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Reconciling Spirituality and Depression

December 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentFaith is a powerful factor in life, but even those with strong faith can still fall prey to depression. A popular religious tenant is that God will never give you more than you can handle and while it may be impossible to always know that to be true while you’re suffering, keeping it in mind during the most difficult times can help you work through your depression.

Because depression can lead to a sense of loneliness and despair, many people may feel that their God has abandoned them or doesn’t love them anymore. Know that your depression is unrelated to how God feels about you.

One way to keep knowledge of His love obvious to to attend religious practice at your preferred house of worship. Being around other believers who can keep you feeling positive about your faith is important as a part of the healing process. If you are having a particularly bad day during the primary day of worship, seek out additional social events at your religious organization throughout the week. Fellowship with other believers during this time will give you the strength to continue throughout the rest of the week.

Additionally, prayer is a powerful healing agent and can be used to rejuvenate your spirits and bring you enough courage to face the day. Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy for formal to be effective. Pray as honestly as you can, as simply as necessary to get out your feelings and feel pure communication with someone who is always there to listen and support you in whatever you’re going through.

Allow your faith to guide you through the most difficult times. Remember that medical intervention does not mean that you’ve given up on the power of faith to pull you through – it only means that you’re using everything at your disposal to get well.

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Natural Ways to Beat the Blues

December 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Millions of people suffer bouts of depression, but many types of depression can be controlled without professional intervention. Obviously, anyone who has prolonged feelings of being depressed or whose thoughts turn to violence or despair should seek immediate medical treatment. However, if your depression is mild and you believe you can get through it on your own, here are some ways to beat the blues and get back to feeling like yourself again.

Get up and move. Exercise and other activity is not only a productive way to spend time, but it also produces endorphins (known as the feel-good hormone) in the body which will give you a burst of energy and boost your emotions enough to make it through the day. Physical activity is known to reduce depression, and even just a brisk walk or a half hour of yoga can do wonders to dictating your mood for the rest of the day.

Eat fresh, healthy foods. Many of the food that people eat for comfort when they’re depressed are loaded with fat, salt and sugar. Foods that come in boxes, canned foods or fast-food fare may be easy and require little thought, but these same foods do nothing to boost your mood. Low-fat, low-protein carbohydrates allows serotonin to be developed in the brain, naturally curbing food cravings and bringing up moods.

Organize and clean up. A cluttered house or a to-do list full of items that never get crossed off can just add to the despair or unhappiness that you feel. Make a list of things that need to be done and rate them by priority. Try to accomplish one thing on the list everyday. On days when it’s difficult to feel motivated, accomplish the easiest or most simple task on the list. On days when you feel well, tackle the most important task you have on the list.

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Dangers of Depression: Self Harm

December 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentWhile depression itself is a highly prevalent condition that can be debilitating for some, one of the most significant dangers of depression is the possible destructive side effect that some sufferers may find themselves slipping into if their condition goes untreated.

One way the chronically depressed sometimes express their sadness and depression is a desire to hurt themselves. This desire to “feel” something is usually manifested in self-harm. This can include hair pulling, burning one’s self and other forms of deliberate harm to one’s self, but the most prevalent form of self-harm is “cutting.”

People who cut themselves use a sharp instrument to create a self-inflicted would that is used to end a sense of numbness they feel in life. Self-harm is considered to be a symptom of a greater problem (like depression, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia) rather than a distinct mental disorder of its own.

Self-harm does permanent damage to your body for a condition that can be temporary in nature or kept in control if treated. Treatment methods for those that engage in self-harm vary widely and there is no definitive method of treatment at this time, since the most effective treatment depends on the patient’s personal history and mental state.

However, avoidance techniques – something that a depression sufferer engages in instead when they want to commit an act of self-harm – has shown to be successful for some patients in the past. The idea with avoidance techniques is to keep the person busy enough that they don’t have time to engage in the self-harm that they normally would. For instance, going for a run, cleaning the house or tackling a school or work project. In the end, though, the avoidance technique or alternate treatment must be appropriate and suited toward the individual whose behavior is being curbed.

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Seeing People is Important to Treating Depression

December 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Human beings are deeply social creatures, and scientists have established how important social connections and relationships are in maintaining both mental and emotional health. But for those suffering with depression, the natural desire to engage with others can become seriously deteriorated, to the point where the depression are actually exacerbating their own mental conditions instead of helping them.

When in self-induced isolation, human beings show markedly increased anger, paranoia and instability. Without human contact, the feelings that one is a victim of society or other specific person or circumstance can be dramatically increased, to the point that revenge fantasies and other violent imaginings can severely impact the ability for a person to become a normal, integrated part of society even after successful depression treatment. Self-induced isolation can create a problem that becomes even more permanent than the depression that causes it.

