Getting To Understand Clinical Depression Medications

Often, we need to turn to depression anxiety medications for help from this life devastating condition. The first thing to note is that help is possible and some medications offered can provide the relief that seems so distant right now. There are several options that can be helpful when it comes to depression medicines yet it is important to note that your doctor will help you to select the appropriate one.

Your anxiety and depression treatment will be centered on several things. It will first be analyzed through depression tests done by your doctor. From there, the doctor will take such things as your symptoms, your overall severity as well as any other physical or psychological conditions you may be suffering from. Once this is done, the prescription of depression anxiety medications will happen.

What Anti Depression Drug Will I Get?

While we can not tell you specifically what will be prescribed to you, we can talk a bit about the various options that are available to treat your conditions. Your doctor will determine which depression, anxiety medications are right for your individual case.

· Diazepam: This medication is generally used to treat anxiety and for those that experience seizures. It is able to help control agitating factors which may be causing you discomfort. Additionally, it is used to help people to handle the symptoms of withdrawal from drugs and alcohol.

· Zoloft: This is a common depression/anxiety medication. It is used to treat many conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic attacks and others. It may take some time for your doctor to get your dosage right, but once this happens, many see results. Most side effects are minor but in some can be severe.

· Xanax: This medication is mainly used to treat anxiety, but it is important to note that some medications, like this one can be habit forming. Some side effects from Xanax can be considered serious so it is essential that you follow your doctor's recommended dosage here.

· Prozac: Prozac has had much claim to fame for its help in treating depression. Today, the medication can be used to treat depression in many forms, even some of the most severe. This too is a serious medication that must be taken as prescribed.

Anxiety and depression treatment is needed for most people that suffer from this condition. There are many other medications on the market that are less severe, directed at handling specific situations and those that are subtle and mild to the body. If you feel that you have clinical depression symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about depression, anxiety medications that can lift the cloud and get life back to where you want it to be.

Low Testosterone

There seems to be an epidemic of low testosterone. I've been seeing more and more male patients with decreased testosterone levels, a condition known as male hypogonadism. When testosterone levels are low, men can have symptoms like erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, fatigue, depression and hot flashes. Many men, however, have very subtle symptoms or no symptoms at all. Many men with lower testosterone feel tired and depressed but don't have erectile dysfunction, so they are never checked for low testosterone.

Even if you have normal erectile function, you can still have hypogonadism. In fact, I have seen that many of my patients do not complain of erectile dysfunction, but have profound fatigue or depression which is caused by lower testosterone. When they take testosterone replacement, the symptoms tend to get better.

There are many causes for hypogonadism, and finding the cause is as important as getting treated. The hypothalamus (part of the brain) and the pituitary gland control testosterone production from by the testicles, so problems with the brain or pituitary gland can be the main source of problems.

In order to get an accurate diagnosis, doctors usually perform two rounds of testing. The first test will be to measure your testosterone level, which should be done in the morning. Testosterone levels naturally fall in the afternoon, so a level that is reported as "low" may actually be normal if it was taken in the afternoon. Pituitary hormones, LH and FSH are measured in the second round of testing to determine if the cause is central (meaning central nervous system, hypothalamus or pituitary gland) or primary (meaning testicular failure). A second morning testosterone level should also be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Other tests are also done including the hormone prolactin and ferritin, a test for excess iron. Iron overload, a condition known as hemochromatosis occurs in one in 500 men and is a common cause of lower testosterone.

Obesity and excess fat is a cause of low testosterone and is one of the main reasons why there is a growing epidemic. Excess fat produces hormones like leptin and inflammation chemicals, known as cytokines, which work to lower testosterone levels. Having diabetes is also a risk for having low testosterone, but careful studies have shown that the link is through fat, not through elevated blood sugar. Inflammation chemicals have a suppressive effect on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, muting the hormones they produce, subsequently lowering testosterone levels. Many men with declining testosterone who are overweight complain of swelling of the breasts, known as gynecomastia. The problem is that testosterone treatment can also cause breast swelling, so it can sometimes be a no win situation. However, not everyone with hypogonadism from excess weight needs to take testosterone. In fact, being healthier and losing weight can help naturally boost testosterone without the need for hormone replacement therapy.

There are many other causes of declining testosterone, including testicular failure or other testicular problems and exposure to toxic substances. Alcohol is a known toxin to the testicle. BPA, a chemical found in plastic can cause low testosterone because it is an endocrine disruptor that imitates the female hormone estrogen.

If you have symptoms of hypogonadism, see your doctor right away to get tested.

Why Do I Still Have Low Thyroid Symptoms When I Take a Thyroid Medication?

Low thyroid problems abound in today's society.

The poor thyroid gland is vulnerable to many destructive forces that include environmental disruptors like mercury, nitrates, pesticides and plastic compounds.

The thyroid gland is also susceptible to cross reactions with medications. The medications that disrupt thyroid physiology unfortunately, are very common. They include anti- inflammatory agents, diabetic and hypertensive meds,anti-acids, cholesterol lowering drugs and pain medications.

Imbalances in the rest of the hormonal systems of your body can also profoundly negatively influence thyroid physiology. Hormones such as estrogens, testosterone and cortisol, for example, can alter how thyroid hormones are made, bound, transported and how thyroid receptors work.

Sometimes, I think it's a wonder we all do not have thyroid dysfunction!

The most common reason for hypothyroidism where your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone is a disease called Hashimoto's. Some experts conclude that up to 90% of all low functioning thyroid glands in the United States is because of this disease.

What is Hashimoto's?

It is an auto-immune disease where your body mistakenly identifies the thyroid gland as a foreign substance, and attacks and destroys it, slowly. One study found that 7-8% of the US population have antibodies against their thyroid gland. Another study found thyroid antibodies to a good marker for the future thyroid disease.

Unfortunately, these people slowly lose their thyroid tissue until enough has been lost to be formally diagnosed as hypothyroid. As they lose their thyroid tissue, they also decline in their energy, mental acuity, mood, temperature, gastro- intestinal motility etc.

As a final insult, when they do get diagnosed as hypothyroid, their treatment options are limited solely to thyroid hormone replacement. Nothing is done for the autoimmune attack which continues the loss of thyroid tissue as the person continues to decline or feels no improvement with thyroid hormone replacement.

It is common in traditional medical practices to replace the levels of a hormone without asking why the hormone is low in the first place. In the case of hypothyroid, this approach can lead to a person being treated for low thyroid with synthetic thyroid hormone while having every symptom of thyroid dysfunction treated as a new entity that requires a drug.

For instance, a common hypothyroid symptom is depression. When thyroid hormone replacement does not resolve the depression, an anti -depressant medication is used. This approach leads to laundry list of medications that could be eliminated if the autoimmune nature of the problem was addressed.

How do you address the overzealous immune system?

Stay tuned for that in a future article.

Understanding Manic Depression

Manic depression is a type of depression where the person suffering from the ailment suffers from extreme lows as well as extreme highs. When someone who is manic feels low, they feel incredibly depressed. Many times they get so depressed that they feel suicidal.

Either before or after the depression, these people feel a euphoric high. They feel full of energy, like they can do no wrong. Sometimes they'll go days without sleeping and take on tons of new projects that they couldn't possibly finish. This type of depression is like being on a rollercoaster. One minute you're on top of the world and the next minute you're on the bottom. This mental illness is frequently referred to as bi-polar disorder.

Manic depressive illness can start at any age, though it tends to start when a person is a young adult or in their early 20s. It does not discriminate against race or gender. It effects men and women, black people and white people and everyone in between. You're more likely to suffer from it if someone in your family also suffers from the illness.

How Do I Know if I Have It?

The only real way to know if you have manic depressive illness is by going to a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists will ask you a series of questions to determine if you're manic depressive. They will ask you about your moods. As mentioned earlier, extreme changes in a person's moods are indicative of this illness. Now, if you've have a bad day so you feel blue, but the next day you get a promotion and you feel elated, you probably don't have it. That's a very normal way to react to such situations. However, if you're moods are extreme for more than a week, you might be manic.

Friends and family are good at determining when the ones they love aren't acting "normally." So, if several of them start approaching you about your extreme mood swings, you might want to see a doctor.

Getting Help

Manic depressive illness is difficult to treat. There are dozens of different medications and psychological treatment options, but doctors never know which medication will be the perfect fit for each patient. However, doctors who are trained to work with this illness are very good at helping their patients find the right medication.

How to Pull Yourself Out of Deep Depression

Depression is categorized according to its mildness and severity. Talking of deep depression, it is the form of severe depression or major depression or clinical depression. The chances of deep depression to occur in women are more than men. These are some of the common symptoms noticed in most of the patients suffering from deep depression. But, these are not the only symptoms that a deeply depressed person exhibits. Treatment of deeply depressed person depends upon the symptoms of depression entirely. Symptoms may vary person to person. A deeply depressed person generally exhibits following signs:

1. Deeply lost in the Sadness all the time.

2. Stays alone in his own imaginary world

3. Fatigue or loss of energy.

4. Inability to concentrate.

5. Poor or imbalanced diet.

6. Absolutely no room for social activities.

7. Tiredness or restlessness

8. Insomnia or hypomania (sleeping disorders)

9. Inferiority complex starts developing in you.

10. Sexual problems, such as rejection, erectile problems etc.

11. Negativity becomes part of you.

12. Sufferer may develop suicidal tendencies.

13. Significant change in the weight.

14. May face difficulties in hearing or visioning.

15. Plenty of stress.

The exact cause of deep depression is still unknown; however it is believed that it has something to do with genetics and chemical imbalances in the human brain. Other reasons might involve

1. Demise of loved ones for example, friend, parents, girlfriend, boyfriend or anyone part of your life.

2. Too much intake of alcohol is also another cause of depressions, almost 40 to 50% alcohol addicts suffer from depression.

