How To Overcome Depression

A lot of people engage in negative thinking either about other people or about themselves. A lot of people hold resentment for years - never letting go of the past. This definitely paints a picture of a person where his past is controlling his present. You must get past this...

What you must do to move forward in your life is to forgive

1) Yourself if you felt you did something bad in the past...
2) Another person for what they have done to you in the past...

You must not let a person, an incident or yourself get in the way of your future. You have a life to live... so live it!

You need to write down the reasons why you want to overcome depression. When the going gets tough, you need to become energized again by the reasons you wrote down. These are your lifeline. Another great technique is to make the reasons bigger than you. Make it about somebody else. A person is far more likely to let themselves down rather than let someone else down.

Another great step to change your emotion is to first change your motion. Change how you move, how you talk, change how you act. All these motions provide certainty and clarity. Change how you move and you will change how you think. Put those shoulders back, walk with certainty and purpose, speak with clarity and watch your life change once more...

Finally I want to discuss something which is very important which is reaching out for help. Again it the reasons that keep you going. First come reasons, then come results. What are your reasons to do this?. Reach out for help and reach out in a way that you want to change. Approach someone you admire and ask them for guidance. Once a mind has embraced a new idea, it can never go back to its old ways. It is imperative that you seek out mentors and coaches who can help you.

They do not necessarily have to be professional. Why not talk to a person you respect first? There is so much power in your tongue (spoken word... ). Words really do move mountains and what you will notice is that your words will become much more positive around positive people. As you speak, so shall you become...

Above all, you can overcome depression but as I have said, it all starts with a decision. Make that decision Today!

The Five Elements of Happiness

Birth, life, death... What else? What happens in between is what makes life worth living - the elements of happiness. Do you want to be happy? You can be, if you know what it takes to be happy and then act on it.

The Five Elements of Happiness

1) Purpose: When you find purpose, and you work to fulfil that purpose, you will also find happiness.

a) Use your talents. You were born to succeed in something only you can succeed on.

b) Find your mission. You have a mission in life. When you realize what you were born to achieve and start working to achieve it, you will also find happiness.

c) Put your priorities in order. What is important to you? The labouring on meaningless tasks contributes to your unhappiness. Do what it's important; do what you love.

d) Act on your intuition. You have a built in compass inside yourself. Listen to that gut feeling, it is telling you where to go, and what to do.

e) Never lose sight. The circumstances of life might cloud your vision. It is important to remember yourself of what is important, what your purpose is.

2) Meditate: We are thinking beings. We can act upon our emotions, but we can also act under the wise direction of our intellect.

a) Stop and see what comes ahead. Sometimes we need to see with the eyes of reason, before we can take action.

b) Don't act on impulses, but act on intuition. When you meditate on the circumstances, you are not blind; even if something bad happens, it will be expected and accepted.

c) Prioritize. It is better to think before acting, than to act without thinking. Because the majority of times you will win for reasoning, and lose for acting on impulse.

d) Believe in the power of meditation. The riches of enlightenment are far greater than the time invested.

e) You don't have to be good at meditation, and you don't have to learn. Just find a quiet place, relax, and think... until enlightenment comes.

3) Give: Someone once said, "It is more blessed to give..."

a) Enrich other people's lives, and your life will be rich too. I like to think of this as "divine justice". It is as if a system was put in place to keep the selfish from achieving true happiness.

b) Be true in your giving - give with no strings attached, for when you give freely, it is appreciated, but when you demand recompense, it is daunting.

c) The true giver gives the best. They do not choose the least valuable to others, while keeping to best to themselves. This works in two levels... the best becomes less valuable when not shared. Moreover, the less valuable, when given away, only delivers disappointment. As you can see, nothing is profited.

d) Don't expect in return. A gift is not a gift, but an extension of credit, if it's not given wholeheartedly. No one remembers fondly of their creditors, for they are the ones to whom they owe.

e) Don't expect to receive credit; it will only lead to frustration. If the only reason to give is to receive, you will ultimately fail. In addition, in time, your gifts will no longer be appreciated, as they are too expensive to the receiver.

