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Stopping Depression in the First Place

July 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Depression is one of the worst illnesses on the face of the planet. Unfortunately, to a lot of people it just seems like regular sadness. When you’re depressed, less sensitive people will tell you to stop being “emo,” not because they don’t care about you but because they really don’t understand the situation. Depression is a sickness, just like the flu.

Unfortunately, too much of our medical establishment is geared toward stopping existing problems instead of preventing them from coming up. For all the drugs medical practitioners will push on a person, so little will actually be accomplished by it. Far too often a person will continue feeling depressed, often with the addition of extra symptoms and more problems than they had before. We need to prevent depression in the first place.

Preventing depression can take many forms, but the ultimate expression of it is to cut it off at the pass by being proactive and genuine with yourself. Allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling, and understand why you’re feeling them. From there, it’s primarily a matter of focusing on your goals and keeping them in mind. This way you’ll feel like you always have a great reason to get up in the morning. When you feel the rush of having a real reason to live and accomplish something every day, you won’t feel depressed any more. This kind of self-actualization is the best way to keep depression from ruling your life — rule it for yourself.

Filed Under: Guidance, Health Care, Prevention Tagged With: , ,

Rapid Cycling is Just one Aspect of Bipolar Disorder

June 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Rapid cycling is a form of bipolar disorder that causes symptoms to range from very low emotional changes to a quick-firing of the emotions that runs the gamut from high moods to low moods. Doctors consider four or more episodes in any 12 month period to be rapid cycling, although the episodes can run the gamut in a day or a week, as well. 

 

The affected person seems to be on an emotional roller coaster and the person feels energy and moods that change on such extreme levels that their life spirals out of control. It can be outright disabling. Severity is uncontrollable and often the person exhibits extremes in irritability, unreasonable outbursts and impulsiveness. 

 

Rapid Cycling is Common 

The very name, rapid cycling, denotes a regular pattern of episodes, but this isn’t always the case, as bipolar episodes rarely follow any pattern. They occur randomly and sometimes go from one extreme to the other within a day (ultra-ultra rapid cycling) or within a month (ultra rapid cycling). 

 

However, a person experiencing rapid cycling is also apt to exhibit longer periods of manic, depressive or even stabilized moods, as the rapid cycling is not usually a permanent condition. Most patients not getting the right medication or the right dose are subject to this disorder, which begins gradually and then eventually returns to longer, less frequent episodes. Rarely, some people get ‘stuck’ in rapid cycling indefinitely. 

 

The longer a person goes without treatment, the more likely it is that they may become resistant to treatment. Half of all people who suffer from bipolar disorder experience rapid cycling at least once during their treatment.

 

 

Filed Under: Stress Relievers Tagged With: , ,

The Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist

May 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

For many people, the idea of a psychologist or a psychiatrist brings the same image to mind. This is a person that can help patients with any type of mental condition or disorder that needs to be addressed. However, technically, the two cannot be used interchangeably. These are two very different professions within the scheme of mental health. The differences include the person’s education as well as how they are able to provide treatment.

Schooling is one of the easiest ways to tell the difference between the two professions. While both may start out pursing the same bachelor degree, they part ways when it comes time to receive a master’s or doctorate degree. A psychologist works through a graduate degree and then has the opportunity to become a doctor of psychologist or philosophy. Even after receiving a doctorate, there is still training to be done in the form of internships.

For a psychiatrist, the training is more specific to the medical field. In fact, he or she, at the end of all schooling, has a degree in medicine. Once receiving a doctorate, the training continues in the form of a residency in the mental health field. Because of the background in medicine, a psychiatrist is able to prescribe medication to patients to assist them with symptoms and concerns that they may have.

For those having a difficult time deciding which career path to choose, undergraduate classes offer a great way to explore what each career path offers. Classes expose students to each side of the coin, helping them to make a more informed decision.

 

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The Benefits and Dangers of Zoloft

May 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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If you’re on Zoloft for your depression or anxiety, you may be wondering about the benefits and dangers of the drug. Even though you received information from your doctor, it’s possible you’re looking for more. Here are the basics:

  • For many, it lessens depression considerably depending on how the drug reacts with your body chemistry.
  • Lessens worry about weight gain as compared to other depression/anxiety drugs.
  • Has less cardiovascular side effects. Zoloft is the lowest of any antidepressant.
  • May give you nausea and headaches. You may not be able to sleep at night because of insomnia. You may even have a manic episode.
  • May inhibit your creativity. Some people say that they feel “numb” or “unfeeling” while taking the drug. Others say they are “clearer in thought and expression of self.” The racing of their mind has “slowed.”
  • Helps with Seasonal Affective Disorder, which allows those taking it to more easily get out of bed when it’s cloudy or rainy outside.
  • May make you feel “anxious” or “aggravated.” Others say they are “calmed down” and able to “have fun in life.”