3. Environment is also one of the biggest causes of deep depressive state of a person

4. Failure of long term goals.

5. Inferiority complex from others also puts you in depressive state of mind.

6. It has been observed many a times that divorce also is one of the biggest causes of deep depression in married couple.

How to Pull Yourself Out Of Deep Depression

The adverse affects of deep depression on overall health of people are very dangerous; something really needs to be done about it so that the adverse affects can be avoided. If you find yourself or someone you know suffering from deep depression, always consults with the specialist so that proper treatment plan can be prepared to pull you out of deep depression. Following are the commonly used treatment methods to pull yourself out of deep depression:

Medication

The most commonly used method for the treatment of deep depression is medication method, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used old drugs to get you out of deep depression. It may have side effect as well.

Psychotherapy

This is the best method to pull you out of deep depression. Psychotherapies like Cognitive/ behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy are the best treatments methods with absolutely no side effects. The only thing against this method is that, it may not respond to all the patients.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is also one of the finest methods; it works in even those cases where Psychotherapy and medication do not respond.

The best way to pull your self out of deep depression is that you don't let causes of deep depression to develop.

Depression Hurts - Learn How to Test For and Cure Depression

Depression is serious emotional situation that could lead to serious sickness that keeps coming back and worst, can even lead to death. Many can say that depression is a simple problem and the person undergoing it should think positively, but in it wouldn't really work that easily. A depressed person sees things too differently and the change should start within that person. It may be hard to find out that you are undergoing it so you should test for depression; here is some easy and free test depression.

1. Keep a Journal - a journal or diary is not always to keep track of things in your life, it can also be used to find out if you are undergoing depression. Depression can be hidden in many ways and by keeping track of your daily life can be very helpful. Simple hints and situations that you did something unexpected may be the very symptoms.

2. Monitor your sleeping habits - this simple test can tell you a lot of things. You may say you are just really tired and all but in fact it can be depression. You wake up tired and just want to get back to sleep; this situation means that you don't want to do anything for the day anymore even though it may be an important day.

3. Monitor your energy level - your energy is usually an output of proper sleep, proper diet, and having time to relax and get rid of stress. Even if you know that you have done what it is to be at top notch but still lack the energy you need, it may be caused by losing your will to keep going at work and other things.

These are simple tests and if you find out that it is depression that you are undergoing then do make that trip to your Psychiatrist. Depression should not be taken lightly, it leads to a lot of negative things and should be taken cared of quickly.

So do you think you can cure depression?

On a normal setting, a day wouldn't last without hearing from someone that they are sad, frustrated, or restless. But since we have been used to hearing this sort of things, we tend to shrug them off like it's a normal remark to say and hear. We fail to realize that these simple negative emotions help cultivate depression later on.

With the high demands of living nowadays, it's so easy to become vulnerable and caught in the so-called depression net. Mostly, people in mid 20s to late 30s are the usual victims of stress since they're in a stage wherein they need to establish themselves in the economic society and corporate world all at the same time. At some point, the competition and pressure are too hard to handle, they cause people to break and lose their way.

This may be a clear fact but people are still finding ways to cope up with their respective issues. For example, most people hangout in coffee shops, dine at restaurants, or celebrate in bars after work. In this way, they can drain all the day's worth of stress and weariness on one night with friends and colleagues.

Aside from professional reasons, other things that trigger depression are personal issues that mostly alter the current lifestyle of the person. It could be lost of wealth, getting relocated, or death of a loved one. The degree of hurt felt will depend on the how much it modified one's life. Some issues could be resolved by just chatting over a cup of coffee with good, old friends, while some need months or even years to fully recover.

There's no formula to avoid being depressed. At some point in our unpredictable life, we would all have that moment when we'll just sit on a chair, stare at the window, and refuse on doing anything because negative emotions are clouding our heads. But that doesn't matter, as long as you try to bounce on your feet and find ways to make your live pretty again.

Anxiety is Natural and it is Normal

Wilhelm Stekel quotes "Anxiety is fear of one's self. Anxiety is also present in many mental health conditions: it is part of the phobic response, and also OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). Most of the time we hear that anxiety is a bad thing, but do you know that it is also a good thing. A study in the latest issue of Gastroenterology finds that anxiety is associated with uninvestigated and functional dyspepsia.

Health plans are trying all sorts of strategies to motivate patients to take better care of them -- from assigning people with chronic diseases to a "health manager," to providing incentives, such as cash back on gym memberships or gift cards for getting certain preventive care.

Depression levels also dropped among many patients who reported depression and no serious side effects were associated with kava use. Some in vivo imaging studies showed reduced availability of serotonin transporters (5-HTT) in the brainstem and thalamus of patients with major depression. In the thalamus, a low serotonin reuptake capacity may interfere with thalamic control of cortical excitability and contribute to anxiety rather than depression per se in major depression.

You should also know that: Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders. The depression comes and goes, but the anxiety is constant. Psychiatrists have long known that an anxious temperament in childhood is a risk factor for developing anxiety disorders, depression and substance abuse.

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Stress is your body's warning mechanism - it's a signal that helps you prepare for something important that's about to happen. Find the best stress-reduction option for your lifestyle. Worry and anxiety are natural and normal responses to stress.

Test anxiety can be a real problem when someone is so stressed out over a test that he or she can't get past the nervousness to focus on the test questions and do his or her best work. If sitting for a test gets you so stressed out that your mind goes blank and causes you to miss answers that you know, and then your level of test anxiety probably needs some attention. When this happen a whole set of new problems occurs... physical and mental exhaustion of stress, problems thinking clearly and focused, problems relaxing and sleeping, and so on.

Vitamin B-1 or Thiamine is a natural stress buster as well as good for the heart and digestion. To hear the word we immediately think about stress, fear, concern, mental anguish, and even depression.

Anxious temperament is important because it is an early predictor of the later risk to develop anxiety, depression, and drug abuse related to self medicating. And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life. Do you ever get the feeling that what you're anxious about has little or nothing to do with what is actually happening?

"Anxiety is the hand maiden of creativity" Feeling anxious about my child's wellbeing allowed me to take matters into my own hands, to pause and to reassess my purpose and as a result to refocus my efforts towards improving not only his sleep, but as a result the sleep of thousands. If you are anxious about being anxious, then you can also take Thiamine or Vitamin B-1, daily. However, fear is fear, and it is extremely unpleasant to be anxious for 'no apparent reason'.

Anxiety is mostly about the past and future. Recent Activity Clear Turn off Turn on Anxiety is associated with reduced central serotonin transporter availability in unmediated. Also, if your anxiety is interfering with daily activities, consider working with a mental health specialist as well. All anxiety is a reaction to anticipating something stressful. But most importantly you will learn that anxiety is controllable.

Ways to Help Depression Using Spiritual Wisdom - Keeping the Faith

Contrary to what some people may think success doesn't just fall in your hands. Without action there will be no results, but before you get started you have to at least know what direction you're heading in. There are some important questions you have to ask yourself, this will allow you to have an objective view of where you are currently in your life. When it comes to facing the battle against depression your approach shouldn't be much different than this.

You need to figure out what you really want, asking yourself this question may not prove to be easy but it is necessary. If you don't know what you want it's going to be difficult to put a plan together. Time is the most valuable thing you have, and it is important that you make sure you spend time doing what really matters to you. There is no guarantee the road will be perfectly paved, but you must remain diligent about working towards success.

The way you think affects every aspect of your life, as an individual reaches spiritual maturity they will be able to better understand this. What you believe is possible has everything to do with what you can and will achieve. There are several scriptures that support this statement as faith plays a significant role in success, for Christians the signs and symptoms of depression will surface in a way that is much similar to a spiritual battle. Like spiritual warfare your battle with depression starts in your mind, and getting help for depression requires you to want help.

In my darkest hours I have to know that God is still God, and because He is God He'll do what He said He will do. I can't worry about what it looks like, and I cannot focus on what I feel. Faith is not about what I feel, faith is about knowing and expecting the best when everything around me is at its worst. I am in love with God because of who He is, not because of what I know He can do for me. I can always expect the best from God because there is nothing better than God. John 14:27 says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid". Often times depression is accompanied by anxiety which is defined loosely as extreme fear.

I am not ashamed to talk about where I have been because it's not going to keep me from getting where I am going. So even in my darkest hours I can find my peace in God... He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I don't know what tomorrow might bring but I know who will help me stand. When the spirit of God moves in me I just can't contain myself, God is bigger than the tallest mountain. He is stronger than any storm,and His love can heal any pain. I have battled with this illness for several years but getting help for depression has empowered me and it does not control my life.

