Depression: Nothing to Sneeze At
How common is depression? So common that it is thought of as the common cold of mental illnesses. However, this is not to understate the severity of depression which is one of the leading indicators of suicide. By some estimates depression costs the country a staggering $43 billion dollars a year in costs resulting from medicine, hospitalization, lost work days and reduced productivity. One in six of us will experience a major depressive episode in our lives and 15 million Americans are suffering from depression at any given time.What causes depression? There are a great many possible causes for depression. Frequently, depression is caused by an organic (chemical) or physiological cause.
Possible organic causes include food allergies, heavy metals, prescription drugs, illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco and caffeine. Depression can also be caused by preexisting physical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, chronic pain, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, and nutritional deficiencies.How do you know if you have depression? Depression can be broken into at least two categories major depression also called unipolar depression or mild depression, which is also referred to as dysthmia.Major depression is determined by therapists to be present when a person has five of the following symptoms: Poor appetite accompanied by weight loss, or increased appetite accompanies by weight gain; insomnia or excessive sleep; hyperactivity; loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities or decrease in sexual drive; loss of energy including feelings of fatigue; feelings of worthlessness; reduction in one's ability to think or concentrate; recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.Some symptoms of mild depression can be similar to those of major depression. Therapists will diagnose a person as having mild depression if at least three of the following symptoms for at least two years: low self-esteem or lack of self-confidence; pessimism; hopelessness or despair; lack of interest in ordinary pleasures and activities; withdrawal from social activities; fatigue or lethargy; guilt or ruminating about the past; irritability or excessive anger; lessened productivity; difficulty concentrating or making decisions.How does western medicine treat depression? A number of drugs have been developed by western medicine for the purpose of treating depression. These drugs include tricyclic antidepressants (Amoxapine, Amitriptyline, Trazodone and Mirtazapine), polycyclic antidepressants (Imiparamine, Desipramine or Protriptyline), or most commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Fluoxetine, Nefazodone, Sertraline or Parozetine). Other drugs such as Venlafaxine which increases serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain and Bupropion which increases catecholamine reuptake are also used for depression.
Most drugs are prescribed to increase chemicals in the brain that are low in people who are depressed.What are the natural remedies for depression? Natural medicine practitioners frequently prescribe botanical medicines for depression. The best researched of the botanical medicine for treating depression is St. John's Wort. The studies done to date have shown that St. John's Wort is just as effective as anti-depressants for treating mild depression and that patients report greater satisfaction and fewer side effects then with anti-depressants.
Ginkgo bilboa has also proven effective for treating depression in both human and animal studies. Exactly how Ginkgo bilboa works to treat depression is not known; however, the most likely reasons are that it impacts serotonin levels and that it is a powerful antioxidant.Homeopathic medication that is frequently used for depression includes Anacardium, Arsenicum album, Aurum metallicum, Calcarea carbonica, Ignatia, Natrum muriaticum, Pulsatilla, Staphysagria, and Sulfur. The exact remedy is chosen by matching a person's individual symptoms with the remedy.Counseling is frequently employed in the treatment of depression. Of the counseling techniques available, one of the most useful for treating depression is Cognitive therapy. In this type of counseling the counselor works with the patient to restructure the thought patterns of the individual.
Important in treating depression are how the person thinks about such issues as failure, mistakes, and personal deficiencies.Other natural therapies may treat hormonal imbalances including hypothyroidism, and adrenal functions. Treating these and other hormonal imbalances can clear up depression. More information on these conditions can be found on other pages of this site.Can you prevent depression? Self-care is highly important in warding off and preventing reoccurrence of depression. Important factors include diet, lifestyle and nutritional supplements.Lifestyle changes may be in order. People suffering from depression should decrease, or better yet discontinue, alcohol consumption as alcohol is a depressant drug.
