Is this Depression or am I just sad?
Do you know the difference between being depressed or just being sad?
Most people don’t. However, this matters because perhaps the best way to avoid health complications arising from depression is to deal with it in its early stages.
It is normal to feel sad from time to time. Sadness is a natural reaction to something upsetting which has happened. Depression on the other hand is more extreme. It is more of an emotional or mental illness which has a lot more symptoms than sadness and can, if not treated lead to suicide.
One huge difference between sadness and depression is that a person experiencing feelings which they find disconcerting can reasonably tell you what it is that is causing their unhappiness, however a person suffering from depression may not necessarily be able to do so.
When one is sad, we tend to know that things will get better over time; on the other hand, a person going through depression may not see an end to his or her problem and may consequently think things are or will get worse.
This may lead to a depression that could last for a long length of time. With the negative feelings being so intense and overpowering, depression is oft times something one just can’t snap out of, at least not without assistance or taking exact measures to match or overwhelm its hold on a person.
Though it is safe to say anyone going through depression experiences sadness, but not every sad person is necessarily depressed, both emotional hindrances might need to be addressed and catered to the same or very similar ways.
However, since depression is usually more burdensome than just a state of sadness, one needs to be able to distinguish between the two to determine the amount of effort that may need to be done to correct either state of these negative emotions.
In order to be able to attack depression-advisably in its earlier stages-below are its symptoms in no specific order.
1. Irritability and mood swings.
2. Hopelessness and extreme pessimism (a negative outlook on life)
3. Loss of energy, extreme fatigue and tiredness.
4. Loss of interest in hobbies, having a good appearance and even associates and loved ones.
5. Extreme feelings of helplessness and no self worth.
6. Suicidal thoughts (in extreme cases)
7. Insomnia (lack of) or excessive sleep.
8. Inexplicable weight loss or gain thereof, triggered by eating disorders.
Though not a conclusive list as characteristics vary by patient, these symptoms of depression listed above are the most common ones.
If you happen to experience any of these symptoms, the first step, in my opinion and based on research will be to look within and ask why this may be occurring. Thoroughly assess your situation to see what it is that could be triggering these symptoms of depression within you. Could it be a failure at something or the loss of something or someone of importance?
If you go over the problem carefully, you would be able to target the cause and consequently solve it. Remember, the mind is the most powerful force on the earth, He who can control it can control all things my friend.
I will also mention that for both sadness (a symptom of depression obviously) and for the emotional disorder-depression-which we have now characterized for the purposes of distinguishing between the two, some steps you can take on your own for help will be engaging in some form of physical activity such as exercise or other hobbies.
This step exercises the motor centers of the brain, making the blood flow away from the emotional activity center; consequently one becomes more receptive to positive thoughts.
In addition to this tip, an observance of nature will show us that when animals are frightened or angered, they abstain from eating until after the passage of some time. Moreover, it is true that under stressful circumstances many civilized people refrain from eating and find in truth that they lack the desire for food, but it is also too often that most of us will eat large meals under these circumstances.
Now, worry, fear, anxiety, excitement, hurry, heated arguments at meals: all prevent the secretion of the digestive enzymes of the body and hinder not only digestion, but the whole nutrition process.
This considered, perhaps the last thing you may want to do while dealing with depression or sadness-be it its causes or symptoms is to eat excessively, I may go as far as to say to even eat at all.
It is also advised that at this crucial stage of emotional encumbrance, try and seek out the company of uplifting friends, relatives and associates. As much as possible, purposely surround yourself with uplifting and positive elements like your favorite DVD comedies, books, sitcoms and things of that nature.
So if you are unsure if you are truly depressed or just sad, take heart, neither of these negative emotions can overpower you-if you take charge and overcome them. It may not always be easy and you may need help, however, the desire to be-little their effects over you will be the first step towards success.
The Greatest Teacher that ever lived once said: “As a Man thinks in his heart so is he”. What you constantly think of a situation is quite inevitably what becomes of it; therefore it is paramount that in any and every situation our thinking should be positive.
If there is one fact that religion, science and psychology seem to agree on, it is that the mind is indeed the most powerful force in the world. Yoga sages have stated that whoever can control the mind is indeed a powerful human being.
That said, it is obvious that in coping with stress and dealing with depressive situations, one should make every step to think positively as perhaps the first weapon to combat negative challenges.
Friends, everything starts with a thought.
Moreover, thoughts have the innate ability of phenomenally materializing into what it is that is projected in your mind. Consequently, it will be safe to say we should all make attempts to change our mental habits to belief instead of disbelief as much as possible. This of course will be most paramount when seeking ways to overcoming depression.
Characterized by feelings of worthlessness, doubt, pessimism, if we allow depressive thoughts to constantly permeate our minds, they could actually gain the ability to diffuse into our speech and actions and consequently could aggravate the very situations and challenges one is facing that may be causing depressive thoughts in the first place.
When dealing with problems arising from depression, the famous psychologist-William James has this cryptic quote to say: “Our belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking or challenging situation is the one thing that insures a successful outcome at the end”
This reminds me of another powerful verse in the Bible found in Mark 4 verse 23: “If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes”.
