Depression Treatment - Some Easy Ways to Beat Depression

As many as 1 in 10 people suffer from depression within the period of a year, and a third of those people don't seek treatment. For those who do seek professional help, there is a high success rate and many people start to feel better within weeks. If, however, you are one of the people who doesn't have access to medication or counseling services, here are some tips to help you feel better about yourself and to start managing depression.

There are steps you can take to try and handle depression yourself. Maybe you can't afford professional treatment, or you just can't face going to see somebody about your problems. While it is advised that you seek treatment if your condition worsens or you experience feelings of wanting to harm yourself or others, there are some self-help remedies you can try for yourself to treat mild depression.

Establishing a healthy routine of eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep every night can make a huge difference. The body needs at least eight hours of sleep to re-energize itself, but a lot of people get only 5-6 hours of sleep each night. Making sure that your body is getting the rest that it needs is one of the first steps you can take while managing depression or bouts of feeling low. Set a bed time for yourself and leave yourself enough time to get at least eight hours of sleep, and you should start to see a difference. Eating healthily can also help to refresh the body and mind. Take a look at your diet and find out if there are any changes that you can make to eat healthier.

Regular exercise is another good way to effectively treat mild depression. Going for a regular walk or run can not only have a positive effect on your body and overall physical health, but it's a good way to clear your head and refresh the mind. Incorporate some light exercise into your routine to help you in terms of managing depression.

Surrounding yourself with people who have a positive influence on your life is another big step to take. Erasing negativity and spending time with those who make you feel good and who you enjoy being around can really boost your mood and help you get a handle on your depression. Make a conscious effort to surround yourself with a supportive group of family and friends who understand what you're going through and will be there for you during rough phases.

Listening to music can also help treat mild depression. Make a playlist of songs that inspire you, or make you happy, and listen to them on a regular basis. Music is a powerful tool and has the ability to evoke emotion more than any other art form. Connecting with artists or specific songs that speak to you and motivate you is another good step to managing depression. Avoid songs with deep lyrics that may upset you, and focus on the other end of the spectrum. Listen to upbeat music with lyrics that drive you to be the best that you can be.

Managing depression is not an easy thing, and if you find yourself feeling worse, or having feelings of self-harm or suicide, it is important that you seek help from a professional. The above guidelines will not cure clinical depression and are only tips to help treat mild depression from home.

Stress and Your Health - How Does It Affect You?

You know how that feels. That pit in your stomach, chewing on your fingernails, and maybe the inability to concentrate or experiencing unusual forgetfulness? The headaches, muscle tension, and anxiety? Well, take a deep breath. Literally. It might just be the very thing you need.

Stress, what can be the culprit of many of these behaviors, can take a heavy toll on our body - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Interestingly enough, these reactions originate in the way we are hard wired. That is to say, our body is actually wired to react to stress. If we were living a century ago it would really work for our benefit - quickly running away from a threat, heightening our senses on a hunt, etc. But life today doesn't require our "fight or flight" system (what this process is called) to engage very often, at least not for actual survival.

That is not to say that our lifestyle doesn't create its own level of stress. Things like being responsible for a heavy load at work, dealing with a chronic illness, making ends meet, taking care of our families, driving in rush hour, and shopping in and dealing with the crowds at the holidays can all be very stressful events. Dealing with events such as these can make you feel edgy, defensive, tired, or feel like you are constantly under attack. This is what causes that pit in your stomach and the gnawing at your poor fingernails. But, do you want to know the good news? Psst... It doesn't have to be that way, and you don't have to feel that way. There are things that can be done to cope with the stress, lessen the toll it takes on our body, mind, and emotions, and even use it to our advantage.

Your fight or flight system kicks in when you feel you are under attack - perhaps a car just pulled out in front of you and you had to slam on your breaks. Maybe you were walking and a dog came after you, or you received a phone call with upsetting news. When this happens, a couple things take place.

First of all, adrenaline is released into your blood. Adrenaline is that chemical that increases your heart rate, dilates your blood vessels in order to more quickly supply your body with the elements it needs to survive, and boosts your energy. (This might explain your sweaty brow.) Second, cortisol is released into your body, directly increasing the available sugars in your blood, availability of sugars to your brain, and creates a shunt to supply "energy" toward lifesaving functions. This is all perfect, IF you are really in a fight or flight situation.

Cortisol does a few more things, as well. It slows your digestive and reproductive systems, alters your immune system, and can even slow the growth process. In your brain, it can also affect the areas that contribute to mood, motivation, and anxiety (or fear).

This is where the importance lies in learning to control our stress levels. Left unchecked, stress can, essentially, become our enemy, creating a whirlwind of events and a cycle in our life that is hard to escape. This cycle of stress can lead to headaches, sleeping problems, increased blood pressure, and chest pain. Not to mention a poor outlook and perspective, decreased energy, depression, and heightened mood swings.

So what can we do to help? There must be something that can aid us in retaining that "peace of mind" that a low stress lifestyle offers. Actually, there are many things. Let's just review a few to start.

Eat a healthy diet - all the nutrients you need can be found in whole foods. Include them heavily into your diet. Make their consumption a regular thing, a lifestyle. These phytochemicals aid reducing inflammation and fatigue, increasing your immune system, and creating healthy blood glucose levels, among other things.

Exercise - it helps. Walking is a great place to start, and a fantastic place to stay. Increasing the delivery of oxygen to tissues, elevating dopamine levels in your brain, and engaging muscles from your head to your toes, this form of exercise is incredible for losing weight, maintaining weight, increasing energy levels, and helping you feel good all over.
Get plenty of rest - don't skimp on this! Your sleep is important in helping your "think straight", reducing fatigue on your organs, and increasing your energy levels (so you can go on a walk).

Nurture healthy relationships - this is satisfying on many levels. Emotionally, it helps us "connect" to others. This aids in our emotional development and maintenance, and feeds our need for love and friendship, which help our mental status.
Have physical contact with others several times per day - Did you know we need nine points of contact daily? Hugs, hand shaking, resting a hand on someone else's shoulder, etc should be done at least nine times per day to help establish and maintain a healthy emotional status. (Believe it or not, this reduces stress levels)

Practice relaxation techniques - breathe slow and deep several time per day for a few minutes at a time, if that is all you can do. Slowing the breathing regulates your heart rate, dilates your blood vessels, and increases dopamine release. It also aids in reducing cortisol levels.

Have a sense of humor - laughter physically changes our body and our mind. Laugh out loud as often as you can. Be silly. Play. A few minutes of laughter goes a long way.

Seek professional help, if needed - the help of a trained professional can benefit you in many ways, if nothing more than prioritizing, creating perspective, and problem solving. It sounds so simple, but can be so difficult. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Learning to cope with stress is beneficial in countless ways. It will improve your life NOW, and may even extend your life LATER. So, breathe.

Stop Suffering From Panic Attacks With These Tips

Panic attacks can be very crippling when there's enough in life that you have to deal with. If you have to deal with stresses from work, family and more, then it seems that you are emotionally overloaded with panic. You don't have to feel this way forever. The tips below can help you with your panic attacks.

Be thankful for your attacks! They give you a great opportunity to use the energy they build up to get something accomplished, like finishing a chore or repair around the house. Take the time to do something you enjoy like playing a sport or a video game. Make a panic attack a positive situation and you'll end up looking forward to them!

Battling with yourself in your mind when you're having a panic attack about what is right or wrong isn't going to make you feel any better. Instead, pretend you're talking to your doctor or a family member about the situation. Think how they would rationally respond to your problems, and then take their advice.

If you take medicine to help with your anxiety, is important that you do not stop taking your medicine because you think that you are cured. If you do this, you may revert back to your old anxious ways. Try to follow through to the end of your medication period.

When suffering from a these attacks it is important to control your breathing. Many people find that their breathing becomes very rapid. You should take deep, slow breaths when you feel a panic attack approaching. This can help to lessen the intensity of your attacks and make it more tolerable.

When experiencing a the attacks you should use deep breathing techniques, but not for too long at one time. Do ten deep breaths and then wait ten minutes before you start again. Spacing them out will help to keep your body relaxed and the attack away for the rest of the day.

Beware of books, CDs or other resources that promise to help you get rid of these attacks. Many of these resources are just scams that take people's money, but do nothing to help them out. Use the internet to find reviews on any products that you are thinking of purchasing.

Dealing with panic attacks on top of just trying to survive a day, for various reasons, can seem like a never-ending struggle. It doesn't help that sometimes you beat that struggle and sometimes you do not. The tips in this article have helped others with their attacks and they can help you also.

Take Control Of Panic Attacks With Simple Advice

Panic attacks are terrible things. They make everything seem so much worse than they actually are. They are terrible to live and deal with, on a daily basis. There is help available though, so don't worry. The words in this article contain some useful information that can help you treat your panic attacks.

When you have a panic attack it can be hard to stay positive, but it's important to literally expect the best to happen. Expect that it will end quickly, that you'll come out unharmed (you always do!), and that you'll be able to work on your triggers so it doesn't happen again. This small shift in thinking can be enough to get you through a little more easily.

