3 Symptoms of Major Depression

How does major depression differ from depression? Major depression is classified as a person having 5 or more symptoms of depression in 2 weeks. This is accompanied by changes in sleeping or eating habits. For the three symptoms read further.

If symptoms are exhibited there are screening tests that can be done to further conclude the diagnosis of Major Depression. Nobody is immune from this, but it is reported that women are more prone to get this form of depression compared to men.

Three symptoms to watch for are

1. Fatigue or Lack of Energy.


2. Trouble sleeping or the opposite to much sleep.


3. Withdrawn, remove themselves from social activities they otherwise would attend.

There is no need to expand on these symptoms, they are self explanatory. The causes can be anywhere from a small incident that triggers an extreme response up to a chemical imbalance that triggers extreme emotional behavior. In either case this is a very serious condition that requires attention.

The most extreme way of relief is suicide. As we know many people with depression have taken this route. Pills and drugs can temporarily calm a situation like this down, but long term the drugs can actually be more harmful. To further complicate the matter the health plans of today are trimming back benefits. They are also overloaded and can't always give the individual the care needed for a depressive condition.

If you rule out a chemical imbalance for the cause then you can look at the emotional side. Somewhere HOPE was lost in the persons mind. Depression and hope are opposites. Filling the gap when someone losses hope is depression. The longer this condition is allowed to go on the deeper the roots go.

It is imperative to attack this as early as possible.

Depression - The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Depression

1. Is depression a mental illness?

Depression is a serious, but treatable, mental problem, not a personal weakness. It is very common, affecting 10 percent of the U.S. population at anytime. All of us can relate to having the "blues". Clinical depression, also called "major depressive disorder" , is a more serious medical illness that needs professional diagnosis and treatment.

2. Do children get depression?

Children are subject to the same factors that cause depression in adults. These factors are changes in physical health, life events, heredity, environment and chemical disturbances in the brain. One amazing statistic is that it is estimated that 2.5 percent of children in the U.S. suffer from depression .

Children who are depressed experience changes in their behavior that are disruptive to their normal lifestyles, thus causing trouble with relationships with friends, schoolwork, special interests, and family life. This may be misdiagnosed by ADD and OPED.

3. Can lack of sleep cause depression?

No. Lack of sleep alone cannot cause depression, but it can definitely make the depression worse. The ongoing inability to sleep also is an important clue that someone may be depressed.

4. Are there any alternatives to the traditional treatments for depression?

The definition of alternative methods is any treatment or technique that has not been scientifically documented or identified as safe or effective for a specific condition. Alternative therapy comes in many varieties. Included are everything from diet , exercise, mental conditioning and lifestyle changes. Some of these have been effective for treating depression.

Examples of alternative therapies include acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, light therapy, massage and many others.

5. How can you determine if an illness is causing depression or depression is causing an illness?

Illnesses that can lead to depression are major and chronic, there often is long-term pain or a sudden change of your way of life i.e. being able to take care of yourself. Depression causes illness in a different way. It can weaken the immune system limiting your bodies ability to fight against colds, flu and infection. This may cause an illness to last longer and intensify its symptoms.

6. I've heard lots of warnings about drug interactions with certain depression medicines. What are they?

MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are effective antidepressant medicines that have been used for years. Normally prescribed for people with severe depression, MAOIs improve mood by increasing the number of chemicals in the brain that pass messages between brain cells. MAOIs have been proven to work just as well as other antidepressant drugs, but they have more possible food and drug interactions.

Medicines to avoid when taking MAOIs include Prozac and Paxil and certain pain medicines including Demerol. There also are some cough medicines and blood pressure medicines that must not be taken.

Foods to avoid when taking MAOIs include aged cheeses and meats, avocado, pickled or smoked foods like sauerkraut or meat, and foods that include yeast extracts like beer and wine.

7. Why are women more likely to get depression?

Women develop depression twice as often as men. One reason may be the various changes in hormone levels that women experience. Depression is common premenstrual syndrome (PMS), during pregnancy and menopause, after giving birth, suffering a miscarriage, or having a hysterectomy. These are all times when women experience huge fluctuations in hormones.

8. Do most people with depression commit suicide?

Most people who suffer from depression do not attempt suicide. According to the National Mental Health Association, 30 percent to 70 percent of suicide victims have suffered from some form of depression. These very strong statistics point to how very important it is to seek professional treatment for yourself or someone you love if you suspect depression. Depression is very serious. It is something that should be closely monitored. It is typical for a person suffering from depression to think he is feeling better to think he is "cured". This can lead to very serious consequences.

9. Will someone who has had depression get it again?

Having experienced depression does put a person at greater risk for future episodes, but not everyone who has recovered from depression will experience it again. Sometimes depression is triggered by a major life event or illness or a combination of things particular to a certain place and time. Getting the proper treatment for the correct amount of time is crucial. Don't listen to your head it is your worst enemy.

10. How long does depression last?

Various types of depressive disorders can last for years. A major depressive episode is a set of symptoms that last for more than two weeks and may last for months. Seasonal depression, or SAD, usually extends throughout the winter months and continues to improve during spring and summer. This form of depression is helped with light therapy in which I will go into in depth in the up coming series.

Bipolar disorder is characterized as "ups" (periods of mania) and "downs" (periods of extreme depression). Although these phases may change rapidly or slowly, bipolar depression may last until an effective treatment is found. What that means in a nutshell is everyone I know suffering with Bipolar disorder is on medication for the rest of their life trying to cope with this disease.

This means always monitoring the results of the combination of medications you are taking because you build up an immunity to them. This means taking a "new" medication suggested by your doctor. A doctor once explained it to me "If you had diabetes or a heart condition would you take your medication everyday?-- Yes! Well you are in the same boat. You are suffering from a chemical imbalance and you need to take your medication or you may slip into a depression that me or medical science can not bring you back from. We would lose you and you would lose any concept with reality."

Clinical Depression - A Quick Guide

The term clinical depression, also called major depression refers to a medical term for any type of depression that needs some sort of treatment in order to alleviate it. Doctors also tend to use it as an umbrella term to cover various forms of depression. Clinical depression is a rather serious medical condition that can affect anybody. It can affect not only a person's mood and thoughts, but also the person's physical being. In other words it can affect the total person. The symptoms of this disorder include loss of appetite, insomnia, guilt, feeling extremely sad and thoughts of suicide. Other signs sometimes include the inability to concentrate and finding it difficult to make decisions. There are some instances when a degree of depression is to be expected, for example when a person has been diagnosed with cancer, which is of course, understandable.

So, of course it follows that when a diagnosis is carried out, any underlying causes must be thoroughly investigated. In the case of children with clinical depression it is essential that they are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible, as it can have a detrimental effect on a child's schooling, home life and interaction with their peers. There are a variety of ways to deal with clinical depression and the expert opinion is that the best form of treatment is by using antidepressant drugs in conjunction with a course of psychotherapy. The encouraging news is that with the correct diagnosis and course of treatment, clinical depression can be alleviated, with even the most serious cases usually responding to the correct treatment. As always if you have any concerns about yourself or anybody close to you, please consult a qualified professional.

Quizzes As Diagnostic Tools - Am I Stressed Out?

We have seen that stress is at the root of all troubles, particularly in triggering anxiety and depression. The following quiz would help you find out whether stress has become part of your life style yet. Answer the quiz with 'YES' or 'NO'.

1. Do you see the negative side first or exclusively in everything you do?

2. Do you often feel completely overwhelmed by seemingly insignificant incidents or tasks?

3. Do you find yourself experiencing sudden mood changes over which you have no control?

4. Do you feel the compulsion of eating something all the time, though you are not hungry? Alternatively, do you feel repulsed by the sight of food? (answer the question that applies to you)

5. Do you find that in spite of your best efforts there is nothing that you find motivating enough to make you get up from the bed in the mornings?

6. Do you find that you are mentally and physically crippled until you have a cup of coffee in the morning?

7. Do you experience back, neck or joints pain?

8. Do you find yourself suffering from persistent cold and flu often?

9. Do you find that sex does not excite you anymore no matter what?

10. Do you suffer from digestive disorders such as bloating, absence of hunger or voracious appetite, gas and the like?

11. Have you developed of late high or low blood pressure?

12. Do you find that all the weight seems to accumulate around your waist while your hands, legs, neck and face remain thin?

13. Do you experience sudden lower back pain?

14. Is cholesterol present in your blood?

15. Do you often feel the urge to drop everything and run away?

16. Do you systematically cut yourself from those who love and care for you, and prefer to live in isolation?

17. Do you feel suicide is a good way out from the present situation?

18. Do you find that your memory is playing tricks on your once too often?

19. Do you feel guilty about everything that goes wrong around you?

20. Do you find that you are unable to think clearly on any particular (and loved) topic or situation? Everything seems surreal?

If you answered 'Yes' to 2-5 questions - you are okay, leading a very balanced life

If you answered 'Yes' to 6-12 questions - you are experiencing the first signs of stress, which unless checked, would lead to health problems.

