Depression Help and Information

How Would You Describe Depression?

2012-01-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

I was depressed for many years. It was overwhelming. Those were some difficult times and as I look back on them I find that it is fairly easy to write about and give advice and simple tips. Although, I'm not a medical professional and don't claim that my advice should in anyway take the place of a physician, I do have something to say and I think that because of my experiences I give some fairly good advice. However, someone asked me the other day: How would you describe depression?
I was stumped.

Now I'm not talking about the symptoms, such as lack of energy, negative thinking or the aches and pains that accompany depression. I'm talking about how it feels to be depressed. To come up with a description in words without reverting to symptoms.

I have thought very long and hard on this post, looking for the correct words to describe depression, and hope that some of my readers will add some comments as to how they would describe depression. Here goes.

Depression was like a stalker that lingered in the shadows for years. Following closely, slowly it closed in. It watched and waited for an opening, it didn't destroy my life all in one swift move. The stalker preyed upon my mind, each day adding a new form of harassment. Slowly it took, slowly it isolated me from everything I loved. The stalker made me feel guilty that I somehow was at fault, it whispered false accusations and ideas into my head.

I began to doubt myself. Every time I left my home, my stalker would be following. My stalker watched everything I did, looking for the smallest of openings to bring in negativity and anger. He or it, told me things about others, how they hated me, how I was all alone in the world, it told me to stay at home, stay in bed that life wasn't worth it.

I listened. I didn't want to leave home, I wanted to get away from my dark stalker. Maybe I thought, if I stayed at home, he wouldn't bother me. But he did. He filled my mind with hate and pity, my stalker did. He sucked the energy right out of me, life meaning was only to get away from my stalker and his constant ramblings. Death seemed the only escape.

He seemed to believe the same thing. I tried to escape, I failed. Only medications silenced the dark language of my stalker.

How would you describe depression? How did it feel? I'd be curious to hear your comments and responses.

How To Help Your Friend With Depression?

2012-01-09T23:33:00.000-08:00

You're best friend tells you she suffers from depression, your first thought: How do I help a friend with depression? Depression isn't an easy illness to overcome or to live with, but there are some simple steps you can take to help with her recovery.

Offer Your Help - Sounds so simple yet many friends simply don't offer. They simply assume that their friend will ask for help. People suffering from depression will often be struggling with their own thoughts and emotions, fighting internal battles that consume all their mental energy and often forget about the external world. They often feel stigmatized about depression and may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition to ask for help, so offer to help.
Tell Them Often Everything Will Be OK - Give them reassurance, statements such as "I'll be there for you, "You are a wonderful human being", "I'm not going to leave you" and "I love you" are all good words of encouragement. Reassurance can be a hug or a pat on the back, these simple little things will mean so much to your friend.
Learn About Depression - Knowing the symptoms and treatments for depression will go along way to help your friend recover. Know if your friend's symptoms are worsening or improving. Provide sensible, empathetic feedback either way. Understand the signs of suicide, a very real threat for anyone suffering from depression and know whom to call should your friend show signs of suicide.
Commit To The Long Haul - This is so important. If you decide to help your friend with depression understand that recovery isn't going to happen overnight. Understand that there will be some trying times ahead. If you decide to help, commit to sticking through it, quitting before your friend recovers from depression can be devastating.
Take Time For Yourself, Set Limits - Helping your friend with depression is going to be a trying ordeal. So make sure that you are refreshed and in good spirits. The best way to do this is to recharge yourself, by taking some time for yourself. Go for walks, movies or take time to talk with and enjoy other friends.
Have Fun - Depression is a serious illness, but don't overlook the importance of having fun and laughing. After all laughter is the best medicine.
Stay In Touch and Don't Give Up - Depression is a complicated illness. Moods can change quickly and dramatically. If your friend seems uninterested in your company, keep in touch. Don't be pushy, just be available. Nothing can be as hurtful as if the phone calls, e-mails or meetings abruptly stop.