Getting some fresh air may be just what you need when you are suffering from a attacks. The fresh air helps reduce your symptoms and help you to relax. If you feel like you are up to it, you could even try going for a walk or a run.

A key to dealing with panic attacks is patience. You must have patience that the attack will end, and that you will find techniques which can help you to avoid the panic attacks entirely. You'll figure out your triggers and then strategies to avoid them. It's just about identifying triggers, formulating a plan, putting in the effort and waiting for your plan to work.

Drugs like marijuana are not helpful for treating these attacks. The only effect that drugs will have in your body is that it will cause dependency. In fact, some studies suggest that people who have attacks are most likely to get them when they are on drugs, especially marijuana.

Treat your panic and anxiety naturally. Herbal remedies can be very effective in helping to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and panic. Chamomile tea has a very calming effect on the body. There are a number of over the counter remedies available - look for something containing passion flower, valerian, lavender and skullcap.

Find successful diversion tactics when you feel a panic attack coming on. Tactics can range from getting up and walking around to grabbing a healthy snack to distract yourself from the physical symptoms. The key is to distract yourself from the feelings you are experiencing, which will either reduce the severity of or prevent the attack.

Since you already know how bad panic attacks can be to deal with on a daily basis, are you ready to deal with them? Are you ready to experience relief from those attacks that leave you scared, worried, and vulnerable? Then you need to take the advice above and start looking for a treatment for your condition.

How To Overcome Depression: What Are Amino Acids?

As suggested in the title the amino acids we are interested in are those which will help us understand how to overcome depression. Specifically, the ones we will focus on are sulphur containing amino acids as well as tryptophan.

What are amino acids anyway?

Amino acids are what proteins are made of. To put that into context, they are the basic building blocks of life and make up about 3/4's of our physique. The presence of the right amino acids and the proteins built from them is essential for every chemical reaction that takes place in our bodies.

Just about every bodily function is dependent on amino acids. Some of them are essential, which means that our bodies cannot produce them. Hence, if we don't get them in a bioavailable form from what we eat we will suffer dysfunction of one form or another.

In understanding how to overcome depression the most important amino acids are the sulfur containing amino acids, methionine, cysteine and cystine, as well as the aforementioned tryptophan. Methionine and tryptophan are essential and the other two are only in certain cases.

Let's begin with tryptophan, which is a precursor of serotonin the "feel good" hormone. A precursor is a compound, which is essential to a chemical reaction which produces another compound. Serotonin, as I mentioned in a previous article on how to overcome depression, is what most of the currently popular antidepressant drugs attempt to emulate.

Tryptophan is commonly found in protein based foods and a well balanced diet should provide sufficient quantities. To make use of the tryptophan the diet must include methionine and, for some, cysteine as these amino acids are essential for neuronal connectivity.

All three of these amino acids work synergistically to facilitate transporting the hormone serotonin across the blood-brain barrier. This is, in fact, the massive challenge pharmaceutical companies have in producing drugs to alleviate symptoms of depression.

In order for their drugs to get across the blood-brain barrier they must be designed to circumvent the natural processes designed to protect our most important organ! This, in my opinion, is why they often can produce such horrendous side effects.

Regular exercise has always been an effective way to combat depression. This has not only been clinically proven but research has uncovered why and how. Ironically, many depressed patients are prescribed selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRI's), which I have written about previously.

The problem is that they have been shown to cause fatigue, which leads to inactivity. Just as sure as exercise alleviates depression, inactivity leads to it. Studies to remedy this problem have led researchers to discover that physical exercise improves dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmission.

These two hormones naturally produced by our bodies and improved by exercise, act much the same way as the aforementioned amino acids in transporting the serotonin across the blood-brain barrier. Researchers have further hypothesized that the effect is reciprocal.

Which means to say that improved transmission of dopamine and norepinephrine, in turn, enhances both the ability and motivation to exercise. This is not only a classical example of your "win-win" situation it is also a remarkable demonstration of the vast superiority of natural methods over manufactured drugs.

Let's face it some depression, shall we call it "psychological depression," is natural. It is nature's way of dealing with traumatic events like the loss of a loved one. If these depressive events have no underlying nutritional cause they generally dissipate with time. Of course, the length of time differs with personalities and severity of the event.

On the other hand persistent "non- psychological depression" may well be caused by a lack of essential nutrients. My first recommendation is always aimed at natural solutions usually through diet and exercise. I am aware that not everybody can find the time for or stay motivated to regular exercise.

After a significant amount of research into how the corporatization of the food industry has affected our diet and health I concede that it is a major and time intensive challenge to ensure a well balanced diet these days.

Even though tryptophan is so common in both animal and vegetable based protein foods, natural tryptophan supplements are found beneficial by the vast majority of people who take them. This clearly demonstrates there are some essential elements missing in our nutrition or lifestyles or perhaps both.

On the other hand the sulfur containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine have their best source in meat and egg yolks. Due to media induced fear of cholesterol many people avoid these foods. If you fear there is not sufficient of these in your diet, supplements of methionine and cysteine are also available.

A Brief Overview of Depression

Depression is an extremely common mood disorder. In fact, when used in combination with anxiety, depression is the most frequent emotional disorder in England - experienced by nearly 10 percent of the country's population (according to The Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2009).

The reason why depression and anxiety are typically put together in surveys and investigations like this is because anxiety can be systematic of depression. That is to say, that those diagnosed with depression may sometime display a tendency towards bouts of anxiety such as panic attacks.

With that said, depression may conversely be classed as a manifestation of a panic or anxiety disorder. As you can imagine, this can subsequently make diagnosis difficult. In addition, the range of indicators pertaining to depression is very long and arguably obscure. By way of example, symptoms may include sleep issues, feeling wretched and teary, poor self image, short temperedness, lack of sex drive and weight loss or weight gain.

However, we all experience a number of these problems during our lifetime. Would this imply that all of us are depressed? Leading on from this, when is it advisable consult a doctor? These are all legitimate questions. After all, how many times have you thought or even said aloud, "I feel depressed." And yet feeling depressed and suffering from clinical depression are not the same thing.

So where does the distinction lie and what should you do if you think you might be suffering from depression? Well, first of all, you should calculate the frequency with which you truly feel these negative emotions. For instance, feeling teary-eyed from time to time is not unusual. However, if you were to suffer from several of these symptoms consistently over a two week period, then it would be advisable to seek a consultation your GP.

The ideal method for how your depression is targeted will differ with respect to its seriousness. Just like the signs and symptoms of depression, you cannot pinpoint one absolute root cause of depression. There's some mounting belief of an inherited basis to manic depression (also known as bi-polar disorder). However, this is not really the case with the depression that we're examining in this article. Having said that, if there's a family history of depression then the probability that you too will suffer from depression increases.

Further triggers for depression may include a sudden or unexpected shake-up to your everyday life. To illustrate, a relationship breakdown, house move or even starting a new job can potentially play a role in the development of symptoms. There are, of course, other ways in which depression can manifest itself, that aren't related to such "life events". For instance, in a number of situations, drug use and even prescription drugs can lead to depression. In addition, there's been a connection proven regarding food and frame of mind, which implies that the foods you eat could impact on levels of depression - a connection wittingly dubbed "food and mood". In a similar vein, there has been a link established through mood and exercise, which has long been said to raise endorphin levels. These can produce feelings of a euphoric high in the participant, thereby suggesting that exercise can, to a certain degree, be a way to stave off depression.

Once you have sought help, you doctor should provide you with an assessment into your state of mind. Your analysis ought to take note of your past health and not just your ongoing wellbeing. From this point your doctor should offer you proper treatment as best fits your type of depression. Truth be told, anti-depressants have become the most commonly provided form of treatment, primarily selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Although their overall performance is shown as clinically significant when relieving more extreme kinds of depression, there are a lot of non-medicated treatments which have been rising in popularity for treating more generalised types of depression. These include group therapy and cognitive therapy (CBT), which provides a way of breaking down major issues into smaller problems and talking through them.

Good Health From Giving

The holidays weren't always considered a time of magic and celebration for me. For many years, they were nothing more than six weeks of trying to cope with the depression that always accompanied the revelry. My father died on Thanksgiving, so every year as the mild autumn air turned bitter, so did my mood as I focused on the losses this time of year represented.

One year, a friend suggested I do volunteer work during the holiday season to take my mind away my woes. I called the local children's hospital and signed up to volunteer twice a week. On my first day after the orientation, I was given a guided tour of the hospital and the patients' rooms. The hospital was enchantingly decorated with tinsel and Christmas trees, shrouding the sadness that lay behind the stark white walls. I went into a room where an elderly lady was rocking a sickly newborn to sleep, sweetly singing a soft lullaby. I then proceeded onto the cancer ward where I played checkers and read to the dying children. When my shift was over, I sat in my car, catching my breath, sobbing with my head resting on the steering wheel. I wasn't crying over the grief I normally felt during what was supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, or even for the sick children. I was crying because for the first time in my life, I truly understood what the holidays were all about.