If you answered 'Yes' to 13 -20 questions - you are definitely stressed out and need to take a careful look at your present life style and take concrete steps towards reducing stress.

Remember, the root cause of almost all health problems today can be traced back to stress. It is very important that you find ways to release tension and stress else you would be walking on a path of sure self-destruction. As mentioned earlier, stress can cause serious health problems including autoimmune diseases, infertility, heart problems, circulatory problems, mental disorders and respiratory and skin allergies.

Very often the first signs that you are exposed to more stress than you can handle are flashed through feelings of anxiety. This should act as an alarm for you; this is a time when you need to identify the stress inducing factors and introduce measures to minimize their effect on you. The following quiz would help you recognize anxiety even in the earliest stages.

Short And Long Term Effects Of Depression - Get The Facts

1 in 20 Americans suffer from depression, so it's important to know the short and long term effects of depression. Read on to find out more about how the short and long term effects of depression may be affecting YOU.

• 1. Common short term effects. In most cases sufferers will experience the following symptoms - loss of energy, loss of enjoyment and enthusiasm in life, loss of short term memory, listlessness and lethargy, find concentrating difficult, inability to show affection. In extreme cases people have suffered decreased sexual drive, which has resulted in male impotence and cessation of periods in women.
  


• 2. Long term effects on your health. If you don't get help, both short and long term effects of depression can have devastating effects on your health. In the worst cases sufferers have experienced the following... worsening of short term depression symptoms, chronic fatigued, constant aches and pains (psychosomatic), increased susceptibility to illnesses, weakened immune system, agoraphobia and panic attacks (anxiety).
  


• 3. The short and long term effects of depression on your emotional state. If untreated your emotional state will almost certainly suffer. In the worst cases sufferers have experienced the following... not wanting to leave the house, no longer wanting to take part in social activities or seeing friends, lack of sexual drive and affection, which can cause strain on relationships, no longer taking pride in appearance, self harm and suicide attempts.
  


• 4. How to lead a healthy normal life. It is easier than ever to live with depression. There are so many options available, all you need to do is find the right one for you. Medication has helped changed some suffers lives, allowing them to avoid the short and long term effects of depression and to live normal healthy lives. Medication is not always the answer but it can be a great way to regain control over your life. Counselling and therapy will help you to come to terms with your depression and give you greater understand and control.

I hope I have helped you better understand the short and long term effects of depression and realise that you don't have to suffer from these effects. There is a lot of support available, so you no longer deal with depression alone. For more information, help and guidance on the short and long term effects of depression click on the links below.

Bipolar Test for Children

If your child has been displaying signs of Bipolar you may want to see if your doctor will perform a bipolar test that will confirm the diagnosis so you can begin treatment immediately. Bipolar is a form of depression that can make it difficult for a child to predict and control their attitude and bursts of anger. Everyone who suffers from depression may not have bipolar disorder and the symptoms for bipolar are similar to other conditions. How will you know if your child does have bipolar?

Is your child having uncontrollable mood swings that they tend to have no control over or may demonstrate high irritability and intense excitement? Your child may also display an excessive amounts of energy or low levels of energy, unable to concentrate or focus on anything, and behavior that can turn violent.

The bipolar test is something that you don't want to put off if you suspect your child has bipolar. Beck depression test is one test. Is a test to help evaluate the state of mind of an individual. It also measures the severity of the condition of depression. This test has twenty-one multiple choice questions that the individual must fill out. This test is best for ages thirteen and up due to understanding the questions. Each question will have four answers and will be rated from zero to three. This bipolar test is not the most accurate test and does have several disadvantages to it.

There are other bipolar tests your child can take in order to rule out or to diagnose bipolar disorder. Before choosing the right bipolar test for your child his or her doctor will want to study their background to see if there were any signs of bipolar from previous behaviors. Your child's doctor will look for signs such as a sudden withdrawal from certain programs or behaviors, any depression symptoms, chronic fatigue or low energy levels, or any change in eating habit. The doctor will then take the information they gather and form a professional opinion and order further bipolar tests to determine what may be wrong and where to go from here.

Once a bipolar test or a series of bipolar tests have been cleared and confirmed, the doctor will then begin treating your child's bipolar disorder. Treatment will be determined based on the severity of the depression. Treatment may include new socialization skills, medication, therapy and counseling, and more.

Psychosocial therapy may address the social dysfunction one may experience when suffering from bipolar. Learning how to socialize again is vital to learning to live with this condition. It may also include cognitive behavioral therapy which defines why someone suffers from bipolar. It addresses feelings of rejection and learning to deal with self-criticism which can and will cause depression that leads to bipolar.

Medical therapy includes certain anti-depressant medications that can make feelings of bipolar more manageable.

Dyslexia and Depression

I can certainly see the possible link between dyslexia and depression.

Samuel T. Orton, M.D. was one of the first researchers who talked about emotional problems connected to dyslexia, including depression disorder, especially among children and teenagers.

What usually happens is that before school and before learning to read these children have relatively happy life. As soon as the learning starts and they realize that they can't read as well as other children and the distance between them and their friends is getting bigger, the stress, depression and anxieties build up and their self-esteem plummets.

Interestingly enough, girls tend to succumb to depression more, while boys practice aggression and denial.

It's very important to recognize very early that your child or pupil is dyslexic and to treat them differently. A lot of parents and teachers would think that the child is very bright but call him or her lazy and inattentive not even realizing how hard the child is trying.

I've got a friend who is suffering from bipolar disorder, and who's been getting depression therapy for quite a long time. His therapist came to a conclusion looking back at his childhood that a lot of his mental problems started in dyslexia.

People don't exactly realize how many problems and insecurities you can develop at an early age if you are dyslexic. Let's see:

- Problems with social interactions as other children think you are not smart enough;

- Fear of making a mistake. You are likely to become a perfectionist and feel unhappy unless everything is up to your very high standards;

- Problems with oral language which doesn't help your self-esteem especially in your teenage years;

- Difficulties with remembering right sequence of events or words in a sentence, consequently when such children remember what happened and talk about it, they may tell the story differently every time and are called pathological liars.

- Dyslexic performance varies from good days to bad days, some tasks they will do perfectly well and some they can not accomplish.

These are just some of the "perks" of this condition.

It is with a certainty you can say that depression, anxiety and anger are constant features in life of a dyslexic.

That's why it is very important from an early age:

1. To detect the dyslexia.

2. To help your child to understand the condition and what they are good or not good at.

3. To help them to achieve real goals not perfection that they are striving for.

4. If they are good at something, encourage them to teach it to other youngsters. It does marvels for their self-esteem.

5. And keep listening and encouraging them to express their feelings.

As usual I'm very interested to learn of your experiences, so please, share and take care, guys!

Depression and Religion

Religion is a big part of our life, so it's inevitable that researchers would link it to depression disorder.

As far as I can tell religion works both ways as a trigger for depression and as depression help or even as depression deterrent.

As usual it all depends on the circumstances of an individual person.

For example, research from Ohio State University indicates that teenagers who follow some sort of religion and attend religious services are more likely to feel depressed than their non-religious counterparts. They feel more guilty, disconnected and anxious. The scientists explain the reason for this easily enough. Religious teenagers feel torn between how they are supposed to behave according to their faith and what they need to do to fit into modern culture.

This is especially true for sexually active girls, who are more likely to feel guilt about their behavior than boys.

A research from Temple University suggests that people who are already depressed may try to find their religion to use it as coping mechanism. Religion for them can act as depression therapy.

Religion brings comfort, support and feeling of security; it invites you to be a part of a strong community at a time when constant human contact is vital for your recovery.

Those people who already have their own strong beliefs feel spiritually centered and less likely to become depressed. I think faith can do you a lot of good if you came to it by yourself, not decided to be part of certain religion because of some cultural and societal pressures.

Great thing about religion is that it provides the feeling of acceptance and forgiveness no matter what happened. If you learn to accept what you can't change and to forgive others and most importantly yourself for some past mistakes this will go a long way towards preventing your depression.

Of course, most of the research I've come up with was centered on Christianity, but I think it's safe to say that Buddhism might be a great depression deterrent as well.

As a matter of fact, MBCT (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy) which is used to prevent a relapse in patients recovering from depression came from Buddhist meditation. Recent study in Exeter University in UK shows that among people who use MBCT 47% relapse into depression comparing to 60% of those who are on antidepressants.

This sort of meditation teaches you to detach yourself from thoughts which make you feel sad; after meditation you receive a cognitive therapy session of subtle questions and answers.

So, the conclusion is what I said in the beginning. It all depends on the individual. Some can find help through religion; others can experience a major trauma, question their faith and see their whole system of beliefs fall apart.

I would love to hear from anyone who had some sort of positive or negative experience of religion affecting their depression. So, please share your story with us!

How to Survive Depression - Anxiety

If you feel yourself sinking into a depression after your life has been turned upside down, you're not alone. Approximately 20 million American adults suffer with some form of depression every year. The good news is that depression and its symptoms are treatable.