Knowing how to help your friend with depression is something anyone can learn how to do. If you do help a friend with depression and follow some even a couple of these simple tips your friend will be greatly appreciative.

How To Feel Better When Depressed?

2012-01-01T19:22:00.001-08:00

I feel depressed. I'm tired all the time, feel sad and lonely, I don't enjoy the things I used to. I feel angry and want to just stay at home. I think I'm depressed. So if I'm depressed how or what do I do to feel better when depressed?

Very good question and quite common. And the good news is that although you might be feeling that nothing will ever go right again, perhaps even feeling hopeless and lost, there is hope.

Many treatments are available for depression. Some are natural treatments others, such as prescriptions you'll have to see a Doctor. Some family doctors will prescribe anti-depressants, but it's a good idea if you feel that your symptoms are severe that you get a referral to a psychiatrist.

Whether you consult with a professional or not, whether you are prescribed medications there are some simple day-to-day lifestyle choices or changes that you can make that will help you feel better if you feel depressed.

Volunteer - OK perhaps you feel terrible right now, and are having difficulty taking care of even yourself. So you might be asking: why would I want to help others? The physical and physiological changes that take place in our bodies when we help others is miraculous. It improves ones physical and mental health, it improves self-esteem and provides a sense of belonging. In particular higher levels of Oxycontin are associated with volunteering and high levels of Oxycontin are directly related to lower levels of stress. Another great way to help yourself feel better is to compliment or say something positive about someone else. Make it great, make it positive and make them feel good. This takes your minds focus off of you and again gives you that Oxycontin boost.
Exercise - This is perhaps the most overlooked aspect of overcoming depression. Running is a great exercise, walking or even just doing housework when you are feeling depressed can be just the boost that you need. Exercising has both physical and mental health benefits, Let's face it when you're feeling depressed the last thing you want is physical problems, which by the way people with depression have a higher prevalence of ailments such as heart disease, high blood pressure, both of which exercise can help alleviate or control. Another benefit, exercise takes your mind away for a time, giving you a break from the often times overwhelming flood of negative thoughts.
Break out of your routine - Often times we get into a routine or a rut. This day-to-day routine can get monotonous and boring. Boredom in itself can cause depression and feelings of lonliness, so break with your routine, do something out of the ordinary.
Be Around Positive People and Situations - Nothing makes us feel better when we're depressed than to be around positive people in positive situations. People that laugh
Find Something Creative to Do, Take Up a Hobby or Activity - This is the time to learn something new, break out of old habits and stay active. Always had a deep desire to learn how to paint, or write, now is the time. Find a hobby or if you already have a hobby that you love, or did love before you started feeling depressed try and do it. Staying bust, keeping your mind active will provide necessary relief from the negative thoughts that accompany depression.

These are just a couple of the many tips that you can use to help you feel better when you are depressed. The most important thing to do is to stay active, try as best as you can to think positive and don't isolate.

What is Serotonin?

2011-12-16T23:47:00.001-08:00

Serotonin Molecule

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. The human mind is believed to have 50 or more neurotransmitters, some have even suggested 100 or more. Each of these neurotransmitters has a specific function, one to stimulating muscle tissue, one that works with motor neurons in the spinal cord and serotonin. Serotonin’s functions include regulating body temperatures, sensory perception, the onset of sleep and over all provides us with a calming effect.

As a neurotransmitter serotonin fills the role of a messenger for the neurons of the brains nerve cells. All of the neurons of the brain must act together as a whole to communicate these signals within the human body. There are billions of neurons.

A neuron is the part of the brain that links other neurons, muscles or glands. The neuron receives a signal and then based upon that signal must decide whether to relay that signal to another neuron, to a muscle or to a gland. This process is accomplished by releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters, serotonin being one of them.

Serotonin as a neurotransmitter plays an important role in mood, sleep, appetite, memory, learning, temperature regulation and cardiovascular function. Studies indicate that low levels of serotonin are associated with several mental disorders, depression, bi-polar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness and insomnia. The symptoms associated with low levels of serotonin nearly mirror those of depression.