A Los Angeles California personal injury lawyer or other expert lawyer in your city can help you if you’ve already made the Zoloft decision and are finding the complications heavier than you can handle alone.

In the long run, choosing to take Zoloft, or not, comes from trying it out and seeing what it does or doesn’t do for you. After two weeks and no longer than a month, sit down with your own pros and cons list. Decide for yourself if Zoloft works for you.

Filed Under: Common Health Questions Tagged With: , ,

How To Prevent Depression

May 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Depression is becoming more and more common now days. If you do not have depression, there is always the chance that you will, so you will want to know how to prevent this from happening. A great way to keep your spirits up is to keep the lights on or go outside when the sun is out. Light is a great mood enhancer and keeps your body’s internal clock functioning in a normal way.

Exercise is one of the best ways to prevent depression and keep you in a positive mood. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals into your brain that help you feel refreshed and positive. Keeping yourself healthy, eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep are the main things you need to do to prevent depression and other illnesses. Get a hobby and stay busy. Having friends and getting out of the house will keep your mind off the things that upset you.

There are many different types of depression. Some people may get depression that only lasts a few days while others get depression that lasts a lifetime. No matter what kind of depression you have, there is always a way to prevent it. Learn how to control stress. Stress and anxiety can lead to depression. If you feel you may be going into a depression, do not wait until it is unbearable. Seek help right away or change the things in your life that are causing your depression. Staying healthy and getting involved with activities you enjoy are the main things you should focus on.

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The Normalcy Belief: Depression

February 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Sorrow is to be expected. Despair can’t be denied. Life is far too complicated to ever experience simple happiness — you know this, understand that there will be days that don’t satisfy, hours that trouble. All suffer from occasional discontentment or discomfort. This is the way of things and it’s known to be true.

Such truth leads you to ignore your own worries therefore. You think nothing of the overwhelming dejection. You refuse to acknowledge the pain. It’s common, you’re sure. Everyone experiences it; everyone feels this way. There’s nothing to do but merely… wait. This will pass.

It won’t.

Depression is not to be confused with the typical sadness, the occasional worries — and yet too often do individuals believe themselves to be suffering from nothing more than the proverbial blues. They assume that their feelings are normal and that they will eventually fade away. Such an assumption can lead to a lack of treatment and a worsening of depression, however; and this can be dangerous.

Depression is not a momentary illness. It will not simply disappear. It is instead a persistent — and complete — sense of despair. Those who suffer from it are defined by chemical imbalances; and these cause a prolonged sadness (which can last for months, or even years, at a time). This cannot be considered normal.

Instead individuals must be able to recognize the differences between occasional dissatisfaction and genuine worry. The feelings will be far worse; the longevity will be far more distressing; and there will be no lull in the illness. It will instead remain — causing endless complications.

Do not mistake depression for lesser concerns. Do not think it to be common. You must instead be able to distinguish the disease from others and understand its severity. This is not proof of rainy day worries. This is instead a tragic — and frightening — disability. It must be offered treatment and care; and this can’t be accomplished if you dismiss it as just an expectation.

Filed Under: Guidance Tagged With: , ,

Resources for locating mental health services

January 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are many options for individuals who believe they may be suffering from manic depression or other mental health problems. Since manic depression, commonly known as bipolar disorder, can be difficult to detect and diagnose, a mental health professional should be contacted. However, many individuals who suffer from mental health problems are unsure of where to turn or how to get help.

Many resources are available for those who are unsure of how to obtain help. Among these are religious leaders, physicians and state and federal programs designed to help individuals pursue mental health services.

Individuals who believe that they suffer from some mental health illness should speak to someone about their concerns, reasons, and symptoms. A first line of action can be to speak to a religious leader, community leader, social worker, or insurance representative. These individuals should be able to provide you with information on how to locate services, local resources available to you, or mental health professionals who can properly diagnose and treat manic depression.

Additionally, speaking to your regular physician can provide you with information on whether you could be suffering from a mental health problem or other illness. These individuals can also refer you to resources or mental health professionals.

Insurance companies often have contact information about services, procedures, and participating professionals, who can speak to you, diagnose, or that treat mental health professionals.

Furthermore, federal resources such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can provide information on mental illnesses, how to locate services, and current clinical trials.

Often times mental health illnesses can be embarrassing or difficult to detect. If you or someone you know is having difficulty in completing daily tasks, exhibiting unusual behaviors, or is suffering from anxiety or depression it would be beneficial to locate services or a mental health professional to help in these situations.

