Depression Statistics and Their Correlation With Overcoming Depression

Depression takes a heavy toll on our lives. In the current era, almost every individual experiences symptoms of depression at some point in their life. Interestingly, causes of depression are varied. Some of them include genetic traits, escalating tensions, ever demanding work pressure, anxiety, stress and traumatic events happening in life such as an accident, death or divorce. In fact, the effect of depression on human life can be best understood by glancing through some of the depression statistics that are summarized below.

As per the records of the Commission on Mental Health, 1 out of every 7 Americans is seeking professional help and medical treatment for emotional disturbances. These numbers are just an approximate figure that the authorities had deduced through some statistical analysis. Actual figures seem to be much more than this. Interestingly, there has been no improvement in depression statistics over the last decade.  From this one can easily estimate the gravity of the problem. Other major facts about depression that one can deduce through these depression statistics are as follows:-

• Almost 9.5% of the U.S. population or 18 million Americans aged 18 and above are now suffering with various forms of depressive disorders including major depression, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. Interestingly, similar numbers were obtained even amongst residents of Australia and UK, suggesting that depression is a worldwide phenomenon.


• Nearly 3% of U.S population or 6 million adults are suffering with Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression.


• Almost 30% of women are depressed at some point of their life. Also, depressive disorder and Clinical depression are two major forms of depression that have higher incidence in women. Ironically, the number of women suffering from these illnesses is twice when compared with the number of men suffering with the same symptoms.


• Increased rate of depression in teenagers and children is becoming a major concern. As per the available depression statistics, approximately 4% of adolescents get into depression. Also, the number of children suffering with depression symptoms is increasing at an alarming rate of 23% p.a.


• Approximately 80% of people experiencing depression and related symptoms are unable to figure out the causes of depression and are not even making any efforts for overcoming depression. The numbers are even higher when it comes to African-American males. In them, almost 92% individuals do not seek any medical treatment.


• Overcoming depression is extremely important. Depression, if left untreated, can turn chronic, where patients contemplate with the thoughts of self-annihilation and suicide. More than 90% people who commit suicide have been diagnosed with mental illness. Also, 15% of depressed people do commit suicide.


• If all the above facts are not alarming enough, then pay attention to this. By the year 2020, depression is predicted to be second biggest killer after heart diseases.

Depression often goes unnoticed and untreated. This is one of the main reasons behind the high numbers that are observed in depression statistics. Anti-depressants play a significant role inovercoming depression as they help in balancing the concentration of chemical messengers or neurotransmitters present inside the brain. One can even try treatments such as psychotherapy when suffering with mild to moderate symptoms of depression. Also, one must adopt positive perspective towards life and ensure that one leads a healthy, happy and active life.

By keeping these depression statistics in mind, one should get a greater understanding of the importance of early diagnosis. With just a little more research, you should be well on your way to helping yourself or your loved ones who may experiencing the symptoms of depression.

Some Toxic Foods to Avoid When You Are Depressed

The toxic foods are foods that you're going to have to eliminate or eat only sparingly because they are slow-acting poisons, adversely affecting moods, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being. They also cause you to pack on pounds, especially if you're taking antidepressants. What's more, they can interfere with the beneficial effects of your antidepressants.

When you're on antidepressants, sugar is the thing you crave most. It's also the very thing that will rob you of your energy and sense of well-being. Eating foods high in sugar activates an energy-draining process. Let's say you have a bowl of Frosted Flakes or a fruit Danish for breakfast. This high-sugar meal will cause your body to overproduce the hormone insulin, which helps your cells use the high amount of sugar that has entered your bloodstream.

Repetitive high insulin levels reduce your body's ability to recognize the insulin; therefore, your cells can't use the sugar, so it is stored as fat. The insulin itself increases your hunger for carbohydrates-as well as your cortisol levels. You begin to crave a midmorning donut and/or coffee to give you some energy. Before you know it, you've gained weight. Even worse, you're too frequently tired all the time, feeling out of sorts, and always seeking food to give you more energy. You find yourself eating out of tiredness and anxiety, not real hunger.

