Monday, June 16, 2014

Healing Depression With Sound


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

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

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

The Bridge of Sound

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Future of Sound Therapy?

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Manic Depression Revealed


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

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

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

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

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

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

Treatment of manic depression.

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

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

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

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

Making Choices - Dating a Bipolar Man


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

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

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

"I am bipolar," he said.

I almost dropped the glass of wine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources

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

WebMD: What causes bipolar disorder?

Mental Illness - A Mother's Worst Nightmare


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding People Who Self-Injure

(Thank you, Charlene.)

2008 April Lorier

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Depression Natural Cures - Lift Your Mood Nauturally and Quickly !


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drums Along the Mohawk - 1939


Introduction

Synopsis

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

Cast

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

Setting

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

Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

4 Tips on Being a Happy and Relaxed Person


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips No 3. Friends And Family

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

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

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

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

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

Negative Effects of Morphine on Human Body and Brain


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consider Discussing These Manic Depressive Symptoms With Your Doctor


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

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

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

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

Symptoms of a manic episode or mania include:


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

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

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

  • Being restless or easily distracted

  • Having an unrealistic belief in a person's abilities

  • Sleeping little or very poor sleeping habits

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

  • Behaving recklessly and participating in many pleasurable, risky behaviors

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

Symptoms of a depressive episode or depression include:


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

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

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

  • Difficulty with concentrating, making decisions or remembering things

  • Being irritable and or grouchy beyond reason

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

  • Thinking of suicide or death, or attempting suicide

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

The Relationship Between Anxiety and Depression: This May Surprise You


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

1. Pure Anxiety

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

2. Pure Depression

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

3. Mixed Anxiety and Depression

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

4. Overfocused Anxiety/Depression

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

5. Cyclic Anxiety/Depression

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

6. Temporal Lobe Anxiety/Depression

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

7. Unfocused Anxiety/Depression

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

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