Low levels can be caused by low-levels of sunlight. People that suffer from SAD or seasonal affective disorder understand this all to well. Another potential cause of lower levels of serotonin are an inadequate supply of tryptophan, B6 and theanine in the diet. Tryptophan. Vitamin B6 and theanine are vital to the production of serotonin.

When not enough serotonin is produced then neurons aren’t able to transmit shall we say that feeling of calmness or feeling good that we need. Serotonin as a messenger or neurotransmitter is essential and without an adequate supply of it our mood suffers.

In conclusion, this is precisely why depression is no different than diabetes. Science has shown that our brains function on a complex process of biochemical and electrical activity. When we laugh at our favorite television show or when we get that good feeling when we’re with someone we love or something we love to do, it is the chemicals within our brain giving us that feeling. When we speak of mental disorders as being chemical imbalances that isn’t just a polite way of saying that someone is having emotional difficulties. It truly means that a chemical imbalance within their brains has caused outward symptoms that are described as depression. The chemical imbalance believed to be associated with depression, and bi-polar disorder is serotonin. When a shortage of serotonin, the bodies feel good chemical, depression and other physical ailments occur.

"Serotonin." International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. 2008. Retrieved December 17, 2011 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3045302418.html

Winter Blues and Serotonin: Is There a Connection?

2011-12-11T01:14:00.001-08:00

Winter has arrived. With it comes snow storms, Christmas, Thanksgiving, relatives and parties.

For many it is a time of joy, a season to be jolly.

However, for others it means depression. A particular form of depression that occurs during the winter months that is referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or simply the winter blues.

Many of the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD are similar to that of depression, except with SAD the symptoms disappear when spring arrives.

One thought on the cause of this particular form of depression is the lower levels of sunlight that are available in the winter months. Especially the levels available in the northern hemisphere. And as the research shows, there is a greater prevalence of SAD in climates that have less sunlight than in climates that have greater amounts of sunlight.

For example 1% of Florida residents are diagnosed with SAD, while 4% of Washington,D.C. residents have the diagnosis, and Alaska residents show a rate of 10%. While the total population has an incidence of 1.5%. This seems to show that the theory is correct.
Again it seems that getting the winter blues is directly related to lower levels of sunlight.

Everyone isn't affected, so it seems that some people seem to have a greater sensitivity to sunlight or the lack of it.

No one knows for sure what chemical process takes place within the brain that causes the winter blues or for that matter any form of depression.

The brain is a complex organism and at times it seems we know more about what's at the farthest reaches of our universe than what goes on in our own brains. Here is what seems to be known now-Serotonin plays a large role in maintaining our moods. It is also generally believed that serotonin levels increase when exposure to the sun or bright lights occur. This relationship between serotonin levels and sunlight is a contributing factor to someone getting SAD. However this tendency to become depressed during periods of low levels of sunlight seems to be genetic and doesn't affect everyone.

Other factors contribute to the winter blues or SAD, such as melatonin levels and the disruption of our circadian rhythms. But SAD is related to lower levels of sunlight that occur in the winter months and how the chemical reactions of the brain changes.

The simplest cure for this form of depression is to get higher levels of sunlight, or another popular approach is to purchase a light specifically designed for the winter blues. This treatment is referred to as light-therapy. These are bright lights that are extraordinarily effective. The best time to sit under these lights is early in the morning or soon after waking.

In conclusion, SAD or the winter blues seems to be directly related to the lower levels of sunlight that occur during the winter months and that one of the biochemical change within our brains that cause us to be depressed is lower levels of serotonin. We can combat depression simply by getting more light since it is believed that serotonin levels increase as our exposure to sunlight increases.