Educate yourself about the signs so you can help yourself or be ready to help a friend. The most common symptoms are feeling sad, hopeless or helpless, a disruption of sleep, constant fatigue and an inability to concentrate, losing interest in everyday activities and having suicidal thoughts.

Here are some things to know and do if you're feeling anxious, sad or completely overwhelmed and unable to move forward. If your friend or loved one is struggling with depression, these things can empower you in helping them take the next step.

1. Try not to label yourself. Words like depressed, terrified, overwhelmed carry a huge load on them. They then create a slippery slope of behaviors and emotions. Just tell yourself you are human and you are feeling a lot of hard stuff right now, but it's not permanent and it's not who you are. Yes, you can feel all of this-sad, hurt, angry or fearful...let the emotions come and go, just don't let yourself think they've found a comfortable home.

2. Find the right therapist or medical professional to talk to. If you think you can benefit from therapy or a doctor's opinion, get a referral, make an appointment and be honest about how you're feeling. Find out if your insurance will cover the expense and ask if fees can be charged on a sliding scale to fit your budget. If you can't afford what's offered research other options, like speaking with a social worker affiliated with a local hospital, finding out what help might be offered at your job or even a through a religious organization in your community. Find someone who might have already been through the situation you are in. When it comes to dealing with depression, getting help sooner is always better than later.

3. Assemble your support team. Doctors and therapists aside, the most valuable support you can get right now is from your friends, family and the people you interact with daily. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You'd be surprised how many people are ready to do whatever it takes to stand by your side; they just need to know what to do. Also, don't be shy about calling your friends or partner out about a change in their behavior-it's the right thing to do when you care about someone. Though they may shut down, keep the lines of communication open. They need to know you're there to listen when they're ready to talk.

4. Take care of the basics. In stressful times people often overlook their most basic needs. Remember SEED: sleep, eat right, exercise and drink plenty of water to help keep your body strong as you face depression head on. Research has shown patients with depression tend to have low levels of folic acid, a vitamin found most abundantly in leafy green vegetables. Plus, boosting your intake of vitamin B6 and omega-3 fatty acids may also improve your mood. Foods rich in omega-3, like salmon, flaxseed and omega-3-fortified eggs may increase the neurotransmitter activity in your brain, thus brightening your day.

5. Express yourself. When you're experiencing such a broad range of emotions it's important not to keep them bottled up. Getting each feeling off your chest in a constructive way will help you and those around you better understand what you're going through. Consider keeping track of your thoughts and reactions to daily events in a journal. This might be something you want to share with a partner, friend or therapist at some point, but for now it's just for you. You can also make note of the things you are grateful for each day. Over time, a journal can help you see how far you've come and that you can move through feelings of depression into healthier thoughts and emotions.

6. Give yourself a boost. Find ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. If you haven't exercised in a while, just try a 10 or 15 minute "workout." This can be as simple as a walk around your block or playing with your pet or child. Gradually work your way up to 30 minutes a day for three or more days a week. According to a Duke University study, depressed patients who exercised regularly experienced mood-lifting effects similar to patients who were taking Zoloft, a popular antidepressant.

7. Practice positive thinking. Deepak Chopra says we have something like 50-60,000 thoughts a day and that 90% of them are negative. Practice replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. Tell yourself "you can" and then really believe it. If you stay focused on what you believe you can become, you'll slowly notice your feelings and emotions changing for the better. Embrace hope and realize it's possible for you get through this.

8. Turn down the volume on stress. Experts at the Mayo Clinic suggest that chronic stress can put people at a substantially increased risk of depression, anxiety and many other emotional difficulties. Reducing stress in your life by avoiding stressful situations or using relaxation techniques can help you deal with depression. Experiment with different relaxation techniques like guided imagery, listening to music, meditating or taking a long walk in nature. Yoga, massage and deep breathing can also be helpful.

9. Do good. Volunteerism has been shown to improve health. By diverting your brainpower from your own thoughts to those in need, you're avoiding that constant self-examination that often occurs with depression. Plus, the sense of gratitude and goodwill you feel when you help someone is priceless. You might even find yourself laughing more, so go with it! A daily dose of laughter can boost your immune system, ease your depression and increase the production of the hormone serotonin, your body's natural antidepressant. But that's not all: it provides tension release, cognitive stimulation and distraction from anxiety and worry.

10. Live your life in the present. Depression can make you dwell in the past or obsess about your future. Do your best to remain grounded and focus only on what's happening today. No matter what, reassure yourself that you're doing the best you can. If you suddenly feel blue after a week of feeling better, have patience and realize that it's just a temporary setback that you will get past.

For more information about Dealing with Depression, read our article, visit with our experts or sign up for 30 days of email tips.

*The information here is not intended to replace that of medical professionals.

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Marijuana and Depression - Is it Time to Quit Smoking Marijuana?

There is much controversy surrounding marijuana and depression. Some people say it helps the depressed to get rid of the symptoms if they smoke weed, other people claim that marijuana just adds to their illness. I wanted to write this article to let you know what happened in my case as I used to be a depressed marijuana smoker.

It seems like it helps.

When you're depressed, you really don't care about much. You don't even want to do anything or see anyone. I remember there were times in my life when I didn't even want to leave my bed. I know, it sounds scary and strange but it's true. You really lose the drive for life.

As you probably know, weed makes some people very happy, and to be honest with you, when you first start smoking it, you actually feel that it's helping you a bit. You start to regain the desire to go out and actually do something productive. You start looking at the world in a more positive way...

Then the dreadful day comes...

Unfortunately, after using weed for a long time you start to feel that marijuana and depression build on top off each other. The more you smoke, the more depressed you get, which obviously causes you to smoke even more. It becomes a vicious circle.

What's more, if you smoke enough, you can't really perform all that well. All you do requires a lot of effort and it just seems like your general ability to do things is much lower than it used to be before you started smoking. I know this sounds wild, but again, it's true.

You can regain your ability to function properly!

So, speaking of marijuana and depression, I don't think weed is a very effective way to fight depression. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It might seem like you're doing better at first if you smoke, but then after some time things get much worse than they were before you first started.

Of course, I can't make you to do anything. After all, it's your life and you're responsible for it, but I would like you to at least consider becoming clean. When you do, it will be a great achievement that will definitely make you feel great about yourself and might even serve as a basis to getting rid of your depression all together. This was my path, and I am enjoying my first winter, without the winter blues!

Dealing With Depression

Most individuals wage a silent war against depression without the knowledge of the rest of the world. Classified as a burgeoning problem that has crippled a chunk of the world population in the new age, depression is a mental disorder that should not be taken lightly. As debilitating and heart-breaking as this disorder is, it can be overcome by making a few simple - albeit radical - changes to one's lifestyle.

For starters, most people suffering from depression tend to exhibit low levels of serotonin in their brain. This unbalance of 'happy-hormones' triggers waves of mood swings or solemnity that is not easily cured by traditional medication. However, eating and sleeping right has proven to alleviate the symptoms of depression according to miscellaneous research resources. Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining the core body's function and processes. Consumption of food and drinks rich in vitamins and minerals, especially B12 (cobalamin) such as shellfish, beef liver, fortified soy products, fish oil and even spinach on a daily basis has proven to exert positive effects on the brain and central nervous system, which is often afflicted in severe depressive cases.

Acquiring a restful day's worth of sleep with a minimum of eight hours per day also helps the body repair and regenerate itself, and essentially allows the brain to attain some much needed rest and relaxation. Insomnia or aberrant sleep patterns scrambles the levels of 'good' and 'happy' hormones in the brain, and more often than not, can lead to severe bouts of depression in the long run. Therefore, attaining some much needed rest and sleep is critical in making sure the body is kept at an optimal condition.

Of course, acquisition of proper nutrition and sleep might stave off certain symptoms of depression, but will not be the ultimatum in combating the disorder itself. More often than not, proper medication and therapy is required to resolve depression in the long term. Enlisting the help of a trained psychologist or psychiatrist to aid in the treatment of depression is probably the most crucial course of action. With the bevy of breakthroughs in the medical field occurring almost daily, clinical disorders such as depression can now be treated more effectively and efficiently with the utilization of specific drugs.

Common drugs that are used to treat depression include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, also dubbed as SSRIs. Since Serotonin is the main chemical compound responsible for the feelings of euphoria and overall happiness in the human body, these drugs selectively block the reuptake of these hormones in the brain, thus allowing them to circulate for a longer period in the body. This in turn allows a depressive individual to feel 'happier' and be less prone to feelings of despair and sadness.

Although drugs might provide a quick biological fix in the brain, most depressive individuals harbor underlying psychological issues that can only be corrected with intense therapy coupled with rigorous counseling sessions. In this case, only a trained psychologist or psychiatrist must step in to render their services. Probably the most effective mode of therapeutic treatment for depression is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which helps depressive individuals correct their perceptivity and way of thinking, thus reducing the chances of a depressive relapse.

Besides this, strong emotional support is also appreciated as well. Friends and family play a key role in ensuring that they stand as sturdy pillars of emotional support for their depressive brethren. Individuals with depression may also seek out support groups both online and in the local vicinity. It is always helpful to have a shoulder to lean on, and with proper support, guidance, nutrition, sleep, therapy and medication, these radical lifestyle changes can aid in conquering depression once and for all.