Combining the gist and effect of both quotes, one can see that it is imperative to believe in and expect the best in any situation one may be going through. In so doing you will bring everything into the realm of possibility and success.
In no way does this mean that we should sit back and just expect things to miraculously change. It means we must change our thought processes about our situations first, perform the actions that will lead us to and keep us on the path to success at overcoming our challenges and as words, thoughts and actions have an effect on each other as factors, one is also advised to constantly speak positively about what challenges one may be facing.
Combining all three factors will greatly help in making sure each component (most importantly our thoughts) remains positively tuned towards overcoming our depression.
My friends, although it may not always be an easy journey to overcome our challenges, I would like you to remember this quote as well “Life’s problems are like knives, which either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle: Grasp a difficulty or problem by the blade and it cuts; grasp it by the handle and you can use it constructively”
Take the quote above into consideration and keep it in mind my friend as THE reason to constantly have faith and to hope for the best when it comes to dealing with depression. It is perhaps the one thing that will ensure success at the end.
Root Causes And General Symptoms Of Depression
About 7% of the US population is suffering from depression that needs medical attention. The number of people who have suffered at one time or another in their life from depression is about three times as high. According to the World Health Organization women are two to three times as likely to develop a depression than are men.
Medical scientists believe that the tendency for depression is at least in part caused by hereditary factors. People who have gone through a bout of depression once have a higher risk of falling ill again.
Depression can me treated successfully with a combination of drugs and psychotherapy.
Doctors suspect that certain neurotransmitters (chemical agents that carry nerve signals) like serotonin and noradrenalin aren’t working as efficiently in a sick person as in a healthy person. The reasons for this deficiency aren’t known, but it is believed than genes and hereditary factors play an important role. Drugs that combat depression do it by ‘helping’ serotonin and noradrenalin to do their job more effectively in the brain.
It is usually, but not always, very difficult and painful events in a person’s life that trigger depressive episodes. With the use of psychotherapy the doctor tries to help the patient to work through those events or help him or her to avoid them altogether.
Types of Depressions
1. Unipolar Depression. This is the most common form of depression. It’s called unipolar because the patient is ‘only’ depressed, but not manic-depressive. Main symptoms are feeling very low in the morning, waking up very early, insomniac tendencies and feeling depressed.
2. Bipolar Affective Depression. As opposed to the unipolar depression the bipolar depression is marked by depressive and maniacal phases. Patients suffering from it are delusional about their own capacities and may, for example, work day and nights for weeks on end without feeling exhausted.
3. Winter Depression. It’s also called the seasonal depression, since it occurs usually at the onset of autumn or winter and disappears with the coming of spring. This form of depression therefore only lasts up to 5 or 6 months. The most common symptom is the lack of physical energy, not the feeling of being depressed per se.
4. Some prescription drugs may cause depression, like those with a high element of cortisone, contraceptive products like the pill and drugs combating heart disease (beta blockers).
It’s natural to feel low sometimes, but it is different from a depression. In most cases it is easy to distinguish between simple mood changes, even if they come in rapid succession and a disease like depression.
There is not always an outside event that triggers the onset of a depression. That’s why it is so difficult to understand not only for the patient but for his or her relatives as well. They definitely suffer through and with the sick person. Since there is no apparent identifiable catastrophe that can explain the mood swings of the patient, he or she very often stretches the patience of those around him or her to the limit.
The most common symptoms are: feeling generally very low, a pronounced lack of interest in normal activities like sports or socializing, loss of appetite and loss of weight (in some cases increased appetite and weight gain), the inability to sleep well (insomnia), loss of concentration, indecisiveness, diminished sexual desire, general exhaustion and lack of energy, obsessive thinking about death, suicidal tendencies and suicide attempts.
About 21 million people suffer from depression. Depression affects the way one feels about themselves. It involves the body, mood and thoughts. If a person is depressed it can affect the way they sleep and eat. Having depression is not the same as feeling blue temporarily. Despite of what some people think it is not a sign of weakness either. If a person with depression doesn’t get any treatment then it can last for weeks, months or even years. Treatment can help most people overcome depression.
There are different types of depression. The three most common types are major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder. Major depression is a combination of symptoms. Having major depression will affect your everyday life such as working, sleeping and eating. Dysthymia is a less severe form of depression. It involve long-term chromic symptoms, however they are not disabling like major depression. It will keep them from feeling good. People with dysthymia can suffer from an episode of major depression.
Bipolar disorder is sometimes called manic-depressive disorder. Bipolar is characterized by cycling mood changes. Severe highs are called mania or manic. And lows are depression. Sometimes the cycle changes are dramatic and rapid. Most of the time the cycle is gradual. When in the depression cycle, a person can get most symptoms of major depression. When they cycle to mania, they will often have lots of energy, be very talkative and overactive. Mania can affect judgment and social behavior. This may cause serious problems and lead to embarrassment. If the mania is untreated it can worsen to a psychotic state.
Depression can be inherited. It often runs in families. The question is, is it inherited genetically or learned behavior. Depression can occur in somebody who has no family. Bipolar studies have shown that families, whose members of each generation develop bipolar, that those with illness have a different genetic makeup than those who do not become ill with the disorder. Whether the depression disorder is inherited or not, depression is associated with the changes in the brain structure and or brain function.
