Depression and Relationships - 5 Signs Your Depression May Be Caused by Your Relationship

Depression is a common malady that afflicts many people at some point or another in their lives. There may be a multitude of factors to cause the symptoms - unresolved past grief, current life challenges, and/or brain chemistry issues. However, there is one factor that is often missed when determining the origins of depression. Emotionally and psychologically abusive relationships can do a tremendous amount of damage to our feelings of self worth and cause feelings of depression and hopelessness. Often, due to the nature of this type of abuse, the victim blames him or herself for the problem, assuming that their abuser is correct and they are inferior, incompetent, or even crazy. Emotional abuse can be difficult to detect especially in its more subtle forms. Here are 5 signs your depression may be caused by an emotionally and psychologically abusive relationship:

1. Your partner puts you down, in public or private. These insults may be as blatant as outright name calling, or they may be more subtle criticisms of the way you do simple things. In any case, the end result is a feeling of inferiority and worthlessness in comparison to your partner.

2. Your partner attempts to control your activities. You may feel obligated to report your activities to your partner, justify your actions, and endure criticism of the way you managed your day. You may even feel pressured to conform to an "acceptable" list of activities your partner approves of.

3. Your partner attempts to limit access to anything that might foster independence, such as work, educational opportunities, and friends and family. Isolation is a very effective tactic for the abuser. Keeping you dependent keeps the abuser in control. In keeping you from friends and family, not only are you under the abuser's thumb, you are also being kept from hearing the more positive, accurate messages about yourself from your loved ones. It may also reduce the opportunity your loved ones might take to criticize your abuser. Your abuser may expressly forbid you to see someone, or be more subtle by appealing to your guilt. "You would choose to see them over me?"

4. Your partner uses sex as a form of control and manipulation. This could take the form of demanding sex from you regardless of your mental state, needs or desires, or it may manifest as a deliberate withholding of sex and intimacy in order to keep you feeling rejected, dependent, and at the mercy of the abuser's agenda.

5. Your partner may imply that you will be punished non-physically for not complying with his or her demands. This tactic may also be punctuated with occasional acts of kindness and generosity designed to throw you off and plant false hope in the future of the relationship and its potential for improvement.

Sign of Severe Depression - Recognize Them Easily

If you think you may be suffering from depression then read on to find out more about the common sign of severe depression and how to get help and deal with depression.

Part 1) Sign of severe depression facts: Depression is now extremely common and more than 20 million Americans currently suffer from it. It's a condition that can affect absolutely anyone rich, poor, young or old. More women suffer from depression than men and it has recently been documented that women are almost twice as likely to show the signs of severe depression than men. Depression is often thought to be a sign weakness and sufferers (especially men) are sometimes too embarrassed to even admit that they have the condition.

Part 2) Spotting the sign of severe depression: The best way to find out if you are depressed is to look at the common symptoms. If you have been suffering from the following sign of severe depression for more than two weeks you should seek advice from a medical professional.

Refusing help from others

Feeling like you don't ever want get out of bed

Not wanting to leave the house

Lack of energy and constant tiredness

No longer making an effort in your appearance

Feeling constantly down and pessimistic

Thoughts of suicide and death

Part 3) The most common causes of the signs of severe depression: Stress at work or at home can often lead to depression and this is one of the most common of all courses. Stress can also lead to anxiety and may in some severe cases affect your physical health. Traumatic events can also cause depression, especially those which occur in childhood. It's quite common for events in childhood to lead to depression during adulthood. Depression can also be passed on genetically. If you think you may be suffering from the condition, find out if it runs in your family.

Part 4) 'What should I do if I'm showing the sign of severe depression': The first and most important thing you need to do is speak to a medical professional. He/she will be able to fully diagnose your condition and offer help and guidance. Next tell your close friends and family. Coping with depression alone will only make it harder to deal with and overcome. There are many things you can also do yourself that will start to make you feel better keep active, take regular exercise, reduce your levels of stress and avoid alcohol and drugs.

Remember... we all have problems from time to time, so don't feel ashamed about being depression. The quicker you seek help the quicker you will start to feel better. Check out the links below for even more information on the sign of severe depression.

The Beck Depression Scale - What You Need to Know

The Beck depression scale is a common diagnostic tool for mental health professionals. They use the scale or inventory to help diagnose individuals and it can be used in a wide variety of settings. For individuals who question whether they are depressed or not, the Beck Depression Inventory can help them learn more.

The scale can be used with anyone as long as they have at least fifth or sixth grade reading level skills. Generally, those who are 13 or older will be able to take the inventory. The scale has been updated several time since its inception in the 1960s.

The BDI, as the scale is also known, features a 21 item self report scale. The questions measure different manifestations of depression, including aspects like social isolation, sadness, pessimism, guilt, and self accusation among other symptoms. The test takes about ten minutes to complete for most people and can give an indication about the presence and severity of a person's illness.

The scores on the inventory can tell a mental health professional about an individual's state of mind and whether the individual is suffering from depression. It's important to remember that the test isn't fool proof and that an individual could manipulate the scores if they didn't answer the questions honestly.