Emotional Breakdown - Depression and Bipolar Disorder

What is emotional breakdown?

Diverse life difficulties lead to changes in behavior and mood of people. It is important not to confuse changes in behavior caused by such difficulties, and signs of more serious problems. Changes in behavior and mood are causes for serious concern when they are lasting, radical and hinder coping with everyday life.

Emotional breakdown (disorders) is too strong emotional states that a person cannot control and that lead to problems in school, work and family life.

Emotional disorders are treatable. It is very important time to seek assistance in the early stage, not only in order to not suffer in vain, but because without treatment, many emotional disorders are renewed and strengthened with time. The two most common types of emotional disorders ( emotional breakdown - commonly used term) are depression and manic-depressive illness (Bipolar Disorder).

What Are Signs of Depression?

People with depression almost constantly have depressed mood. They can experience the following symptoms:

• Permanent sad or anxious mood or feeling of inner emptiness


• Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism


• Feelings of guilt, low self and the feeling of inability to change anything in their life


• Loss of interest in what previously enjoyed, including loss of interest in sex


• Loss of energy and motivation, a sense of "slowness"


• Problems with concentration, memory and decision-making


• Insomnia, waking up too early or too long sleep


• Significant changes in appetite and weight


• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts


• Increased anxiety or irritability


• Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems and chronic muscle pain

What are the symptoms of manic-depressive illness (Bipolar Disorder)?

The exact cause of most mental illnesses are not fully investigated. In general, mental disorders are the result of a combination of genetic and other biological factors and factors as education and environment. The interaction between biological factors affecting human behavior, and the environment is extremely difficult. The brain affects human behavior and interaction with the environment affects brain development. The serious life difficulties, such as immigration or the death of a loved one, can contribute to the development of emotional disorders.

How is Emotional Breakdown (Mood Disorders) Treated?

Effective treatment begins with a correct diagnosis. In most cases, in addition to psychiatric consultation is necessary to consult with a physician in order to prevent physical diseases that can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment usually consists of psychotherapy or drugs. Often a combination of medication with psychotherapy is most effective. In combination with medication, psychotherapy helps people to focus on violations in interpersonal relations and the negative way of thinking, often associated with depression.

Where can I get help?

If you or your family member develops symptoms of emotional disorder, consult your physician and ask for referral to psychiatric consultation and treatment.

The fact of contacting a specialist in mental disorders do not have any negative social impacts, since the rights of patients is strictly protected by law, and treatment is confidential.

You or a family member may be eligible for psychological assistance from the City Plan for Mental Health. The city has free hour phone on which experts can answer your questions in your own language. List of available services and their phone numbers can be found on the pages of your local phone book, set aside for public services.

Depression and Toxic Relationships - 6 Signs Your Relationship May Be Causing Your Depression

Depression is common and may be caused by a multitude of factors. These can include unresolved past trauma, grief, current life stresses, and/or brain chemistry issues. One factor, however, that is often overlooked is the impact of toxic, emotionally and psychological abusive relationships on depression. Being subject to a hurtful partner day in and day out destroys confidence, self esteem, and joy. Here are 6 signs that your relationship may be causing your depression:

1. Your partner insults or puts you down, in public or in private. This may be blatant name calling, or it may be more subtle criticisms of what you do, who you are, and even your mental state or capacity.

2. Your partner attempts to control your daily activities. You may feel obligated to report all your doings to your partner, and feel as if you must defend or justify your choices. You may even get to the point of choosing activities specifically because you know that you will encounter less retribution from your partner.

3. Your partner tries to limit your access to work and to educational opportunities. This is a tactic that is designed to keep you dependent on your partner.

4. Your partner discourages or prohibits you from seeing friends and family. This may be a direct order not to go see someone, or it may be a more manipulative effort such as, "I can't believe you would choose to spend time with him/her/them over me." This strategy serves a couple of different purposes for the emotional abuser. It isolates you and affirms your partner's control over you, and it also reduces the opportunities for your loved ones to give you accurate and positive messages about you. You are also less likely to hear messages that criticize your partner.

5. Your partner implies non-physical threats for not complying with his or her demands. Once in awhile, your partner may commit a kind and generous act toward you, but this is not a sincere display of love, but a tactic designed to draw you back into the relationship. Once you are back under control, the emotional abuse begins again.

6. Your partner uses sex as a tool of control, manipulation, or domination. This may manifest as a demand for sex regardless of your wants and preferences, or it may be enacted in the opposite way, where sex is deliberately withheld from you in order to demoralize you and leave you feel vulnerable.

Post-Sex Depression - Are You Sometimes Sad After Sex?

Sadness, especially such deep sadness as depression, are definitely not known to increase sexual desire, arousal or satisfaction. In fact, depressed people often refrain from sexual activity. Men may find they are unable to become aroused and women may just avoid physical contact.

Some men and women have also admitted to feeling sad after a self-pleasuring sexual experience. Sometimes, for religious reasons, they may feel guilty. At other times, they feel inadequate and unloved if they don't have a partner to share those intimate moments.

However, most of us think that once we do get involved with a partner and engage in a sexual connection that we will feel good, feel satisfied., and feel emotionally uplifted. It turns out that 10% of women regularly feel sad after having engaged in sexual activity with a partner. This "condition" has even been given a name, "post-coital dysphoria."

A new Australian study, described in the International Journal of Sexual Health, found that 1/3 of the women claim to have felt depressed even aftet reasonably satisfying sexual activity. This study focused on college-age women but could apply equally to women and even men, of any age.

What could be some of the reasons for feeling sad after what is supposed to be a wonderful and earth shattering experience? What might cause someone to actually feel worse after having an orgasmic release?

• The researchers cited hormonal changes as the possible culprit, perhaps somewhat like postpartum depression, the depression that some women feel after giving birth.


• Many men and women have been raised with strict religious beliefs that sex is wrong, dirty, only for procreation,or only allowable wihin marriage.


• Couples may engage in sex to overcome deep seated emotional and communication problems.


• Some men or women are secretly involved in a private affair and have not revealed this to their partner.


• Sometimes the sexual encounter has been rushed, not taking time for adequate foreplay, sensual touching and full arousal.


• At times, one partner may stop the sexual connection before the other person has reached completion, leaving a sense of emptiness, longing or sadness.


• Some partners turn over immediately after sex to fall asleep, leaving the partner longing for contact, affection and after-sex communication.


• Some partners will just have sex to placate the other person, without actually having felt that original desire or arousal.

Feeling sad after a sexual experience is not the way it ought to be. If you are feeling unhappy after sex, talk it over with your partner. Explore what is going on between you that might be triggering these feelings. If you can't figure it out and your partner is unwilling to discuss it, then seek help. There may be a medical condition requiring treatment or you may have some unresolved self-esteem, body issues or relationship problems that might best be handled by seeking support from a certified sex therapist.

Depression and Intelligence

Sometimes managing depression can be a difficult task, and it's easy for someone battling depression to let their fears get the best of them. This is an illness that can cause someone to feel very alone, and beating it is not nearly as simple as some people may think. For years there have been a lot of speculation about the correlation depression has to intelligence. There are several books on depression and extensive research studies performed on this topic. In this article I will discuss more in-depth information I have found related to this study.

Based on the information I have gathered it is more a correlation between depression and creativity than it is between intelligence and depression. Creative people have a heightened emotional connection to the people and things that surround them, some of the greatest works were created in the midst of deep emotional turmoil. Research has proven that creative people are at a higher risk for depression because of their elevated emotional abilities, there are books on depression that explain this more elaborately.

Some researchers believe that depression and emotional maturity are linked. As individuals who have the ability to confront emotional issues with knowledge and maturity are less likely to become depressed. For a long time depression was known as melancholia, and it is the most well-known psychiatric disorder that goes back to the beginning of psychiatry. Learning how to battle depression will be essential to understanding it including medication, exercise, and counseling if necessary. There are books on depression that can aid you throughout this process, you just have to keep an open mind.

Often times statistical data is used to carry out this research which makes the findings more reliable, the larger the sample the more accurate the results will be. Intelligent individuals have a more complex mind so their focuses are more intense, and more inclined to become overwhelmed. There are many treatment options for depression and in most cases these treatments require a minimum of six months. Depending on the severity of your condition medication may or may not be needed, but most of the time these medications are not addictive.

In my opinion there is definitely a link between depression and intelligence, however being intelligent doesn't guarantee that you will suffer from depression. I am extremely creative and with this gift there comes great blessings, but it definitely comes at cost. It is important to stay grounded in the things that matter most to you, it will make all the difference. The more you understand this illness, the greater the chance you have at fighting it. One of the best books on depression I have ever read was an E-Book, and I continue to use it as a reference.

Fear and Causes of Depression

Causes of Depression

Have you ever wondered what causes depression? Perhaps you've received a diagnosis of depression and it made you wonder why some people get depressed while others do not.