Not everyone has such a negative response to sweets, but most antidepressants can leave you more susceptible by triggering intense carbohydrate cravings, which set you on the vicious insulin cycle. Paradoxically, the more you feed your cravings, the stronger the cravings will become. Scientists still haven't mapped out the exact mechanism for how antidepressants trigger sugar cravings. It probably has to do with the fact that these drugs affect the appetite centers in the hypothalamus, as well as their long-term effects on certain serotonin receptors.

My prescription for sugar: Elimination of sugar-filled foods from your diet is the only way to banish your cravings for good. After six weeks on the nutrition plan, limit your intake to one serving of dessert each week, and make sure you eat these foods with adequate amounts of protein.

If you're trying to lose fat or improve energy and mental clarity, you must avoid sugar-filled foods altogether. Also, check food labels for hidden sugars such as glucose, maltodextrin, corn syrup, cornstarch, and modified cornstarch. Foods that are sweetened with honey or fruit juice should also be banned. They can contain the same amount of sugar as or even more sugar than products that have the real thing.

Every time you have a cup of java or a Coke, the caffeine triggers a release of the hormone adrenaline, which, among other actions, signals the liver to release sugar into your bloodstream. You get a burst of instant energy from the sugar and adrenaline. But it lasts only two or three hours before you crash. That little energy boost can leave you feeling drained over the long haul. The result? You crave candy bars and cookies, the very foods you're supposed to avoid, to get more quick energy.

Caffeine is highly addictive, and it causes instabilities in your blood sugar, which raise your risk of obesity, diabetes, panic attacks, and even seizures (if you are prone to them). What's more, caffeine stays in your system for about two days, which means it can interfere with the quality of your sleep (which leaves you feeling tired, which causes you to crave caffeine and sugar, and so on). I've also found that some of my patients use caffeine as a substitute for exercise. They figure: Why do a workout if I can get a little boost of energy without the time and effort?

Cute Life Quotes to Make You Smile

Charlie Chaplin once said, "A day without smile is a day wasted." A simple act of smiling can kick all your worries and tensions far out of your life. Yet, in the fast paced days we live in, it could be quite difficult for us to stay smiled, ecstatic and happy. Work deadlines, personal relationship demands, social issues, money problem, conflicts, pressure from family members and colleagues are some of the reasons that cause stress and stops us from living the life of abundance.

Good thing is we have cute life quotes to help us survive in this extremely toxic and turbulent environment. One thing that these quotes are best at doing is to make you smile. And once you smiled, all your enthusiasm and confidence will be greatly increased and you feel more energetic, relaxed and optimistic.

Many studies have proved that smile is best cure to depression. Smiling out loud for 10 minutes regularly can help you become healthy person both physically and mentally. So laugh away your worries and enjoy life to fullest. The Cute Life Quotes, I've gathered below from the likes of Will Rogers, Robert Frost, and other famous personalities will definitely bring smile to your and your family faces.

"Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else." Will Rogers

"I'm not afraid to die. I just don't want to be there when it happens." Woody Allen

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can." Danny Kaye

"Always forgive your enemies. Nothing annoys them so much."

If you form a habit of studying cute life quotes regularly, soon you begin to realize the true meaning of life which is to enjoy every moment of life to your heart's content. As Horace observed, "Rejoice while you are alive, enjoy the day, live life to fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later then you think."

Signs of Teenage Depression - Five Things To Look Out For

Can you spot them? It is not easy; yet with heightened senses and an open mind, you can see right through your teenager's heart.

Your teenager is an individual in his own right

Your baby is now grownup; yet not quite. Most of the times your teenage son or daughter disagrees with you. He or she is not anymore allowed to play and act like a child but he or she isn't allowed yet to do many of the things that are said to be for adults only. Add this fact to peer pressure and hormones and you've got a perfect recipe for teenage depression.

Being a teener is not easy, you've been there and done the "deeds" that now make you shake your head at the thought. Since you've passed the teenage stage uneventfully, you may think that your son or daughter would also do so and react to adversities in the same way as you do. Not quite.

Your teenage son or daughter is a different individual with a temperament that although it may resemble yours, does not make him or her just like you altogether. This means that he or she may react and decide differently with the same stressors that you have faced.

Spotting signs of teenage depression

Below are some actions or behaviors of a teenager that you may think of as just sulkiness normal to any teen, but may be telltale signs of teenage depression:

1. Sudden disregard for appearance or personal hygiene.

When a teenager suddenly looks shabby, doesn't want to take a shower even if his hair is already sticking to his head, and wears used and soiled clothes for school, it is one of the signs of teenage depression.

