How To Ease Depression After A Marriage Break Up

When you have just come through a painful marriage breakup, depression is an affliction that might trouble you. If you find yourself feeling seriously depressed, don't be afraid. Many people suffer from depression after a traumatic event. The emotional trauma of divorce or the breakdown of a marriage is a common cause of depression.

If left untreated, depression can have serious consequences. So, if you think you are suffering from depression, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner without delay. This type of depression is called reactive depression and it can be diagnosed and treated very easily. While the symptoms can be distressing, most cases of reactive depression can be cleared up quickly with the right treatment.

You might find that you don't need to take medication for your condition. Simply being able to talk to a doctor about your feelings can help you. Some people start to recover spontaneously as a result of receiving a diagnosis. People often fear that they have some terrible disease when they experience the symptoms of depression. Knowing that they have a treatable condition reassures them and they start to get better.

You need your friends around you after a breakup has left you feeling so low. Unfortunately, not everyone understands how depression can affect a person. Well-meaning friends will do their best to cheer you up. Sometimes their efforts just make you feel worse. Some ignorant people will tell you to "pull yourself together" as if depression is something you have cultivated deliberately.

Don't let experiences with people who don't understand drive you back into your shell. Seek out the friends who understand best. Some people will show the natural ability to fit in with your mood. Try to spend most time with these friends while you are feeling at your most vulnerable.

You need to make sure you take care of yourself. Depression can leave you feeling that everything is pointless. You won't want to see anyone. You won't want to talk to anyone even on the phone. You won't want to eat or drink. You won't even be bothered to take a shower. Even getting out of bed is too much effort. All you want to do is lie down in a dark room and wait for misery to suffocate you. You must not give in to these feelings.

You must force yourself to keep to a routine of getting up, showering, and eating meals. If you have been prescribed medication, take it according to your doctor's instructions. Keep in close touch with your friends, even if it is only through brief phone chats. Meet up with friends as often as possible. Take some exercise every day, even if it is only a ten minute walk. These things probably don't seem very important, but they are all steps on your road to recovery. Everything you do towards living a normal life will help to speed up your recovery.

As soon as you sense the depression lifting, even slightly, you should increase your levels of activity. Get out socially, visit family you don't see very often. Increase the amount of exercise you take. Keep yourself generally busy.

One of the best things to do is to donate time to working for a charity. This helps you to get better, and it gives you the satisfaction of knowing you are helping people who need help.

The one thing you need to avoid is dating. It is very easy to slip into a rebound relationship. Rebound relationships rarely work out. If you get into one while you are vulnerable you are almost guaranteed to find yourself going through another breakup.

Depression often starts to take over when we have too much time on our hands. When you have just come out of a relationship, you will need to fill the time you would have been spending with your ex. Keeping yourself busy is the best thing you can do to ease depression after a breakup. But don't be afraid to seek counseling if you feel you need help to cope with your emotions after the breakup.

My Experience With Clinical Depression and the Positive Side of It!

I have experienced depression twice in my life. I won't lie, it is the worst feeling and pain that I have ever experienced. However, there is a bright side about that experience that even makes it worth going through.

Every time I have overcome depression I have felt stronger and undefeatable. I have felt like embracing life like never before, it has made me value the little things that bring me joy and cherish every second of my existence.

Depression can come as a blessing to us, if we pay attention to the lesson we need to learn from it. Our body is wise and will tell us when we are doing something wrong. In my case the cause of my depression was the emotional baggage and pain that I carried with myself, without expressing it, without allowing myself to feel what my body and spirit needed to feel, It wasn't until I uncovered my core beliefs that were instilled in my childhood, worked with the emotions stored in my body that were causing pain and unhappiness, slowly released them and consciously changed my compensatory behaviors, when I started feeling free, truly love myself and improve the quality of my life and relationships with myself and others.

My second experience with depression has been a lot shorter and milder than the first one, despite the fact that I am by myself, away from home and family, and as I go through my recovery I am starting to feel so much more alive and fulfilled that I want to do more and be more every day. I don't think I will experience depression again, but although it is painful I wouldn't be scared if I had to go through it again, because I know three things for sure: First, I know I can get over it, and second I will come out an even better and stronger person than I am now. Third, life will seem a lot more enjoyable and worth living.

Clinical depression is very different from sadness; clinical depression normally requires the advice and guidance from a professional, appropriate medication can help for faster recovery, in addition to other things we can do to help ourselves and actively participate in our process of recovery. Accumulated stress and emotional pain are the cause of many types of illnesses, such as depression. Medication helps us in balancing proper amount of chemicals in our brain such as serotonin, but ultimately the long term recovery is in our hands, it is necessary to work on the core of the problem, the real cause of our physical discomfort. Consciously observe our compensatory behaviors and change them until the emotional pain leaves our body.