Women have been known to experience depression more often that men. For women many hormonal factors contribute to the higher rate of depression. Especially during menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, post partum and menopause. Also environmental stress factors such as single parenthood, caring for children and aging parents.
Men are less likely to develop depression, however men are more likely to deny that they are depressed and unfortunately doctors are less likely to suspect it. The rate of suicide is higher in men, but more women attempt suicide. The rate of suicide increases in men around the age of 70 and peaks after the age of 85. Depression in men may often be masked by the use of alcohol or drugs. They may work extremely long hours. If a man realizes he is in depression he is more unlikely to seek help for treatment.
Some symptoms of depression are sad, anxious, feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism, loss of interest in pleasurable hobbies, fatigue, hard time concentrating, insomnia or oversleeping, weight gain or loss, thoughts of suicide and persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, like headaches, chronic pain, and digestive disorders.
Here are some examples of mania; excessive happiness, unusual irritability, lack of need for sleep, increased talking, racing thoughts, increased sexual desire, a big increase in energy, poor judgment and inappropriate behavior.
“With a child’s heart
Go face the worries of the day
With a child’s heart
Turn each problem into play
No need to worry no need to fear
Just being alive makes it all so very clear”
Although this is no way is a pro-Jackson article, this is actually an excerpt from a personal Jackson 5 favorite entitled ‘With a Child’s Heart’
Sung by a pre-adolescent Michael Jackson, the words of this song made such an impact on me most recently when I played the CD a few days back.
The lyrics of the song reminded me of what the renowned psychologist: Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, once stated in his book- that children are indeed the group of humans who ironically are most gifted in the art of faith and positive thinking.
These are two essentials for overcoming depression, and it is no co-incidence that they are abundant in a child’s heart.
Children are more expert in happiness and faith than adults and indeed the adult who can carry the spirit of a child into middle and old age is truly a genius. Why?
Well this is quite simply because such an adult will preserve the happy and carefree spirit that only the young seem to be endowed with and this of course will be vital and necessary for dealing with depression and problems and keeping their effects on us minimized.
The subtlety and wisdom of Jesus Christ is truly remarkable.
When it comes to dealing with depression (or dealing with life, period-the good and the bad of it), He suggests that one should have a childlike heart and mind.
In other words, have you ever noticed how a kid believes mom’s kiss actually made the pain of a bicycle fall go away, well that same childlike faith is actually what God requires of us in believing that what He says He’ll do for us will come to pass.
Now, in regards to overcoming depression, it is clear to see that approaching our problems with a childlike yet powerful faith that things will be better would make a huge difference in our situations and circumstances.
This doesn’t mean that no work will be required of us on our part, remember
“faith without works is dead,” (James 2:26). However, it is the believing that what we are doing to make things better in addition to trusting what God says about our situations and challenges that would make the difference.
Just like a child will ask a parent for help on how to do something and totally rely on the parent’s instruction to get it done, it is very much the same way that we have to accept and follow God’s advice and help in order to deal with our problems and challenges in life.
A young Jackson ends the song above soulfully stating that
“With a child’s heart, nothing is gonna get me down!”
Indeed with the childlike faith in God and His promises and a childlike obedience to do as instructed by a wiser Being, nothing: not depression, not life’s problems can get us down.
Cymbalta, which is an antidepressant, is believed to reduce depression and is also considered to be a possible benefit to women suffering from Fibromyalgia. This illness, which is still considered rare even though it affects millions of Americans, affects more women and men. Even though the cause of it remains unknown, Fibromyalgia is a growing problem that many are forced to cope with on a daily basis. A Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatment is designed to help treat both the emotional and physical symptoms of depression. In general, individuals who are dealing with a chronic illness often become depressed and sometimes turn to the world of medicine for assistance.
It is important to note that Cymbalta is not approved for the treatment of Fibromyalgia, but studies have found that it could be beneficial in depression. Because it is thought to help treat depression, which is often the result of a chronic illness, some experts believe that there are benefits that coincide with this illness and a Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatment.
Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatments can cause various side effects with the most common being nausea, constipation, dry mouth, decreased appetite, etc. Cymbalta is not for everyone, especially to those who are allergic to it’s ingredients. In addition, individuals with liver or kidney problems, have been diagnosed with glaucoma or consume large amounts of alcohol should speak with their physician prior to taking Cymbalta. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Cymbalta and should make their physician aware of any conditions prior to accepting any type of prescription.
Prior to accepting any type of prescription medication, individuals must make sure that their physician is made fully aware of any medicines that are currently being consumed and/or any current illnesses. In order to safely provide treatments, a physician must be made fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the patient’s health.
Patients who are being treated for depression should be monitored closely in order to ensure that the depression does not worsen or become increasingly dangerous to the patient. Individuals who are severely depressed may require hospitalization and extended care beyond that which a prescription-based medicine can offer. Anyone who feels that their depression is worsening should consult their physician for a proper diagnosis and a recommended treatment course.
The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Anyone with questions regarding a Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatment must consult their physician for further information.
The Discovery Health Channel’s Medical Incredible series will air a segment about a new FDA-approved Vagus Nerve Stimulation therapy treatment for chronic depression on June 26th at 9 p.m. EDT. I am featured in the segemnt, a former sufferer of chronic depression and patient in the study of vagus nerve stimulation therapy for chronic depression.