We've all been told it's better to give than to receive, but there are actual health benefits to this declaration, and in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years, many of us let our health go. As blissful a time the holidays are, they can also compound us with stress. We eat too much, drink too much, shop too much and get too little sleep and exercise. The pressure to feel joyous when all you want to do is curl in a blanket and drink a cup of tea can leave even the most festive person in a state of fatigue. And for those who are unable to be with their loved ones, the grief can sometimes be unbearable.

Volunteering has a positive impact on a community, but it also has a positive impact on the self. The Corporation of National and Community Service published a review on The Health Benefits of Volunteering. This study found that volunteers reported lower rates of stress and depression and received a greater sense of self-worth and trust. The review also found many other physical and mental health benefits for volunteers, such a more developed sense of empathy and greater cognitive development, especially in seniors over the age of 65.

I now make it my yearly tradition to immerse myself in volunteer work during the holidays. Since I've adopted this practice, I don't get caught up in the obligatory celebrations (although I do occasionally indulge) or the materialism. I've learned to appreciate the high spirits of the season and those six week of what used to be torment have now become my favorite time of year. There are a multitude of volunteer opportunities in every city and every town since there are always people in need.

Overcoming the Persecutor, Depression

There is a great persecution that has overwhelmed and perplexed many well-intentioned people through history. It is not so much a persecution of people against people, though it occasionally takes place like that. This persecution is a persecution of the mind, of the heart, to the portents of the soul. This persecution has afflicted many of the greatest Biblical characters, including Moses, Elijah, Jonah, and Jeremiah, and more.

Understanding the method of this persecution is important in understanding how we can overcome it. Let us centre ourselves, now, in this grandest (so far as depression is concerned) of Jesus' truth:

In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!
~John 16:33b (NRSV)

THE PROBLEM

Depression is so vast a topic we cannot do justice to it in such a small piece as this. Bearing serious limitations in mind, we do well to never underestimate the size and variation and manifestation of this persecution.

We can understand, in some ways truthfully, that this persecution of depression is brought about by a persecutor. This enemy of our souls will afflict us, and most people who have grown through spiritual transformation have been so afflicted.

Now, the problem in depression as a persecution is very much aligned to the solution.

This way, God conquers the devil.

APPROACHING THE UNDERSTANDING OF GOD

What the enemy doesn't factor in, in our persecution manifest via depression, is, within our struggles, God is ever nearer.

The Gospel beauty is sustained in the fact:

The more we are defeated in our own strength,
the more likely we become broken enough to depend on God's strength alone.

Approaching the understanding of God is vital in understanding the nemesis of depression. Approaching the understanding of God is also vital in coming to believe our Saviour has already overcome for us. Approaching the understanding of God is accepting these truths and committing to instituting them within our belief structure. Then, the slow passage of improved spirituality and wellbeing begins and continues to take place.

HOW ARE WE TO OVERCOME?

This is the inevitable question: how are we to overcome?

The answer is either elusive or obvious. It's only elusive when we continue solely or still partially in our own strength. We will continue to wrestle with depression and it will exhaust us. But the answer is seen as obvious when we don't so much wrestle with depression, but we learn to rest, within the momentary peace-filled capacities God has given us.

We don't fight something we can't beat,
but we allow God to fight something Jesus has already beaten.

How are we to overcome? We don't. God has overcome for us. And the Holy Spirit will overcome our persecutions for us today, if we let him, through our obedient surrender.

When God is our god, we understand such a persecution can ultimately be conquered, but only through our surrendered obedience to rest in the LORD.

© 2012 S. J. Wickham.

How to Stop Being Depressed and Become a Happy Person

After mastering the dream language according to the scientific method of dream interpretation (discovered by Carl Jung) you are able to understand God's words in dreams. God's words are not empty like the false words of the hypocritical and ignorant world.

As a psychiatrist and psychologist, Jung didn't have a religious attitude after discovering that the wise unconscious mind (which produces our dreams) has a divine origin. I continued his work in order to complete his research based on my religiosity.

I recognized the depth of my ignorance, and the depth of my absurdity. I fell on my knees ashamed of my imperfect nature, concluding that I should be humble before God's wisdom.

Thanks to my attitude, I could continue Carl Jung's research and discover the origin of all mental illnesses. Today you know which steps you must follow in order to completely eliminate existing mental illnesses or prevent all mental illnesses once and for all.

Through dream translation you will understand that your depression is a logical consequence of the mistakes of the world. You are a victim of the cruel and absurd world.

At the same time, you will understand that your depression is a consequence of the mistakes you made in life because your conscience is one-sided and it must be developed. You are not using three of your four psychological functions (thoughts, feelings, sensations, and intuition) and you are either introverted or extroverted, while you must be both at the same time.

In a few words, you will understand that you are not as intelligent as you may imagine, and you are also quite insensitive. This is why you didn't make the right choices in life.

You were also bothered by many unexpected problems and difficult life conditions. If today you are depressed, this is an obvious consequence of the mistakes of the world, and also a consequence of your own mistakes.

How can you correct so many mistakes?

You will correct all mistakes, clarify your mind, and start feeling better thanks to the process of mind empowerment you'll pass through dream translation. This is a fast depression treatment based on divine wisdom.

Since you know that God exists because He produces your dreams, you must be able to understand that your life has another dimension. The importance of your life surpasses the limited period of time of your existence as a rational animal.

Through dream translation you will become more intelligent and at the same time, more sensitive. You'll understand many things you couldn't understand before. The importance of your spiritual reality will finally appear before your eyes. You will see that your life is a complex mystery.

You'll be able to see what exists behind the apparent reality.

This process of mind empowerment and spiritual evolution is very important because it gives you an extra power. You are able to read people's minds and predict the future. You understand the reasons why all problems are formed. You can see everyone's real face behind their hypocritical mask.

This vision is a big advantage. It gives you knowledge and solutions.

This vision helps you understand that your personal problems simply confirm the repetition of mistakes and sins that are common to the human race. Your case is not an exception.

You stop blaming yourself, and you stop blaming the world for your problems, exactly because you understand that there are too many problems everywhere. You are a victim of the cruel world and a victim of the absurdity you have inherited, but everybody else is a victim like you. Everyone's life biography is sad in many points, or from the beginning to the end. Therefore, you understand that you belong to a sad reality that must be transformed.

Those who are happy because they have a lot of money are in a very dangerous position. Their satanic anti-conscience takes advantage of their mistakes and sins to generate mental illnesses within their human conscience. They become neurotic, psychotic, or schizophrenic, without understanding that they are mentally ill. They justify their absurdity and their cruelty as if they had the right to be extravagant without being considered absurd, only because they are rich.

Nobody should desire to be in their position.

When you pay attention to all the details of your reality and you analyze their essence, you have a better vision of all the aspects that compose your reality. You stop thinking based on the narrow-minded concepts of the absurd modern civilization. You see the entire truth, and not only a part of the truth.

Then, you stop concentrating your attention on your pain and your personal problems, and you learn how to begin a new life. The wiser you become, better you understand how far from wisdom everyone around you really is, besides understanding how ignorant and absurd you used to be before. Therefore, you stop having the personality you used to have in the past, and you become another person.

After understanding your mistakes and the mistakes of the world, and after completely changing your behavior, you have the right to have another social image. This alternative gives you the freedom to begin everything again. You will begin a new life from the beginning, and you'll do everything the right way this time, because you will be wise.

This power will eliminate your depression and help you become stronger.

You have the right to begin a new life, and be totally different. You don't need to carry your past on your shoulders forever. You'll be a happy person because you'll have permanent mental health and wisdom.

You'll become a happy person because you'll solve your psychological problems, you'll learn how to protect yourself from the world, and you'll become a sensitive human being. Then, you'll begin a new life, far from the mistakes of the past. The more you'll improve yourself, better will everything be for you.

The ignorant, atheistic, and materialistic world doesn't believe in God and doesn't understand the importance of dreams, or the importance of our spiritual reality. However, you have to remember my lessons. I'm a very serious dream expert. I'm showing you the real dimension of dreams after meticulously studying all aspects about the meaning of dreams and their psychotherapeutical effect.

You can absolutely trust the dream messages because they come from God. They are not based on human suppositions. This is why you have exactly the dreams you must have in order to eliminate your anti-conscience and evolve.

Using Reflexology To Treat Depression

Although Depression is a mental illness it's effects can show in a variety of ways throughout your whole body, this could include stomach problems, headaches, and unexplained aches and pains, the list is endless. Often more disturbing to the person suffering from this illness though is the effect it has on their mental wellbeing. Depression will often alter the way a person thinks about them self, causing them to feel worthless, it will also affect their mood and their reaction to certain situations. All these symptoms can be hard to deal with, so seeking professional help is essential. Your doctor may recommend medication or counselling to help you deal with your depression, and if you feel these are suitable for you then give them a go. What your doctor won't often tell you though is that alternative therapies have also been shown to help depression sufferers.

Reflexology is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine belief that stimulating certain points on the foot can have an effect on the organs or other areas within the body. This is believed to be due to the fact that blockages can occur within the bodys systems, and by using reflexology these blockages can be broken down, ensuring the energy flow within the body is supporting all of the required functions.