Depression is a very complex disease and occurs for many different reasons. Some people get depressed as a result of a serious physical illness. Others may get depressed due to major life changes such as moving and leaving friends or death of a loved one, and some people have a family history of depression and may be obtained without any particular reason.

Cause of depression

What are the main causes of depression?

Abuse. Physical, sexual or emotional abuse in the past, resulting in depression later in life.

Certain drugs. Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, such as beta - blockers or reserpine, can increase the risk for depression.

Conflict. Depression can occur as a result of conflicts or disagreements with family members or friends.

Death or loss of a beloved. Grief and sorrow over the death or loss of a loved one, even though a normal part of life, can contribute to depression.

Genetics. It is believed that the tendency to depression partly genetically transmitted to the next generation, but the way in which this happens is still unknown.

Major changes and events in their lives. Even positive changes such as the completion of their education, getting a job or entering into a marriage can cause depression, and it can do and bad events such as job loss or divorce.

Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation or izbaÄ enje from a group in which you want to be.

Serious illness. Many serious physical illness can take away energy and make you depressed.

Addiction to alcohol or other harmful substances. Around 30 % of people with this problem and has severe or clinical depression.

Does biology to do with depression?

Scientists have found differences in the brains of people who are depressed and those who did not. For example, the hippocampus, a tiny part of the brain vital to preserving the memory is often lower in people with a history of depression. A smaller hippocampus has fewer receptors for serotonin ( a neurotransmitter that gives us a sense of calm and contentment ). In a game that many other neurotransmitters such as dopamine or norepenefrin.

Although it is not yet clear why depressed people have a smaller hippocampus ( there are several theories ), one thing is clear - Depression is a complex disease that is affected by many factors, and the study of biological and chemical processes behind the state of depression will come to more effective ways to combat this disease.

Depression - Checklists of Symptoms of Clinical Depression

The more common and easily identifiable symptoms of depression are:

deep feeling of sadness,

emptiness, and

hopelessness.

The other way to determin if you have depression is by how long these feelings last. If they hang on for longer that

a couple of weeks, then chances are you don't have "the blues" you have been afflicted with depression and what you

really need to do is go and discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

When we think about depression we have the habit of associating depression with the emotional symptoms of how we feel,

however, along with the emotional symptoms we do have physical symptoms as well, which can be equally debilitaiting.

Here are checklists of symptoms of clinical depression, both on the emotional and physical side:

1. Emotional

- feelings of sadness throughout the day and consistently every day

- lack of interest or no interest at all in your favorite activities

- feelings of hopelessness and/or feeling empty inside

- feeling stressed, nervousness, or entirely overwhelmed

- having a hard time concentrating and/or making decisions

- feeling worthless

- feelings of excessive guilt

- feeling restless and irritable

- thoughts of suicide or death

2. Physical

- no energy and feeling fatigue

- either not enough sleep or sleeping all the time

- changes in appetite and/or weight

- suffering from aches and pains

- suffering from headaches

- experiencing back pain

- problems with your digestive systems

- dizziness

This checklists of symptoms of clinical depression is meant for you to take notice and if you have these symptoms and go speak with

your family doctor. Once your doctor is aware of these symptoms he or she can help you understand

what depression is and from there talk

to you about the best treatments of

clinical depression for you.

Difference Between Psychotic and Neurotic Depression

There are so many forms of depression. Neurotic depression is another form of depression that is observed in people. It is also known as dysthymia disorder. It is a chronic form of depression and is distinguished by the frames of mind that are constantly low however it is not as severe as the other forms of depression. Psychotic depression is the most dangerous form of depression. People that suffer from this form of depression experience the problems like Hallucination and Delusions. Hallucination causes problems in vision and hearing problems. Delusion causes fears and development of negative thoughts in human minds.

Difference between Psychotic and neurotic depression

The cause of Neurotic depression is completely unknown. So many researches have been done to identify the reason of neurotic disorders but none of the research has been successful. This form of depression is not as severe as other forms of depression. It causes depressed mood, hopelessness and despair almost everyday. It is mostly observed in women as compared with men. It can also occur in children as well. The cause of Psychotic depression is also unknown. However few researches have shown that it has something to do with hormonal changes. Hormone named Cortical is the main cause of psychotic depressions that normally leads to stress. It is also not a severe form of depression but should be cured in time. Neurotic depression generally affects four to five percent of general population. It can easily be cured by the help of medicines prescribed by the specialist. It may persist for years if not cured at the right time. In case of this type of depression consulting with a specialist is a wise decision.

Other causes of Neurotic depression

1. Appetite problem, you tend to overeating or less eating.

2. Sleeping problems

3. Your energy level gets low.

4. Ability to Concentrate gets affected

5. Poor self admiration.

Other causes of Psychotic depression

1. Sleeping problems

2. It plays a huge role to get you in the state of Anxiety.

3. You tend to loose the ability to move.

4. Your ears and eyes do not work normally.

Neurotic depression can be cured easily both by medicines and psychotherapy. Medicine that is frequently used to get rid of this disorder is Fluoxetine (Prozac). Along with medicines talk therapies are also very much used to cure this disorder. It has been observed that the interpersonal and behavioral therapies have been a great help in Neurotic depression. Psychotic depression can be cured by antidepressants. Antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants are greatly helpful in the treatment of this type of depression. Trained professionals also use ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) technology to treat psychotic depression. People have found it really very good that have been through ECT. The recovery from psychotic depression takes more than one year time, but the result is always satisfying. Neurotic depression also takes almost the same amount of time. The results in case of neurotic depression are also very good.

Symptoms of Depression

More and more people right across the world are reporting to suffer from the symptom of depression. More and more people are seeking information on depression.

Symptoms of Depression

What are the symptoms of a mild depression?

• Feeling sad and low, and tired.


• Restlessness or irritability.


• Sleep problems - insomnia or sleeping to excess.


• Worry.


• Weepiness, crying at inappropriate times.


• Difficulty in concentrating, and forming and carrying out plans and ideas.


• Lack of appetite and spirit.

What are the symptoms of a serious, major depression?

• Deep feeling of sadness, despair, misery, gloom and blackness.


• Loss of affection towards oneself and others, empty mood.


• A sense of failure, self-criticism, feeling of unworthiness, even self-loathing.


• Loss of interest in life, in former favorite activities, inability to take pleasure in life.


• Decreased energy, fatigue, sluggish.


• Loss of sex drive.


• Loss of self-esteem and confidence.


• Altered appetite, usually a loss of appetite and weight (seldom overeating and weight gain).


• Weight fluctuation.


• Lethargy, slovenliness, apathy.


• Insomnia or sleeping for long periods as a means of escape.


• Early morning awaking - typically between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.


• Thoughts of death or suicide, even attempt of suicide.

What might be the physical symptom of depression?

• persistent headache


• persistent digestive disorders


• chronic pain


• appetite irregularities: irregular eating, overeating or loss of appetite


• weight alteration: gain or loss of weight, weight fluctuation


• changed sleep pattern: insomnia, early morning waking or oversleeping


• decreased libido, loss of sex drive.

Cause of Depression

Depression can be caused by environmental factors like emotional traumas or climatic conditions as too little sunshine. Endogenous factors, like hormonal changes or reduction of certain neurotransmitters in the brain also may cause depression. The tendency of being depressed often runs in the family, so there are genetic causes as well.

Teenage Stress and Self Help for Anxiety and Depression

There are many reasons for teenagers' susceptibility to the symptoms and consequences of negative stress, anxiety and depression. One simple reason is biological - the chemical changes taking place in their bodies as a result of puberty can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Along these same lines, their knowledge of the changes happening to them can confuse teens as they try to "find their place in the world." Ultimately, the introduction of some basic stress management skills can prove to be an effective self help for anxiety and depression for teenagers.

In theory, as adults we have past experiences in a wide range of situations that allows us to face stressful events creatively. Also, having "survived" the many trials and tribulations of life, adults are able to put the relative importance of events into a perspective that teenagers cannot; as adults we know that life will go on, but to a teen, something as trivial as not being invited to a party can take on life-shattering proportions.

One of the best things you can do for a teenager dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression is to help them to put events into their proper perspective. Since they may not have the experiences to formulate a realistic perspective of their own, try giving them the benefit of your experiences and the lessons they have taught you. Share stories of events that were traumatic to you at the time, but that worked out well in the end. By sharing in this way you give teens "anchors" they can fall back on when dealing with unfamiliar, frightening and stressful situations.

Also, it is very important that you intervene on behalf of teens if you find them isolating themselves. One of the best cures for anxiety and depression is positive activity and interaction with others. Be cognizant of the people that teens are spending their time with as teens are very susceptible to peer pressure. Expose teens to wholesome activities and encourage them to participate.

Other than that, the same stress management techniques that work for adults work for teenagers: humor, exercise, breathing exercise, yoga, meditation just about anything that takes the mind off of problems and allows them to relax. Teenage stress is susceptible to the benefits of self help for anxiety and depression. Teenagers may need a bit more guidance from their adult role models along the way, but there is no reason why they cannot learn to effectively manage their stress, anxiety and depression symptoms effectively.