It is not that your teenage son or daughter prefers to look shabby; he is not anymore aware of his looks because his thoughts are preoccupied with depressing thoughts and personal hygiene and appearance become the least of his worries.

When this happens too suddenly, it is one of the signs of teenage depression. However, if this happens just once in a while and your teenage son or daughter still dresses up for school, he is just a normal teenager who gets lazy at times.

2. Sudden drop in grades.

Lackluster performance at school is one of the signs of a teenage depression especially if the trend was from up to down in a matter of weeks or a few months. This means that your teenage son or daughter is facing a difficult time, whether at home or at school, and this matter should be discussed with him or her. During a dialogue, don't go on the offensive since this will push your child away from you. Talk to your teenage son or daughter as though he is an adult and let him do more of the talking.

3. Change in appetite.

A teenager who goes into eating spree or suddenly went anorexic has some deep problems that aren't surfacing yet. If you notice change in appetite, observe first your teenage son or daughter's behavior and take the time to talk to him or her about the things that bother him or her.

If he declines, give him the space he needs and leave him alone for a few days. If nothing has changed after a few days, talk to him again and never accept a "no" answer for a dialogue. Ask in a kind way what's bothering his mind and tell him that no matter what, you are always there to assist him.

4. Deviant or destructive behavior.

If a teenager becomes too destructive to himself and to people around him, it doesn't mean that he is just a rebellious teenager. This is one of the signs of teenage depression and you should extend a hand for guidance and comfort. Don't be on the offensive when he sulks. Nor should you be on the defensive when he spites you.

5. Restless or agitated or sluggish.

A depressed teenager may be restless, can not keep himself in one place or is sluggish and prefers to stay home, sleep all day, eat a lot and do nothing. These are signs of teenage depression; and when you see these signs, better talk things out with your teenage son or daughter to understand his wants and needs.

Knitting Therapy - Think You're TOO Beat Down, Depressed, Broke, Sick?

What do knitters have going for them besides their endless creative productivity? Why do they seem like happy, generous souls engaged in life? Is knitting therapy for real? Oh yes. Old-time vets who knitted knew it. Perhaps it's the magical power of yarn. When you hand a knitter some yarn and knitting needles, you'll see a smile. When you get back a hat, gloves, socks or whatever, that smile will be bigger. What do they know that you don't know?

It might not be what they know, but what they do.
They have a way to center themselves, get calm and relax from life's stresses and strains.

What does a knitter do when a spouse goes off to war?
Knit. It engages your mind on a creative project, gives hands satisfying rhythmic motion, soothes a sore heart and creates a useful, beautiful item with love in every stitch.

What if a significant other wants out of your relationship? Knit through your grief, anger, and fear. Recovery may come more quickly. The knitter can wrap up in a warm hug of a sweater or blanket for some self-care on those extra long days or nights alone.

Don't like what your doctor just told you?
Knit. Did you know worry and anxiety are just "practicing failure in advance"? Seth Godin, author of 12 bestsellers, said that. I wonder if he knits? Probably too busy writing.

If you're busy worrying, knit. It refocuses your mind on productive work and lets your little gray cells stop panicking so you can find peace. With peace, you remember most doctors suffer from severe pessimism, or how a second opinion could save your life. Seek a support system, arm yourself with information and find your best way to heal--all the while knitting.

Too broke for yarn?
Tear apart an old sweater from a thrift store or your closet, then knit it into a new form. You'll keep on budget as you occupy yourself with your frugal creativity instead of wasting money you don't have on fast food, a night out or whatever else might appeal in a weak moment.

Feeling depressed?
For clinical depression, get the help you need from professionals, then knit as you recover. Creating a mound of baby hats for preemies, socks for soldiers, chemo caps, bears for orphans and other such gifts raises your spirits, reminds you of your worth and makes our world a better place.

Can you tell I want more knitters?
I do. You know why? Most of them are wonderful souls, generous spirits, sensible, calm, sturdy, reliable, able to create something out of nothing in a pinch. Imagine a world full of such creatures. I call it knitting therapy for the planet.

How to Cure Depression and Anxiety Without Medication or Drugs Naturally

Often simple lifestyle changes can help cure depression and anxiety without medication naturally. However, because they are simple to do, they are also simple not to do!