They should begin or increase exercise to increase levels of endorphins. And, they may want to discontinue or reduce intake of caffeine.Diet changes should include an increase in fruits, vegetables, grains and raw nuts and seeds all of which are fiber-rich. Avoid any foods which are triggering allergies.Some supplements to consider include folic acid and vitamin B12 (800 mg /day each) which are frequently deficient in people with depression; vitamin B6 (50 - 100 mg / day) which is essential for the brain to make serotonin, and omega-3 oils which are important in the composition of nerve cell membranes.Natural medicine offers many ways to deal with the possible underlying organic and physiological conditions of depression. Consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended as they can assess your condition and create an individualized treatment plan..
David Westbrook writes for such fine websites as http://www.healthcraz.com and http://www.automedicine.comQuit Smoking in 30 Days or Less
Nicocure?'s amazing formula safely mimics the properties of nicotine. It acts on the "Nicotine Receptors" in your body, effectively fooling it into thinking it's getting more Nicotine, while keeping you calm and relaxed during Nicotine withdrawal. It will help you quit smoking for life, for good.The proprietary herbal formulation in Nicocure? Patch contains herbal ingredients that act as natural substitutes for nicotine and therefore satisfy the body's craving for this substance, but without all the negative side effects of the patches containing actual nicotine! The natural ingredients will make you crave fewer cigarettes every day. This gradual process makes you quit with no withdrawal symptoms and requires less will power and effort from your part. Withdrawal symptoms will be milder due to the natural nicotine substitute, which helps you shake the nicotine habit gradually.
Furthermore, to help you in this process, the Nicocure? Patch herbal formulation contains herbal ingredients...
Quit Smoking in 30 Days or Less
Depression > Quit Smoking in 30 Days or Less
Dignity is a compilation of stories about 12 extraordinary individuals who have triumphed over adversity in their search for independence.
Salt Lake City, Utah (ContentDesk) September 2003 - Dignity is a compilation of stories about 12 extraordinary individuals who have triumphed over adversity in their search for independence.
Each has faced incredible odds for winning in today's job market.
Yet, each has discovered a positive self-image through an innovative job skills program called BOOST and a company that cares.Here is an opportunity to learn from the experience of real people as they share intimate details of their personal challenges.
David stutters, Stella has no legs, Marilyn wheels an oxygen tank to work, Joel is blind, Debbie needs a kidney transplant, Darryl has polio, Marette and Paul have cerebal palsy, Ginger has a brain tumor, both Susans have serious depression, and Tu has lived a life beyond imagination. Celebrate their personal and professional success!
Read these inspiring stories of transformation and gain greater perspective about the challenges that you face in...
Depression > Dignity is a compilation of stories about 12 extraordinary individuals who have triumphed over adversity in their search for independence.
Avoiding Mental Disorders through the aid of Vitamins and Minerals
When we think about the benefits of being ensuring a good bill of health by keeping track of our daily intake of prescribed vitamins, minerals and as well as the other nutrients that are needed by your body in order to stay healthy. It is important to be conscious of the fact that deficiencies in the daily intake of vitamins and minerals can negatively affect not only your physical capabilities but your how your mind functions as well. Recent research has indicated that such deficiencies can even contribute to one of the most common mental illnesses of all, depression.The Vitamin B complex is incredibly important to our mental well-being and functioning. Even relatively small deficiencies can have an adverse effect on a person's mental health over time. While serious nutrient deficiencies can actually contribute to serious mental illnesses.
As for the case of trying your best to avoid mental illnesses, it is highly important to make sure that your daily diet meets the recommended...
Avoiding Mental Disorders through the aid of Vitamins and Minerals
Depression > Avoiding Mental Disorders through the aid of Vitamins and Minerals
Quit Smoking in 30 Days or Less
Nicocure?'s amazing formula safely mimics the properties of nicotine. It acts on the "Nicotine Receptors" in your body, effectively fooling it into thinking it's getting more Nicotine, while keeping you calm and relaxed during Nicotine withdrawal. It will help you quit smoking for life, for good.The proprietary herbal formulation in Nicocure? Patch contains herbal ingredients that act as natural substitutes for nicotine and therefore satisfy the body's craving for this substance, but without all the negative side effects of the patches containing actual nicotine! The natural ingredients will make you crave fewer cigarettes every day. This gradual process makes you quit with no withdrawal symptoms and requires less will power and effort from your part. Withdrawal symptoms will be milder due to the natural nicotine substitute, which helps you shake the nicotine habit gradually.