That’s why it’s important for people suffering from depression to continue in their normal daily routines as much as possible. While a significant portion of the depressed population may find the edict to “go out and have a good time” to be an impossible one to adhere to, especially on a bad day, the effort they go through to maintain some semblance of a social life will definitely pay off in the long run. For one, short term benefits include an alleviation of symptoms when in the presence of others. The long-term benefit is that they will be more likely to adjust to normal social conditions after the depression has been treated.

Don’t try to go out every day. Even people who don’t have depression errors don’t necessarily want to be around friends and family every single day and time for yourself is a very important aspect of understanding your progression from depression. But on your best days, don’t turn down the chance to see people. They’ll be glad to see you and you will likely be lifted up by being around other people.

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Keeping Post-Partum Depression from Ending Your Relationship

December 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentPost-partum depression is an experience that makes you feel like you’ve gone through a deeply personal, life-changing experience. And you have! But that doesn’t mean that your partner should be shut out of your life completely while you work to adjust to your new feelings, your new body and your new baby.

Many women believe that the easiest way to deal with post-partum depression is to withdraw into themselves and not to bother anyone else with their pain. They may even feel guilty about the sadness and anger they feel so soon after having a child. And while the miracle of pregnancy and birth can often bring a couple closer together, post-partum has the ability to force two people apart if not recognized, treated and dealt with together.

Partners of those suffering from post-partum depression often feel rejected and isolated from the women they love most. Even worse, they can feel helpless in recognizing the origin of your pain and the inability to just make it better. This is why keeping communication lines with your partner open even through the haze of post-partum depression is important for the long-term health of the relationship. Your partner may never truly understand what you’re going through, but they can support you throughout your period of post-partum depression and help create a world of normalcy for when you’ve adjusted to the major changes your life has gone through.

Even though it may be difficult, make an effort each day to connect with your partner. Whether it’s a small sign of affection (hand holding, a hug or cuddling on the couch) or a shared in-joke that makes you both smile and remember what makes you two such a great couple, these small gestures will have a large impact on keeping your relationship strong through post-partum depression.

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Try Music to Stave Off Depression

December 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentMusic has long been used as a source of inspiration and as a calming agent in recreational use, but researchers have began to develop more concrete information about the formal ties that exist between music and helping people who suffer from depression.

In an active therapy session, a depressed person would use music as a way to articulate feelings that might otherwise be difficult to discuss with the words they have available. For instance, feelings of guilt, anger or rage may be easier to both recognize and express if a particular musical piece or lyric also expresses that same emotion. The feeling is then more acceptable to express if someone else has already articulated it in musical form. Therapists can use those expressed feelings as a springboard to better awareness towards one’s emotions, which can lead to determining the best course of treatment.

However, music is more often used in the receptive therapy technique – people even administer self therapy in this way. Music is played specifically to trigger feelings of calmness, reflection or relaxation. The purpose is to initiate a positive mood change which helps someone who is depressed take better control over their feelings and decide for themselves to have a good day.

Several studies have shown that those who suffer from depression usually have their symptoms relieved if they undergo some sort of organized music therapy. The studies also show a marked improvement in mood for those who engaged in music therapy. Additionally, therapy only works as well as the person who is engaging in it wants to continue, and music therapy has shown very low rates of dropout in the five major studies that have been conducted on the subject.

The music listened to in order to stave off depression should be slow in tempo and optimistic in nature for best results.

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Natural Remedies to Alleviate Depression

December 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentWhile it is important to research the appropriate treatment necessary for depression – especially if the depression is chronic or is leading to destructive behavior – there are several natural remedies to alleviate depression that may help those that are suffering from mild depression and want to take steps toward self-help before consulting a professional.

St. John’s Wort is a popular herb used to alleviate the symptoms of several different medical conditions and has been used for hundreds of years as a natural remedy for several of the symptoms associated with depression. In fact, almost two dozen clinical trials have shown it to have an effectiveness similar to some commercial anti-depressants for mild or moderate depression and with less of the nasty side effects. The only downside to using St. John’s Wort to treat depression is that the herb may take a few weeks to demonstrate noticeable effects.

While there is no universally recognized cause for depression, researchers have found that people who suffer from depression are more likely to be deficient of folic acid than non-depressed counterparts. The exact relationship isn’t clear, but making sure you get the daily recommended value of folic acid though green leafy vegetables, beans and fruit, can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression over the long term.

Studied have also linked low intake of omega-3 fatty acids to incidents of depression. The rates of depression are significantly reduced in countries that have a higher consumption of fish as part of their regular diet. To make sure you’re getting all the omega-3 fatty acids you need each day, consider increasing your consumption of cold water fish (like salmon) or taking a supplement of fish oil.