The Discovery Health Channel segment will also include an interview with Charles Conway, M.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at St. Louis University Hospital and lead study investigator for the clinical trial. Dr. Conway will explain this 90-minute outpatient procedure and how vagus nerve stimulation favorably modulates those key areas of the brain responsible for mood and depression in a more robust way than traditional antidepressants.
The clinical trial that I became became a part of was to determine if vagus nerve stimulation would help those suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). I was one of 200 patients from 20 different hospitals throughout the United States who participated in this trial. The average patient in the study had suffered lifetime depression for 25 years. Unlike most standard clinical trials, for a patient to be considered as a study subject for this trial, they had to have failed to adequately respond to all legally available antidepressants. The patients (including me) who were enrolled for this trial had the severest cases of TRD and were deemed the most difficult to treat.
On April 4, 2001, I had the vagus nerve stimulator implanted in my upper left chest. Over the course of several months, with preset stimulation to his left vagus nerve, I went from seeing no hope of anything good happening to him in the future to being only occasionally pessimistic about his future, believing that for the most part things would get better. Gradually he began to have an optimistic view of his future, and now he says his life is normal, full of joy and genuine happiness.
I know that both patients and family members will find the segment educational about vagus nerve stimulation therapy for depression.
Today we know a lot more about depression, this disease is one of the common and dangerous mental conditions we can encounter in all societies and in all cultures, it is in fact, an across the board human situation which, in the last few years, significant achievements have been made.
The understanding of depression and the recognition that it was, in fact, a serious mental condition, has brought about many opinions and researchers to try and discover more about the causes for depression and the ways to try and combat it. the modern ago, with psychoanalysis science and psychological research has discovered much about the human mind and spirit, and one of the most significant processes were the discovery of mental conditions that do not constitute a state of permanent mental disorder, these diseases were actually more like viruses, almost anyone had the unfortunate statistical chance of “catching” it, and everyone needed to know more about it so they could try and avoid it.
Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people throughout the world. Also known as major depression disorder, clinical depression is experienced by various types of people in many different walks of life. Although most people experience a few terms of sadness throughout their lives, clinical depression is more than just a case of the “blues”, it is much more like a crashing force that does not let the person suffering from it to function properly, and sometimes even not function at all.
It is estimated that clinical depression affects about sixteen percent of the world population. Imagine people suffering form depression 200 years ago, even 500 years ago, without proper understanding of this condition, many people throughout history have been outcastes and rejected from society just because of a case of depression.
According to most studies, the average onset of a typical case occurs in the late 20s. Gender also plays a role; nearly twice as many females as males report or receive treatment for depression, though this difference seems to shrink after women reach the age of fifty, when most females have gone through menopause. Depression is currently the leading cause of disability in the United States and is expected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide in the next twenty years or so.
If you have ever seen a person that suffers from depression you are surely aware of the dangers or having this condition, life, with all its wonderful attributes is covered, and all that remains to a person with depression is the empty feeling of sadness, something this person can not just “snap out of”, even for a second, depression is a very serious thing, and we should all try to and know more about it.
There are many different signs and symptoms of depression. Some of these may include an overwhelming feeling of loss, anxiety, or pessimism, a rapid gain or loss in weight, disturbances in sleep patterns, fatigue, self-harm, and suicidal tendencies. It is advised that if you, or anyone you know, is experiencing these symptoms or symptoms similar to these, you should contact a mental health professional or support group. They may be able to help.
Why Psychological Treatment Methods for Depression Can Work Better Than Antidepressants
Millions of people who are suffering from depression are currently taking antidepressant medication in an attempt to battle the condition. Oftentimes, doctors are quick to prescribe the medication — in fact, many times, it’s the first thing they do after diagnosing a patient.
One of the keys to understanding and treating depression is understanding what antidepressants really do: they tackle the symptoms of depression, not the roots. In many cases, psychotherapy and behavioral therapy are much more effective in treating depression and preventing relapse than medication is. Antidepressants can be useful, especially in cases where the symptoms are so intense that it prevents the patient from receiving any other kind of treatment. But even in those cases where major depression treatment is needed, antidepressants alone are rarely enough to permanently battle the condition — they are just an effective way to temporarily relieve the patient’s symptoms enough to allow him/her to receive proper treatment.
Antidepressants are used to treat chemical imbalance in the brain, but what many do not realize is that the chemical imbalance is usually a symptom of depression and not the cause. Even when treating the symptoms, antidepressants can be highly unpredictable. In one third of the cases, the medication is effective; in one third, it is partially effective, and in the remaining third, it is not effective at all. In many cases, even when the medication is working, the side effects are so unpleasant that the patient elects to stop using it. Also, antidepressants are not meant to be taken permanently. When a patient stops taking them, he/she is likely to relapse.
Depression is often better combated without any medication at all. Psychological treatment methods for depression — especially certain kinds of psychotherapy — have proven highly effective in treating the condition permanently. Good counseling will break down each patient’s cycle of depression and help the patient identify unhealthy behaviors or thinking patterns and teach him/her how to change them. If there is a particular event that triggered the depression, counseling can help the patient work through that as well.