4) Take good care of yourself: The body you were born in is the body you will die in.

a) Your body is the source and the recipient of your emotions. Therefore, keep it well, because no happiness can ever come from disease and poor health.

b) The better you feel, the better you feel ... Isn't it obvious? Why is it so widely ignored? If you stop ignoring this truth, happiness will draw closer to your life.

c) Your body also has a purpose. It was made to run, to walk, to work and to love. Don't deny your body its purpose, for you cannot fully achieve your purpose if you neglect your body's.

d) Understand what your body is telling you. A higher wisdom is in place, and it is not wise to disregard it. Your body is you, and so is your consciousness. It is all connected. Meditation can ease the interaction between all the parts of your being, making you whole.

e) Reward yourself. True reward has long-term value. It is up to you to make the right choice. The rewards you give yourself bring happiness if they are truly beneficial to your life. However, they can cause damage if they are nothing but small pleasures. An example would be the comparison between a trip to a memorable destination for a nice holiday, and the binging on food, alcohol and drugs. The latter will have costly consequences to your life, and to your happiness.

5) Love: But what is it? Love has many names, but only one meaning...

a) It is the fuel of life, the ultimate reward. Without it, life has no meaning, no purpose. When you love and are loved, you feel alive... happy. A person without love feels lonely, depressed, and dead.

b) It is counter-intuitive, because it is more pleasurable when given, than when received.

c) It is generally misunderstood, and taken for granted. True love is sadly not regarded as valuable. Its misconceptions are praised by the masses in the form of skin-deep romantic endeavours on TV.

d) Love is the most valuable treasure a poor man has, and the most mistreated asset of the rich man. The rich does not need to love if he believes that the power of money can buy it. On the other hand, the poor only has love itself to offer in order to receive love in return.

e) Know the true meaning of love. Find out for yourself, by asking questions. Is it sex, relationship, charity, friendship, marriage? I could tell you what I think it is. However, this question seems to require a self-realized answer in order to provide the true power of its impact in your life. I urge you to seek the answer until you find it. When you do find it, you will have it... love... happiness.

Do you want to be happy? Do you know what it takes to be happy? If it is valuable to you, labour for its rewards, because it will be the job of your life when the wages of your work are paid in the form of the ultimate commodity: happiness.

Whole Life Insurance - Tips For Shopping For Coverage

There are numerous kinds of life coverage policies to choose from, but one of the most popular kinds of coverage is whole life insurance. Michigan carriers will, of course, help potential policyholders purchase coverage, but there are a few steps they need to take themselves before it's time to buy.

First, make sure you want whole coverage.

Even though it offers perks that term coverage doesn't, not everyone wants whole life coverage. It tends to be on the pricier side, and the "perk" of a forced savings investment component isn't always desirable.

Before they start taking steps to purchase whole life insurance, Michigan residents must first decide if it's the coverage they really want.

Then, do some research.

Once they've decided they want whole life insurance, Michigan residents need to do a bit of research. This might include talking to family members, friends, and co-workers about their experiences with various insurance agencies, as well as checking any reports other policyholders have filed with the Better Business Bureau.

The goal is to find out what actual customers have to say about their experiences. Remember, sometimes the best form of advertising is word of mouth, and people aren't likely to recommend a company they've had bad experiences with.

Finally, contact insurance agents and make comparisons.

Now that they've talked with others and conducted some preliminary research about the various carriers of whole life insurance, Michigan residents are ready to choose a few companies and compare those companies' premiums. Shopping for life protection is much like shopping for any other coverage, after all; not every carrier is going to provide the same coverage for the same price.

Not Waving But Drowning: What Can You Do To Stay Afloat When Depression Strikes?