Remember, if your depression is lingering, chronic or considered “major,” natural remedies don’t seem to help or if your depression is so debilitating that it’s affecting other aspects of your life, it’s time to seek help from a medical professional.

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Famous People Who Suffered From Depression

December 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Billy Joel

ContentIntense feelings of loneliness is one of the most common signs of depression, but those suffering from depression should know that they’re not alone. More than 340 million people around the world suffer from depression and the statistics are rising. Additionally, many famous people have been able to conquer their depression and lead fulfilling lives.

Singer Billy Joel battled through depression for years and even made a suicide attempt in 1970. The words of his suicide note later became the lyrics to his song, “Tomorrow is Today.” Joel went on to produce dozens of hit songs over the course of the next 40 years.

Actress Brooke Shields had a difficult time bonding with her newborn daughter due to the effects of postpartum depression in 2003 and 2004. In her book about the experience, “Down Came the Rain,” Shields admits that at times she wanted to hurt herself and her baby. Instead, with the help of the anti-depressant Paxil, Shields has continued to appear in movies and television shows.

Actor and game show host Drew Carey said that his depression at the age of 18 and in his 20s resulted in multiple suicide attempts. His lifeline was any self-help book he could get his hands on and Carey proceeded to star in a hit television series and host one of the iconic game shows in the world, “The Price is Right.”

During her 20s, author J.K. Rowling went through a bout of depression following her divorce. After attending counseling to help deal with her suicidal thoughts, Rowling wrote the world-renowned children’s series based on character Harry Potter and says that she’s proud of what she was able to work though.

Suffering from chronic, lifelong depression hasn’t stopped singer Sheryl Crow from achieving her dreams. The rock star has sold 35 million albums and won nine Grammy awards for her music.

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Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder

December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Children in Jerusalem.
Image via Wikipedia

Bipolar disorder in children is becoming more and more common. Once only seen in adults, this alarming trend is seeing health professionals diagnose more and more children each year, and, they’re being diagnosed younger.

Called Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder, symptoms such as extreme mood swings seem to be the most common. Children will rapidly move from giddiness to depression and back again, sometimes several times in a row. For children that are hyperactive, it can be very difficult to distinguish normal behavior from bipolar symptoms. Child behavioral specialists can be consulted to help you determine if there is cause for worry, once you begin to suspect there may be a problem.

Children are ill equipped to deal with bipolar disorder. They will have difficulty in school and may be labeled as difficult and dealt with more harshly by teachers who are unaware of the disorder. Other children my find those afflicted with this disorder to be strange, and they may begin to suffer from being a pariah. Erratic behavior in a child with this disorder may attract the attention of children with behavioral issues which can just lead to more and more issues.

The depression element of bipolar disorder in children is particularly severe. Even adults have difficulties with depression but children just do not have the ability to comprehend what is going on and certainly can’t objectively deal with their feelings. Depression may be expressed through moody or aggressive behavior such as stealing your treasured Mikimoto pearl necklace, and can ultimately lead to suicidal thoughts.

Unfortunately these children are being diagnosed under the age of 10. The years that are supposed to be carefree and exploratory are filled instead with incomprehensible feelings, emotions and behaviors. Sadder still is that many parents refuse to accept that their child has an issue so many go undiagnosed all together.

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More Kids Depressed Than Ever Before

December 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

ContentChildren and teenagers have more opportunity to become depressed than ever before between the pressures of classes, friends and even the online world. A new study published in the Development and Psychopathology indicates that children who are loners or considered social outcasts when they are still in elementary or middle school have a greater chance of becoming teenagers who are depressed.

Having friends at a young age, even for shy children, is a major protection against becoming depressed. Friends support children through the normal pressures of being a kid, as well as building up a child’s social skills. Learning to present ideas, collaborate with a group, come to a consensus and argue one’s position are all techniques that can help kids stay strong against the pressures that will cause depression on them when they’re older. Friends also can break the cycles of depression once they start, since companionship is one of the main methods of preventing the loneliness that makes depression symptoms worse.

One in every 33 young people suffer from depression. Some children and teenagers are more likely to have their signs of depression overlooked and, therefore, have a better chance of experiencing exacerbated effects. According to the 2010 edition of “What Families Need to Know about Adolescent Depression” by The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Latino, Asian and African American children receive less average care than other children. Some will never receive any care for their depression, leading to an increased possibility of runaways, problems at schools, substance abuse, eating disorders, self-injury, violence and suicide.

Parents are the most powerful ally a child can have when it comes to facing and overcoming depression. Many health-care practitioners do not screen children and teenagers for depression despite the growing number of adolescents who suffer from depression and its effects.

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