Mind, body and spirit are interconnected and emotional energy in our body will eventually turn into matter, and will manifest physically. There are many techniques that I have learnt in order to learn to live with our emotions, flow with them and use them to our advantage, instead of escaping from them and fear facing them.

Mental Health and the Connection to Omega 3 Fish Oil

Based on scientific studies, the medical community has come to the conclusion that over the last fifty years, there has been an increase in the number of people who suffer from some form of mental illness. There are many schools of thought that feel there are various causes including societal stress associated with the pace of today's life style in western countries. Others attribute this problem in part to the constant news cycle high lighting negative news stories continuously. Though various causes for the increase in clinical depression, bipolar disorder, anger issues and other forms of mental illness are hotly debated, one area of agreement in the medical community revolves around diet.

Is fish oil the natural cure?

Over the last half century, the decrease in Omega 3 fatty acids has coincided with the increase of processed foods high in saturated fats. This has caused the ratio of omega 6 to Omega 3 to becoming imbalanced. Omega 6 comes from soy and corn primarily. This fat intake can be attributed to the increase in the rate of depression according to Dr. Joseph Hibbein of the National Institutes of Health. Other data supports the conclusion that rates of depression are lower in countries that have a much higher absorption rate of foods rich in Omega 3 fish oil.

The role of Antidepressants

The role of antidepressants and the side effects associated with the use of some popularly prescribed mood enhancing drugs has drawn some criticism from those that believe that a diet rich in Omega 3 fish oil is an all natural way to stimulate the proper functioning of the nervous system. Omega 3 fish oil contains the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These particular fatty acids are deemed essential for balanced nutritional health and are found deficient in patients suffering from clinical depression.

What about fat reducing medications?

While reducing bad cholesterol with the use of statin drugs is a noble goal, there is evidence that using this method of reducing (LDL) levels in the blood may in fact cause higher incidence of liver damage, but also increased levels of Omega 6 while preventing adequate levels of Omega 3. The evidence shows that high levels of fish oil will help to lower cholesterol naturally without causing potential damage to your liver. At the same time, with higher levels of Omega 3 intake, the body will receive the correct dosage of necessary fatty acids to help simultaneously fight depression and other mental disorders.

Conclusion

The evidence seems clear, with the increasing number of patients suffering from mental disorders, it's important to protect you and your family by supplementing a healthy life style with the addition of foods rich in Omega 3 fish oil. Study after study indicates that several health afflictions including mental illness can at least be checked if not completely avoided with this simple all natural remedy.

Bipolar Symptoms - What Factors Can Trigger Bipolar Disorder Symptoms?

Bipolar disorder symptoms affect 44 million Americans. Bipolar symptoms are characterized by mood disorders that can be identified as a shift in a person's mood, energy and ability to function. It can further be distinguished by the person experiencing cycles of manic episodes. These episodes are characterized by an abnormally elevated mood and depressive episodes or symptoms. But what factors trigger these episodes?

Research indicates that some people are genetically predisposed to bipolar disorder. However, not everyone that has an inherited vulnerability develops the illness. This is a clear indication that there are also external factors that play a major role. These external risk factors are called triggers. Triggers can set off a bipolar disorder or prolong an existing mood episode. Many episode of mania or depression occur, however, without an obvious trigger.

Here are some triggers:

Stress - is something we all face from time to time. People with bipolar disorder who suffer severe stress or emotional trauma can find it even more difficult to deal with stress.

Major Life Event - Major life events both good and bad can trigger an episode of bipolar disorder. These events tend to involve drastic or sudden changes.

Substance Abuse - While substance abuse doesn't cause bipolar disorder, it can bring on an episode and worsen the course of the disease. Drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines can trigger mania, while alcohol and tranquilizers can trigger depression.

Medication - Certain medications, most notably antidepressant drugs, can trigger mania. Other drugs that may induce mania include over-the-counter cold medicine, appetite suppressants, caffeine, corticosteroids, and thyroid medication.

Seasonal Changes - Episodes of mania and depression often follow a seasonal pattern. Manic episodes are more common during the summer, and depressive episodes more common during the fall, winter, and spring.

Sleep Deprivation - Loss of sleep-even as little as skipping a few hours of rest-can trigger an episode of mania.

Not sure if you or someone you know may be suffering from bipolar disorder symptoms? Further warning signs of bipolar depression include:

• Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty


• Excessive crying


• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy


• Fatigue or loss of energy


• Physical and mental sluggishness


• Appetite or weight changes


• Sleeping too much or too little


• Difficulty concentrating


• Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness


• Thoughts of death or suicide

Bipolar disorder may also have manic episodes. These episodes can be different than the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder manic episodes symptoms include:

• Inappropriate sense of euphoria (elation)


• Racing thoughts; talking too much


• Extreme irritability


• Reckless behavior


• Abnormal sleep


• Excessive energy


• Out of control spending


• Difficulty concentrating


• Abnormally increased activity, including sexual activity


• Poor judgment


• Aggressive behavior

If you or someone you know suffer from or display any of these symptoms, consult a physician for the most accurate diagnosis on mental health.