When treating depression a reflexologist would focus on certain points within the foot, in particular the pituitary, thymus, pineal, thyroid and parathyroid glands. These areas are known to regulate our emotions and our mental well being, so will often not be functioning properly in someone with depression. These area's will be massaged deeply to break down the lactic acid build up and restore the proper function of the glands.

Whilst the therapist may focus mainly on these areas to help alleviate the mental symptoms of depression it is important that they carry out a full reflexology treatment as the physical symptoms will also need treating.

Your reflexologist will examine your feet, looking at their colour, appearance and condition to see if there is any underlying cause for your depression, they will then treat the areas they feel need attention.

Reflexology is generally a relaxing treatment, however different sensations can be felt when receiving a treatment, and if strong pressure is needed then it can be slightly uncomfortable, however if you are finding it too painful then tell your therapist, and they can adjust the pressure they use to suit you.

It is unlikely that reflexology alone will cure your depression, but it may help alleviate some of your symptoms, so is worth trying. You can also use reflexology at home as a self help method if you feel this would be suitable for you, as it can help you in times of distress.

What Does God Say About Depression?

Word association time: what's the first thing that comes to your mind when the word "depression" is raised? Many people have strong views on what depression is about, but what does God say on the subject? How might we know other than to delve into the Scriptures in determining what God has said, and continues to say?

Firstly, it needs to be said, as we plunge straight into the depths in experiencing the calamitous despair of depression, that serious questioning of our existence is palpable.

Even people who have never experienced depression have had depressed days. Our existence involves us in the emotions - and none of us escape.

Let's move on now to the Word of God - to times when the important biblical figures approached desperation and experienced despair:

Moses complained bitterly to the LORD, "If this is the way you are going to treat me, put me to death at once-if I have found favor in your sight-and do not let me see my misery."
~Numbers 11:15 (NRSV)

For Moses, in that situation and headspace, to be put to death would have been a blessing.

But, are we even supposed to speak to God like this? Are we to judge our own lives? Are we to wish for our own deaths?

We may undo our devotion to God by doubting that life can take us in this direction, where we might meet a destination-of-soul beyond sense.

God wants us to be more realistic than that. When we are not so nave as to put ourselves beyond wishing it all away, we actually appreciate life a whole lot more. If characters like Moses and Job and Elijah all entertained their deaths - in the starkness of depression - we will too. It's nothing to be ashamed of.

Then we may come to a time when our depression has come because of an external threat. Fear has induced our depression. Everyone gets scared. Even a brilliant and brave prophet in Elijah was once in fear for his life:

"But Elijah [having received the death threat from Jezebel] went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: 'It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors'."
~1 Kings 19:4 (NRSV)

Added to his fear was a sense of sheer disappointment at having let down God. Elijah was burned out, lonely, and seems to have lost his sense of purpose. But God encouraged Elijah by appearing before him; in "sheer silence." (1 Kings 19:12)

Experiences of God's Presence are without doubt encouraging and revelatory.

***

But as we vacillate out of despair, reclaiming our energy for yet another hour, we might move from fatigue back into a place of bitter complaint.

Irritation and Agitation are close cousins within the family of Depression; just like Depression and Grief are long-lost siblings, and with them, Anxiety.

In depression, complaint is never too far away.

THE VERACITY OF BITTER COMPLAINT

We have all had desperately unfair times like these where Job was heard to say:

"I loathe my life;
I will give free utterance to my complaint;
I will speak in the bitterness of my soul."
~Job 10:1 (NRSV)

It was bad enough that Job had lost his family, all his possessions, and had been afflicted by a painful skin disease. Now what makes matters worse is the antagonism in his 'friends'.

We can deal with all sorts of challenges when we are afflicted with the support of empathy; of a listening ear; of just plain understanding.

But when we have no support, whilst we are in the presence of circumstances that have betrayed us, how else would we respond but complain, at least initially?

***

Joshua said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Why have you brought this people across the Jordan at all, to hand us over to the Amorites so as to destroy us? Would that we had been content to settle beyond the Jordan!"
~Joshua 7:7 (NRSV)

Sometimes we really feel God has led us to a place, a time, or a situation, before then we feel abandoned. It makes no sense to us and we are livid.

We think of Joshua as a book of victory, but God is quick to confirm to us in the reading that through all victories is the resplendence of much indifferent experience. Especially where leading a group of people is concerned, there are bound to be frequent and heartrending disappointments. Life, even in the midst of eventual victory, is a mysteriously convoluted experience where we are all pushed to our limits.

Some of us, having led a group or a process or something, have felt that sense of injustice for having been abandoned; either by God or by the people concerned. And whilst we can feel rejected at the foot of people, we know in our logical minds that God never rejects us. But within bouts of depression we are hardly logical, or our logic is fleeting and seems controlled entirely by external sources.

The basic fact that we find complaint allowable, even brandished, in the Bible tells us that God is not only more than big enough to receive our honest laments, but he expects us to get depressed - importantly, as impetus to faith (see John 16:33, for instance).

We will not offend God in our honesty before him.

WHEN IT'S TIME FOR TEARS - TIMES FOR ALL

Whether the depression is here today and gone tomorrow, or whether it lasts for a season or on and off for our lifetimes, the shedding of tears, or of anger, is natural. Of course, God understands; even when we are given to being angry with him:

"For my life is spent with sorrow,
and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my misery,
and my bones waste away."
~Psalm 31:10 (NRSV)

In tears we have our irrationality proving us as human. Sometimes our tears are because we have been irrational or we feel irrational. At other times we just have no answer:

"I sink in deep mire,
where there is no foothold;
I have come into deep waters,
and the flood sweeps over me."
~Psalm 69:2 (NRSV)

We can well imagine the flood the psalmist talks about, above, is that torrent of tears taking us into an emotional oblivion, without vision of hope. Tears are for the overwhelmed, and God created us in ways to cry in order that we would have some capacity for the inevitable moments where we feel besieged.

We often feel over our heads in life, and, if we focus too much on the future, fatigue will beset us. But the end of tears comes in the knowledge that God is near; that God, indeed, is our rest; remembering God's faithfulness:

"Return, O my soul, to your rest,
for the LORD has dealt doubtfully with you."
~Psalm 116:7 (NRSV)

The experience of God's rest is what God is saying in our depression - that there exists a time, ahead, where rest will be found if we keep seeking. We are benefactors of humility-informed wisdom post-depression. We receive God's invitation to rest with more willingness.

WHEN THERE'S REASON FOR HOPEFULNESS OUT OF HELPLESSNESS

At the end of matters, having traversed the fullness of depression's journey, there is the indication of hopefulness, however fleeting, in replacing varying senses of helplessness. We may suddenly have the experience of God's Presence with us, giving us confidence and the ability to endure. Even if times are hard we have access to rest:

The LORD said to Moses, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
~Exodus 33:14 (NRSV)

This is a hope we can hold to beyond our circumstances. No matter our challenges, wherever we are hopeful we can surmount them. Perhaps the greatest blessing out of depression is knowing that we have survived; knowing the effect and impact of resilience to keep trudging.

Sometimes all we need is an encouraging word:

"Anxiety weighs down the human heart,
but a good word cheers it up."
~Proverbs 12:25 (NRSV)

Anxiety will shake our confidence in hope, but when we feel secure - by many languages of love that are meaningful - we trust God more. The depressed person needs to be encouraged in ways that are meaningful to them.

A 'REST' SUPERIOR TO ALL OTHERS

What provides a good extension for our hopefulness is the reality of the Sabbath rest of God. Jesus comforts all those who truly believe in him by the comfort only our Saviour can give.

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
~Matthew 11:28-30 (NRSV)

I suspect we have all felt spiritual conflict at different times in our lives. If we have, and we have experienced this rest of Jesus', we have known a sort of comfort that exceeded our expectations. Our circumstances remained as they were, yet we were able to bear them in more palatable ways.

***

What God says about depression is that it's normal to life. We live in a mad world. But we live, also, in a world controlled by God. At every point in our depression, God encourages us. And, by faith in Jesus, we enjoy rest beyond our understanding.

© 2012 S. J. Wickham.

Deciding on What Would Really Make You Happy

As human beings we spend a lot of time in social comparison. It's very common to find ourselves wondering why life seems so easy for some & yet so hard for others. It can sometimes feel unfair.

One of the problems with modern life is that we are 'fed' information regarding what should make us happy. This happens over and over again through advertising. As a result, there is always a carrot at the end of the stick pushing you harder and harder to obtain the next goal or desire.

Think about the last new car you purchased. Initially, you were probably very excited about the car. You may have driven it around to your friends and family and relished in the validation and praise for your new 'shiny' purchase. However, before too long, the is likely to have become simply a means to an end (driving you from A to B), so the validation you felt from this purchase soon wears off. Why... Because around the corner is an advertisement for an even better/bigger/more technologically advanced car, making your car look less impressive. So, you may start to feel down about your car and start longing for the better one.

This cycle is a by product of our society. We have to accept this. However, we are much more likely to enjoy life (including our purchases) if we take time to think about what is important to us and what would truly make us happy. For instance, with regard to the new car, it's important to regularly remind yourself about what you love about it. If it's simply a great vehicle to take you places, tell yourself how grateful you are to own a reliable car. If you were looking for comfort and style, remind yourself how great your car is and remember to stop yourself when you compare it to newer vehicles.