Brain Waves and Depression

People suffering from depression disorder, especially chronic depression, have certain pattern of their brain waves.

There are only five different brain waves which we have:

- Beta is the one for the wide awake state of mind. Usually people with not enough beta waves suffer from depression. Beta waves control emotional stability, our levels of concentration and awareness of our surroundings.

- Alpha is a state of light relaxation, which your brain switches to automatically when you close your eyes. It's that state in between when you just woke up or are ready to go to sleep.

- Theta is a state coveted by those who meditate, it's either light sleeps with dreaming or deep meditation. In this state hypnotists can plant suggestions; you can also listen to audio language lessons or different personal development programs.

- Delta is a state of deep sleep, where we do not dream but rather our body takes time to recharge and heal itself.

- Gamma waves process the information from different parts of brain. The higher their activity, the more intelligent is the person. Generally, people like this are sharper, have excellent memory and all five senses perfect. On the contrary, people with learning difficulties produce less gamma waves.

Brain waves were first discovered in 1934, but only through the 1990s the researchers started trying to manipulate the brain waves to cure certain mental disorders: SAD (seasonal affective disorder), depression and anxiety, chronic fatigue, pain or hypertension.

What I'm particularly interested in is beta waves.

If you have too many of them, you experience anxiety, tension and worry as you become extremely alert and over-concentrate or over-analyze stuff. Vice versa, you become depressed or feeling blue if there is not enough beta waves activity to interest or motivate you.

So, by altering your brain waves with certain sounds, frequency and tones on audio recordings you can improve and stabilize your emotional state. There are plenty of products out there that you can try.

The latest I heard is that you also can determine how successful some antidepressant medications will be for you by examining your brain waves changes from the onset of your depression treatment instead of waiting for 6-8 weeks to see if the drugs started working.

Just a caution though. Whatever depression help I'm suggesting to you, do not discount conventional help first. Go to your doctor, wait for the diagnosis and discuss all the possible ways of fighting your mental disorder with them first.

Depression - How to Face It

Do you or a loved on suffer from depression?

Depression can be a crippling mental disorder when ignored or left untreated. Feelings of sadness and other negative feelings affect us all at some point in our lives and desperately need to be addressed in order to get to the root of the problem. The current economic crisis, relationships and poor job suitability are all contributing factors to why people may suffer from depression. Vast amounts of money are spent each year on treating sufferers of depression, treatments range from hospitalization to counselling and prescribed drugs such as anti-depressants. In fact anti-depressants only defer the depression and don't actually cure the disorder, yet millions of people receive prescriptions for anti-depressants each year. Studies have shown that these treatments prove largely ineffective and now mental health professionals are turning to alternative options to solve the age old disorder. On the upside we can rest assured that depressionis not permanent and there is a way out of what often seems like a never ending flood of negative thoughts and emotions on a daily basis.

The answer lies within Cognitive Behavior Therapy concepts and how to use them to overcome, OCD or Anxiety. Cognitive behavior therapy has been used to successfully and permanently relieve people of depression all over the world and attending a clinic is not necessary. The process involves changing mental attitudes towards everyday life, understanding the relationship between your thoughts, behaviour and moods and identifying negative thoughts which cause prolong your depressed state. One of the objectives of Cognitive Behavior Therapy is to identify and monitor thoughts, assumptions, beliefs and behaviors that are related and accompanied to debilitating negative emotions and to identify those which are dysfunctional, inaccurate, or simply unhelpful. This is done in an effort to replace or transcend them with more realistic and self-helping ways. Cognitive Behavior Therapy can help depression sufferers overcome their disorder and lead a normal healthy and happy life. It is essential to understand what causes depression and to be aware of the actions, thoughts and feelings that can trigger it.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy will...

-Help you understand the relationship between your thoughts, behaviours and moods which will feel like a heavy weight has been lifted.

-Teach you behavioral techniques to help increase your activity levels and unleash your untapped energy you already have.

-Teach you cognitive techniques to help identify and challenge the negative thoughts which help to keep your depression ongoing.

-Teach you to measure changes in your symptoms, prepare for obstacles and set goals.

-Help identify triggers and patterns of your low moods, and to understand that you play an active part in getting yourself out of a low mood and regaining your own happiness.

Depression In Children

Many children have to experience the problem of depression. Oftentimes a child will go through a harrowing experience that will completely turn their life inside out. They may be required to go through something that is not expected. This experience can hurt them and give them a form of depression that is hard to escape. Depression in children is not uncommon and is happening more and more to children of many different ages.

Depression in children is also very serious and is something that has to be dealt with immediately. If a child has to deal with depression with no help, they could very well end up with a lot more problems later in their lives. It is absolutely necessary for a responsible person to tackle the challenges with the child and the depression that they are going through. Depression in children can happen in many different ways and take on just as many forms.

There are a lot of things that cannot be explained in life and we all know all unfair life can be. Some of these unexplained things will hold the answer as to why children have to deal with depression. Many times a child can be depressed because of their family situation. They may have had a bad experience happen within their family unit or quite possibly they are dealing with a problem at school. These are just a couple reasons why a child may be dealing with depression.

Many times a child will seek out and get help from their parents. However, a lot of parents that do not notice or recognize the problems that are happening in their children's life. Parents may not see the signs that are there, oftentimes because the child is hiding them. If a parent is active in their children's lives, they should be able to see that there is something bothering them no matter what it is. Kids of all ages have problems dealing with depression. A child's age does not matter. The important thing is that if they get help right away, they will have a chance at living a happy, productive and normal life.

Many kids have a problem with another child on the playground or in the neighborhood. They may not be getting along well with other kids because of something that has happened. No matter what, a parent must be involved in their children's life. They have to be attentive and notice what is going on at all times. If an issue arises, most parents will see it right away. Sometimes problems with eating or sleeping can be one of the reasons why a child has to deal with depression.

Getting quick help and treatment for depression in children will help a child get over the reason why they are not having a good feelings all the time. Some children will required to go into therapy or take medication. This is extremely important and must be done because this is something that will affect a child for the rest of their life.

Depression Daily Ritual

Why am I using the word ritual on the title of this page?

I am not using it on the religious context of the word. Rituals implies a personal choice and tend to be followed more than habits.

Habits one can break easily, but rituals not so much. Rituals do have a more profound moral and mental connotation and there are not so easily broken.

I decided to follow a "Depression Help Morning Success Ritual" as soon as I get up.

With a mental illness such as depression getting up can, usually is, the most excruciating time of the day.

So, if you follow a particular ritual, nothing heavy, can help you get your day started on the right foot.

This is what I do as my daily Depression Help Ritual:

1.- Get up at 6 am (you know it is recommended to get up and go to bed at the same time, weekends included, to get your brain hormones released on a regular flow).

2.- Drink a half a liter of water. It's been proven that the body gets dehydrated during the night. So, makes sense to drink water (no, not coffee or tea, plain water).

3.- Go the bathroom (no explanations here).

4.- Floss and brush your teeth (the intention of this is to start your day clean and refresh and what better way than to start with your mouth. We'll take a shower a bit latter)

5.- Meditation for 5 or 10 minutes (if your preference is for a longer period of time, by all means go for it).

6.- Light exercise such as yoga or pilates for 10 to 15 minutes (the intention here is to pump up your heart rate a bit). The single most important method of emotional renewal is to increase your heart rate. This is very true

7.- Take a shower.

8.- Get on with your day.

I have been following this Depression Help Ritual for approximately 2 years, and you have no idea how much has helped me, especially on those dreary days of winter.

As you see, this is simple routine that requires very little time and effort and there are some things in it that you must do any way, such as going to the bathroom, brushing your teeth and taking a shower. So, might as well make them part of your Depression Help Daily Ritual.

Of course this is not set in stone, you can make adjustments that fit your life style. Some people like to go to the gym first time in the morning, well go for it.

The intention here is to set up a simple, easy to follow morning ritual that you commit to follow every day with the intention of getting your day started on a solid and stable ground.

With this simple Depression Help Ritual you take care of your body, your mind and your spirit.

Depression - An Emotional Crippler

Depression is an emotional crippler. There is no disease in the world that can do to a person what depression can do. A person suffering from Depression can be physically fit, have no physical problems, not even a runny nose and yet still be unable to get out of bed in the morning. Yes, depression is that devastating.

Unlike a physical disease, like MS or Cancer, there are no outward physical symptoms of depression. It isn't something we can diagnose with an MRI or an x-ray. Depression is in the mind and modern medical science knows so relatively little about the human brain that it is very difficult to diagnose someone with severe depression. But it is a crippler just the same.

Every case of depression is different. Severe depression, however, is usually very easy to spot. For starters, the person who is severely depressed will want to spend most of the day in bed sleeping. There are two reasons for this. One is that depression takes a terrible toll on one's body. Every minute of depression is like an eternity. This makes getting through the day very difficult. As a result, the person gets very tired and needs as much rest as possible. The second reason for this is that a person who is severely depressed feels that sleep is the only escape from the terrible feeling that hangs over them day and night. The problem is, people who are severely depressed have a difficult time sleeping, so there is really no escape from this illness.

