Curing Low Self Esteem

You ever wake up in the morning and feel you just don't want to deal with the world? Don't want to be around people? You are not alone. Thousands of people suffer from some of the same symptoms. Depression, hopelessness, despair, stress, no motivation, but most of all no self esteem or low self esteem. So many people are afraid to live fulfilling and rewarding lives because of what others think of them, or say to them. Maybe all of your life you've been put down by others, made to think of yourself as inferior. Maybe a parent or sibling, bullies at school, a boss, co-workers, so much so that you start believing it yourself. Unfortunately for some people it can lead to low self esteem which in turn can sometimes become a lifetime nightmare.

They shut themselves away from the world, becoming virtual prisoners in their own lives. In doing so they forfeit normalcy. A lot of times never having the pleasures of real loving relationships or even friendships because having low self esteem they don't think they fit in or equal. Often they end up abusing drugs or alcohol or even worse become abusive to other people because of their situations. In some cases with younger people they end up in trouble, because they do outrageous things just to try and prove they can fit in. Most often with the wrong crowd.

It doesn't have to be that way. A lot of times they are afraid or ashamed to seek help for their problems, thinking they're the blame or somehow that's the way they are suppose to be. Afraid to let others [Dr.s, Counselors, Clergy or family and friends] help them find the beautiful person within. There is hope and help for those who want to improve or even cure their self esteem problems. Self help programs obtained online where you can learn to undo and fix some of the damages. Yes and in the privacy of your on home and at your own discretion.

As someone who has dealt with low self esteem before believe me when I say it's a burden lifted off your shoulders when you can finally look at yourself in the mirror and say welcome back to the world, and start being more assertive and sure about yourself. As mentioned above you are not alone, there are thousands of people who suffer just like you from the crippling effects of low self esteem. Let's hope they're reading this article also.

Upon restoring your self esteem you can fight off depression, stress and the hopeless feelings you may sometimes have, just by gaining a more positive outlook on life itself, becoming more confident in doing things that you were afraid of doing because of a lack of self esteem. Be able to go out and get that job you wanted or have the confidence to ask that person you've been reluctant to ask out on a date. Yes there is a world out there waiting for you, and you can live in it without being timid or oppressed. You'll be motivated to stand up and say {I'm Just as important as anyone else in this world} and my life will get better.

Depression and Omega-3 Fish Oil Treatments - Do They Really Work?

You may have heard that omega-3 fatty acids are the up and coming treatment for depression. But when it comes to truly improving how you feel, it is important to understand that not just any source of omega-3 will have a positive an effect on this debilitating condition.

The research into the use of essential fatty acids for treating depression was pioneered about 10 years ago by researchers associated with Harvard Medical School.

The scientific studies conducted by these researchers revealed that, indeed, omega-3s did have a beneficial effect on relieving symptoms of depression in subjects suffering from bi-polar disorder. However, there were two additional findings that came out of subsequent studies that were worth taking note of:

1. The only source of omega-3's that has been put to the test is fish oil. Krill oil, microalgae, and flaxseed oil have not been tested in formal clinical trials as a treatment for depression.

2. Fish oil works as an addition to doctor-prescribed therapy, not as a substitute for it.

In other words, if medications are not working for your depression and you want to try something else, don't stop taking the medications your doctor ordered and start taking fish oil. Continue taking the medications prescribed by your doctor and simply add a daily dose of a high quality supplement.

How much fish oil is enough for fending off depression? In the studies that got the best results, people with depression took about 5,000 mg of omega-3's per day.

Since the capsule itself weighs something and there are a few components in the oil that are not pure omega-3, that is roughly equivalent to eight 1,000-mg capsules every day.

When people took less, as little as one capsule per day, they got better. However, it's important to note that with this particular finding it was not possible to determine how much better taking fish oil was compared to taking a placebo.

If you have been doing everything you can to deal with depression but your symptoms persist, try taking fish oil in addition to your current prescription medicine. As long as you don't change your medications without your doctors knowledge or advice, the worst that can happen to you is that you will have a healthier heart and fewer aches and pains which is something that can help lift your spirits just by themselves.