The overall reliability of the scale is a factor to keep in mind: taking the inventory at a different time can produce different results if the symptoms have increased in severity or gotten better since the first test. Experts also caution that the environment that the individual takes the test in can also influence results. Social expectations may influence certain answers if others are present.

The Beck Inventory does not produce a diagnosis, but it can be a tool in understanding whether the illness is present and how severe it is. Individuals should talk to their mental health professionals about the results and what those results might mean for diagnosis and treatment options.

If you are interested in learning more about the Beck Depression Scale, talk to a mental health professional about the inventory and what you can expect when you answer the questions. You should also talk to the professional about any symptoms that you may be having and what treatments may be available to help you.

The Self - Confidence Quiz

How self-confidant are you? Most of us think we are pretty self-confidant, yet we often wonder why we aren't getting more out of life. What stops us from taking risks? What keeps us stuck in dead end jobs, or unhappy relationships. Could we possibly be less confidant than we think? Why not take this quiz and find out?

Ask yourselves these questions, and answer with a yes or a no. Then add them up.

1. Do you feel uncomfortable being around other people?

2. Do you something worry that others are criticizing or judging you.

3. Do you find it very intimating to speak up and assert yourself?

4. Do you get very nervous or fearful whenever it is time for your work evaluation?

5. Do you panic when you have to speak in public?

6. Do you find it stressful to use a public bathroom?

7. Do you worry when you think about inviting a friend over for a social outing?

8. Do you find yourself avoiding social situations because of your discomfort being with other people?

9. Do you feel alone, even when surrounded by friends?

10. Do you suffer with sweaty palms, trembling, chest pains, dizziness, lightheadedness, fear of dying, fear of going crazy, fear of losing control, irritability, headaches, frustration, inability to concentrate, difficulty falling asleep?

11. Do you often worry about the "what ifs" of every situation?

12. Do you wonder if you will ever be able to stop worrying?

13. Do people tell you that you should "chill out" and that you worry too much?

14. Do you feel that if you don't do something perfectly, than others will judge you?

15. Do you find yourselves going over things over and over again?

16. Do you focus on the thought that you may have inadvertently hurt someone or yourself, or done something very wrong?

17. Do you worry about having every sort of disease you see on TV or read in a book or hear over the news?

18. Do you find it hard to make decisions and keep on second-guessing yourself?

19. Do you think that others opinions are better or more valuable than your own?

20. Do you find that even when things go well, you can't really let yourself fully enjoy it and start looking for all the possible negatives in the situation?

If you scored "yes" to 6 or more of these questions, you probably have some issues with anxiety and a lack of confidence. The good news is that anxiety is a habit of thinking and all habits can be changed. The question is how motivated are you to do the work?

Did you enjoy this quiz? Did your answers surprise you? Let me know what you think.

Agitated Depression - The 6 Unique Symptoms

Most people have never heard of agitated depression but it does exist. It reveals itself in a way that is indicative of its name - moods of irritability, short temper and aggravation. Often times the condition presents itself as an anger management issue as the individual will have outbursts of anger and rage.

Often times, the underlying feeling that they have is that they are misunderstood and that no one knows how they are feeling. This type of depression is a hypo-manic depression meaning they exhibit hypo-manic behavior.

Even in cases of other depressions, such as major depressive disorder, there can be levels of irritability, aggravation and agitation. However, when it comes to agitated depression, these moods are enhanced and more pronounced. Moods of irritability and agitation are just a few of the classic symptoms of agitated depression. There are many other symptoms as well and understanding them will make it easier to understand and diagnose. It's important to note that these symptoms also present themselves in cases of manic depressive disorder so sometimes diagnosing can be a bit tricky.

The assumed anger management issues also pose a problem, as professionals may wrongfully diagnose a manic depressive disorder or agitated depression and prescribe antidepressants unnecessarily. This can result in amplifying things whereby the agitation and symptoms of depression actually worsen. This also increases the thoughts and risk of suicide.

When someone has agitated depression it can be quite serious and the characteristics and symptoms can be mild in nature or become quite severe. The severity of the depression and angry outbursts really depend on the individual themselves. This type of depression is more prevalent in middle age to elderly people however it has been diagnosed in younger individuals as well.

There are a variety of symptoms that you should look out for if you suspect someone is suffering with this form of depression. Often times the person will be "antsy" and have a difficult time sitting still or staying in one place for too long. They also have serious, spontaneous mood swings where they will be calm, cool and collected on minute then have an emotional or physical outburst the next. Violent verbal outbursts are also a possibility.

Below you'll see a list of other symptoms that may present themselves as well.

• Tearing or pulling at the clothing



• Intense feelings and thoughts



• Endless thoughts and movement which are essentially without base



• Talking nearly continuously



• Wringing of the hands



• Violent verbal outbursts.

If you, or someone you know, are/is experiencing some or all of these symptoms then you should consider contacting a professional for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. As with many other types of depression, agitated depression can be successfully treated. The treatment plan may include antidepressants, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or in severe cases admission to a depression treatment facility. Bottom line is that there is hope for anyone suffering with depression. The key is to acknowledge that there may be a problem, seek out support from a professional and embark on a successful treatment plan.

