over time the clouds of depression began to lift and this helped him to see the world more clearly. This clarity led to refinements to his plan and eventually to his cure.

Damian provides visitors to his website with a free booklet to explain some of the steps he took. You can find this by clicking the links below this article.

Conclusion

Damian found a way to cure his depression without taking anti-depressants. He does not advocate his methods as a solution for everyone but he does believe that his approach helps people to better understand why they have the condition. This is important because Damian believes that when people understand what is happening to them and why, they are then better equipped to deal with the condition and to find a way out.

Emotional SOS helped Damian to get his life back. It may work for others too.