When it comes to your life overall, it's really important to think about what makes you happy. A first clue is to look at the areas you tend to feel depressed about. Lack of money and relationship problems are common areas that often lead to depressed thinking. If you are lacking in finances, is there a chance that you are self sabotaging yourself as a result of comparing yourself to others who have much more money than you? Rather than engaging in social comparison, try thinking about your lifestyle overall when you think about money.

When you know how many hours you want to work, the industry in which you would like to work in and the hours you would like to invest in making money, you can make an informed decision about how much money you would like to have and whether or not this is reasonable. For instance, if you're feeling depressed about not being a millionaire, but you would rather spend time with your family and friends - instead of working all hours of the night - accept this and be grateful for your lifestyle. Then, start to think 'outside the box'. Ask yourself "Where could I invest some extra time and money to increase my passive income, so it does not impinge on my personal life?"

The key to happiness is having clarity over how you want to live your life, being committed to this goal and having manageable and reasonable expectations of how you can achieve your goal also.

Powerful And Practical Ways To Get Rid Of Depression

Depression is a chronic mental disorder, accompanied by feelings of loneliness, despair, sadness and low self-esteem. This ailment is also accompanied by seclusion, loss of appetite and insomnia. There are excellent treatment options available to cure and get rid of the most severe forms of depression. The sooner a person tries to recoup from this ailment, the more effective the cure will be. Medicines do play an important role in calming the mind but exercises and dietary changes also aid as complementary methods of treating depression.

Ways to get rid of depression

Move out in the open

Moving out in the open can work wonders on the mood and mind of a person. Our ancestors used to have a lot of exposure to sunlight and outdoor activities. Exposure to bright sunlight at least half an hour each day cannot only boost your mood, but also regulate the body's internal clock. The body rhythm will follow the sun's movement and regulate the sleep-wake cycle. This kind of systematic and active lifestyle can ensure a good and sound night's sleep and get rid of depression.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises imply activities involving large muscle groups, which are performed in a continuous rhythmic manner. These exercises help in the release of endorphins, which are also known as natural painkillers in the body. Studies have proven that aerobic exercises for thirty minutes, three times every week, can help the body to release pain-reliever hormones regularly. These exercises can help you cope with misery and release it through the workout schedules.

Changes in the diet

Your diet should ideally comprise of healthy food items. It is rightly stated that "You are what you eat." Food plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your body and mind. Consume fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods apart from the vital dose of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help with the proper connectivity of the brain's neuron system and help in maintaining a positive attitude in life.

Sound sleep routines

Maintaining the same schedule of eating, sleeping and waking up in the mornings can help in boosting the mental health. If you are prone to stress and anxiety, change your sleep schedule.Turn off the lights and go to the bed at the same time every night. Listen to mind calming music while lying down in the bed to prevent any unnecessary and negative emotions setting in. Even quiet and mind-engaging activities like reading and taking a lukewarm bath before hitting the bed can work miracles on your overall peace levels. Start loving life and express a feeling of gratitude for your life every time you lie down to sleep.

Socialize regularly

Personal interaction with friends and family can definitely help in improving your mood and overall health. This step does not necessarily mean that you have to talk about your bad plight and misfortunes. Engage in all kinds of mind-diversion activities like watching movies, playing games and so on. Support and encouragement from a friend, a pat on the back and even a hug can do a lot in your attempts to get rid of depression.

Change your thought process

Stop self-contemplation and cursing yourself. It is essential that you do not give yourself the luxury of dwelling in negative thoughts all the time. This attempt to entertain only positive thoughts requires some effort and time. However, reminding yourself constantly about your thought process can set the pace for a change in life.

Overview

Remember, any ailment can be cured with the right efforts directed at the right direction. One such guidance is available at http://www.getriddepression.com. This e-book is a treasure of knowledge on methods to overcome depression, with extremely amazing hypnotic music which can help in calming your mind and help you get rid of depression effectively.

How To Overcome Depression: Brain Food

In a previous article on how to overcome depression I emphasized the widespread deficiencies in magnesium and the consequences. Another major factor in the underlying causes of depression can be attributed to a lack of, or imbalance in what I have termed brain food.

When I use the term brain food I am referring to food containing nutrients necessary for neuronal connectivity. Specifically, these are a small group of sulphur-containing amino acids, which can act as transmitters or precursors to hormones like serotonin, well known for their anti-depressive effects.

When looking at how to overcome depression it is essential to be aware of how critical these nutrients are to a state of mental well-being. It is also crucial to recognize why so many of us are deficient in these essential nutrients.

As I noted in an earlier article depression is a product of modern society and was not prevalent before the 20th century. Although the necessary sulphur-containing amino acids are plentiful, found mainly in eggs and meat they require omega-3 fatty acid to metabolize them.

One of the reasons that people are deficient brain food is because the cholesterol myth perpetrated by refined vegetable oil interests has scared people away from eggs and meat. But that is not the only reason. Although nature has provided the effective and safe ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 fats, the food giants in commercializing the production and distribution of most of what we eat, have dramatically upset this ratio!

Studies have shown that when the ratio of omega 6:3 exceeds 4:1 people begin to have health problems. Eggs from chickens which feed on insects and green plants, as in free range or pasture fed, have omega 6:3 ratios around 1:1. With grain fed chicken eggs, as in commercial, the omega 6:3 ratio can be as high as 19:1!

The same stands true for beef. Pasture fed beef has a ratio of 3:1 whereas commercial feedlot beef is more like 20:1! Hence, in terms of underlying causes of depression, this artificial imbalance is a double whammy.

The imbalance in the omega 6:3 ratio in commercial foods is unhealthy in and of itself, but has further caused a general deficiency in omega-3. Omega-3 is essential to metabolize the sulphur-containing amino acids necessary for neuronal connectivity.

This situation is magnified by the success of the refined vegetable oil interests grabbing the market and scaring meat and eggs off the table. Corn oil, for example has an omega 6:3 ratio of 46:1. Cotton seed oil, the worst I have come across yet, is an astounding 259:1.

By way of comparison to put a perspective on this, nature provides ratios like 9:1 in butter and 5:1 in beef tallow. The 20th century with all of its innovations in food production has us straying dangerously far from the norms found in nature.

We are currently not only seeing, but suffering the consequences of this move with a dramatic increase in degenerative disease and depression. Although, due to the nature of the scourge there has been a multitude of studies and hypotheses of the underlying causes of depression, most have missed the point.

With the problem being unheard of in primitive cultures and exceedingly rare prior to the onset of the 20th century the cause shouldn't be too difficult to determine. It has obviously got its roots in nutrition as that is the underlying factor, which has changed the most.

The problem is that research grants are biased towards discovering new pharmaceuticals and away from upsetting the apple cart with other corporations like refined oil interests. I submit that a do it yourself way around the problem lies in ensuring sufficient uptake of magnesium and omega-3.

I have already suggested ways of doing the former, but with omega-3 there are a couple of cautions. The first and obvious is to aim for a reasonable omega 6:3 ratio. Secondly, omega fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids.

This means they easily go rancid and need to be handled with care. Oils like flax-seed, for example, with high concentrations of omega-3 should never be used in cooking or heated up at all. They should also be refrigerated for storage.

How To Overcome Depression: How Do Enzymes Work?

To answer the question how do enzymes work to overcome depression we need to remember, as I wrote in a previous article, that enzymes are essential to almost every biochemical process in our body. Biochemists, in experimenting with how to overcome depression, have developed numerous antidepressants.

Many of the antidepressant drugs that have been marketed are an attempt to replicate what normally is done by enzymes occurring naturally in our bodies. The most popular and successful family of antidepressants are known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI's).

These drugs are designed along the line of enzyme inhibitors to successfully compete with the natural enzymes to keep them from removing the "feel good" hormone serotonin from our system by re-absorption (re-uptake). Hence, by artificially maintaining serotonin levels in our brains they make us feel better.

Some commercial examples of SSRI's are Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil and Zoloft. The problem is many of these drugs may have horrendous adverse side effects and are quite expensive due to the patents.

It would be much better, in my estimation, to accomplish the same end with a naturally occurring substance without so many potential adverse side effects and expense. People have, in fact, being doing this for centuries!

St. John's Wort, Hypericum perforatum, is an ancient herb that comes from sunny yellow flowers that appear to bleed when bruised. Because of this phenomena, during the rise of Christianity it got dubbed with the name John The Baptist's plant (The Old English word for plant is wort).

It has been demonstrated to be an effective remedy for mild to moderate depression in history as well as laboratory controlled experimentation. Due to the apparent benefits without some of the adverse side effects the herb has undergone a remarkable revival in the last few decades.

For similar reasons it has become the object of a considerable amount of research. It was traditionally believed that Hypericin was the active agent in the herb's ability to overcome depression, but recent research has led biochemists to believe that Hyperforin is the principal antidepressant agent.