Another symptom of someone who is severely depressed is that the person seems to walk around in a fog all day. They can't concentrate on the things they have to do and if they have a job it is almost impossible to do that job. Many people who become severely depressed end up quitting their jobs because they just can't cope with life in general and working a demanding job is the last thing they're able to handle.

Many people who are seriously depressed look for any little thing to pull themselves out of it. The chance to go to a bar or maybe down to the beach is looked at as a vacation. These people usually manage to get themselves very emotionally high for a brief time where it looks like they have conquered their depression. But soon after the high has worn off, they fall back into their pit of despair. These people are called manic depressants because they have severe highs and lows.

Because depression does take a toll on a person's body, other symptoms are lack of appetite, changes in bathroom habits, loss of weight and other things. The sad thing is, the mind can literally do harm to the rest of the body if the mind is not healthy.

Depression is indeed an emotional crippler. The problem is, most people who are severely depressed won't seek help because they can't admit they are depressed as it is a sign of weakness. So the first thing to do, if you know somebody who you suspect is severely depressed is to urge them to get help. By doing just that much, they are one step closer to dealing with this terrible problem.

Ten Tips For Beating Depression

I heard about a woman who was suffering from depression, so her concerned husband took her to a psychiatrist. The doctor listened to the couple talk about their relationship, and then he said, "The treatment I prescribe is really quite simple." With that, he went over to the man's wife, gathered her up in his arms, and gave her a big kiss. He then stepped back and looked at the woman's glowing face and broad smile. Turning to the woman's husband, he said, "See! That's all she needs to put new life back into her." Expressionless, the husband said, "If you say so, Doc, I can bring her in on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

Okay, that's not how to treat depression, but I have a few other suggestions that make more sense. As a result of trial and error, over the course of thirty years, I've found ten blues battling strategies that often help me. These are not quick fixes, and this list is not exhaustive. It is also not a "must do" list.

When you're depressed, the last thing you need is a list of expectations to live up to. Don't stress about forcing yourself to accomplish all these things. They're not items to be checked off a list each day. The only one that is crucial is number one. After that, you can experiment with the others as you feel able to.

1) Get the Facts and Get Help.

Web sites and books on depression abound. Find them and do some research. You need to know what you're dealing with. Learn all you can about depression, so you can make educated decisions about your own health, learn how others cope, and find what medical treatment is available. Many books have self tests to help you determine whether you are experiencing clinical depression or temporary sadness in reaction to an event. In addition to reading everything you can get your hands on, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is seek medical help right away. Depression is much too complicated for you to solve on your own. Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that is very complicated to treat. Often it is a physical problem that requires long term medication. In my own experience, it's taken years of medication, counseling, and practicing various self help methods to slowly emerge from it, and it's still a daily battle.

Many people suffer needlessly from depression because they won't consult a doctor. If you're waiting for God to heal you, consider this: God gives scientists intelligence, which they often use to create helpful medicines; and He gives doctors wisdom to treat illnesses. Wise doctors and modern medicines are gifts from God and vehicles through which He often heals. Doctors can help you determine whether what you feel is truly depression, or if you are just reacting normally to a sad life situation.

If you've experienced depression, you already know it is not an illness you can "snap out of," no matter what others may tell you. It's not something to be ashamed of either. Depression can be a serious physical illness caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals or other factors. Like any serious medical condition, depression needs to be treated. Without the proper treatment, none of my suggested coping strategies will do any good.

2) Get Focused.

Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness pervade the life of a depressed person. The opposite of depression is a hopeful attitude. Focusing on hope and developing a hopeful heart is a must. It can be accomplished in a couple ways. One way is to search the Bible for the numerous Scriptures that tell how God has helped those who felt hopeless. It's helpful to memorize verses like these: Hebrews 4:15 (For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.); 2 Corinthians 4:8 & 9 (All-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.); Matthew 6:34 (Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.); Isaiah 41:10 (Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.); and John 14:27 (Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.).

The story of Job and the book of Psalms are the most worn pages in my Bible. While at my lowest, I've read and re-read them more times than I can count. My fridge and the mirrors in my house are covered with sticky notes reminding me of how God intervenes in the lives of His people.

Another way to focus on hope is by practicing positive self talk. This simply means telling yourself good things. I made a list for myself of positive affirmations like "God cares and understands my pain. God values me. God is giving me strength. I am made in God's image. I can choose my attitude. I choose not to put myself down. I'm a worthwhile person. I have a purpose. I enjoy life. I choose to be happy and I am competent." If you struggle with depression, I think you'll find it helpful to write down as many of these affirmations as you can think of and read them every day. Even if they're not currently true or you don't really believe them, it's okay. Say them to yourself anyway. Your mind will come to believe what you tell it, so tell it you are already the type of person you want to become. Be sure to remind yourself often that God is with you and He is pouring his strength on you. "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. ...For You are the God of my strength..." (Psalm 42:5 and 43:2 NKJV)

2 Corinthians 4:18 says we need to "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Focusing on positive, heavenly things rather than earthly things will keep the feelings of hopelessness at bay.

3) Get Friendly.

Fellowship with other people is a mood lifter. Being alone is the worst thing you can do when you're depressed. Unfortunately, it's usually the very thing I want most. Depression grows best in isolation. I find it very difficult to get out and socialize when I'm depressed, but if I push myself to do it, I'm almost always glad later. Some ideas for socializing include joining a club, taking a class, inviting someone to meet you for lunch, or visiting a nursing home to chat with the residents there. It especially helps me to be with friends who enjoy the same hobbies I do. Shopping, watching movies, and rubber stamping are some of the things I enjoy doing alone, but they're twice as much fun when I do them with friends.

4) Get Giggling.

I collect cartoons and funny newspaper columns. I visit humor web sites online, watch funny movies, and read funny books. Best of all is laughing with friends. One of the reasons I enjoy my grandson so much is because he makes me laugh. I can act goofy with him and let go of my inhibitions. We dance and sing and make up silly rhymes. I have photographs of us wearing funny glasses with big black mustaches. I laugh every time I look at those. Laughing affects brain chemicals. It releases endorphins, which make you feel good. Chocolate does the same thing, but a good laugh is less fattening.

A friend of mine, who had a very frustrating job, told me that one day she was inspired by someone who had a huge, bright smile. She decided to emulate that woman and smile at everyone she encountered. Right away, she realized that smiling was addictive. It seemed to make the time pass more quickly and she found herself less frustrated and more at peace. She told me, "It sounds corny, but it really works!"

Paul wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 NKJV) I've heard that a person can act her way into feeling better. Act happy, act glad, and it helps you to feel happy and glad. Paul exhibited this truth in his own life. Acts 16 tells how Paul and Silas were attacked, beaten, locked in stocks, and thrown into solitary confinement. Yet, at midnight, what were they doing? Feeling sorry for themselves? Asking God, "Why?" Moaning and complaining like I do? No, they were singing! Sure they were suffering, but they knew they were children of God. Paul may have even been remembering his personal encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. (Acts 22:10) They were praising God because they had been rescued from their sins, filled by the Holy Spirit, and added to God's family. No jailer could take that away. That was worth being grateful for, no matter what else happened to them. Even if they were to be killed, it would only send them to heaven. So why should they fear? That's some awesome faith, isn't it?

5) Get Rhythm.

When I feel a case of the gloomies descending, that is not the time to play melancholy music. Positive upbeat tunes are in order -- the sort of music you might hear at a parade or a circus. Music gets your toes tapping and your blood flowing. It makes you want to sing. Singing and dancing sends a message to your brain that you're happy. Your brain is an actualizer. Whatever it "thinks" is true, it works to bring about. This is why positive thinking works. You tell yourself, "I'm happy" often enough and your brain accepts it as fact. It actualizes that truth, making it happen. I've found that when depression takes hold of me, I tend to ruminate on negative thoughts. Listening to good, Christian music with positive lyrics helps to pour good things into my brain and crowd those negative things out. There's a list of good things to ponder in the fourth chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippian church. It says to think about whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, noble, right, or admirable. Philippians 4:8 says, "If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." Christian music helps me accomplish this.

6) Get Busy

We all need to feel like we're involved in something significant. We need to participate in something outside ourselves. You might consider volunteering at a local women's shelter or food pantry. I've enjoyed both and discovered that when I stay busy helping others and concentrating on their problems, I get a break from focusing on my own troubles. This is how HUGS and HOPE began. It started with a small effort to make a difference for one family and it grew. I've learned that joy boomerangs. When you give it away, it comes back to you. Helping others gives you the heart-warming satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference in the world. That will elevate your mood as well as your self esteem.

7) Get Physical

This is two-fold. Physical exercise is good for us, but physical contact is equally important. Our bodies need to move to be healthy, and going for a walk is the easiest exercise for me to do when I'm depressed. It doesn't require as much energy and motivation as other activities. Breathing the fresh air and looking at the beauty of nature can be helpful, and taking my dog along is even better. Just watching his ears flop as he bounces down the road in front of me often brings a smile to my face.