Some herbal remedies can be a good complement to therapy by helping to naturally relieve some of the symptoms of depression. St. John’s Wort is generally considered to be one of the most potent natural remedies for depression, and is so effective that it outsells prescription medications in some markets. Other popular choices for treating depression naturally include ginko biloba and passion flower.
In all cases, depression should be treated with the help of a professional. However, the more responsibility you take for learning about your condition, the better you’ll understand your options, and the more participation you’ll have in deciding which treatment is best for you. Remember to allow time for whichever treatment option you choose to take effect, and to speak up if you are uncomfortable. Eventually, you will find your path to better health.
Do you know the difference between being depressed or just being sad?
Most people don’t. However, this matters because perhaps the best way to avoid health complications arising from depression is to deal with it in its early stages.
It is normal to feel sad from time to time. Sadness is a natural reaction to something upsetting which has happened. Depression on the other hand is more extreme. It is more of an emotional or mental illness which has a lot more symptoms than sadness and can, if not treated lead to suicide.
One huge difference between sadness and depression is that a person experiencing feelings which they find disconcerting can reasonably tell you what it is that is causing their unhappiness, however a person suffering from depression may not necessarily be able to do so.
When one is sad, we tend to know that things will get better over time; on the other hand, a person going through depression may not see an end to his or her problem and may consequently think things are or will get worse.
This may lead to a depression that could last for a long length of time. With the negative feelings being so intense and overpowering, depression is oft times something one just can’t snap out of, at least not without assistance or taking exact measures to match or overwhelm its hold on a person.
Though it is safe to say anyone going through depression experiences sadness, but not every sad person is necessarily depressed, both emotional hindrances might need to be addressed and catered to the same or very similar ways.
However, since depression is usually more burdensome than just a state of sadness, one needs to be able to distinguish between the two to determine the amount of effort that may need to be done to correct either state of these negative emotions.
In order to be able to attack depression-advisably in its earlier stages-below are its symptoms in no specific order.
1. Irritability and mood swings.
2. Hopelessness and extreme pessimism (a negative outlook on life)
3. Loss of energy, extreme fatigue and tiredness.
4. Loss of interest in hobbies, having a good appearance and even associates and loved ones.
5. Extreme feelings of helplessness and no self worth.
6. Suicidal thoughts (in extreme cases)
7. Insomnia (lack of) or excessive sleep.
8. Inexplicable weight loss or gain thereof, triggered by eating disorders.
Though not a conclusive list as characteristics vary by patient, these symptoms of depression listed above are the most common ones.
If you happen to experience any of these symptoms, the first step, in my opinion and based on research will be to look within and ask why this may be occurring. Thoroughly assess your situation to see what it is that could be triggering these symptoms of depression within you. Could it be a failure at something or the loss of something or someone of importance?
If you go over the problem carefully, you would be able to target the cause and consequently solve it. Remember, the mind is the most powerful force on the earth, He who can control it can control all things my friend.
I will also mention that for both sadness (a symptom of depression obviously) and for the emotional disorder-depression-which we have now characterized for the purposes of distinguishing between the two, some steps you can take on your own for help will be engaging in some form of physical activity such as exercise or other hobbies.
This step exercises the motor centers of the brain, making the blood flow away from the emotional activity center; consequently one becomes more receptive to positive thoughts.
In addition to this tip, an observance of nature will show us that when animals are frightened or angered, they abstain from eating until after the passage of some time. Moreover, it is true that under stressful circumstances many civilized people refrain from eating and find in truth that they lack the desire for food, but it is also too often that most of us will eat large meals under these circumstances.
Now, worry, fear, anxiety, excitement, hurry, heated arguments at meals: all prevent the secretion of the digestive enzymes of the body and hinder not only digestion, but the whole nutrition process.
This considered, perhaps the last thing you may want to do while dealing with depression or sadness-be it its causes or symptoms is to eat excessively, I may go as far as to say to even eat at all.
It is also advised that at this crucial stage of emotional encumbrance, try and seek out the company of uplifting friends, relatives and associates. As much as possible, purposely surround yourself with uplifting and positive elements like your favorite DVD comedies, books, sitcoms and things of that nature.
So if you are unsure if you are truly depressed or just sad, take heart, neither of these negative emotions can overpower you-if you take charge and overcome them. It may not always be easy and you may need help, however, the desire to be-little their effects over you will be the first step towards success.
NEXT ARTICLE
Transforming your thoughts is key for dealing with depression
If there is one fact that religion, science and psychology seem to agree on, it is that the mind is indeed the most powerful force in the world. Yoga sages have stated that whoever can control the mind is indeed a powerful human being.
That said, it is obvious that in coping with stress and dealing with depressive situations, one should make every step to think positively as perhaps the first weapon to combat negative challenges.
Friends, everything starts with a thought.
Moreover, thoughts have the innate ability of phenomenally materializing into what it is that is projected in your mind. Consequently, it will be safe to say we should all make attempts to change our mental habits to belief instead of disbelief as much as possible. This of course will be most paramount when seeking ways to overcoming depression.