This early misunderstanding, unfortunately, obfuscates much of the earlier research into the herb's effectiveness in overcoming depression. St. John's Wort has been standardized based on the Hypericin content. The amount of Hyperforin in the herb can vary dramatically.

Because of this there have been research results that seem inconclusive or even contradictory. Germans even came under suspicion because they had consistently more positive experimental results than Americans.

Some even went so far as to suspect them of rigging their results because of the traditional popularity of the herb in their nation. I submit that a more likely cause is they had a source of St. John's Wort that was richer in Hyperforin. Probably closer to the 3% clinically proven potency.

It has been shown in a number of in vivo, in vitro and clinical studies that Hyperforin inhibits the re-uptake of serotonin as well as several other hormones important in fighting depression. These include norepinephrine, dopamine, gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-glutamate. Hence, it can be considered a naturally occurring enzyme inhibitor that helps to overcome depression.

It has been demonstrated to be just as effective as many of the popular commercial anti-depressants. The same studies, including more than 5,000 patients, produced much less side-effects than SSRI's. As a matter of fact, the side effects reported were similar to those claimed by control groups taking placebos. A cautionary note is that it is known to reduce the effectiveness of prescription drugs.

Hence, anyone that is on prescription drugs considering taking St. John's Wort to overcome depression needs to get medical advice. It is not a good idea for women taking contraceptives as it can interfere with them also.

Before you consider adding the herb to your arsenal in fighting depression you should make sure of a reliable source. The content of Hyperforin the active agent can vary dramatically and should be a minimum of 3%.

The Depression Meter: A Tool to Beat the Holiday Blues

The holiday season is right around the corner and for most of us, that means fun and family, but for others, this is the most difficult time of year.

Five percent of children suffer from depression. A recent survey indicates that as many as 20% or one in five teens suffer from clinical depression. Approximately 1 in 8 women suffer from depression and the holiday season can make that depression even worse. I call it the Holiday blues.

Most of us know depression as a pervasive sadness, but it is more than that. Depression can be a despair that stays with the person and can be debilitating.

When you think of depression, you most likely think of the inward expression of behavior, i.e., a sad, downcast look, the person doesn't want talk or do fun things that they used to do. But depression can also take a different look. Some people "externalize" their feelings and act out in angry and aggressive ways, as if they are mad at the whole world.

Here are some symptoms indicate depression that you should know:

Internalizing Behavior

• Poor school or work performance
• Withdrawal from friends or activities
• Feelings of sadness and hopelessness that lasts for more than 2 weeks
• Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
• Prolonged periods of sadness

Externalizing Behavior

• Anger and rage
• Overreaction to criticism
• Problems with authority
• Multiple outbursts
• Defensiveness

The good news is that the holiday blues are easy to track using a tool called the Depression Meter. This is a meter that can give you an indication of the level sadness that a person is feeling.

The Depression Meter

The Depression Meter is a scale, numbered from 1 to 10, with 1 being a good day, and 10 being the saddest that the person has felt. The numbers on the Depression Meter correlate with the intensity of emotion that the person is feeling.

You can use the Depression Meter in a number of different ways. First of all, let's say you are a teacher and a student in your class, Jane, appears consistently sad and you begin to be concerned about her. You can ask Jane to rate her sadness on the Depression Meter. Her number will immediately give you an indication of just how sad Jane really is feeling.

I can't tell you how many times I have looked at a client and had a number in my head (4), but when I asked the client to rate their number of the Depression Meter, their number was very different from mine (7)! You can't always tell how someone is feeling just by looking at them! The Depression Meter can help you determine if a person is having a rough time, especially during the Holiday season.

Let's say you are a school or mental health counselor. You could use the Depression Meter to have Jane track her number on a chart or a calendar. A consistently high number is an indicator that Jane is not coping well and needs some additional strategies. The Depression Meter can also be used as a tracking and assessment tool to monitor therapeutic progress.

You can use the Depression Meter as a teaching tool. For example, during class or a counseling session you can teach the social emotional skill of self-awareness. The Depression Meter with enable your student(s) or your client(s) to "check in" with their feelings, then you can discuss healthy activities they can engage in to feel better.

The Depression Meter gives you a common language to use when discussing feelings of sadness. It gives you a baseline. During this holiday season, use the Depression Meter at home to get a handle on someone you feel is struggling with the Holiday Blues.

The holiday season is difficult for many people. The Depression Meter can give you a common language that will empower you to help your students endure and successfully cope with their Holiday Blues.

Additional Resources:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Fact sheet on the depressed child
http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/the_depressed_child

Mental Health America of the Heartland. http://www.mhah.org
Moore, D (2008) Why are so many students so angry? Second Wind Press. KCMO

Mastering Depression

Clinical depression is a disease - or a dis-ease, it strives to make you 'uneasy.' A powerful metaphor for depression is to consider the disease as a team of engineers, whose primary purpose is to tear down bridges, not build them. The bridges that depression seeks to destroy are those bridges, or pathways in your brain that link the feelings of pleasure to your life experiences with people, place and events. In real life - depression hurts. Before it controls your life completely it is critical you find a way to deal with depression.

A more pathological description of this which illustrates why anti-depression drugs are helpful speaks of the neuro-synaptic pathways (bridges) that are in your brain, and over which these signals travel to connect the cells that retain the memory of our life experiences, to the cells the trigger the endorphins and hormones that we know are the sensation of pleasure. Anti-depression can do two things physiologically - they can stimulate the use of more serotonin (the raw material to build these bridges with) and prevent that raw material from being re-absorbed before it can be used to build the bridge.

These bridges/neuro-synaptic pathways, are built through every experience we have from birth. Like walking in a grassy field, the more you walk the same path, the more the grass lies down, and the clearer and easier the path becomes, until it become second nature.

As you may have experienced, depression tears these bridges down, leaving one dis-engaged, or 'checked-out' from many, and ultimately all, of those experiences that brought you satisfaction or pleasure. For those who allow this core of engineers to tear down these bridges, without enacting a plan to re-build the bridges, and save those bridges yet destroyed. find them selves completely 'checked-out' and reach such despair life may feel as if it has no meaning.

I believe that life is about fully engaging in BOTH love and passion, AND being the conduit of compassion that allows these gifts to flow through us, and to be shared with others. Depression seeks to destroy our meaning of life by breaking these bridges.

Personally I faced the battle of depression back in the 90's when I was burying a friend a week from AIDS, and from my clinical counseling training. I believe a multifaceted approach is the most powerful way to combat depression - a possible combination of drugs, therapy and personal action.

Only a licensed psychiatrist or medical doctor can prescribe anti-depressants. An experienced counselor or therapist is almost always necessary to help you travel this journey - and overcome that insidious corp or bridge destroying engineers!

The personal action is about effecting the plans you create with your counselor or therapist to "kicking the butts" of that insidious corp of engineer and refusing to let bridges to be destroyed, while striving to re-build old ones and create new ones at a rate greater then these nasty guys can destruct them!

Easier said then done, I know, as the loss of these connects leads to apathy, which feeds the destruction. It is quickly a vicious circle that can be created, and only an aggressive plan of action will stop this downward spiral.

Consequently, remaining motivated is not unlike an alcoholic remaining sober. Therapy helps, drugs help, but CRITICAL to success is a personal support system of friends and family who love you so much they will not let you fail. Support groups are great but few things are better then a proven circle of friends and family who love you too much to let you fail, and love you so much, that they can see past your pain, and patiently support you as you re-build these bridges together. Take stock of these relationships. Many may already be strained as depression has already worked its toll. Depression knows these connections are its greatest enemy - desperately seeking to destroy the bridges that you have built with these people. Yet they are the easiest bridges to salvage and re-build as they are the ones that have historically served you well. Your heart knows these relationships can be trusted, even if your brain tried to convince you that you have 'checked-out.'

Curing depression is about creating AND re-creating love and passion in your life. Take a good look around you - who are the sources of the most powerful love you experienced in the past? Who do you know loves you enough that you can trust their judgment over your own as depression seeks to drive you into loneliness and despair? Who loves you enough and who can you trust to walk that journey with you?

Beating depression and living a life of passion and love will only happen in relationship. Those relationship best include your friends, family and loved ones, an experienced counselor or therapist who understands your challenges, and the possible support of a medical practitioner.

Clinical signs of depression may include some or all of the following descriptors. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, impaired concentration and difficulty making decisions, fatigue, loss of energy, or being tired all the time, low self-esteem, trouble sleeping or oversleeping the use or escalating use of drugs and/or alcohol, and/or a poor appetite or overeating.

If you believe you are suffering from depression it is critical that you seek professional help. The time to do so is as early in the process as possible. If you are experiencing some or any of the symptoms listed above contact a professional who will be able to help you. As you have learned from this article, the earlier in the process that you can take action to prevent the disassembling of the many bridges of love and support in your life as possible, the more effective and the quicker your treatment will be.

Experiencing a life full of passion and love is a phenomenal experience. To live such a life requires that you decide to be the master of your mind and experiences. Many of us do not intuitively know how to exercise these skills and an experienced counselor or therapist provides an excellent opportunity for you to develop this mastery.