Depression Fighting Supplements - 4 Top Natural Diets That Remove Depression Symptoms

Depression is a fact of life. No single person can claim that he or she has never become depressed throughout their lives. There may be a few occasions in your life when you feel depression and that is completely normal. It may be the time when you did something wrong and you really regret it so you feel depression or it may be that you are planning to do something or achieve something but still was not able to get it or it may simply be because of too much work that is why you are feeling depressed. Most of the times, it is entirely because of our disappointments and failures in life that we feel depressed and that is because we did not expect that to happen and we are too much expecting of the other way around. That is why we are going to discuss about depression fighting supplements to help you get over this feeling.

Depression fighting supplements can be one of your most valuable assets in life especially if you are one of those few people who really have a mood problem. Even though it is normal that we have our mood swings from time to time, other people tend to be depressed for most of the time and that is not normal. There are identified psychological problems pertaining to depression and this is where depression fighting supplements can be of great help.

We have listed below our 4 top natural supplements that remove symptoms of depression to help you:

1. Acai Berry Supplements - This amazing natural supplement comes from the wonderful acai berry fruit and really helps in our mood swings especially depression.
2. SamE tablets - This brings in positive energy to enhance one's moods hence another effective depression fighting supplement.
3. Fish oils are also said to fight depression so make sure to have this during your episodes of depression.
4. Lastly, the natural depression fighting supplement in our list is Maca which is a native herb from South America and found to uplift mood and promote happy mental activity.

What is Neurotransmitter Deficiency Disorder and How Can It Cause Depression, Anxiety, and...

Neurotransmitters (NTs) are essential chemical messengers that regulate brain,
muscle, nerve and organ function. The most common NTs are serotonin, dopamine,
norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Low levels of these important chemicals is
extremely common in the general public and is due to innumerable lifestyle,
environmental, and dietary factors. This article is intended to help the reader
determine whether they may be deficient in NTs and how evaluation and treatment
of this disorder can help.

People with neurotransmitter deficiency disorder can suffer from one or more of the
following conditions: obesity, depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue,
insomnia, attention deficit, learning disorders, panic attacks, migraines, pms,
menopausal symptoms, digestive complaints and many more.

Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other drugs working on the
neurotransmitter biochemistry such as Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, Celexa, Wellbutrin,
etc. are currently some of the most commonly prescribed drugs. They work by
artificially increasing the amount of serotonin in the synapse of the nerve which
allows a temporary improvement in the chemical messaging system.

The problem with this approach is that these drugs DO NOT increase serotonin
levels and in fact deplete reserves of the NT. This occurs because the SSRI class
drugs cause an increase in an enzyme called MAO. It is common for people to
experience only temporary improvement due to this effect.

The most effective way to correct a neurotransmitter deficiency is to perform a
simple urine test to measure the NT levels. The treatment for optimizing the
neurotransmitter levels is to provide the basic amino acid precursors or building
blocks so the body can replenish the inadequate levels.

The true value of any treatment is the results it produces. Using this approach over
the last year, I have helped coach many patients to a higher level of wellness.
Patients with chronic depression, anxiety, and or insomnia have experienced a new
sense of wellbeing while continuing their prescription, others have successfully
weaned themselves off their prescription SSRI drugs after their symptoms have
improved. Weight loss patients using slightly higher amino acid dosing consistently
lose 1.5-2.5 lbs. per week without hunger while improving their lean muscle/body
fat ratios.

FAQs regarding Dr. Nelson's NT program for anxiety and depression

Q. If I am already taking SSRI drugs, can I safely use this amino acid approach?

A. In my clinical experience I have seen great results with patients who have been on
SSRI drugs for many many years. First, we get the person feeling better, then if the
patient chooses, we slowly wean them off their prescription drugs.

Q. How does amino acid therapy increase NT levels?
A. 5HTP is converted into serotonin and then melatonin. Phenylalanine is converted
into tyrosine, then dopamine, L-Dopa, norepinephrine, and lastly epinephrine.

Q. How do you measure for the neurotransmitter levels in order to determine
appropriate treatment?

A. The levels for epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, GABA, PEA,
histamine, and many others can be measured with a simple urine test. An initial
urine test can be given and then repeated after 6 to 12 weeks of therapy to
determine optimal neurotransmitter levels have been obtained.

Q. Are there any side effects associated with the amino acid neurotransmitter
therapy?

A. Not only are there no side effects, but there are numerous side benefits. People
with depression often find relief not only from depression but also insomnia,
fatigue, GI symptoms, chronic pain, pms, menopausal symptoms, obesity, food
cravings, etc. In a small amount of people (less than 5%) people could have gastro
intestinal symptoms such as nausea, cramping, diarrhea, etc. This occurs in people
with severe neurotransmitter deficiency. This usually occurs within the first three
days and is solved by stopping all amino acids. Therapy is continued at very low
dosing after symptoms abate and then slowly increased to therapeutic levels over
three to six weeks.

Q. How long will it take until my symptoms of depression/anxiety improve?

A. Each individual responds differently to treatment. Some patients have noticed
incredible improvements in moods in a few days, others don't notice any
improvements for a period of time (sometimes 3-4 months) and then notice gradual
improvements over the following 3 to 6 months, most patients notice gradual
improvements beginning after 1 month of treatment and then continue to improve.

Q. What should I expect during a normal course of evaluation and treatment?

A. Evaluation involves an initial office visit to determine overall health history,
prescription drug levels, severity of symptoms, and any related health concerns.
There is an optional urine test for neurotransmitter levels. Treatment consists of the
following:

1. Conditioning Phase - a one to two week period to prepare the patient for higher
levels of therapeutic amino acid dosing.

2. Therapeutic Phase - a period lasting anywhere from two months to 1 year+ where
high levels of amino acids are given to restore the neurotransmitter levels.

3. Maintenance Phase - ongoing treatment with a small amount of amino acids to
maintain the levels of neurotransmitters. This provides enough amino acids to
replace the neurotransmitters excreted throughout the day.

Q. Will I need to stay on amino acid therapy indefinitely?

A. Most people need to stay on a low level maintenance dose in order to continue
to feel well after their 2 month to 1 year plus treatment phase. If people stop taking
the amino acids, their neurotransmitter levels will slowly decrease over time.

Q. What amino acids are used in this therapy?

A. The amino acids used depend on the unique situation. The therapy will include
any number of the following: 5HTP, tyrosine, phenylalanine, cysteine, mucuna
(herbal L-Dopa), theanine, glutamine, taurine, methionine, GABA, phosphorylated b
vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants.

Q. What is the approximate cost of the therapy?

A. The cost of the neurotransmitter replacement therapy can range from $80 to
$120+ during the therapeutic phase. After the patients symptoms have improved
and the urine tests show optimal levels, the cost for the maintenance therapy is
significantly less.

Q. What's the success rate for anxiety and depression using this approach?

A. Anxiety and Depression are conditions that are multi-factorial. Patients that
follow the dietary recommendations, take the supplements and don't give up before
the neurotransmitters levels have been restored have a very high success rate. This
natural therapy corrects the biochemical imbalance associated with these
conditions. Patients working with a qualified counselor or therapist to address the
mental and emotional aspects of these conditions have an even higher success rate.

Teen Depression Facts and Myths

Depression is a mental health disorder that can have a serious effect on a person's life. Although it can affect people of all ages, it can be especially tough for a teenager to deal with. While it's normal for a teen to act out or be moody at times, depression is different and isn't something to be shrugged off. Untreated depression can lead to the increased possibility of risky behavior, including alcohol or drug abuse, and even suicide.

In the United States, approximately 20% of teens will experience some form of depression before they reach the age of 18, but it's important to know that depression is a very treatable disorder. Through awareness and education, teens will be more likely to receive the proper treatment. One of the ways to bring about greater awareness is by debunking the myths commonly associated with depression.

Myth: Teens don't really get depressed. It's just hormones or moodiness.

While it's true that bouts of sadness or occasional moodiness can be part of the teen years, these moods usually pass quickly. But when feelings of intense sadness linger for several weeks, it may be a sign of clinical depression. Some other signs of clinical depression include:

• A loss of interest in things they normally enjoy


• Persistent sadness, frequent bouts of crying or tearfulness


• Lack of interest in personal hygiene


• Changes in appetite (either overeating or lack of appetite)


• Changes in sleep patterns, either oversleeping or insomnia


• Frequent irritation or bursts of anger


• Acting out, such as getting into trouble at school


• Alcohol or drug use

Myth: Teens who get depressed are only making excuses. They just need to toughen up and pull themselves together.

This type of thinking will only make the depression worse. Depression is not a sign of weakness; it's a very real and treatable disorder.

Myth: Talking about depression will only make it worse.

Talking with a trained therapist will help them find positive ways to deal with their emotions, work on coping and communication skills, and develop better ways to handle relationships. If it's necessary, medication may be prescribed by a physician to help them cope. Whether it's therapy, or a combination of therapy and medication, teens can find relief from depression and get their lives back.

If you feel your teen is experiencing depression, let them know that help is available and that you are there to support them. With proper help and attention, things can get better.

Postnatal Depression - Symptoms

So you have just had your child and you are wondering if you may have postpartum symptoms? Well I am glad you are reading this article. Postpartum depression can cause many new mothers a lot of heartache. Women who suffer from postpartum and leave it untreated may suffer lifelong changes in their personality.
There are several tell tale postpartum symptoms which can help assess your situation. First, postnatal depression can cause women to feel exhausted. Being a new mother though is a full time job and it is expected to wear you out, so we must look at other symptoms

If your hair and nails are dry and brittle your feelings may be caused my PPD. Localized pain in your legs hot spots and discoloration are also common symptoms. Appetite and weight can also shift when dealing with postpartum. Feelings of worthlessness without any reason are a symptom. Thoughts of death or suicide are a definite symptom and you must see a doctor if your depression is that severe.