Characterized by feelings of worthlessness, doubt, pessimism, if we allow depressive thoughts to constantly permeate our minds, they could actually gain the ability to diffuse into our speech and actions and consequently could aggravate the very situations and challenges one is facing that may be causing depressive thoughts in the first place.
When dealing with problems arising from depression, the famous psychologist-William James has this cryptic quote to say: “Our belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking or challenging situation is the one thing that insures a successful outcome at the end”
This reminds me of another powerful verse in the Bible found in Mark 4 verse 23: “If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes”.
Combining the gist and effect of both quotes, one can see that it is imperative to believe in and expect the best in any situation one may be going through. In so doing you will bring everything into the realm of possibility and success.
In no way does this mean that we should sit back and just expect things to miraculously change. It means we must change our thought processes about our situations first, perform the actions that will lead us to and keep us on the path to success at overcoming our challenges and as words, thoughts and actions have an effect on each other as factors, one is also advised to constantly speak positively about what challenges one may be facing.
Combining all three factors will greatly help in making sure each component (most importantly our thoughts) remains positively tuned towards overcoming our depression.
My friends, although it may not always be an easy journey to overcome our challenges, I would like you to remember this quote as well “Life’s problems are like knives, which either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle: Grasp a difficulty or problem by the blade and it cuts; grasp it by the handle and you can use it constructively”
Take the quote above into consideration and keep it in mind my friend as THE reason to constantly have faith and to hope for the best when it comes to dealing with depression. It is perhaps the one thing that will ensure success at the end.
NEXT ARTICLE
Root Causes And General Symptoms Of Depression
About 7% of the US population is suffering from depression that needs medical attention. The number of people who have suffered at one time or another in their life from depression is about three times as high. According to the World Health Organization women are two to three times as likely to develop a depression than are men.
Medical scientists believe that the tendency for depression is at least in part caused by hereditary factors. People who have gone through a bout of depression once have a higher risk of falling ill again.
Depression can me treated successfully with a combination of drugs and psychotherapy.
Doctors suspect that certain neurotransmitters (chemical agents that carry nerve signals) like serotonin and noradrenalin aren’t working as efficiently in a sick person as in a healthy person. The reasons for this deficiency aren’t known, but it is believed than genes and hereditary factors play an important role. Drugs that combat depression do it by ‘helping’ serotonin and noradrenalin to do their job more effectively in the brain.
It is usually, but not always, very difficult and painful events in a person’s life that trigger depressive episodes. With the use of psychotherapy the doctor tries to help the patient to work through those events or help him or her to avoid them altogether.
Types of Depressions
1. Unipolar Depression. This is the most common form of depression. It’s called unipolar because the patient is ‘only’ depressed, but not manic-depressive. Main symptoms are feeling very low in the morning, waking up very early, insomniac tendencies and feeling depressed.
2. Bipolar Affective Depression. As opposed to the unipolar depression the bipolar depression is marked by depressive and maniacal phases. Patients suffering from it are delusional about their own capacities and may, for example, work day and nights for weeks on end without feeling exhausted.
3. Winter Depression. It’s also called the seasonal depression, since it occurs usually at the onset of autumn or winter and disappears with the coming of spring. This form of depression therefore only lasts up to 5 or 6 months. The most common symptom is the lack of physical energy, not the feeling of being depressed per se.
4. Some prescription drugs may cause depression, like those with a high element of cortisone, contraceptive products like the pill and drugs combating heart disease (beta blockers).
It’s natural to feel low sometimes, but it is different from a depression. In most cases it is easy to distinguish between simple mood changes, even if they come in rapid succession and a disease like depression.
There is not always an outside event that triggers the onset of a depression. That’s why it is so difficult to understand not only for the patient but for his or her relatives as well. They definitely suffer through and with the sick person. Since there is no apparent identifiable catastrophe that can explain the mood swings of the patient, he or she very often stretches the patience of those around him or her to the limit.
The most common symptoms are: feeling generally very low, a pronounced lack of interest in normal activities like sports or socializing, loss of appetite and loss of weight (in some cases increased appetite and weight gain), the inability to sleep well (insomnia), loss of concentration, indecisiveness, diminished sexual desire, general exhaustion and lack of energy, obsessive thinking about death, suicidal tendencies and suicide attempts.
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Depression – It Can Affect Everyone
There are different types of depression. The three most common types are major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder. Major depression is a combination of symptoms. Having major depression will affect your everyday life such as working, sleeping and eating. Dysthymia is a less severe form of depression. It involve long-term chromic symptoms, however they are not disabling like major depression. It will keep them from feeling good. People with dysthymia can suffer from an episode of major depression.
Bipolar disorder is sometimes called manic-depressive disorder. Bipolar is characterized by cycling mood changes. Severe highs are called mania or manic. And lows are depression. Sometimes the cycle changes are dramatic and rapid. Most of the time the cycle is gradual. When in the depression cycle, a person can get most symptoms of major depression. When they cycle to mania, they will often have lots of energy, be very talkative and overactive. Mania can affect judgment and social behavior. This may cause serious problems and lead to embarrassment. If the mania is untreated it can worsen to a psychotic state.