Filed Under: Health Care Tagged With: ,

Resources for families dealing with a manic depression individual

January 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Family members, friends, and caregivers can all suffer from affects that result when dealing with, caring for, or trying to interact with someone who has manic depression, which is often called bipolar disorder.

Although the effects can be difficult to handle, there are resources and tips for those who support individuals with bipolar or getting the guidance family members need. Tips often provided focus on making sure that caregivers and family ensure they are also taking care of themselves as well as helping or supporting those with bipolar.

Ideas for taking care of yourself can range from making time for friends who are understanding of the disorder, managing stress, encouraging yourself to do activities outdoors with the individual who is manic depressive, and finding activities or hobbies that you can maintain for yourself.

Examples of these suggestions include finding time to go to a gym, or talking a walk outside, or some kind of physical activity to relieve stress. Other examples of hobbies can be activities such as reading a favorite book, working on puzzles, playing a game, or even joining a club.

Additionally, family members should also seek out supportive resources such as support groups or informational resources such as videos, pamphlets, and educational materials. These actions will allow family members to better understand the disorder, what causes it, and how it is treated.  Support groups or seeking others to speak to will provide outlets to manage emotional stress and the demands placed on those taking care of bipolar individuals.

Bipolar disorder or manic depression can be challenging and stressful for all members involved. This makes it important that caregivers and family members seek guidance, knowledge, support, and finally remember to also meet their physical and mental needs as well. By doing this they will be able to remain healthy, be able to cope with effects from the disease, and be better able and prepared to support the individual with the disorder.

Filed Under: Common Health Questions Tagged With: ,

Effects of Manic Depression

January 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Manic Depression, often referred to as bipolar disorder, can cause strain and difficulties on and for family members, friends, and other relationships. These strains or effects can range from stress, financial difficulties, isolation, health problems, and emotional strain.

Although manic depression can be treated and individuals with this disorder can lead normal productive lives, these individuals are still susceptible to mood swings and depressive episodes. When these occur, many aspects of their lives as well as their family and friends are affected. The most prevalent of these difficulties rises as a result of emotional strain.

Emotional responses from family and close friends of individuals with manic depression are often a result of their inability to understand or help during the individual’s depression state. For instance, children who do not understand what is occurring with their parent can feel guilty or responsible for causing the change in behavior.

Additionally, spouses, parents, or other adult family members can experience anger, frustration, and fear when faced with the manic depressive individual’s mood changes. Often these emotional responses can be addressed with knowledge, understanding, and support for the families who have a manic depressive member.

Other effects on family members include health problems as a result of stress and strain, and financial difficulties as a result of medical bills, loss of wages by the manic depressive individual, or an inability for the manic depressive person to control spending. Finally, family members may experience other affects such as isolation from friends and the community, relationship challenges between family members, and grief or loss resulting from the feeling that they have lost the individual they once knew.

Although handling manic depression can be challenging for the individual and the families, support, guidance, and knowledge can be obtained by family members. Family members struggling with affects from this disorder should speak to a professional and seek out resources or informational materials to guide them in the changes occurring within the family.

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Don’t Let Postpartnum Depression Affect Your Newborn

December 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentDepression can take many forms and can be triggered by a variety of experiences – even those that normally bring happiness. Up to 20 percent of women will experience these baby blues, so know that you’re not suffering alone.

Although postpartnum depression can be confusion and frightening, especially to someone embarking on that new chapter of life known as motherhood, but there are some proven techniques to ensure that your depression doesn’t negatively affect your baby as you seek treatment.

Make time every day to hold and talk to your newborn. Most postpartum depression episodes last less than two weeks, but two weeks can account for significant developmental time for a newborn. Even when the prospect is difficult, dedicate several minutes each day to holding your child and tenderly talking to him or her. Even if you use this time to voice frustrations or negative feelings, saying them aloud in a cooing voice can help your baby form a bond with you can will be foundation of the lifelong relationship.

Let your partner know that you’ll need some alone time. While you should certainly not try to isolate yourself while you’re suffering from postpartnum depression, it’s perfectly acceptable to carve out a little time for yourself each day. Make a list of the things you enjoy doing by yourself and make an effort to do something on the list each day – whether it’s reading a chapter in a favorite book, painting your toenails or practicing racquetball. Private time spent doing an activity that you’ve loved in the past can give you a lift whenever you need it.

Lastly, make sure to spend some time with your partner. Some women feel that a baby changes everything, but intimacy is key to a healthy relationship and your partner needs you as much as you need them right now.

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