Ayurveda Remedy: Healing Depression

Unfortunately, at least one client a day comes into Niagara Ayurveda complaining of depression or anxiety. As I listen to their stories it becomes clear that there have been events in their lives that have threatened their sense of "safety and security."

Okay, that may sound obvious, or even a little silly, but this is where we look, from a holistic perspective, in order to heal depression. So how do we use this information to help them restore balance and heal?

In my clinical practice I have always found an imbalance in the root chakra when depression is present. Chakra are centers of the body from which a person can collect energy. They are connected to major organs or glands that govern other body parts.

In Ayurvedic medicine, the world's oldest system of medicine and healing, ayurvedic herbs are often recommended to restore balance to the underlying "dosha" imbalance. Yet frequently, the practitioner does not address the chakras,(energy centers) or energy field. Without looking into these other areas, herbal therapies are often no more successful than western medicine at relieving depression.

If you suffer with depression and you want to use a more holistic approach and get off of prescription medications you have to be willing to look beyond the basic mainstream, "talk therapy". As Albert Einstein said, "Problems cannot be solved by the level of awareness that created them."

Energy medicine and the chakra system offers one of the best solutions for healing. In one particular case, a client conveyed a story to me about her childhood, which was filled with verbal and physical abuse. She learned at a young age to fear that her very existence may be threatened because of the physical abuse.

When events like this happen our subconscious mind and our energy system team up to create imbalances that support our physical reality. The root chakra that correlates to our "right to be here" and our feeling of safety and security is now weakened and deficient. Is it really truly life threatening? No. But the body remains healthy and balanced when all of the energy centers remain open and balanced.

So in this case, her root chakra remained closed and over time depression set in. A qualified practitioner, such as a Certified Healing Touch Practitoner, can assess and treat energy imbalances and help to restore balance. Like any other imbalance in the body, it can take several sessions to allow the body to get used to it's new energy pattern, but it can produce lasting, long term results.

One of the benefits of this healing modality is that the client doesn't have to relive painful past events. They only have to be open and willing to release the old, stored energy pattern. Usually just setting an intention for this is enough to start the healing process in motion.

Another important factor to consider when using a holistic or ayurvedic approach to healing depression is to determine your body type. In Ayurveda, Kapha types have a tendency towards heaviness which can lead to depression. there are many simple actions that can prevent a kapha imbalance and ward off depression.

Depression: 7 Common Symptoms To Look Out For

Ever felt that deep, uneasy or negative feeling that something is wrong with you but you just can't put a finger on it? You may assume that it's just one of those days when you're feeling the blues. But beware! You (or someone you know) may be going through depression without realizing it.

1. You Experience Different Kinds of Negative Emotions.

The intense feelings of being sad, empty, helpless, worthless, or guilt all rolled into one. You feel as though no one understands you, that you are hopeless and that anything you do feels like it means nothing.

2. You Lose The Pleasures or Interests That You Once Enjoyed.

Simple pleasures in life feels like a chore, e.g., like a walk in the park, hanging out with family or close friends, and watching movies in the cinema. You may even lose interest in sexual intercourse with your partner or spouse.

3. You Have Trouble Sleeping or Excessive Sleeping.

Insomnia or Hypersomnia is a normal occurrence among people who suffers from depression. This is why you may feel tired, restless and irritable, and have fatigue or lack of energy most of the time.

4. You Become Withdrawn or Isolate Yourself From Family or Friends.

Suddenly the thought of people surrounding you feels like it's going to suffocate you. All you want is to be left alone because you don't feel like having conversations or that seeing other people happy may make you even more depressed and feeling guilty because you're avoiding them.

5. You Find It Difficult To Concentrate or Remember Details.

Daily tasks like picking up the laundry from dry cleaners, or whose turn it is to pick up the kids from school just slipped out of your mind. You can't concentrate on your favorite TV shows or you keep on reading the same page of the novel or magazine because there are constantly other things in your mind that you are worried about.

6. You May Experience Loss of Appetite or Overeating.

Dramatic changes in appetite. It's like you feel you can't or don't want to eat at all because you're not in the mood or you just don't feel like it. It could also be the other way around, where you suddenly have the urge to eat just about everything, whenever you feel like it even though you are not hungry. Either way, you can't really control or help yourself.

7. Suicidal Thoughts or Attempts.

Constantly thinking about your death or even contemplating suicide because you think or feel there is no other way out but to end your life.

If you feel that you (or you realize someone) is experiencing all the above symptoms (or half of the symptoms), the first step is to confide in someone close or you trust be it a family member or close friend. It is very important to seek help immediately especially if you are thinking of attempting suicide.

Please remember that there is ALWAYS a solution to EVERY problem. Life is way too precious to waste because of it.

What to Do If You Feel Depressed

Are you currently battling with depression? You need to take action and get over these negative feelings before things get worse. Read this article for some useful tips on dealing with your depression.

Do not let your depression isolate you. It is probably difficult for you to be around other people and talk about your problems when you are feeling down, but loneliness will make your depression even worse. You do not have to tell your friends about your feelings. Sometimes, spending a few hours having fun with people you appreciate can make you feel a lot better. Spend some quality time with your family too and consider making some new friends if you do not have anyone to talk to. Do not hesitate to call help lines and talk to caring volunteers too.

Take the time to relax and do things you love. Depression can cause you to lose interest in the things you used to love, but you can prevent this from happening by trying new things and finding some new hobbies. Your goal is to take your mind off your problems and feel good about yourself. Join a club to get a chance to make some new friends or find a non-profit organization in need of volunteers. Helping others will make you feel much better and will help you put your problems in perspective.

Do some thinking and identify what is causing you to feel depressed. If you are able to identify some issues, the next step is to find an efficient solution to your problems. You might for instance feel happier if you had a more fulfilling job, a less busy schedule, a new hobby, more friends or even a pet to take care of. Ask yourself if the issues you identify are really causing you to be unhappy. There might be a deeper cause for your depression that you are not yet fully aware of or are denying.

The best way to fight depression is to get help from a qualified professional. Admitting that you need help is hard but if you have all the symptoms of depression and cannot get over these negative feelings by yourself, your only option is to go to a professional and follow a treatment for a few months. Schedule an appointment with your usual doctor to talk about your depression. You will then be referred to a psychoanalyst, a psychologist or a counselor who will be able to help you. Open up to the professional who is treating you and accept the fact that you need to make some changes to your life. You will probably be advised to take some antidepressants for a while and to follow therapy if your depression is not caused by issues that can easily be identified.

Depression is a tough condition to deal with. Do not blame yourself for these negative feelings and keep in mind that you will eventually get better once you decide to take action and find a treatment.

DHEA Enhances Energy, Memory and Immune Function

DHEA or 7-Keto DHEA - Can it make a Difference?

Clearing up information regarding the utilization of DHEA or 7-Keto DHEA which is a necessary hormone made by the adrenal glands and that you need to know their differences.

Why should you be interested?

The way we handle stress has a lot to do with our type of personality as well as our genetics. Even those that proclaim to be okay and feel they are not affected by external stress suffer from more of the invisible, internal imbalances. Some just have a hard time admitting anything that has to do with the word stress. Your physical stress shows up in your life long before you mentally and emotionally know it. You can ask to have your cortisol levels checked but your traditional doctor may not offer any help in this matter as it does not fall under the usual look and see areas.

Adrenal Fatigue and Cortisol Levels seem to be the new kids on the block and are at the base of all our ailments. The other hormone produced by the adrenal glands and depressed by stress is DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). DHEA is considered the most abundant of all the steroid hormones and is commonly referred to as The Anti-Aging hormone. As we age, the production of cortisol rises and the DHEA decreases which leaves us more likely to experience heart disease, depressions, weight problems, cancer and diabetes.

What does DHEA do?

Bone Building (stimulates Osteoblasts), Skin renewal (fibroblasts), Protects the Brain from aging decline (neurotransmitter production), Regulates and supports Immune Function, Low levels can be associated with other hormone levels, Increases Muscle Mass, Reduces high levels of Cortisol, Lowers Triglyceride Levels, Enhances Thermogenics

What are the benefits of balancing the levels of DHEA?

Enhanced Energy and Relieves Fatigue, Improves your handling of stress, Better Moods, More relaxed, Better Sleep, Enhances your Memory, Helps Depression, May help reduce Inflammation (arthritis, lupus), Improves Gut Issues, Helps Balance Thyroid, Helps the body overcome Insulin Resistance, Fights Allergic Reactions, May Reduce Cholesterol

The 7-Keto DHEA is a non-toxic version of DHEA. It declines with age and can be a major culprit in the later part of life. Urinary excretion studies show a 50% loss by age 50. Upping your level of 7-Keto DHEA helps prevent and improves many signs of aging. It is a natural metabolite or converted form of DHEA and is unable to be utilized to make Testosterone or Estrogen. The 7-Keto DHEA is also better at promoting loss of stored fat.

DHEA is a very important component that is rarely acknowledged in traditional medicine. Your doctor may look at a DHEAS which is the sulphated level in blood tests, find it to be too low and not know what to do with it. Over the counter supplements can help but please do it with guidance. Low DHEA, like low Thyroid hormone, is a major marker of Aging and is necessary in our bodies.