"The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans are suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you." (Rita Mae Brown)

Clinical depression is truly dreadful, a curse on the soul.

Nor, as Ms. Brown acidly points out, is it kind enough to be rare. In fact, Thomas Insel, MD, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, claimed in 2007 that depression is the "leading source of nonfatal medical disability among people ages 15 to 44 in developed countries like the U.S. and Canada. It is the leading cause by far. Nothing else is even close. In the whole world it is the second or third greatest cause of disability."

So how do we even begin to deal with an illness that is so prevalent, so life-draining--and, at times, so difficult to see?

One of my favorite British poets, Stevie Smith, wrote a poem "Not Waving But Drowning." I copy it in full below because it speaks to me--and, I believe, will to others--of how the person suffering from depression calls out for help--and, it seems, the response is all wrong:

"Nobody heard him, the dead man,

But still he lay moaning:

I was much further out than you thought

And not waving but drowning.

Poor chap, he always loved larking

And now he's dead

It must have been too cold for him his heart gave way,

They said.

Oh, no no no, it was too cold always

(Still the dead one lay moaning)

I was much too far out all my life

And not waving but drowning."

It seems like every quarter drug companies come out with a new medicine--or re-invent an old one, so they can put it on patent again--to assist those suffering from depression, and I've found in my practice that many people are helped by these drugs, and they can be life-saving.

But what of those who are aren't significantly helped by their anti-depressant medication, perhaps aren't helped at all? It's not as uncommon as you think.

M. Fava's article "Diagnosis and Definition of Treatment-Resistant Depression" in a the April 2003 publication of Biological Psychology define treatment-resistant depression rather loosely, with a patient qualifying after inadequate response to only one antidepressant trial "of adequate doses and duration." [Others will insist a person cannot be defined as treatment-resistant until rather more meds have been tried and failed.] But they note that treatment-resistant depression "is a relatively common occurrence in clinical practice, with up to 50% to 60% of the patients not achieving adequate response following antidepressant treatment." [italics mine]

As disheartening as it is to the depressed patient to 'fail' an antidepressant trail, there are many more choices out there. There are numerous medications that can be tried in a variety of permutations-and not just antidepressants, but also mood stabilizers and the atypical antipsychotics. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is up and coming and holding promise. And, as much as it scares people and reminds them of Nurse Ratchett, I've seen tremendous turn-arounds with ECT.

But I'm not a psychiatrist and don't prescribe, so I just wanted to address the three components of mental health that are in all of our hands, and that we now knowdo make a difference in the treatment of depression: diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep.

Serotonin and Depression - The Natural Connection and a Way to Restore Emotional Wellness

Serotonin and depression have been directly linked in numerous medical studies. The symptoms of depression are triggered by an imbalance in brain chemistry when neurotransmitters such as serotonin and hormones and other chemicals are unevenly distributed. Fortunately, there are now 100% natural treatment options available which can help balance brain chemistry and relieve symptoms.

So how do serotonin levels affect brain function? As a key neurotransmitter, serotonin helps to establish emotional well being and maintain proper sleep, sex and energy levels as well as maintain a healthy appetite. When serotonin begins to be depleted, it can lead to emotional instability, irritability, mood swings and various physical symptoms.

Serotonin can also affect concentration, memory and mental alertness. Because of its profound effect on brain function, there is a direct connection between serotonin and depression. Individuals lacking in serotonin and other brain chemicals can easily spin into serious depression. That's why ensuring that you maintain the proper levels of these substances is so very important.

While traditional medications can treat the symptoms of depression, they do nothing when it comes to stabilizing serotonin levels. This is why so many people are now turning to natural remedies for depression treatment. Made from herbs and other plant based ingredients which contain serotonin and other substances crucial to proper brain function, these remedies can help restore mental equilibrium and control mood swings.