If you have suffered from depression or anxiety prior to childbirth then you are more likely to develop PPD. You may have feelings of being "trapped". Many women also get a sinking feeling in their stomach, they ask themselves what about all of the plans I had for my life? It is important to keep an eye on your postnatal depression. Early treatment is critical for the health and safety of both you and your child. Remember that the choices you make now will affect your child directly.

Quotations on Success - Read Them For Daily Inspiration

When I started learning to surf the web, my first job was to find some quotes for success. I collected those quotes, and in fact I made an e book in this regards. These are a collections from different authors who have excelled in their particular fields.

Everyday, I have to search for some additional success quotes from anything I read, in magazines, heard from the radio, see on TV, and on the Internet.

My latest collection of quotes is from my favorite mentor, John Maxwell, the world renown motivational speaker and leadership author of enormous leadership books, and CD's. I also made an e Books based on what I gathered from leadership quotes.

These collection of success quotes was my inspiration to increase my mode to drive my passion into an active fashion. It's easy for me to write more especially my area of expertise. With my participation to some writing challenges online, it's from my inspiration I learned from my collections of success quotes.

The moment I'm facing a blank wall in my article writing activities, I just scan through my quote collections and read some motivational quotes in line with the theme I am writing.

My favorite quotes I always refer is from Napoleon Hill that says, "The starting point of achievement... small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat". I always get my strength from this powerful quote, that drives me to continue writing despite facing blank.

Not only in writing I get my strength from these success quotes, when I'm alone and desperate, nothing to lean on, I have to open my collection of quotes, read those that jibes my desperation, and really helps.

I am carried away with the quotes from Zig Ziglar that says, "When things seems bad... it's always good".

Ziglar, guided me from isolation and depression to a more brighter outlook in my life to focus on the positive side of desperation.

Based on my own experience of reading my daily collections of success quotes, I was able to formulate more detailed plan for all my daily activities accurately with almost positive impact in my life.

This would continue until someday, my collections runs out of sources, but as long as there are still some quotes I could collect, I'll always compile them for future consumption and to share to my fellow men.

Bipolar Disorder in Psychotherapy

Individuals with bipolar disorder struggle with a sense of internal damage so pervasive they feel there's no realistic hope for improvement, leading to a search for "magical" solutions instead. This article will provide a case illustration of this dynamic: a young man in his 20s who might have been considered "cyclothymic" rather than receiving a full diagnosis of bipolar disorder, though his mood swings demonstrate the same high/low dynamics.

Jeffrey was an extremely bright and talented young man, recently graduated from college, who aspired to be a writer. He came to me because of depressive episodes so severe he felt barely able to function. He managed to hold down a clerical job to support himself despite his depression, attempting to write in the evening after work and on weekends. If he were feeling deeply depressed, he couldn't write a word. After work, he'd often collapse into a state of inertia, barely able to feed himself, watching mindless TV. He suffered from extreme insomnia and often slept but a few hours.

Jeffrey badly wanted to have a relationship but felt completely worthless, as if everything about his adult functioning self was a facade, and that as soon as anyone got close to him, they'd find out he was a fraud. He would describe himself as a loser, "damaged goods," or "a worthless piece of shit." The issue of "shittiness" often came up in our work. He had a recurrent dream that the toilet in his bathroom would back up and his apartment would be flooded with feces. Or sewer pipes in the ceiling would break. In these dreams, he'd feel completely helpless to do anything about the broken plumbing or sewer problem. The damage felt insurmountable.

In our work together, I would talk about these dreams in two different ways. The overflowing sewage represented both his "backed up" emotions which he felt unable to tolerate or process, as well as the hopelessness he felt about his internal damage. We returned to this issue again and again, particularly his fear that our work together was pointless because (a) I couldn't possibly tolerate all his "shitty" feelings either, and (b) the damage was simply too vast.

Periodically, the depression would lift and he'd enter a hyper-industrious phase, writing for many hours at a time and throughout the weekend. He'd come up with a "brilliant" new idea for a novel and write 10, 20 or 30 pages at a time. He wouldn't stop to reread or revise but simply kept on with a manic drive in the hope of completing the book within a few weeks, selling it to a publisher and advancing to an idealized life in which he'd be a wealthy, famous and critically acclaimed author. He felt increasingly anxious during these periods; although he came to his sessions, he felt difficult to reach and became suspicious and hostile if I tried to examine his drive to write. Eventually the manic phase would pass and he'd slip back into depression, discarding the partial manuscript as "worthless".

During the manic phase, he clearly felt in the grip of magical thinking; underneath, he feared that he was only passing off shit as if it were something of great value. When he was in his hyperactive writing phase, he unconsciously felt it as a kind of evacuation, too, as if he were magically ridding himself of all the bad intolerable feelings. He couldn't go back and revisit his work or revise it because to do so might deflate the manic triumph of his creation as well as bring him back into contact with the bad feelings he'd tried to evacuate.

My job was to show him, again and again, that he felt hopeless to do anything realistic to improve, either in terms of his writing or his internal damaged world; only magic could solve his problems. Over and over, we had to return to those shitty bad feelings, try to understand them and help him to tolerate his own emotional experience. It was the work of years. Eventually he completed and sold a novel but continually struggled to wrest his writing from the realm of magic.

How to Help a Depressed Teenage Boy - 5 Useful Tips For Parents

I was shocked to read that if you do not help a depressed teenage boy or girl to get out of depression, statistics show that 15% of them will actually commit suicide. This is a very alarming statistic but it does show us that we should never treat depression lightly.

The other statistic which is not too comforting is that the fact that anti-depressants which are prescribed are liable to lead to an increase in suicidal thoughts. The estimates here vary from 2% to 4%. This is less alarming because no suicides in that group actually happened but it is still scary territory.

In many ways a depressed teenage boy or girl may not display many of the classic symptoms of depression. Certainly there may be a certain lack of desire for social contacts and the teenager may live an isolated life. But many display aggressive behavior, or bad tempered behavior. The depressed teen boy has a tendency to run foul of the law and there are all sorts of risks associated with risks of self injury, drug addiction and alcoholism.

If your depressed teenage boy has been diagnosed with depression, here is the first tip to help him. Cut down on simple carbohydrates and favour the complex ones such as wholegrains, nuts, fruit and vegetables. If you increase the protein intake that can be a great help as it can reduce the number of crashes and keep glucose blood levels steady. If you have a problem in cooking proteins, you can always rely on protein powders.

The second tip is to monitor what is going on in your depressed teen boy's life and that may mean snooping which you would rather not have to do. But if you suspect that there is an increase in suicidal thoughts, then have a look in his room to discover suicide notes if they have been left around. A check on the search history on the computer might reveal some suicide sites which have been visited recently.

The third tip is to make sure that exercise in the open air is done on a daily basis if possible. Even accompanying him or just being with him or just collecting him is important. Nobody doubts the benefits on the serotonin brain transmitter which is enhanced by exercise. That is the most effective treatment and it costs nothing!

My fourth tip is to get all the support you can. Visit Internet chatrooms and forums where this topic is discussed. Apart from learning an incredible amount, you will feel less lonely and just able to cope better. Just being part of an online community can take the edge off the loneliness and frustration of being parents of a depressed teenage boy.

My fifth tip is to keep an open mind on meds. We all know that anti depressants such as Prozac and Paxil can really help to lessen symptoms but they come with some rather heavy baggage. Why not investigate other treatment options such as herbal remedies for depression. I have set up a website just to explain all this. This could be the most useful thing you will have discovered about how to help your depressed teenage boy.

Getting Over Depression - You Can Beat Depression by Keeping Your Relationship Strong

Depression is hard enough on the people who are suffering from the condition. However, it is even harder sometimes on the people who are in a relationship with the depression sufferers. No one wants to watch a loved one suffer. Many relationships are unable to survive depression if it goes on for too long without resolution.

Depression can cause people to behave irrationally and not see how lucky they are to have their loved ones in their life. People who are depressed do not appreciate their loved ones the way they should. It is because depression can truly cloud a person's judgment and perception of things. Depressed people are always thinking the worse, and people with severe cases of depression literally are unable to find anything in life worth being happy about, including seeing the good things their loved ones are doing for them.

If your partner is experiencing depression, know that you standing by your partner means the world to him or her even if your partner does not truly know that right now. Sure, you can leave, and your partner may even tell you to do so, but that does not mean it is really what your partner wants you to do. Whether your partner knows it or not, your partner wants you to stand by him or her.

If you want to help a loved one beat depression, you need to understand the disorder and why it occurs in some people. There may be a job loss or other situation that makes your partner feel he or she failed. No matter how good your relationship, depression can get worse and worse once it begins.

If you are with someone who suffers from depression, you need to make sure you don't let yourself get down with depression as well. Know the signs of depression and seek treatment if you notice any of the signs in yourself. If you both start so suffer from depression, the outlook is not good. If you are worn out from the stress in the relationship, give yourself some time away.