Depression can be inherited. It often runs in families. The question is, is it inherited genetically or learned behavior. Depression can occur in somebody who has no family. Bipolar studies have shown that families, whose members of each generation develop bipolar, that those with illness have a different genetic makeup than those who do not become ill with the disorder. Whether the depression disorder is inherited or not, depression is associated with the changes in the brain structure and or brain function.
Women have been known to experience depression more often that men. For women many hormonal factors contribute to the higher rate of depression. Especially during menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, post partum and menopause. Also environmental stress factors such as single parenthood, caring for children and aging parents.
Men are less likely to develop depression, however men are more likely to deny that they are depressed and unfortunately doctors are less likely to suspect it. The rate of suicide is higher in men, but more women attempt suicide. The rate of suicide increases in men around the age of 70 and peaks after the age of 85. Depression in men may often be masked by the use of alcohol or drugs. They may work extremely long hours. If a man realizes he is in depression he is more unlikely to seek help for treatment.
Some symptoms of depression are sad, anxious, feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism, loss of interest in pleasurable hobbies, fatigue, hard time concentrating, insomnia or oversleeping, weight gain or loss, thoughts of suicide and persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, like headaches, chronic pain, and digestive disorders.
Here are some examples of mania; excessive happiness, unusual irritability, lack of need for sleep, increased talking, racing thoughts, increased sexual desire, a big increase in energy, poor judgment and inappropriate behavior.
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Overcoming Depression with a Child’s Heart
Go face the worries of the day
With a child’s heart
Turn each problem into play
No need to worry no need to fear
Just being alive makes it all so very clear”
Although this is no way is a pro-Jackson article, this is actually an excerpt from a personal Jackson 5 favorite entitled ‘With a Child’s Heart’
Sung by a pre-adolescent Michael Jackson, the words of this song made such an impact on me most recently when I played the CD a few days back.
The lyrics of the song reminded me of what the renowned psychologist: Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, once stated in his book- that children are indeed the group of humans who ironically are most gifted in the art of faith and positive thinking.
These are two essentials for overcoming depression, and it is no co-incidence that they are abundant in a child’s heart.
Children are more expert in happiness and faith than adults and indeed the adult who can carry the spirit of a child into middle and old age is truly a genius. Why?
Well this is quite simply because such an adult will preserve the happy and carefree spirit that only the young seem to be endowed with and this of course will be vital and necessary for dealing with depression and problems and keeping their effects on us minimized.
The subtlety and wisdom of Jesus Christ is truly remarkable.
When it comes to dealing with depression (or dealing with life, period-the good and the bad of it), He suggests that one should have a childlike heart and mind.
In other words, have you ever noticed how a kid believes mom’s kiss actually made the pain of a bicycle fall go away, well that same childlike faith is actually what God requires of us in believing that what He says He’ll do for us will come to pass.
Now, in regards to overcoming depression, it is clear to see that approaching our problems with a childlike yet powerful faith that things will be better would make a huge difference in our situations and circumstances.
This doesn’t mean that no work will be required of us on our part, remember
“faith without works is dead,” (James 2:26). However, it is the believing that what we are doing to make things better in addition to trusting what God says about our situations and challenges that would make the difference.
Just like a child will ask a parent for help on how to do something and totally rely on the parent’s instruction to get it done, it is very much the same way that we have to accept and follow God’s advice and help in order to deal with our problems and challenges in life.
A young Jackson ends the song above soulfully stating that
“With a child’s heart, nothing is gonna get me down!”
Indeed with the childlike faith in God and His promises and a childlike obedience to do as instructed by a wiser Being, nothing: not depression, not life’s problems can get us down.
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Cymbalta Fibromyalgia Treatments For Depression
It is important to note that Cymbalta is not approved for the treatment of Fibromyalgia, but studies have found that it could be beneficial in depression. Because it is thought to help treat depression, which is often the result of a chronic illness, some experts believe that there are benefits that coincide with this illness and a Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatment.
Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatments can cause various side effects with the most common being nausea, constipation, dry mouth, decreased appetite, etc. Cymbalta is not for everyone, especially to those who are allergic to it’s ingredients. In addition, individuals with liver or kidney problems, have been diagnosed with glaucoma or consume large amounts of alcohol should speak with their physician prior to taking Cymbalta. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Cymbalta and should make their physician aware of any conditions prior to accepting any type of prescription.
Prior to accepting any type of prescription medication, individuals must make sure that their physician is made fully aware of any medicines that are currently being consumed and/or any current illnesses. In order to safely provide treatments, a physician must be made fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the patient’s health.
Patients who are being treated for depression should be monitored closely in order to ensure that the depression does not worsen or become increasingly dangerous to the patient. Individuals who are severely depressed may require hospitalization and extended care beyond that which a prescription-based medicine can offer. Anyone who feels that their depression is worsening should consult their physician for a proper diagnosis and a recommended treatment course.
The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Anyone with questions regarding a Cymbalta Fibromyalgia treatment must consult their physician for further information.
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Discovery Channel to Feature Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Treat Depresssion
The Discovery Health Channel segment will also include an interview with Charles Conway, M.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at St. Louis University Hospital and lead study investigator for the clinical trial. Dr. Conway will explain this 90-minute outpatient procedure and how vagus nerve stimulation favorably modulates those key areas of the brain responsible for mood and depression in a more robust way than traditional antidepressants.