St. John's Wort, along with Passion Flower, are among the most effective herbs when it comes to treating the connection between serotonin and depression. This plant has been used for centuries to control mood swings by stabilizing the levels of various brain chemicals. Passion flower is also known to relieve depression symptoms by acting as a nerve tonic, producing a sense of calm and relaxation.

These natural remedies are just one step toward restoring serotonin levels. There are other things you can do to improve your brain chemistry, including getting the proper amount of sleep and exercise, getting moderate sun exposure, and eating a well balanced diet. Particularly important is including serotonin rich foods like turkey and bananas in your daily diet to help improve brain function.

As we've come to understand the connection between serotonin and depression, we have also come to recognize the importance of maintaining a sense of calm and emotional stability. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and aroma therapy can be quite helpful in reaching a state of peace.

A diagnosis of depression can be devastating, but it doesn't have to be. The more we understand about this complex condition and the underlying causes of it, the greater the options for treatment. Restoring the balance of your brain chemistry by using natural remedies and healthy lifestyle choices can make all the difference. If depression is weighing on you, take the natural route and get on the path to emotional well being starting today.

My Wife Is Bipolar

When you say to yourself "my wife is bipolar" what are the first thoughts that come to mind? Possibly this is nothing new, possibly your wife was diagnosed years ago. Maybe your wife was diagnosed just last week, or even earlier today. So what are the thoughts that go through your head? Are you angry, scared, frustrated, sad, relieved, or possibly a mix of these emotions and a thousand others? Sometimes it is a lot to swallow, being the husband of a bipolar wife. Bipolar disorder is so complex and has so many levels. If you have known about your wife's illness for a while I'm sure you are very aware of what a roller coaster Bipolar disorder can be, not just for her, but for everyone involved. If you have just received the news that your wife is Bipolar this can be a very scary time as well. We will visit both Husbands looking for new coping mechanism and Husbands that are new to the diagnosis and seeking help.

We are going to learn about Bipolar disorder, and then take active participation in coping skills for yourself, to help YOU. When your wife, best friend, lover, mother... the list goes on and on is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she no longer is the only person who needs help.

The First step is to learn about your wife's disorder. I am going to briefly explain a few different types of Bipolar disorder and there common traits. I am going to review these as a refresher for husbands who have already studied the disorder of their wife, and as a great introduction to the disorder itself for the husbands that are new to the disorder. I am not going to go into great detail about bipolar disorder there is tons and tons of information regarding bipolar disorder if you would like to research it more. I am here to show YOU coping and hoping strategies to help YOU the husband.

First and foremost I strongly hope that your wife has been diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist, who has the skills and are qualified to diagnose and treat the disorder. If this has not yet been done I encourage you to help your wife be properly diagnosed. This is the first step in any situation of getting treatment.

Chapter One Section One: THE DIFFERENT FORMS AND SEVERITY OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

BIPOLAR DISORDER I

Approximately 1% of the general population has Bipolar 1. Bipolar 1 patients usually experience severe depression, and long full-blown manic episodes. Bipolar 1 patients are often also know as having episodes without any obvious mood problems, this can last for months on end of feeling like your wife is totally fine, fixed so to speak, and or normal. Physicians will call these long-lasting episodes of normalcy Euthymia.

BIPOLAR DISORDER II

This is the most common type of Bipolar Disorder. Recent research has shown that 4 to 5 percent of the general population has Bipolar II. People who suffer with bipolar II have a tendency to have very majorly depressive episodes. In fact a lot of bipolar patients are misdiagnosed as being depressed for many years before being properly evaluated as Bipolar II. Another diagnosis tool that differentiates from Bipolar I is that most Bipolar II patients do not ever have full-blown mania episodes. Physicians usually call Bipolar II mania episodes as Hypomania. Hypomania does not have the same intensity as full-blown mania. There is usually periods of time with increased energy, a decreased need for sleep without any fatigue, and a slight euphoric sensation. A lot of patients when in this Phase of Bipolar II can be extremely productive. Extreme caution must be taken when in hypomania state. Your wife can easily start abusing substances and have spending issues. More times than not the patient does not realize something is wrong, in fact sometimes welcoming the feeling after a long depression. Most hypomania episodes do not last longer than a week or two.