Sometimes past relationships are the cause of depression. If a person is in a failed relationship, that person may feel like all of his or her future relationships are also going to fail. When that happens, people may end up causing their future relationships to fail because of their beliefs. If this seems to be a pattern, it is a good idea to work with a therapist or relationship counselor to stop this pattern from continuing. Often, when depression is involved that is the reason that a relationship fails. Depression can put a large strain on a relationship. It's important to work with a therapist or other expert if you're in a relationship with someone suffering from depression.

Don't give up if your relationship is suffering from your partner's depression. You have to trust you can help your partner overcome his or her illness. A strong relationship can beat depression in one of the partners. Depression is not easy to beat but it's possible. If you trust your relationship is strong, you can beat depression.

Why Do People Get Depressed

Depression is an extremely complex disease. There is no single cause for depression. There are many different factors that can trigger depression.

Depression runs in family. If you have a family history of depression, you are more likely to get depression yourself. But not everyone who has the genetic makeup for depression gets depressed, it depends. Many people with no family history of depression can become depressed. So genes are not the single cause of depression.

Those who suffer a serious illness and experience a stressful life event tend to feel depressed. Difficult life events, such as parents divorce, separate, and death can lead to depression. Some people may become depressed for events like moving or changing schools.

Not getting along well with the friends, colleagues and partners may cause depression. If a person's relationship with their partner breaks down, they are likely to feel low, to stop seeing friends and family, and to start drinking more, all of which can make them feel even worse, and trigger depression. Personality traits such as introversion, low self-esteem, pessimism, and dependence contribute to depression. Those who have low self-esteem and a negative outlook are at higher risk of becoming depressed. People who feel that they have no control over negative events are very likely to become depressed. For some teens, a negative, stressful, or unhappy family atmosphere can affect their self-esteem and lead to depression.

Loneliness and isolation can trigger depression. Depression rates are higher among people who live alone and have a limited social network. But even people surrounded by family and friends are at risk for depression if those relationships are un-supportive.

Depression may be caused by serious medical conditions. Medical conditions can bring the physical weakness and stress, which are likely to lead to depression. Moreover, depression can make medical conditions worse, since it weakens the immune system and can make pain harder to bear.

Whatever its cause, depression is not just a state of mind. It is related to physical changes in the brain, and connected to an imbalance of a type of chemical that carries signals in your brain and nerves. To keep fit, you should avoid depression as possible as you can.

Depression and Brooding - Emotionally Arousing Introspection

An aspect of Depression I used to hate was this business of waking up early.

While you're asleep, at least you're 'out of it,' as it were. Yes, you're dreaming, but at least you're not suffering the pangs of Depression. Now let's be clear about this. From the point of view of your general health, your body's doing you a favour by waking up before you think you should. For the life of you, you can't go back to sleep, can you? Try as you might, you lie there like a lump, watching those darned numbers on your digital clock click away.

However, this is probably the body's way of cutting down on over-dreaming, thereby lessening the Depression. The poor old body's trying its best for us, so we shouldn't become too upset by waking up like this.

As the day wears on, our hormones replenish themselves and our energy level, such as it is, increases. We become better able to motivate ourselves, but I must admit that in deep Depression, motivation is a word in a foreign language!

What's sometimes called the Stress Hormone, Cortisol, is far higher in depressed people. Just a word about this hormone.

It's secreted by the adrenal glands, and is involved in proper glucose metabolism, the regulation of blood pressure, Insulin release for blood sugar maintenance, Immune function and Inflammatory responses. Under normal circumstances, the levels are higher in the morning than at night.

All right. Believe it or not, we've taken an important step forward. We are able now to see with certainty what maintains the symptoms of clinical depression. It's the emotionally arousing introspection. Brooding, by any other name. Okay. We know the cause, we know what to do about it, don't we? Cut down drastically on the emotional arousal.

Before going any further, though, I want to explain the purpose of these articles on Depression. I hope you'll agree that the more you know about something, the better able you are to deal with it. This is just as important with any mental condition as it is with any other matter. Knowledge is power. Equally, it's a little difficult to put a roof on a house when there aren't any walls!

So yes, this will be an extended learning curve. I feel strongly that I'd be selling you short were I to simply say; "Suffer from Depression? Well, take this pill, have a spot of therapy and you'll be fine." Wouldn't be terribly helpful, would it?

So this will be a fairly extended series of articles and of course there'll be in depth explanations of how to deal with the condition. What I'm striving for is that when you do rid yourself of the miserable condition, it stays away permanently.

How Depression Can Threaten Your Marriage

In my work through the years as a counselor, I've talked with many depressed individuals. I've also had personal experience with depression myself and know firsthand how debilitating it can be.

Nearly everyone at some point in their life will be affected by depression--either their own or someone else's, such as a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or friend. Just in the U.S. alone, depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million adults in any given year.

Statistics show that only twenty percent of those who experience depression will receive an appropriate treatment plan. Many depressed individuals will be too embarrassed to seek help and will suffer in silence, sometimes for years.

The effects of depression can negatively impact every aspect of a person's life--marriage, home life, work, and friendships. And the burden of living with a depressed spouse can take a heavy toll on the quality of a marriage.

Untreated depression poses a very real threat to a marriage. Recent research indicates that when one spouse suffers from depression, the likelihood is increased that both spouses will have an unhappy marriage.

This is because mental health and unhappy marriages are closely entwined. The harmful effects of depression are not limited to the depressed spouse but affect the partner, also

The depressed spouse will experience less happiness, satisfaction, and contentment in the marriage. At the same time, the partner will struggle with handling the increased isolation and social withdrawal of the depressed spouse, the loss of emotional intimacy (and often sexual intimacy as well), and the prevalent negativity in the relationship.

When one spouse is depressed, the depression colors everything in the relationship. The depressed spouse sees the world through a darkened lens that limits his or her perspective. Any negative events are interpreted even more negatively, neutral events are also interpreted negatively, and the positive happenings are often overlooked.

It's as though depressed individuals have blinders on that keep them from seeing any positive, hopeful opportunities right in front of them. Even if they did see them, they wouldn't have the energy to follow through.

The depressed spouse often loses interest in activities that used to bring pleasure and may experience fatigue and listlessness. There can be loss of sleep or sleeping too much; eating too much or too little; or problems focusing and concentrating.

Feelings of love and sexual desire may become dulled or absent when an individual is depressed. The biggest danger when this happens is that the depressed spouse may erroneously conclude that this means he (or she) is no longer in love with the mate.

Many depressed individuals report that they feel detached from what is happening, as though they are watching a movie. There can be a profound feeling of separation and isolation from others and a desire to avoid social contact. There can be feelings of sadness, hopelessness, dejection, and resignation. Or there can be feelings of irritation, agitation, anger, or emotional numbness.

Another danger to the marriage is that the partner of a depressed spouse can become depressed from the depressive atmosphere and energy in the relationship. Depression can be viewed as contagious when it creeps into a partner's outlook, attitudes, moods, conversation, behaviors, and reactions. When this happens, both spouses may feel they are helplessly sinking lower and lower into despair.

Blame and shame are involved in depression and can cause additional problems. If a spouse doesn't understand that the partner is depressed and not just lazy or uncooperative, she (or he) may blame the partner for things he can't help at the time. This stirs up feelings of anger and resentment for the spouse.

The depressed spouse may be ashamed to admit that he (or she) can't handle the depression herself and thus refuse to see a physician. This feeling of shame reflects the belief of numerous people about depression. They may feel that they should be able to just "snap out of it," which is what family and friends may tell them, also.

In one research study, fifty-four percent of people surveyed believed that depression is a personal weakness. In reality, depression has nothing to do with personal weakness or will power or character.

A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It's not just a case of the "blues" that a person can "get over." Thus, common misunderstandings about depression can add to the problem.

It's vital for both spouses to have a thorough understanding of depression--what it is, what it isn't, what to expect, and what treatment options are recommended. It's also important to recognize that before marital problems can be effectively treated, the depression needs to be treated first. That means that the depressed spouse needs to see a physician or mental health professional for a depression assessment and treatment recommendations.

What can a spouse do when the depressed partner refuses to seek help? This is a common situation and there's no one answer that fits all situations. It's important to get the depressed partner to the doctor or mental health professional, even if the spouse has to schedule the appointment, take off from work, and accompany the partner to the appointment.

Sometimes the parents or siblings of a resistant depressed spouse can be enlisted to encourage him (or her) to take action and seek treatment. At other times, a close friend or minister can help to convince a depressed spouse to consult with his physician or see a therapist.

Another strategy that a concerned partner can sometimes use is to send a confidential letter to the depressed spouse's doctor, detailing the concerns and depressive symptoms observed. This only works when the depressed spouse has to see his (or her) physician for some other reason, such as a required annual physical, to get a prescription for medication, or on-going monitoring of some condition. The physician can't respond to the partner's letter due to confidentiality, but at least the information has been conveyed.

If all else fails, the partner can consult with a therapist herself (or himself) to get individualized recommendations on how to handle the situation. Together, they can create an appropriate plan of action while the therapist provides emotional support to the partner.

Manic Depression - The Facts Everyone Needs to Know

Manic depression is better known as bipolar depression and is characterized by dramatic mood swings. This is a major affective disorder and one that will need treatment with antidepressants and therapy.