Furthermore, there is a good chance that you will feel better without triggering the destructive downside of depression treatment with more and more prescription medications.

Make no mistake about it! A great source of omega-3 fish oil is worth a try, and may be the one thing you need to overcome depression for good. I have done extensive research into the best sources of omega-3 oil from fish. As a result, I've discovered an exceptional brand whose high production standards make them a stand-out in the field of nutritional supplements. I've been taking it myself for sometime now and can attest to its mood-boosting benefits. Visit my website now to find out how you, too, can start feeling better.

Winter Depression Symptoms: How Can You Tell Once You Have It?

We all have those days when we feel more down than usual, but how do you know if you're just having a bad day or suffering from something more serious, like winter depression? More people start to get depressed during the winter months than you may realize and, though the symptoms differ from person to person, there are a few warning signs to look out for.

Winter Depression Is Real

We all talk about having the "winter blues", yet most of us brush it off as something that's not "real". But getting depressed in the winter is real, and it's a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (shortened to SAD). The truth is that the levels of daylight we get affect our natural rhythms. In winter, they can go out of synch, causing a number of symptoms.

So What Are The Symptoms?

The symptoms of winter depression are extremely varied, and everyone will experience it differently. A few of the symptoms you may have include:
* Irritability,
* Feeling worthless, guilty, or having low self esteem,
* Crying a lot,
* Feeling anxious and stressed,
* Reduced sex drive,
* Feeling more tired than usual and sleeping more,
* Weight gain,
* Lack of energy,
* Increased appetite,
* Craving unhealthy food.

Another strong symptom, in addition to those above (most of which are also symptoms of depression in general) is finding that you get these symptoms at the same time each year. This is a clear sign that your depression is related to the winter season. The symptoms may slowly begin during autumn, and get worse into winter when the daylight hours decrease.

What Causes Winter Depression?

It can also help to be aware of the various causes of seasonal depression, to help determine whether you're at risk. There is no one cause, but there are known factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing it.

The levels of sunlight you get each day affect certain hormones in the brain. Some theories state that sunlight affects the hormones responsible for mood, sleep and appetite. This is why you may get some of the symptoms above when sunlight levels decrease.

Melatonin: Another factor related to light levels is the amount of melatonin our bodies produce. This is the hormone responsible for sleep, and more of it is produced when it's dark, causing us to feel sleepy.

Serotonin: When you get less sunlight, your body produces less serotonin. Serotonin affects your mood, sleep and appetite - people who are depressed tend to have less of this hormone.

Circadian Rhythm: This is responsible for our "internal clock" that lets us know when we need to sleep and wake up each day. This can get disrupted when the levels of sunlight we get every day change.

As you can see, winter depression is a very real condition that can affect many different areas of your life. You really aren't alone if you experience this kind of depression, and your doctor will be able to point out various treatment options.

Depression - A Serious Risk After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Few people who suffer from depression after a gastric bypass operation blame the condition on the procedure itself, or the very low calorie diet that follows weight loss surgery. However, low calorie diets have been found to cause depression, and they can increase the symptoms in already diagnosed depressive people. The diet following gastric bypass surgery is so low in calories that depression often follows the procedure - but the operation itself is rarely recognized as the cause.

Some doctors argue that depression is all in a person's head. They aren't too far off, but depression is not a mental illness. It is caused by inadequate levels of mood stabilizing chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Many things can cause these chemicals to get out of balance, including weight loss and low calorie intake. Depression is one of the more serious gastric bypass complications.

Calories convert to fuel for the body. The body needs a certain number of calories to survive. When there isn't enough fuel to go around, the most important functions of the body get first shot at the available food. This can cause lower serotonin levels in people who do not eat enough.

The lower levels then will cause the gastric bypass complication of depression. According to the Thinner Times website, psychological challenges are the causes of 5-10% of deaths occurring two or more months after gastric bypass surgery.

Depression is a dangerous illness causing thousands of deaths each year. The gastric bypass diet needs to be closely monitored and adjusted in order to prevent depression. Many small healthy meals per day are needed to take in adequate amounts of calories. This will ensure a continuous supply of fuel for your body.