CYCLOTHYMIA

Cyclothymiacs are a mild form of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) in which a person has mood swings over a period of years that go from mild depression to euphoria and excitement. It has been recently discovered that patients with cyclothymia will usually evolve into Bipolar 1 or Bipolar II throughout their lifetime.

As you can see a lot of the Bipolar Symptoms can and are very similar sometimes more often than not overlapping and fitting the criteria of not only one but both forms of Bipolar disorder. Often that is why it is not usually heard of as Bipolar 1 or Bipolar II outside of the professional medical field. In standard terms we simply use Bipolar Disorder. Now that we have learned a very brief description and knowledge for bipolar we must start getting more specific in accessing your partners specific bipolar symptoms.

What to Take For Depression - Prescription Drugs Or Natural Medicine?

If you're wondering what to take for depression: natural medicine or prescription drugs, this article will help you decide which is the best choice for you. You will also learn some practical tips for helping you feel better about your life.

When most people think about treating depression, they think about prescription drugs. This is because pharmaceutical companies spend millions of dollars every year on advertising. While prescription drugs may be the preferred treatment of doctors in the United States, other countries with more progressive health and prevention programs, like Germany, consider natural medicines the number one treatment. In fact, when you consider that natural remedies have been used for centuries and antidepressants for less than 50 years, prescription drugs are really the new kids on the block.

When considering what to take for depression, it's important to understand that while drugs do suppress the symptoms of anxiety and depression, they are not a cure. While drugs work for some people, they do not work for others. In fact, some drugs can make symptoms worse due to their side effects. Although the side effects will vary with drug that you take, some common ones include weight gain, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The bottom line is that some people can tolerate side effects better than others.

Although many people do fine on prescription medications, others are concerned about the long term implications of taking these drugs. Although pharmaceutical companies know that they work well in some cases, even they aren't sure about their long term effect on the brain and whether they contribute to decline in brain function.

By contrast, natural remedies have been used by countless generations since the time of Socrates. In this regard, they have certainly stood the test of time. Made from natural herbs that have been proven to treat depression, like St. John's Wort and Passion Flower, they elevate mood and create motivation by increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine. Most people can use these natural supplements without side effects which makes them an excellent solution to the question what to take for depression. Unlike drugs, they have no worries about addiction or implications for long term use.

What to Take For Depression: A Prescription for Good Food and Exercise

In fact, after taking them for a few weeks (like drugs, they do take some time to build up in the system), you will start to feel better, so you can make some small changes that will enhance your mood even more. Since it's easier to make changes when you feel good and are motivated to make improvements to your life, this is a good strategy for lifting yourself permanently out of depression. The first change is to make simple substitutions in your diet. If you have been eating a lot of sugar or processed food, substitute healthy food slowly over time. For instance, instead of having a big bag of chips, have some fresh crunchy celery sticks with sea salt. Instead of having a bowl of ice cream, choose a bowl of fresh berries in season with a big dollop of fresh whipped cream. As you eat better, good food will enhance the action of the natural remedy and will be ready for the next step in this simple program.

Of course the final answer in what to take for depression is to make sure that you get daily exercise. This is not the no-pain-no-gain type of exercise, but movement that you enjoy, that makes you feel good to be in your body. When nobody is home, turn on your favorite tunes and dance to your heart's content. Or take your dog for a brisk walk around the block, enjoying the natural beauty, sounds and smells of the world around you. Make exercise into a sensual experience and you will look forward to it every day.

So there you have it, your answer for what to take for depression: a natural supplement that lifts your mood without drugging you, good food and daily exercise. What could be simpler, more practical and easier than that? Get your life back and get started today.