The facts about manic depression are:

• Dramatic mood swings
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Paranoia
• Rage
• Grandiose delusions

Bipolar disorder is a genetic disorder, which can be mild depression and mood swings or extreme symptoms. This can cause distortion of perception and social function impairment that can run in families.

This is a depression condition that can occur between the ages of 15 and 24 lasting throughout the lifetime of the patient. Older adults over the age of 65 can also be diagnosed with manic depression.

The symptoms of manic depression that other family members can take note of are:

• Sudden weight loss
• Sudden weight gain
• Fatigue
• Difficulty with concentration
• Feelings of guilt
• Worthlessness
• Hopelessness
• Insomnia
• Persistent sadness
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Thoughts of suicide

There are several types of bipolar disorders the physician can diagnose the patient with depending on the symptoms. These can be:

Cyclothymia: This is mild form of manic depression or bipolar disorder, which includes hypomania. The highs and lows are not as severe or disruptive as other types of bipolar disorders.

This type of bipolar disorder I diagnosis includes difficulties in relationships, in employment and school. There can be manic episodes, which can be severe or personally dangerous.

This type of depression is not as severe as bipolar disorder I. Bipolar II elevated mood or irritability. This type of manic depression the patient is usually able to carry on with their normal routine. The symptoms of depression can last longer than the periods of hypomania.

Bipolar rapid cycling disorder: This is a type of bipolar disorders that has what is considered rapid mood swings. This means the patient has at least four mood swings within a twelve month period. There are patients that have these shifts in mood swings much faster, occurring within hours.

There is scientific research that has determined that people with bipolar disorder appear to have physical changes in the brain chemistry. There is also evidence of differences in neurotransmitters, with an imbalance in these chemicals that plays a role in manic and other types of depression Symptoms. Other data shows this can be an inherited trait, when a parent has been diagnosed with this condition. Hormones can also play a pivotal role in bipolar depression and a stressful environment can be a factor in manic depression.

This is a condition that must be treated with antidepressant medication and combined with therapy to decrease the symptoms, including suicidal thoughts that can be a part of the symptoms and mood swings. Manic depression like other types of depression cannot be seen with x-rays or blood tests, which means keeping records of the symptoms is one of the easiest ways to help being diagnosed.

Treatment of Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder)

There is psychotherapy available to treat Manic depression (Bipolar Disorder). They are usually aimed at treating core symptoms, reducing negative expressed emotions in relationships and recognizing prodromal symptoms before full blown recurrence. The types of treatment with the largest efficacy range is cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy and psychoeducation. For most individuals with bipolar disorder a good prognosis comes from good treatment, which comes from an accurate diagnosis. Bipolar disorder can be a severely disabling medical condition, but many people can live full lives. A naturalistic study from first admission for mania or mixed episode (representing the hospitalized and therefore most severe cases) found that 50% achieved syndromal recovery (no longer meeting criteria for the diagnosis) within six weeks and 98% within two years. 72% achieved symptomatic recovery (no symptoms at all) and 43% achieved functional recovery (regaining of prior occupational and residential status). However, 40% went on to experience a new episode of mania or depression within 2 years of syndromal recovery, and 19% switched phases without recovery. The following behaviors can lead to depressive or manic recurrence:

o Discontinuing or lowering one's dose of medication.
o Being under- or over-medicated. Generally, taking a lower dosage of a mood stabilizer can lead to relapse into mania. Taking a lower dosage of an antidepressant may cause the patient to relapse into depression, while higher doses can cause destabilization into mixed-states or mania.
o An inconsistent sleep schedule can destabilize the illness. Too much sleep (possibly caused by medication) can lead to depression, while too little sleep can lead to mixed states or mania.
o Caffeine can cause destabilization of mood toward irritability, dysphoria, and mania. Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that lower dosages of caffeine can have effects ranging from anti-depressant to mania-inducing.
o Inadequate stress management and poor lifestyle choices. If unmedicated, excessive stress can cause the individual to relapse. Medication raises the stress threshold somewhat, but too much stress still causes relapse.
o Often bipolar individuals are subject to self-medication, the most common drugs being alcohol, diazepam/sleeping tablets and marijuana. Studies show that tobacco smoking induces a calming effect on most bipolar people, and a very high percentage suffering from the prolonged use

Mental Health Stigma Has Reduced Greatly in Recent Decades

Mental health stigma is still very much alive many people would say. Personally, I do not believe the situation as bad as it used to be. I do accept that mental health stigma does exist. However, my belief is that it is not nearly as strong as it was when I was diagnosed with bipolar type 1in 1982. Today I see my friends experiencing major depressive episodes and manic episodes without being stigmatized.

I accept that some stigma is still attached to mental disorders. I believe that much of this is brought about by the media. Often when a person with mental health issues commits a crime this is often hyped up by the media. This is especially so in respect of serious criminal acts. Sometimes the media places strong emphasis on it. On other occasions the hype is of a more subtle nature. To me the media's actions tends to suggest that people with mental disorders should be feared by the general public.

I believe that there are two major reasons why people with mental disorders do not face as much mental health stigma as was the case say forty years ago. Today many celebrities are speaking up about their mental disorders. They come from many different walks of life. They are describing how their manic episodes or major depressive episodes affect them. As celebrities comment people take notice of their revelations. This gives the general public a far better idea of the suffering a person with an episode of their particular mental disorder is going through.

The second reason is that otherwise ordinary people with mental disorders are also speaking out. Many so afflicted people are now being open about their disorder. Now, when a manic episode or a major depressive episode is being experienced friends and loved ones are aware of what the afflicted person is going through. They become much more understanding.

On many occasions special efforts are put into educating friends and relatives of an afflicted person about their disorder. This understanding by friends and loved ones can, and does, leads to them being much more understanding about what the afflicted person is going through. Sometimes they even recognize oncoming problems before the afflicted person does.

The internet holds many examples of celebrities and ordinary people sharing their experience of mental disorder. Recent celebrities who have explained their problems with manic episodes and depressive episodes include Catherine Zeta-Jones, Demi Lovato and Sinead O'Conner. A search of the internet will reveal any number of "ordinary people" who have learned to manage their manic episodes or their depressive episodes. This publicity has combined to educate the general public as to what a mental disorder is all about. This better understanding has served to greatly reduce mental health stigma attached to mental health disorders.

Why Funny Quotes About Life Are Good For You

The modern-day world can be quite stressful. It seems that no matter how much money you have, or how little money you have, everyone has got something to worry about. This is especially so with the way that the modern-day economy is going. For the last few years there have been small economic crises which have resulted in a time of economic recession.

If the worries get too much we can sometimes let it get to us. It can cause depression and other illnesses because of this. Worries sometimes turn into more serious issues when people start losing their jobs, or will have to take pay cuts in their jobs, or simply having to take on jobs that they don't like.

They say that laughter is the best medicine and I thoroughly agree with this. But the best ways to have a little chuckle is to read some funny quotes about life. Funny quotes about life will make you smile at the very least, and most of the time they will stick in your memory and you can tell others which spread the humor and the smiles.

What is it about funny quotes about life that are so good? Well for a start it's because they are about life in general. They take a fact about life, or a worry, or something that we all take very seriously, and they turn it on its head and point out the lighter side. They are way of expressing that we shouldn't take life too seriously. Life is short after all and to be honest we all should be laughing at every opportunity.

Succeeding With What You Have by Charles Schwab

Synopsis of Content:

Charles Schwab wrote a very small book which became a classic soon after it was first published in 1920. In this book a man who had risen from rags to riches in reality tells his fellow man how it is done.

He begins by instructing people to think beyond their job. He gives examples from his own experience in America's early steel industry of men who intended to amount to something more than a wage earner, worked hard, and utilized the other principles outlined in this little book.

First he counsels the value of hard honest work. Next he speaks of giving more than fair service for the pay. Then he teaches men to think continually on how the business might be improved and communicate those ideas in little ways.

Next is a chapter on how men are appraised on the job, seizing opportunities, the relative value of a college education, what employers expect, how he sees his employees as partners, men with whom he has worked and a woman's part in a man's success.

Some of this material, especially the last chapter, is very dated and possibly of little use today. However much of what is written here is still as true today as it was in 1920. Hard work, dedication to your goals, going the extra mile, maintaining a good and positive attitude, making a difference, all remain vital steps toward success in a business or in life.

Readability/Writing Quality:

For a book written in 1920 it is surprisingly readable. In part this is due to its small size, a pocket edition having only 55 pages which could be easily read by most in a single evening. The chapters are short enough and well written. Quotes he wishes emphasized are in bold.

Notes on Author:

Charles Schwab was a remarkable man. He started as a stake driver, a minimally paid hourly wage earner in Andrew Carnegie's steel mills. He had little education and came from poor roots.

Carnegie took notice of him however because of his charming personality, incredibly positive attitude, great work ethic and willingness to please. He was just the kind of young man Carnegie was looking to mold and develop into executive material. Schwab did not disappoint and he eventually became Carnegie's chief man and the first President of a corporation to earn one million dollars a year in compensation.

Through his wit, intelligence, charm and hard work he engineered the buyout of Carnegie Steel and the creation of US Steel. He then became the first President of US Steel and a short time later President of Bethlehem Steel. He was known as a master motivator of men and Thomas Edison referred to him as a master hustler.