Learning how to relax is extremely important in relieving stress and reducing depression and anxiety. Taking on too much can put undo pressure on anyone. Be kind to yourself, but be firm with yourself too, make sure you are active every day! Reduce your workload and re-examine your schedule. Learn to say no. Others do to you, why should you not to them? It is self preservation, often you find people suffering from anxiety or depression are too nice for their own good!

Regular exercise, sunshine, nature, meditation, pilates and deep breathing techniques will all help to make you less anxious and stressed. Exercising in the fresh air, especially somewhere beautiful (countryside or sea) is proven to have an invigorating effect on the mind, due to the negative ions in the atmosphere, which cause your endorphins (feel good chemicals) to rise. A daily walk will definitely help cure depression and anxiety without drugs.

A well-balanced diet that includes plenty of vitamins and minerals will help the body and mind to function at its peak and will help you to reduce anxiety and depression. An apple a day really does keep the Doctor away! (And cellulite too, as a side benefit!)

Make sure you get plenty of essential fatty acids in your diet too, especially Omega 3, as the brain is 70% 'good' fat. No - these won't make you fat, it is the same oil found in oily fish, and as a side benefit, is great for you hair, skin and stops your nails splitting! You can take these as capsules, to avoid the fishy taste. Make sure you get one that is high in EPA, you need a concentrated strength version, don't just go for the cheapest and wonder why it doesn't work! With Vitamins especially, you get what you pay for, so buy a reputable brand as cheap ones can be full of 'fillers'.

Get plenty of rest, make sure you get some sleep before midnight and avoid the overuse of caffeine and alcohol, two things that can massively contribute to raised levels of depression and anxiety. Alcohol especially is actually a depressant, and long term use will make you paranoid and suspicious of people, leading to social withdrawal and further problems.

Herbal remedies such as Kava-Kava or St.-John's-wort can work wonders to cure depression and anxiety naturally. Kava-Kava can't be bought in the uk, but you can obtain it online, from the USA, and it is as effective as valium as it acts on the same part of the brain as valium, but instead of making you incredibly tired and groggy, it actually improves mental clarity and performance!

Plant and Pet Therapy in Depression

OK, I have to say straight away that there is not much research on therapeutic influence of keeping plants and looking after them in depression disorder, but there is a little bit more information about pets.

Pet therapy apparently is especially effective in PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and as something encouraging social interaction and keeping depression at bay in elderly people.

As you know depression treatment involves socializing, communicating with people, even if you don't feel like it. Pets can act as your friends; they give you unconditional love and none of the baggage. They trigger memories of happiness and calm you down. They also definitely reduce stress and anxiety.

There was a study group in one of the nursing homes in U.S. few years ago which was given interaction with various pets trained for pet therapy - dogs, a rabbit, a goat, a ferret and a cat.

The results showed that the group decreased its social avoidance, the participants became less depressed.

There are also some therapists in U.S. who prefer to bring their pets to work, saying that it instantly comforts the patient and relaxes them. When emotions get too intense pets provide a momentary distraction, you can touch them when you need contact much easier than people.

Some of the benefits of having a pet (or "an animal counsellor" as they say it in pet therapy) is that they make you feel needed, useful, give you a purpose, which in turn increases you level of self-esteem. They also reduce your feeling of loneliness and isolation, which is always one of the telltale symptoms of depression.

Now, about the plants. What I could find is that plant therapy can be one of the components of depression help if you treat your plant as your pet, give it a name, talk to it and tell it about your fears and insecurities. You also involve colour therapy into the mix. Choose flowering plants - marigold, peace lily, etc. Pink flowers for anger management, purple - for creativity, blue - for soothing effect, yellow - for warmth and positivity.

Don't forget to choose an indoor plant and consider how much light it would need and how much light you get in your house.

But, honestly, I think pet therapy offers you an almost instant feedback and gratification where with flowers it looks like pretty one-sided relationships.

Also consider the severity of your depression before you get your pet/plant. If at times it becomes debilitating, you need a fail-safe, someone who can look after them when you can't. So ask your therapist for advice, and talk to one of your friends and relatives and see if they agree to help when you need it.

So, what do you think? Did you try this therapy? Please, share your experience and thoughts.