Exercise affects brain chemicals, and the healing touch of physical closeness does too. If you're depressed, hug somebody - anybody, everybody! A hug is good medicine. It reduces stress and tension and it boosts your immunity to illness. Hugs raise self esteem and lower blood pressure. They feel good and make people happy. And they're free! Hugs are the universal language that communicates love and acceptance. They're healthy for the "hugger" as well as the "hugee."

8) Get Quiet

I need to lean heavily on God's word and spend time with Him. When I pray, I talk things over with God. When I read the Bible and meditate on it, I hear Him speak to me and I contemplate what He says. I've found this to be one of the best anti-depressants there is. However, I need to add a word of caution here. Too much solitude can worsen depression. Isolating yourself and avoiding people can make depression grow. Don't use meditation time as an excuse to avoid human contact. Time with God is of the utmost importance, but balance between quiet time alone and time spent with others is essential.

9) Get Forgiveness - And Give it Too!

I've read that many psychiatrists agree that depression is guilt or anger turned inward. David is an example of someone whose guilt led to depression. After committing adultery, he wrote, "When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer." (Psalm 32:3-4)

Sin makes you feel bad, but when you receive God's forgiveness, your guilt is removed; and often depression is removed too.

Depression can sometimes be caused from the need to forgive someone else or yourself (whomever is making you angry). Grudges cause feelings of frustration, which aggravate the hopeless feelings of depression. When we forgive, we let go of past hurts and give up bitterness. Then depression has no negativity on which to feed. If you free yourself from feelings of hate and open yourself up to feelings of love, you may feel as if the depression is physically lifting off your shoulders.

My friend Nance went through a difficult divorce, which left her bitter about the past, anxious about the future, and miserable in general. She harbored a lot of grudges and guilt, and she worried constantly. She felt the need to control everything in her life, yet she knew she couldn't. After attending a women's retreat, Nance realized what her negativity was doing to her.She released her worries, fears, anger, and resentments at the foot of the cross. Then she felt a renewal in her heart. She was happy and at peace.

When she was dying, Nance told me that the most difficult thing she'd ever had to do was forgive - both her ex-husband and herself -- for past mistakes. She said forgiving was even harder than dying!

Forgiveness isn't a simple one time event. It's a process that often takes time (sometimes years), but it's an important step to healing.

Jesus taught forgiveness when he said we'd be forgiven in the same way we forgive others, and when he told Peter we should forgive, not seven times, but seventy times seven. Of course, Jesus also lived forgiveness. While hanging on the cross, he looked at his torturers and said, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

10) Get Thankful.

When I'm depressed, I need to make a conscious effort to count my blessings. An attitude of hopelessness and discontent has a hard time competing with an attitude of gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:28 says, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." It's important to remember that depression is not fatal and it doesn't last forever. You WILL survive! Remind yourself that this cloud of despair will pass eventually. It may seem like there's no light at the end of the tunnel, but trust that there is; and be thankful for that, as you wait for the light to appear.

So, while kisses from your husband (or a psychiatrist) may be great, they can't cure depression. But along with medication and the proper treatment, now you have some practical steps you can take for your own well being. There are times when one of these strategies may be more helpful than the rest. Other times, it may seem that none of them makes a huge difference. But I keep practicing all of them anyway, because I know they are steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Following them on a regular basis may not eliminate depression forever, but they help me to minimize their severity.

These tips can be helpful for people who are not depressed too. They can be useful for anyone who is a little discouraged, a little blue, or needs to refocus on more positive things in life.

I hope that by trying these ideas you may find yourself on the way to experiencing more joy.

******************

Depression: How To Watch The News

Sometimes, one of the hardest things to do when you suffer from depression is to watch the news. In this time of sensationalism, it can sometimes be hard to watch the news without allowing it to send you deeper into your depression. There are a few things to do so as not to suffer from that.

The first is to buffer the news. Watch something funny before. Since the news usually ends on upbeat notes, that should keep your mood up. Another technique is to do something while you watch the news, so that you don't spend all of your focus on the news. Read a book or do a crossword while watching the news. By focusing on the news only, you are more likely that you will allow it to adjust your mood. By giving it only part of your attention, you can stabilize your mood a bit more. You can also watch the news with someone else. That way, you have someone with whom you can talk about what you are seeing which might help you to release any anxiety that you are feeling.

Sometimes, watching the news on television is more harmful than helpful. The internet allows you to get news whenever you want and that might work better. Yahoo and Google both have comprehensive news sites and companies like the New York Times and CNN also maintain extensive web presences. It would allow you to watch the news a little at a time and get headlines without needing to get too much information.

6 Types of Depression

Understanding the different types is crucial in order to know what solutions you would need in order to aid you in eliminating it.

1. 
   Major / Clinical

This type of depression is commonly known by people because it is one that shows clear symptoms, unlike mild or even moderate depression which sometimes go unnoticed. It is the classical or what is referred to as clinical depression. A person who has this type of depression gets depressing thoughts and is unable to control it. He stays with being sad for a long period of time and hates himself rather than putting the blame on to others for the way he is. He avoids people and keeps to himself.

2. 
   Moderate
   

Moderate depression lies somewhere between mild depression and major depression. The symptoms of moderate depression are usually noticeable and if it is left untreated, it could escalate into a major one.

3. 
   Mild
   

Mild depression is the least severe form that a sufferer may experience. The symptoms are mild and thus do not cause a major impact on the sufferer. Sufferers of mild depression may experience distress and disruption but often neglect their condition with the assumption that the symptoms are not severe enough to warrant treatment.

4. 
   Childhood
   

As the name suggests, this refers to depression that surfaced during childhood. Childhood depression can be defined as an illness when the feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child or adolescent's ability to function.

5. 
   Bipolar
   

Bipolar depression is also known as manic-depression and refers to a case whereby the sufferer has large mood swings that ranges from very energetic to extreme lows. Both moods may last for several weeks at a time.

6. 
   Psychotic
   

Psychotic depression is one of the most severe kinds of depression. A person suffering from this may experience hallucinations, start to hear voices in his head and thus becomes delusional about what is happening. A psychotic breakdown may occur if a person suffering from psychotic depression does not get the necessary help.

Fortunately, depression is an illness that can be cured. There are countless of remedies in the market place ranging from expensive consultations to self help books that teaches you how to eliminate depression naturally. In conclusion, what you have just learnt in this article is the 6 different types of depression and identified the type of depression you are suffering from. Having a better understanding, you can now make a more educated decision in which type of remedy would assist you.

Depression and Relationships

Depression is a toxic soup of negative emotions that extends for a longer than expected period of time. Many people who struggle with depression cannot feel emotions such as joy, pleasure, or grief. They have become numb and colorless. Depression is much like a vampire sucking the life blood dry until only a shell of the once enthusiastic vibrant person exists. In this informational article titled "Depression and Relationships" we will explore the many faces of depression in relationships.

 

Relationships are a delicate balance between feelings and ego. These intricate personal interactions are totally reliant on how you relate to others. The most common characteristics of depression in relationships are withdrawal and avoidance. Other common characteristics are irritability and overly critical behavior.

 

Let's see how this might look in the Smith household.

 

Joe Smith has always been a loving family man but recently his emotions have started to get the best of him due to financial difficulties. Just the other day mild mannered Joe arrived home from work only to find his wife vacuuming rather than fixing dinner. Joe explodes, ranting and raving about dinner, noise, and getting a new wife that knows her place. Joe's wife Cindy is stunned. She has never heard her husband talk this way and decides to try to avoid a confrontation by simply apologizing. She tells Joe that she lost tract of time and it won't happen again. Joe simply ignores her apology and storms out of the house leaving her in tears. End

 

Most people reading the story above think that situations like the one above only happen to other people. Perhaps you know someone who has been acting out of character lately. So let's explore a number of ways depression affects relationships and see whether any of the bullet points might remind you of someone you know.

 

* Recently, I just can't seem to be as compassionate as normal

* Is it my imagination or are my friends and family avoiding me

* I seem to be becoming more reclusive even though it's really not in my nature

* I haven't been able to live up to the expectations of others

* My desire for intimacy is almost nonexistent

* There is no one that cares or understands me

* I have never felt more alone

* I am looking old and tired

* My temper is getting worse and my fuse is getting shorter

* There just isn't anyone to talk to about my problems

 

Depressed people normally go one of two ways, either they withdraw or become irritable and aggressive. Which ever way they go it makes depression and relationships a difficult matter to handle, especially for the people closest to them. If you know someone whose personality has changed for the worst and you suspect that depression might be the primary driver of their behavior then convincing them to get help would be the right thing to do.

 

Additionally, many people with mild to moderate depression are looking for affordable answers that don't involve extended therapy sessions or expensive prescription drugs. For these individuals natural depression remedies could are options worth considering. Many of the more popular remedies for depression are herbal blends which are very safe and have shown to be effective in both promoting and maintaining emotional and mental health.