Sadly despite a meteoric rise to incredible riches and power, Schwab came to a very poor end. In the 1920s, after having written this book, he squandered much of his wealth gambling, spending and carousing. He seemed to lose sight of his own roots and senses and became a spendthrift. In time he was in trouble and then the stock market crash of 1929 left him destitute.

In 1939 he died a poor man, deeply in debt, living off of loans in a small London apartment. On his death he owned a large amount of Bethlehem Steel stock, which during the depression was near worthless. Just a couple years later however it became very valuable as the steel industry boomed during the war.

Despite his sad end, Schwab had very clearly demonstrated in his younger years how to succeed and how to go from poverty to riches.

Three Great Ideas You Can Use:

1. Successful men are not natural prodigies. They win by using normal brains to think beyond their manifest daily duty. The look beyond the day's labor and the day's meal.

2. The real test of business greatness is in giving opportunity to others. Many fail in business because they are thinking only of their own personal gain and glory.

3. Personality is a key asset. If you have it, cherish it. If you do not, cultivate it.

Publication Information:

Succeeding With What You Have by Charles M. Schwab

This book is out of copyright however it is published by Executive Books in booklet form, costing less than $2, with a copyright of 2005 by Executive Books, Mechanicsburg, PA.

General Rating: Fair, >Good<, Very Good, Excellent

Causes of Postpartum Depression - When and How It Happens

Postpartum depression (or postnatal depression) is a very common experience for new mothers, usually caused by varying hormone levels. After the first joy and excitement over the birth, almost all mothers have feelings of depression, resulting in weepiness, feeling inadequate and unable to cope. This mild form is known as baby blues and soon wears off.

One in ten women suffers from PND more severely, beginning from three weeks to six months after the birth. They become moody, easily distressed, reject their partner and child, cannot sleep, have a poor appetite and feel anxious and guilty. This condition needs medical counselling. Drugs may be prescribed but simpler treatment, such as kindness and understanding from friends and relations, going out, taking up hobbies and discussing the problem, will often be valuable.

One in 500 new mothers suffers a much more severe depression known as puerperal psychosis, which needs emergency remedies involving psychiatric care. The Infanticide Act (1938) states that a woman cannot be found guilty of the murder of her child within twelve months of its birth if she is suffering from severe postnatal depression.

Organisations that can help include the Association for Postnatal Illness, Parents Anonymous, the Samaritans, and the Meet A Mum Association.

Postnatal check-up

This should take place about six weeks after the birth. This six-week period is known as the puerperium, and by the end of the six weeks the reproductive organs should have returned to their proper size. The check-up can be carried out by the woman's own GP, or at the hospital where the baby was delivered.

At the check-up the doctor will:

• check the mother's weight, blood pressure and urine.


• if an episiotomy was needed, check that this is healing.


• give a routine smear test.


• offer contraceptive advice.


• check on the mother's emotional condition and any signs of post partum depression.

It is an opportunity for the mother to discuss any problems she may have, physical or mental. It is an important check-up and mothers should insist that it is thorough.

Atypical Depression Sadly Misunderstood

Atypical depression, while just as severe as other forms of depression, is different in many ways. One is that it usually springs up earlier than other types, typically when you are a teenager. It can be more common in girls and women than men, and this type of depression can come and go depending on circumstances.

While severe depression lasts a long time and does not just go away. This form of depression, does not go away either, but can lessen because of mood, experiences, and time of year. For example, many people with this type of depression may feel really down and sad during the winter, but many of the symptoms can be alleviated when there is a nice sunny day.

Because of this confusion it is often misdiagnosed. Some may classify it as Dysthymia, or Cyclothymia, a milder form of bipolar disorder. Because it has its up and down periods, doctors can often mistake it for manic depression as well, but it is depression, none the less.

Major depression is not affected by changes in mood or behavior, while Atypical Depression is affected by many different things. Sleeping too much can bring this on, as well as excessive weight gain. You can have a more intensive reaction to situations like being rejected when dating, not getting a raise or promotion, as well as many other reasons.

This type of depression often is related to other diseases, like a malfunctioning thyroid gland. This is why when people with these health issues finally go see a health care provider, doctors will perform a series of blood tests for hypothyroidism or even adult forms of growth hormone deficiency. There are other causes of this type of depression as well, including a chemical imbalance in the brain, a family history of depression, or even a severe loss such as the death of a close family member.

While it is important that you get diagnosed as soon as possible, it is also important to know that there are alternatives to prescription medication. If you suffer from a thyroid gland or a hormone problem, certain medications that are designed to fix these specific problems do work, and need to be taken. However, there are other factors and natural remedies to consider if your diagnosis is not from one of these glandular problems.

For example, some people who suffer from this during the winter months find that light therapy helps alleviate their symptoms. Getting out and doing activities like riding a bike, walking, or swimming can also help, not only to lift your mood, and build self esteem, but also helps you to lose weight. A change in diet can also help, and eating more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, getting the right amount of the vitamins and minerals your body needs, can also go a long way to improving your symptoms.

There are many resources to help you find out if you have Atypical Depression, as well as much information on what kinds of natural remedies are available instead of taking medication. One of the biggest problems with taking drugs for depression is that these have side effects, some which can be worse than the depression itself. Many can make you feel better because taking them no longer makes you feel much of anything at all.

5 Signs That Your Relationship is Making You Depressed

Beating depression that arises out of a romantic relationship may result in taking some serious decisions. Romantic relationships are fun, but they can also be stressful. If both the partners are normal in their behaviour and outlook of life, the challenges that come in the relationship are sorted out. But in cases when the relationship is extremely negative and destructive for one or both the partner's emotional well-being, then it may be time to call it quits. If you find yourself being depressed on more days than you are not and if you doubt that the relationship you share with your partner may be the reason for it, then here are 5 signs you should look out for. Here are 5 signs of a toxic relationship.

1) If your partner is insulting and critical about you for no particular reason, then it may be making you depressed. Does he/she call you names? Does he/she shout at you or insult you in other way in front of people? Does he criticize you for who you are, your family background, your educational qualifications or how you cook or dress? Do you feel he actually has fun insulting you? Does he say that he is not sure if you are sane? Does he put all blame of whatever is happening squarely on your shoulders? If you find yourself fighting your depression at every step of your life because of this then yes, your relationship is responsible.

2) If your partner does not like you talking or communicating with other people, this relationship may not be ideal for you. Does he have problems with you going out to meet your friends? Does he disapprove of your close family members and insist they are not good enough? He will want total control over you and the only people you get to meet are those he approves for you. End result: you are isolated.

3) Your partner controls your sex life. Sex is supposed to be the physical representation of love between two people. But if sex has become something that you have to give him no matter what you feel like or want, then your partner may be manipulating you through sex. He may also stop all sexual intimacy which again contributes to your depression.

4) Your partner keeps a sharp eye on how you go about doing your daily activities. He/she is suspicious of where you are going and who you are with. You may be compelled to give an account of your daily life without any reason.

5) Threats about leaving you are a frequent part of the conversation you share. When disagreements occur, instead of trying to solve them, your partner threatens to leave you if you go against him. This happens all the time.

If you are trying to beat depression because of these signs in your relationship, it is time for you to get out of it.

It's Hard to Take Charge When You Are Suffering From Clinical Depression

If you are suffering from depression, it makes perfect sense to say that it is not quite possible to enjoy something that is pleasurable. Can you imagine how much fulfilling is it to take charge instead of hanging on to unpleasant old images and endure?

Maybe you can be skeptical now. But, taking charge of yourself involves more than simply trying on new thoughts to suppress your emotions. You need a new determination to be happy and to destroy each though that creates some form of a self-immobilizing unhappiness within you.

I understand that it is very hard for you to believe that you can choose to be happy, try to consider this course of events. Each time you become depressed, it is because you are subjected to some form of negative treatment that you may find repulsive. You can feel depressed for many reasons. For example, you don't like to be deprived of all food. Perhaps you are locked in a room alone for long periods of time. Or maybe you just don't like being physically tortured by others. Imagine all this feelings right now as you are reading this article.

You don't really feel depressed, right?

This is because you don't hold on to these negative experiences now as you are taking charge quickly. You aren't being bullied or subjected to some negative treatment. This is why you don't hold on to being depressed.

The thing about clinical depression is that some people choose to become insane rather than to take charge. Patients who are suffering from clinical depression choose to give up and succumb to a life of pure miserly because they feel that they receive a greater dividend of pity rather than the reward of happiness.

I knew these reasons, which is why I chose to specialize in psychiatry when I went to medicine school.

Edgar Cayce on Treating Depression

Edgar Cayce responded to questions from over a hundred individuals regarding the causes of depression, and recommended relatively simple, natural therapies to address it.

Essentially, Cayce viewed depression as a literal "depressing" or inhibition of nerve impulse. In particular, he emphasized the visceral organs (i.e., stomach, liver, etc.) and sensory nervous system as playing key roles in some of the symptoms of depression, including disturbed sleep and appetite, sluggishness and listlessness, headaches, backaches, and more. Toxemia and glandular dysfunctions (most often the adrenal, thyroid and pineal) were also associated with depression.

Traumatic life events, loss of meaning in life and hopelessness are also cited in several cases as a cause of depression. Cayce typically referred to these factors as a failure to establish a spiritual ideal around which to center one's life. This sense of spiritual malaise could lead to despair, negative mental patterns and eventually to the mild physical symptoms linked to depression.