Bipolar Symptoms - Quickly Spot The Symptoms

Bipolar Symptoms are sometimes very difficult to recognise and are often over looked by doctors. If you think you may suffering from bipolar disorder then read on to find out more about common Bipolar Symptoms and what to do if you recognise those symptoms in yourself.

• Types of Bipolar disorder and Bipolar Symptoms: Bipolar disorder is also know as manic depression because is of the manic and depressed states the suffers experience. Three types of bipolar disorder...
  
  
  
  Type 1: This is the most severe form of the disorder, sufferers will experience extreme and extended manic and depressive episodes.
  
  Type 2: Milder and less frequent episodes of mania and depression (women are more likely to suffer from type 2 bipolar as it can sometimes be linked to menstrual cycles and hormonal changes).
  
  Rapid cycling: This can be identified by four or more mood episodes within a 12 month period. Suffers may even experience numerous moods changes in one day.
  


• Common Bipolar Symptoms: You may be suffering from the disorder if you have experienced three of more of the following manic bipolar symptoms for more than two weeks...
  
  
  
  On a high: acting recklessly, spending sprees, getting into arguments, talking quickly, lots of thoughts and ideas, too much to process.
  
  On a low: feelings of helplessness and guilt, inability to concentrate, memory problems, lack of general enthusiasm, a negative/pessimistic outlook, suicidal thoughts or tendencies.
  


• Getting help: If you recognise any of the common Bipolar Symptoms in yourself or someone you know you will need to seek professional help. Once you are diagnosed your doctor will be able to recommend a suitable treatment. Suffers will often be prescribed anti psychotic medication during the periods of mania, and lithium during the depressed period. In some severe cases where medication has not been effective (ECT) Electro Convulsive Therapy may be suggested. Therapy can also produced some excellent results and has helped many suffers deal with and get over bipolar. This disorder can sometimes lead to suicidal tendencies, so it is essential that suffers seek professional help and guidance if they display any number of bipolar symptoms.

Never try to deal with bipolar disorder on your own. If you have experienced any of the common bipolar symptoms get some medical advice asap. If you would like even more information on bipolar and bipolar symptoms click on the links below.

Using a TENS Machine to Fight the Negative Feelings of Depression

First of all, I'm not a doctor or therapist. I just have spent most of my life learning from them, to undo the effects of major depression that I've had from childhood. If you suffer from depression, first talk to your medical professional to see what approach is best for you. That is what I've done, but I add to what I've learned by trying a few other things on my own. Don't do anything to yourself that is potentially self-injurious, it pays to research any new technique or approach thoroughly, just to be safe. Whatever works for me may not work for you, we all have our own ways of responding to different treatments. I just know that not all my recovery has come from what was learned at the doctor's office. Being exceptionally strong-willed, my mission has mainly been to boost self-esteem, and fight those inner feelings of sadness that never go away (effects of depression.) Here are some ways that have helped me live a productive and successful life, despite mental challenges.

Six months ago, it was necessary for me to go for physical therapy for a slipped disk in my back. The therapist hooked me up to a small machine called a TENS unit, for one of my treatments. They put small, non-invasive sticky circles (electrodes) on the part of my body needing therapy and then turned the machine on. It felt really good, sort of like a massage. Depending upon how the therapist adjusted the dials, the machine would make knocking or pinging sensations on my back. There are also knobs to adjust the intensity of each sensation. After researching the TENS unit on the internet, I ordered a small one, about the size of a deck of playing cards.

According to what I read about them, TENS machines are not only good for distracting your body into feeling good sensations rather than pain, but they can make your body produce endorphins, or feel-good chemicals, too. This intrigued me, since having depression, I'll take all the feel-good anything I can get (as long as it is both moral and legal.) So, I set up to test this on myself and see if there was any merit to the theory. After years of taking various anti-depressants, some work more than others but none completely take away depression, in my experience. Not being a scientist or doctor, I read up on everything about the TENS machine. There are rules that come along with the machine, like not putting the electrodes on the head, neck or the heart areas. Make sure to follow all of them thoroughly. People with pacemakers should not use TENS units, because it can interfere with the way they work. As with medicines, ask your doctor before using one.

By placing the electrodes along my spine, and setting the TENS settings to the recommended low frequency (pulse) levels. You want low muscle contraction, and to use the TENS for approximately 20 to 40 minutes. If you set it for higher muscle contractions, your muscles may ache later, so I rely on what the experts say, to use it at low settings. For more detailed information, I found these sites helpful:

http://www.bootsmaternityrentalproducts.co.uk/abouttens.php
http://www.medcareservice.com/Pain-Control-Mechanism-Article.cfm

Using the TENS unit has helped my overall mood, it seems, as after using it, my demeanor is calm and relaxed. Though I don't know if this is due to the machine itself or not, but I believe that using it has helped me. Combined with other treatments, this TENS therapy is assisting me (along with other techniques for reducing depression) in making a more enjoyable life. Go ahead and research TENS units online, and see if this is something suitable for you. In my point of view, it is a viable way to help combat depression.