Can You Take Too Much?

The answer is yes. Too much responds as:

Anxiety, Easily Angered, Road Rage comes easy, Disturbs your sleep, Moodiness. So start at lower levels and work up. Also, if you feel this way there may be another hormone out of balance further up the line. Always work with a professional that has experience utilizing supplements as these are available to everyone through health food stores.

What Time of Day Should DHEA or 7-Keto DHEA Be Taken?

Take all amounts in the AM hours with or without food as the body's natural production of DHEA peaks in the morning. If you take it at night you may stimulate your brain activity and experience bouts of insomnia.

If you or someone you love relates to any of the above indicators, don't hesitate to pursue knowing your DHEA levels. I suggest you find someone knowledgeable in the areas of supplement usage.

Depression: A Silent Battle and Help for Men

Male depression is not an easy subject to get men to talk about. With the need to feel strong and invincible, most men consider any sort of emotional or psychological problem to be a threat to their masculine self-images. Most men avoid talking about depression and would rather hide it from their families, friends, and work colleagues. Yet, male depression is a major problem among American men. About 17% of the U.S. population has some identifiable symptoms of depression within their lifetimes. Although the research shows that depression is more common in women, this is being challenged in many ways, because of the difficulty that men have with identifying and reporting symptoms of depression to their healthcare providers.

Depression is classified as a psychiatric condition that can be very debilitating. Often people think of depression as being sad, but this is a misunderstanding. Although some depressed individuals may have feelings of sadness, being sad does not mean that one is depressed. Depression is a condition that creates a disturbance in mental, emotional, and even physical functioning. The feelings associated with depression can be severe enough to interfere with work performance and personal relationships. Depression can also negatively impact self-esteem, stem from a lack of confidence, and create chronic negative emotions that influence a pessimistic outlook on life. Men who suffer with depression often report feelings of hopelessness or helplessness about how and where their lives are going.

Symptoms of male depression may look more like behavioral problems such as: aggression, alcohol or substance abuse, chronic anger, and rage. Some men withdraw and become isolated while other men may need to be a part of the party crowd all the time. A lot of men become driven at work, workaholics, and spend a lot of time focused on work-related success. Typically, depressed men do what is called "mood altering" by focusing on emotional and pain avoidant behaviors and activities. They often try not to think about their problems, stuff their emotions, or self-medicate with substances or risk taking activities in order to "not feel bad." Unchecked and untreated depression can lead to serious problems and addictions. The statistics place depression as a number one reason contributing to suicide numbers among men.

Therapy along with appropriate psychopharmacology has been suggested for treating chronic depression. Research suggests that males who seek medical and therapeutic treatment in tandem do better than men who just seek either medical treatment or psychotherapy exclusively. Medications as prescribed by a psychiatrist and taken in accordance to the doctor's orders work on the brain chemistry related to depression while psychotherapy treatments work on habitual thought patterns that may trigger depressive states of mind fueled by personal self-image problems, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, a lack of confidence, etc. A metaphor for this may be like tying your shoes together and tripping out the door. The medication may help to improve your mental state, but therapy works on the thought habits that lead to tying your shoes together and tripping. For men seeking help, it's important to do a few things:

1. Consult with your primary care physician and discuss your depression. Ask your doctor about medications and to recommend a psychiatrist near you.
2. Talk to somebody that you trust will keep your concerns confidential.
3. Put off drinking and illicit drug use and seek professional help.
4. Stay connected to family and friends. Resist being isolated for too long.
5. Don't put off seeking help. Depression can get worse if untreated.

How To Eliminate Stress From Our Life

Stress is becoming one of the most common health concerns these days mainly due to the type of lifestyle people have adopted which gives them very little time for themselves. Being regularly stressed out can easily lead to falling prey to many diseases which could be both physical and psychological. In this article we are going to discuss about some of the things one can do to avoid stress and lead a happy and healthy life throughout.

Breath Control

Our breathing plays a very vital and important role in calming down our nerves and making us feel better. One of the effective ways to counter stress response is to count the length of time of exhale and inhale and gradually increasing the exhale timing. If it takes you four seconds to inhale try to exhale slowly through 8 seconds. Generally taking 10 such breaths will help a great deal in calming down your mind and body.

Sing To Relax

If you find it difficult to sit quite and count your deep breaths then another alternative to relaxation is to sing which produces an almost similar effect and promotes a feeling of soothness and enhanced mood. It is because when we are singing we naturally lengthen or exhaling and inhaling process. The best thing about this method is that it can be done in any place like while driving, in the bathroom and anywhere you like and feel comfortable.

Water Intake

You would be most probably unaware of the fact then when our hydration levels drop by just 2% our ability to perform simple maths and take normal decisions starts to get affected negatively. A well hydrated body has a better ability to take right decisions. So whenever you feel the need have as much water as you like.

Bring Your Mind Back

This is also an effective way to relieve stress. Close your eyes and concentrate on what is happening inside your body. Feel the sensations bring your mind from outside world to inside your own body. Doing this will help you concentrate better and make you forget all your worries for a little while and make you rejuvenated.

Humor

We all know how refreshing humor is for our mind and body. Having a good laugh is the best remedy to beat stress and depression. Keep in touch with your friends and share with them all the good times. Learn to laugh at your problems, it is the best way to tackle them positively. When we have a positive attitude towards things we normally win over all situations.

So the basic message is to slow down and take time out for yourself because you came into this world to enjoy your life which is a beautiful gift of god so stop worrying and start living from this very moment itself.

Understanding Bipolar?

Bipolar is a psychological term that is frequently misunderstood. It is often called manic depression because it describes the two states that make up bipolar. Bipolar is a condition where the person alternates between feeling euphoric (manic) and feeling depressed, with little respite of feeling relatively neutral in between.

Most people have moods that vary between feeling a little happy to feeling a little sad. This is a natural movement and there are no problems in being that way. When the highs are much higher and the lows much lower, we have bipolar, because the moods swing between the two opposites, or poles.

Bipolar is relatively common with approximately one percent of the population suffering with it at some point. The most frequent onset is at the end of the teens and before the person reaches forty. Men and women suffer equally with the complaint.

There is no test for bipolar, there are only the reports made by the sufferer which a psychiatrist or other qualified person can use for a diagnosis. Even though the chemistry within the body may be altered, there are no blood tests that show up the condition.

The cause of bipolar is unknown, but one theory is that the mind (for some reason) becomes depressed; in an attempt to rectify the mood and return to normality, the mind overcompensates and the person becomes euphoric. When the mind tries to balance its mood again, it fails to do so correctly and goes too far with the person becoming depressed again.

The symptoms of the depressed phase are:

- Emotional - A feeling of low confidence and self esteem, a feeling of hopelessness, general unhappiness and irritability.
- Thinking - Generally negative thinking with poor focus and concentration.
- Physical - Often a loss of weight, difficulty getting to sleep and waking early, constipation and a low libido.
- Behaviour - Difficulty getting going, lots of crying and a desire to avoid people.

The symptoms of the manic phase are:

- Emotional - Feeling unrealistically happy, excited and optimistic, and a feeling of being important.
- Thinking - Lots of new ideas but with a butterfly mind; may even hear voices.
- Physical - Feeling full of energy, unable or unwilling to go to sleep, and a high libido.
- Behaviour - Having grandiose plans, being very active, talking rapidly, being reckless with money, low inhibitions and odd spontaneous actions.

The medical treatment for bipolar is lithium. This is a natural salt that seems to reduce the mood swings, but the exact mechanism for doing so is not known. There are few side effects with lithium, mainly thirst, muscle weakness and nausea, but these can be managed by careful monitoring with blood tests. It is important to maintain bodily fluids at the right level or the lithium levels will increase or reduce providing an incorrect level of medication.

In addition, psychotherapy is known to help. One of the first ways is by educating the person so that they can understand bipolar and how they should view it. It does not mean the end of their life, just an additional factor that has to be dealt with.

Therapy can help people spot their mood swings and changes so that they can apply strategies that they have learned to deal with them. Learning to cope is important for both the sufferer and for those around him. Understanding, awareness and education are all necessary to make life more bearable.

It is important to maintain a good diet, maintain fluids and minimise caffeine levels. They key is to maintain lithium levels at a similar point and this is best done by neither flooding nor depleting the body with fluid.

Stress is an important factor, so by using various tools that therapy provides, the person can learn to reduce and maintain stress levels at a low level.

Exercise is important to maintain the body in a fit state. Approximately twenty minutes of vigorous exercise three times a week should be enough. In addition to maintaining a level of fitness, it is well known that exercise is an excellent way of dealing with stress.

One of the keys to managing bipolar is the quality of the relationships that the person has. Friends and relatives are able to assist and support the person through times that can be quite demanding.

Finally, psychotherapy can help the person regain a balance in life. The balance should include a combination of work, time with friends and family, and personal time. If any of these is missing, then the person will not feel satisfied with their life.

Bipolar is a psychological term that is frequently misunderstood but with proper education and help from a professional, the condition can be managed at least and eradicated at best.

For more information, visit the website http://www.san-luis-clinic.co.uk.