Vitamins and Herbs: Don't Let the Winter Blues Make You SAD!

After the heat of the summer and the rainy fall we all look forward to winter - it's cool weather, warm clothes and holiday cheer...but as the holiday season winds down and we have months to go in the winter season, we become sluggish and dread the dark days and cold weather. Waking in the dark and coming home from work in the dark hinders our exercise routines: causing fatigue and sluggishness - which leads to too much sleep and ultimately weight gain for a lot of us -- paired with low moods and symptoms that mimic depression. It is well known that those suffering from depression have a worsening of symptoms in the winter and while roughly 3% of the population has been diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), countless others have what is termed the "winter blues."

So while any depression symptoms or SAD should be handled by your clinical physician, those of us who tend to experience more mild symptoms related to the darkening winter season there are some natural ways we can try and enhance our mood and energy while we await the spring sunshine.

Vitamins & Supplements to help with your Winter Blues

Vitamin D - the sunshine vitamin! The best source of vitamin D is sun exposure, which is needed for the body to synthesize vitamin D and though very little exposure is needed for this conversion, even that is hard to obtain in the winter months in most parts of the country. The fact that vitamin D deficiency is widespread (over 70% of the US population is thought to be vitamin D deficient) the need to utilize supplements to obtain adequate vitamin D levels seems like a necessity. These low levels may also underlie the winter blues. The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that likelihood of having depression in people with vitamin D deficiency is significantly higher compared to those whose levels are sufficient.

Fish Oil - provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to play an important role in brain function and countless studies have suggested many other benefits for these ever important omega-3 fatty acids. Some scientists and researchers also believe that an imbalance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids contributes to depression, violent behavior and many other health issues.

B Vitamins: are essential for cell metabolism, central nervous system maintenance and they also help to increase energy levels. Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6 and Folate in particular have been found to be associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms.

SAM-e- (S-adenosylmethionine) is made from the amino acid methionine and ATP and is a naturally occurring compound in human cells. SAM-e is used as a mood booster by influencing brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. SAM-e has been widely prescribed in Europe for years.

Herbs to enhance your mood when you have the Winter Blues

St. John's Wort: has long been used in Europe for mood disorders and an anti-depressant. St. John's Wort boosts serotonin levels and promotes emotional well-being and balance, which may help with symptoms of SAD and winter blues.

Chamomile: Getting a good night sleep will help combat those winter blues, however, in the winter there is said to be a delay in circadian rhythms with respect to the sleep/wake cycle. Many studies have shown chamomile's calming effect and most recently a University of Pennsylvania study revealed that chamomile reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Chamomile has also been found to be effective in helping with insomnia.

Ginkgo: may help maintain mental clarity and attention. Studies suggest ginkgo is capable of improving cognitive function; increased mental sharpness, better concentration, and improved memory. All of which suffers greatly when experiencing the blues.

Ginseng: is a powerful adaptogen that strengthens and stimulates the immune system. An adaptogen is a substance that helps the body adjust to environmental stress of all kinds. Ginseng is also known to increases energy and vitality and builds resistance to stress.

Other Natural ways to protect you from the Winter Blues

Exercise - Get some fresh air! Exercise is one the most effective ways to combat depression and fatigue. 30 minutes a day will do wonders for your body and your mind!

Aromatherapy Lavender - releases serotonin to produce a calming influence in the body and help combat stress and induce a feeling of relaxation.

Always be sure to discuss your health concerns and dietary supplement intake with your physician. During the cold winter months it is also important to keep your immunity levels up by: getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, eating a well-balanced diet and taking a multivitamin/mineral...so you can beat the winter blues... naturally.

10 Homemade Remedies For Eliminating Depression Naturally

People who suffer from depression can improve with the right homemade treatment. Natural depression treatments have several advantages to them. It is estimated that a quarter of all American women will suffer from clinical depression at some point in their lives, and that women are twice as likely to suffer from it as men. Take depression seriously. Depression affects millions of people and can range from being fairly mild to completely devastating. Only 30% of depressed people get any form of treatment at all, which is a big mistake. Without treatment, the frequency and severity of symptoms tend to increase over the years--just like other diseases. Here are a few of the effective home remedies for eliminating depression:

1)  Boil seeds of 2 cardamoms in 1 cup of water with tea (avoid black tea). Add honey for taste and drink it twice a day.