Furthermore, to help you in this process, the Nicocure? Patch herbal formulation contains herbal ingredients...
Quit Smoking in 30 Days or Less
Depression > Quit Smoking in 30 Days or Less
A Rose is not Just a Rose
The rose is perhaps one of the most powerful symbols in the metaphysical world. It is also one of the most accessible tools that can be used for everyday magic. The gift of a rose is also one of the simplest ways to say, "I love you" without too much hocus-pocus. The thorns on its stems represent the "prick" of love and the overcoming of obstacles to achieve your desires. It is the pinnacle of metaphorical purity and symbolizes completion and perfection.The element associated with the rose is Water, so it is particularly friendly to the astrological signs of Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio.
Both Mercury and Venus rule this flower. A bath in rose petals or rose water (which is distilled from the buds) is said to attract love to the bathing beauty. An ancient custom is to sprinkle the bed of newly weds with rose petals to sweeten the initial carnal relations. In ancient alchemical formulas the red rose is used as a masculine principle and the rose represents the feminine or receptive...
A Rose is not Just a Rose
Depression > A Rose is not Just a Rose
Getting Help for Troubled Teens
Do you have troubled teens in your home?
If your child is one that does not talk to you, has pulled back out of your family or is continuously ill, there is a need to talk to them.
Sometimes, they will blame you.
Other times, they have just dug a hole that is so large that they just can not seem to get back out.
In any case, all teens that are facing life changing, life altering things need help.
How can you find help for your troubled teens?
The first place to start is with your child's doctor.
No matter what you are worried about, they are likely to have the first real advice for you.
The first thing you need to do no matter if you are worried about drugs, alcohol or depression is to get them physically checked out to insure they are healthy.
Then, talk to the doctor to determine what the next course of action is.
Remember, doctors are not going to talk about you or your child to anyone else.
Depression > Getting Help for Troubled Teens
New Research Shows that Activating Brain's "Safety Circuit" Can Buffer Against Stress
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a "safety circuit" in the brain which, when activated, seems to buffer against stressful and anxiety-provoking events, according to a newly-released study in the journal Neuron. "This new finding has enormous implications for healing anxiety and related disorders, including depression and PTSD," says psychologist Dr. Bob Murray, co-author of the highly-acclaimed Creating Optimism: A Proven, 7-Step Program for Overcoming Depression (McGraw-Hill, paperback 2005). "The key healing factor is enabling people to activate that safety circuit. In our Uplift Program, we've been teaching people how to do just that, and now we have an even greater understanding of that safety mechanism in the brain." The Columbia researchers discovered that when mice were in an unsafe situation there was increased activity in a region of the brain called the amygdala, which processes emotions and is activated in fear responses.
As long as...
New Research Shows that Activating Brain's "Safety Circuit" Can Buffer Against Stress
Depression > New Research Shows that Activating Brain's "Safety Circuit" Can Buffer Against Stress
Green Tea Has Just The Right Amount Of Caffeine With No Side Effects
Green tea caffeine does not make you jittery or nervous. If you're looking for a coffee or soda substitute with just the right amount of caffeine enough to keep you awake and energized without the nervousness, chronic muscle tension, irritability, headaches, depression, and insomnia, Japanese Green Tea is exactly what you've been looking for.
Japanese Green Tea offers the best of both worlds when it comes to caffeine -- just enough to provide a stimulating pick-me-up that banishes unwanted drowsiness, but not enough to trigger nervousness or sleepless nights.
Ever since eight-century Buddhist monks discovered that tea helped them remain awake during long meditation sessions, tea has been used to boost lagging energy, refresh the mind, and brighten up the mood.
Caffeine increases your heartbeat, improves your alertness, your reaction time gets faster and your general mood becomes more "upbeat".
Depression > Green Tea Has Just The Right Amount Of Caffeine With No Side Effects