The clinical trial that I became became a part of was to determine if vagus nerve stimulation would help those suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). I was one of 200 patients from 20 different hospitals throughout the United States who participated in this trial. The average patient in the study had suffered lifetime depression for 25 years. Unlike most standard clinical trials, for a patient to be considered as a study subject for this trial, they had to have failed to adequately respond to all legally available antidepressants. The patients (including me) who were enrolled for this trial had the severest cases of TRD and were deemed the most difficult to treat.
On April 4, 2001, I had the vagus nerve stimulator implanted in my upper left chest. Over the course of several months, with preset stimulation to his left vagus nerve, I went from seeing no hope of anything good happening to him in the future to being only occasionally pessimistic about his future, believing that for the most part things would get better. Gradually he began to have an optimistic view of his future, and now he says his life is normal, full of joy and genuine happiness.
I know that both patients and family members will find the segment educational about vagus nerve stimulation therapy for depression.
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Depression And Clinical Depression
The understanding of depression and the recognition that it was, in fact, a serious mental condition, has brought about many opinions and researchers to try and discover more about the causes for depression and the ways to try and combat it. the modern ago, with psychoanalysis science and psychological research has discovered much about the human mind and spirit, and one of the most significant processes were the discovery of mental conditions that do not constitute a state of permanent mental disorder, these diseases were actually more like viruses, almost anyone had the unfortunate statistical chance of “catching” it, and everyone needed to know more about it so they could try and avoid it.
Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people throughout the world. Also known as major depression disorder, clinical depression is experienced by various types of people in many different walks of life. Although most people experience a few terms of sadness throughout their lives, clinical depression is more than just a case of the “blues”, it is much more like a crashing force that does not let the person suffering from it to function properly, and sometimes even not function at all.
It is estimated that clinical depression affects about sixteen percent of the world population. Imagine people suffering form depression 200 years ago, even 500 years ago, without proper understanding of this condition, many people throughout history have been outcastes and rejected from society just because of a case of depression.
According to most studies, the average onset of a typical case occurs in the late 20s. Gender also plays a role; nearly twice as many females as males report or receive treatment for depression, though this difference seems to shrink after women reach the age of fifty, when most females have gone through menopause. Depression is currently the leading cause of disability in the United States and is expected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide in the next twenty years or so.
If you have ever seen a person that suffers from depression you are surely aware of the dangers or having this condition, life, with all its wonderful attributes is covered, and all that remains to a person with depression is the empty feeling of sadness, something this person can not just “snap out of”, even for a second, depression is a very serious thing, and we should all try to and know more about it.
There are many different signs and symptoms of depression. Some of these may include an overwhelming feeling of loss, anxiety, or pessimism, a rapid gain or loss in weight, disturbances in sleep patterns, fatigue, self-harm, and suicidal tendencies. It is advised that if you, or anyone you know, is experiencing these symptoms or symptoms similar to these, you should contact a mental health professional or support group. They may be able to help.
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Millions of people who are suffering from depression are currently taking antidepressant medication in an attempt to battle the condition. Oftentimes, doctors are quick to prescribe the medication — in fact, many times, it’s the first thing they do after diagnosing a patient.
One of the keys to understanding and treating depression is understanding what antidepressants really do: they tackle the symptoms of depression, not the roots. In many cases, psychotherapy and behavioral therapy are much more effective in treating depression and preventing relapse than medication is. Antidepressants can be useful, especially in cases where the symptoms are so intense that it prevents the patient from receiving any other kind of treatment. But even in those cases where major depression treatment is needed, antidepressants alone are rarely enough to permanently battle the condition — they are just an effective way to temporarily relieve the patient’s symptoms enough to allow him/her to receive proper treatment.
Antidepressants are used to treat chemical imbalance in the brain, but what many do not realize is that the chemical imbalance is usually a symptom of depression and not the cause. Even when treating the symptoms, antidepressants can be highly unpredictable. In one third of the cases, the medication is effective; in one third, it is partially effective, and in the remaining third, it is not effective at all. In many cases, even when the medication is working, the side effects are so unpleasant that the patient elects to stop using it. Also, antidepressants are not meant to be taken permanently. When a patient stops taking them, he/she is likely to relapse.
Depression is often better combated without any medication at all. Psychological treatment methods for depression — especially certain kinds of psychotherapy — have proven highly effective in treating the condition permanently. Good counseling will break down each patient’s cycle of depression and help the patient identify unhealthy behaviors or thinking patterns and teach him/her how to change them. If there is a particular event that triggered the depression, counseling can help the patient work through that as well.
Some herbal remedies can be a good complement to therapy by helping to naturally relieve some of the symptoms of depression. St. John’s Wort is generally considered to be one of the most potent natural remedies for depression, and is so effective that it outsells prescription medications in some markets. Other popular choices for treating depression naturally include ginko biloba and passion flower.
In all cases, depression should be treated with the help of a professional. However, the more responsibility you take for learning about your condition, the better you’ll understand your options, and the more participation you’ll have in deciding which treatment is best for you. Remember to allow time for whichever treatment option you choose to take effect, and to speak up if you are uncomfortable. Eventually, you will find your path to better health.