2) Blanch 5-7 rosemary leavesin 1 cup boiling of water, add honey, wait 3 minutes and drink.

3) Boil a few rose petals in 1cup of water. Add honey for taste. Drink occasionally in place of your usual tea or coffee.

4) Add to 1 cup boiling water 1/4 teaspoon Indian basil (tulsi) and 1/2 teaspoon of sage. Drink twice a day.

5) Make a tea with 1/2 teaspoon each of ashvagandha and brahmi in 1 cup boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink 2 or 3 times a day.

6) Eat an apple with milk and honey. It will recharge your energy, uplifting your mood.

7) Cook 3-4 tablespoons of oatmeal to 1 cup of rice milk or soy milk, boil and stir for 1 minute on low temperature. Add honey, maple syrup, fresh or dried fruits, nuts, and almonds.

8) Eat cashew nuts. A rich source of the B vitamin group that is extremely beneficial in treating depression. It stimulates the appetite, energy levels and promotes activeness.

9) Aromatherapy. Helps the body to relax and revive the nervous system. Inhalation of some herbal oils like rose, jasmine, lime, and grapefruit are considered a natural remedy for depression. Flowers that smell good also help with eliminating depression.

10) Relaxation is one effective measure in treating depression. Take daily walks. Fresh air and deep breathing exercises help in relaxation. A bath for one hour daily is also helpful in the treatment of depression. Get the proper amount of sleep, not too much and not to little. There are many ways, remedies, treatments, and cures for depression.

These 10 listed here are simple and homemade, being found usually in one's own kitchen. And the walking, sleeping, breathing of fresh air and flowers are all free and available to all. Take advantage of what nature has already provided.

Brainswitching As Post-Hypnotic Suggestion

Although I am a certified hypnotist as well as a board-certified cognitive behavioral therapist, I had not thought of using brainswitching as a post-hypnotic suggestion until I received the following letter from a counselor in Australia.

Isn't the Internet a wonder? Here I am in San Diego, California and in an instant can interact with someone in Australia, and confer with a fellow in my field to share information and keep current with my profession. Here is the letter:

"I am a qualified counselor and a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist in Australia. It is with great interest that I read an article of yours about brain switching and depression. I hadn't heard of brainswitching before I read the article, and am going to purchase a book about brainswitching on Amazon,,

However, time is of the essence as I am seeing a clinically depressed client on Tuesday. Her husband has stated she is suicidal, so any additional information which you could give me now which would help me with her session on Tuesday would be greatly appreciated.

I was wondering if brain switching could be incorporated as a post suggestion in a hypnotic script, and, if it could,what would be the best way of going about this. Thank you for taking the time to read this email."

What a great idea. Yes, of course any counselor who uses hypnotherapy can use brainswitching as a post hypnotic suggestion. But I had not thought of it until I received that counselor's email. Whenever you think of something you make a new neural pattern of that thought that remains in your memory banks. This is due to the brain's neuroplasticity. When you think of that same thought repetitively, over and over, you make the thought dominant. The brain always follows the direction of its most current dominant thought.

With hypnosis, you accomplish making the thought dominant with your post hypnotic suggestion since the hypnosis trance provides the same strength (dominance) to the thought as thinking the thought over and over repetitively.

Another way to make the thought more dominant is to think the thought during emotional stress. This is why faith healers say "You're cured" Then push the person backwards. The person does not know that someone has been stationed right behind them to cushion their fall, and so experiences emotional stress (fear) at the same time the thought occurs which "sets" the thought (makes it more dominant).

Any counselor has to confer with their patient to mutually decide what thought is to be "set" in the patient's brain and the patient must choose some specific mind exercise to be reminded of by the post-hypnotic suggestion. For myself I have "set" the thought "Do an exercise right away" and "linked it" (through learned association) to occur at the same time a depressive thought occurs.

The patient will have to choose a specific mind exercise to use in place of the depressive thought, then the counselor can link the idea of doing the exercise with the depressive thought so whenever the depressive thoughts pop up, the get-out-of-depression thought pops up simultaneously.

Of course the patient will need to be warned that, since depression deprives us of all motivation (not will, as is often supposed), when the reminder thought to do a get-out-of-depression exercise pops up, the patient will have to move out of their comfort zone to actually do the mind exercise. Number one, they will not "feel" like doing the exercise and, number two, they will have no faith that any exercise will actually work. They must commit themselves to doing the mind exercise "anyway." I have often likened doing the mind exercise to taking a pill. You just do it because you are supposed to, not because you feel like it or because it will do any good.

If someone is suicidal, I would certainly make sure that they not be alone as long as they are suicidal, and that, if they are physically capable, they do some hard physical exercise to tire themselves out--jogging, working out, etc. to deplete some of the stress chemicals.