To treat depression, the Cayce material recommends such therapies as osteopathic or chiropractic treatment, hydrotherapy, constructive mental attitudes, dietary suggestions, and exercise. A major strength of this treatment approach is that it tends to be relatively safe. The following basic treatment plan is suitable for most cases of depression as well as an appropriate maintenance plan to reduce the likelihood of a relapse.

• Improving eliminations is a high priority since toxemia is as one of the most common factors associated with depression. Hydrotherapy (such as colonics and steam baths), osteopathy and chiropractic adjustments, massage, and a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and clean water are the main recommendations in this regard.
  


• Use of osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments and massage also assist in establishing better coordination between the central and peripheral nervous system. This is important since Cayce consistently portrayed the pathophysiology of depression as a "lapse in nerve impulse."
  


• Moderate outdoor exercise for relaxation and improving eliminations.
  


• Setting ideals is an important intervention for establishing priorities. It is also an excellent means of recognizing and correcting dysfunctional attitudes and beliefs.
  


• Finally, the spiritual phase of the basic model encourages taking a broader perspective on the immediate situation. Altruistic service provides a sense of interpersonal connectedness which can be extremely therapeutic in the treatment of depression.

Workin' Blues - How to Handle Depression in the Workplace

You've been collaborating on business projects with your colleague in the adjoining cubicle for more than 15 years. Lately, however, she's been acting out-of-character, and the quality of her work has gone south. She seems tired and listless, and she's been seen hanging her head throughout the workday. Most noticeably, your colleague has lost a considerable amount of weight, and she is easily irritated by events that, in the past, she'd have taken in stride.

This brief vignette illustrates but a few of the signs and symptoms of an all-too-common phenomenon, depression in the workplace. In fact, clinical depression has emerged as one of America's most costly illnesses. Left untreated, depression can be as costly as heart disease and AIDS, accounting in the U.S. alone for an estimated $43 billion a year in absenteeism, lost productivity and direct-treatment expenditures.

For employees:

If you feel depressed, seek assistance. Your company may offer helpful resources, such as an employee assistance program (EAP) or an occupational heath nurse. If not, then consider obtaining outside help through your personal or family physician. Don't let fears of job loss, inadequate insurance or confidentiality concerns stop you. Depression is a serious illness, and treatment can help. Also, if you are able to keep working, do so. Staying home and doing nothing will only exacerbate your feelings of helplessness, and that can worsen your depression.

For employers:

First, it's important to understand that a depressive disorder can hurt your employees' productivity, judgment, teamwork and overall job performance.

But as an employer, you cannot and should not diagnose depression. That's the job of a psychiatrist or other mental-health professional. However, you should be aware of depression's warning signs and address them accordingly.

One sign that an employee is suffering from depression is a change in work ethic. Watch for behavioral changes, such as the sudden appearance of tardiness, absenteeism, decreased productivity, diminished work quality, isolation from co-workers, angry outbursts and frequent comments about feeling fatigued.

Here are eight other steps employers should take:

• Educate yourself about depression. Understand that depression is a bonafide illness, not a personality flaw.


• Take a nonjudgmental position towards depression, just as you would toward any other illness.


• Be on the lookout for risk-taking behaviors. They can be early-warning signs of depression.


• If you observe worrisome changes in an employee, talk to them. Offer information regarding assistance, such as counseling and the company's EAP.


• Be specific about what you expect from the employee.


• Consider offering extra flexibility to the employee's schedule while they're undergoing treatment.


• Promise the employee that you will protect their personal privacy and keep their mental-health records confidential - and then follow through on your promise.


• Take seriously any and all life-threatening comments made by employees - for example, suicide threats or talk of attacking others. If an employee makes such a comment, bring in a mental-health professional immediately for assistance.

Every company, whether large or small, can benefit from developing a mental-health policy. An effective policy will not only take preventive measures towards depression, but also encourage depression's immediate treatment. Such policies can improve both individual and company performance. They can also lower the overall cost of depression and other medical illnesses.

Why Is Depression Increasing In The US

Of all of the medical issues that are prevalent in US at present, clinical depression is not only hard to diagnose but more often it is quite grueling to treat properly. Experts believe that depression is going beyond normal sadness.

Depression can be defined as the state of being so sad that it affects your body functioning. For example, if you find it tough to get out of bed in the morning and have no interest in doing work, you are experiencing few of the major signs of clinical depression. In that case, it is recommended that you should consult a doctor immediately.

You can't treat depression yourself, one need to consult clinical or medial professional in this regard. But remember the point that just because you are not feeling flash does not mean that you are suffering from a medical condition that needs medications, as is pretty much the case with clinical depression. Not every doctor can treat depression, so it is of paramount importance that you choose doctor on the basis of experience and reputation.

There is no doubt that depression is a big problem and even worse it is growing at an alarming speed. If you take a look at recent figures, one can clear up basic misconceptions and make it a straightforward task tackling major depression at its root.

Recent study suggests that depression is the number one psychological disorder in the western world. Furthermore it is growing in all age groups, in almost all the communities. If the trend continues, depression will be the second most disabling condition in the globe by 2020, with heart disease taking the top honour.

The facts relating to continuous episodes of depression clearly depict that though antidepressants can play a significant role in controlling the symptoms but they are not that efficient in the long-run. That is where, one need to take a closer look at other solutions, which can not only give immediate relief but also prove beneficial in the long run.

As already mentioned, clinical or major depression is growing at a fast rate.

o With a few exceptions, people of all ages, backgrounds, lifestyles, and nationalities are suffering from major depression.

o Around 20% of people experience symptoms of depression.

o As compared to 1945, at present 10 times more people suffer from major depression

o Take a note of the fact that the average age of first onset of major depression is between 25-29

According to recent study, around 35 to 40 million Americans living at present will suffer from major depression at some time of their life, with around 20 million Americans suffering from continuous depression symptoms. When one takes into account the fact that suicide is the 8th biggest cause of death in the US, there is hardly a surprise that major depression is termed as "the nation's leading mental health issue"

You may ask: Why depression is increasing? Fact remains that every individual has basic emotional requirements that must be met to enjoy life at the fullest. Apart from primary human requirements such as food, water and shelter individual need emotional and physical support. You will find that depressed people usually don't get these types of support.

Traditional communities more often meet lots of 'basic requirements' for emotional support. For example, in the traditional Amish society in the US major depression is almost non-existent. This is also the case in the equally traditional Kaluli tribe of New Guinea. The pivotal factor here is that in these societies individual concerns are group concerns and vise-versa. In other word, you will get a much-needed help from other people if you are facing problem.

A more recent review that was implemented by Dr Wilson M. Compton and associates from the National Institutes of Health pinpoints the fact that that the prevalence rates of major depression enhanced in patients with and without a substance use disorder from 3.33% in 1991-1992 to 7.06% in 2001-2002.

Researchers come to the conclusion after taking into account the information from two major, nationally representative surveys: the National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey conducted in the year of 1991-1992, and of course the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions conducted in the year of 2001-2002.

The best part about this research is that all diagnoses were made on the basis of information from the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule--DSM-IV. According to study, major depression is on the rise, with or without a substance use disorder, was statistically significant for all communities and age groups.

Herbal Remedies For Depression - Quick Tips For Beating Depression Without Taking Drugs

Herbal remedies for depression can sometime be just as effective as using prescribed antidepressants as a treatment. These 4 quick and easy herbal remedies for depression will have you feeling better in no time. Read on to find out more...

• Tip 1: St Johns Wort is an excellent alternative treatment for depression and is sometimes referred to as 'natures Prozac', because it works in a similar way to antidepressants. Just like prescribed medication herbal remedies for depression such as St Johns Wort affects the chemicals in your brain and helps you start feeling happier. This remedy can be found at most alternative therapy stores, and herbal practitioners may also be able to recommend other suitable herbal remedies for depression.
  


• Tip 2: Exercise is a great way to lift your mood. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which give you a natural high. Basically, you releases endorphins because you're exercising, this is sent to you brain, your brain thinks that you're happy and your mood instantly improves. The length of the 'exercise high' will vary from person to person, but the harder you work out, the better you will feel. If you exercise whilst taking herbal remedies for depression you may begin to find the perfect balance and start feeling better even quicker.
  


• Tip 3: Aromatherapy massages with essential oils can help tackle your depression and instantly help to lift your mood. A calming environment and a massage are a great way to help anyone feel better, but it's the oils that can really help depression suffers. If you discuss your condition with your aromatherapist, he/she will be able to recommend and use the right essential oils to help you feel better. If you're taking any kind or medication you must speak to your doctor before you visit an aromatherapist or use any herbal remedies for depression.
  


• Tip 4: Counselling is an extremely effective way to help treat depression. Most counselling services are free or relatively inexpensive and can be found by simply visiting your doctor. He/she will be able to recommend the perfect type of treatment to meet your needs. Alternatively, you may want to consider joining a support group. This will give you a chance to meet and hear the stories or other sufferers who are going through the same thing. This is an excellent way for you to gain more information and to help you understand your depression.

There are many people in the world who suffer from depression, but refuse to treat it with antidepressants. Instead they prefer to use natural and Herbal Remedies For Depression. If you would like some more information on Herbal Remedies For Depression please click on the links below.