These meals need to be well balanced with a healthy amount of proteins, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Vitamins also should be taken daily to help supplement the food intake.

The loneliness a gastric bypass patient feels also contributes to depression. It is hard to go out to a restaurant and eat like friends do. Ordering and portion size must be taken into consideration. The joy of dining out with a date is also compromised. The need to explain actions causes embarrassment and feelings of inadequacy. Speaking to a date before eating at a restaurant will alleviate the fears of uncomfortable questions. The right person will understand and not judge the gastric bypass patient.

Symptoms of depression include sadness throughout most of the day and lack of interest in activities a patient once enjoyed. A depressed person may be tired and want to sleep all the time. They may be pessimistic and have a negative outlook on life. Severely depressive people will have thoughts of death or suicide.

When depression does occur, is is imperative to seek help immediately. There are medications available to help balance out the chemicals in the brain. Early intervention is important because after beginning a depression medication, sometimes up to 4 weeks can pass before a patient begins feel better.

If the first medication doesn't provide relief within a month, inform the prescribing doctor and don't despair. There are many medications to try. Each person is different and finding the correct medication sometimes takes a few tries.

People choosing gastric bypass surgery need to be aware of the serious side effects of depression. Depression is not something to downplay or ignore. It can be very serious and even fatal if not treated.

Patients should be informed of the ways to prevent depression form occurring, how to identify that they are having a problem, and the steps to take to alleviate symptoms.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Adults

Bipolar disorder is a serious condition that causes a major shift in moods, thinking, and change in a person's behavior. Behavior change usually ranges from low depression moods to extreme severe mania. Cycles of bipolar disorder differ from one person to the other, and can last for days, weeks and months because it is divided into bipolar I and bipolar II disorders. However, one can differentiate bipolar mood swings from ordinary mood swings because manic swings are intense and can hinder a person's normal functioning. For instance, in a manic episode, a person may feel quite restless even after long hours of good sleep. A person may also quit his or her job with no valid reason or impulsively. The causes of bipolar disorder are not clear; however, it runs in families and often occurs at teenage and early adulthood. There are various symptoms of bipolar disorder but with proper diagnosis and right treatment, a person can live a happy fulfilling life.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Adults can occur together with symptoms of depression and in such a situation, it is often referred to as mixed episode. Patients will experience poor judgment and low self esteem. As a result, one may feel sensitive over a particular issue and even cry. Euphoria and extreme optimism are also evident in patients suffering from the disorder. The patient will have racing thoughts and an aggressive behavior. When disturbed, a patient may be violent. He or she will often feel agitated over petty issues which never irritated him in the past. You will also notice increased physical activity where the patient may get involved in weird activities which requires lots of energy, or exercises such as weight lifting.

Similarly, many people with bipolar disorder will engage in risky behaviors such as excessive drinking and risky sexual behaviors. They will often make poor financial choices and engage in drinking or spending sprees such as unplanned shopping among other poor financial decisions. Increased sex drive and increased desire to achieve certain goals are evident in a person who could be suffering from the disorder. Some people also have a hard time concentrating, decreased need for sleep, absenteeism from school or at work, psychosis and poor or dropping performances at school. These symptoms are very evident with mixed maniac while depressive stage of bipolar disorder also presents itself with different symptoms.

A person will often feel sad, abandoned and with sleep problems. They may also experience a loss of interest in many activities at work or school, fatigue, low or increased appetite, and a chronic pain where the cause cannot be established. Many people under depressive phase will have suicidal thoughts, Irritability, anxiety and feel guilty over some issues.

Bipolar disorder symptoms can also be seasonal where a person experiences drastic mood swings during certain seasons of the year. Psychosis may also occur. It is a phase where a person is detached from reality and it is characterized with delusions and hallucinations. A psychotic break is often the first sign of a bipolar disorder in many people. A person with these symptoms requires a lot of support from family members and proper treatment from a psychiatrist.

Depression and Emotional Abuse - 6 Signs Your Depression May Be Caused by a Relationship

Depression is caused by many root factors, including unresolved past traumas, grief, current life challenges, and/or issues with brain chemistry. One issue that is often overlooked, however, is the impact of our intimate relationships on our feelings of self worth and consequently depression. An emotionally and psychologically abusive relationship may not be completely obvious, even to the victim. Here are 6 signs your depression may have its root in your relationship dynamic:

1. Your partner puts you down, in public or in private. The insults may come as blatant name calling, or they may be in the form of more subtle critiques about how you do things, your character, and even your mental health.

2. Your partner attempts to control your daily activities. You may be outright prohibited from doing certain things, or it may be pressure to act differently coming from your partner. You may feel as if you must give an account and then defend and justify your actions. You may even feel it is easier to just do things that you know your partner would "approve" of.

3. Your partner discourages or prohibits you from spending time with friends and family. This isolation technique gives the abuser a couple of benefits. First off, it affirms his or her control over you, and it prevents your form receiving positive messages about your worth. It also limits the criticism you are likely to hear from your loved ones about your partner.

4. Your partner attempts to restrict your access to work opportunities and education. This helps keep you dependent upon your partner.

5. Your partner uses sex as a form of control, domination, or manipulation. This may happen in the form of demanding sex and intimacy regardless of your wants and desires, or it may manifest in the opposite manner, in which your partner deliberately withholds affection and sex from you, leaving you rejected, vulnerable, and feeling further subjected to your partner's control.

6. Your partner implies that there will be other, non-physical consequences for not agreeing to his or her demands. This may be interspersed with occasional acts of kindness, but these are sporadic events designed to keep you hooked into the relationship so you won't leave. As soon as you are safely back under your abuser's control, the abuse cycle begins again.

Top 5 Tips To Beat Depression

Did you know that depression is becoming more common and is affecting many more of us or our fiends and family than ever before?

The impact of this illness on society is ever increasing and therefore it is important that we try to overcome depression as soon and as best we can.

Conventional anti-depressants are not the answer for everyone unfortunately and many people these days are looking to other treatment and self help treatment to help themselves beat depression.

So what are the best Self Help Techniques to battle depression?

1. Research it.

Find out as much as you can about depression, its causes, signs and symptoms, what conventional treatments are available. The more you know and understand about depression, the better prepared you will be to beat it.

2. Talk to someone about it.

A problem shared is a problem halved. Have you ever felt better by getting something off your chest? Of course you have. Did talking about a problem in the past help to put it into perspective and perhaps make it easier to deal with. I would guess you have probably been there too. Depression is no different.

Find someone you can trust and get talking about it. Friends, family, your doctor, support groups both online and off....You might even find that someone comes up with an idea you have never thought of which just might work for you.

3. Don't be afraid to try new things. Everyone is different and some people respond better to some things than others. Don't give up if you haven't found something that works for you yet. Keep trying! Everything you try that doesn't work brings you one step closer to finding the things that will work for you.

4. Keep a Depression Diary.

Like number 2 above, this can also help you unload your problems, thoughts and feelings but this time onto paper instead of to a real person. A depression diary can also be used as a mood barometer and help you keep track of your depression and your recovery. You will be able to see patterns of good times and bad, identify triggers and help you see if any particular treatment is having a positive effect on you. If so do more of it.

5. Improve your diet.

I'm sure you will agree that many of us should try this whether we have depression or not. In relation to depression improving your diet can help improve your shape, appearance and fitness which in turn can help with self esteem and as many depressed people have self esteem issues then this could obviously be of benefit.
In addition there are many foods or substances in our food which are know to help with depression. Foods such as oily fish, kiwi fruit and walnuts contain Omega 3 which is known to help with depression. Another substance which is thought to help is Trypotphan which is found in chicken, turkey, pumpkin seeds and almonds.

There are many more things you can do to help yourself overcome depression - too many to list here.
For many other tips to beat depression you may want to take a look at the Self Help pages on my site
[http://www.self-help-mental-health-depression.com/depression-help-self.html]

Please try some of these ideas and let me know how you get on and if you have any other tips I would love to know about them.
Good luck!