Winter and Depression

2011-11-30T18:49:00.001-08:00

Image Courtesy: http://christmasstockimages.com/

Winter is a tough time of year for most of us. The days are shorter and the stress of the holidays can be overwhelming. The end of daylight savings signals the start of winter and for approximately 5 % of the population brings feelings of depression, sadness and loneliness. These feelings are referred to as "winter blues" or SAD. SAD standing for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

This winter sadness or SAD is more than the feelings of sadness and loneliness we all get from time to time. This sadness or loneliness isn't tied to a normal life occurrence, but occurs because of the changes that occur with sunlight as a consequence of winter.

Winter depression begins in the fall or early winter and lasts until the spring or summer. The symptoms and severity vary from individual to individual. For instance the latitude you live in can affect the severity of your depression or even whether you become afflicted.

Studies show that although 4-6% of the total population suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder regions farther from the equator have greater incidence of occurrence than those in warmer climates, or closer to the equator. For example, estimates show as much as 25% of people living in the northern hemisphere suffer from some form SAD.

Although the exact cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder isn't known some very credible theories exist. As the days grow shorter in the winter your exposure to sunlight decreases. Serotonin levels decrease as your exposure to sunlight decreases. This isn't good for your mood and overall feelings of well-being. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep, keeping you calm and curbing depression. It isn't known why some of us are more susceptible than others, genetics is probably a key factor, but clearly some of us are just more sensitive to lower levels of sunlight.

In addition, the winter months and accompanying absence of sunlight has a detrimental effect on your Circadian Rhythms. Circadian rhythms are sort of the bodies internal clock telling certain glands when to release hormones that control our sleep cycles, among other factors. One of the key factors in maintaining this internal clock on its appropriate schedule is sunlight. Light is critical in assuring that your Circadian Rhythms are correct. As a result of the lower levels of light caused by winter sleep-wake cycles, hormone release and internal body temperature are all affected negatively which can lead to depression and other health problems.

Common symptoms of SAD or "winter depression are: Oversleeping, craving high-carb foods, feelings of hopelessness, loss of energy, loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed, depression, sleep problems, tendency to overreact, loss of concentration, anxiety and mood problems.

In conclusion, Seasonal Affective Disorder is simply winter depression. It is caused by the lower levels of sunlight which in turn causes internal changes to our chemistry that can trigger depressive episodes that last from winter to spring. Though SAD can be serious there are some simple solutions, the best and most common is light therapy.

Running Against Depression: How Running Helps Depression

2011-11-08T16:49:00.000-08:00

Most people when they think of treatments for depression first think of some form of therapy or some type of prescription medication, however one effective treatment for mild to medium depression that is overlooked is exercise, specifically running. This is not for everyone, but if your knees and ankles are in good shape running may be just the prescription you need to help your depression.

Running helps depression by:

Relieves or Reduces Anxiety - The exact biochemical process that regular exercise produces in the brain that helps you deal with stressful situations is not known. Research done on rats by Princeton University and The University of Colorado showed that regular exercise conditions or prepares the brains neurons for stressful situations thereby reducing anxiety levels when stress is encountered. The changes necessary to condition the brain take some time to achieve, but running can help to alleviate anxiety.
Improves Mood - The brain sees running as a form of pain. When the brain senses pain it releases its own painkiller called endorphins. Endorphins are a naturally occurring opiate manufactured in the brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body. Endorphins not only dampen our feelings of pain, but they act as a sedative reducing anxiety temporarily. This feeling of elation doesn't last, and is described as "the runners high."
Increases Social Interaction - Depression and the symptoms that accompany depression feed each other. Loneliness, isolation and low-self esteem are symptoms of depression; each of these symptoms feeds depression and each other, often causing a downward spiral of emotion causing deeper depression. Increased social interaction can help all three of these symptoms. Getting out, running in the park increases the chance of social interaction. Even if it is simply exchanging smiles.
Cope In a Positive Way - Often time’s people will turn to drugs or alcohol when depressed, stressed or feeling anxious, which by the way is a very negative way to deal with depression. It can bring a short-term relief from anxiety and depression, but in the long term, it tends to make matters worse. However running helps depression in a positive way. In the immediate sense when running it helps to take your mind away from the negative patterns of thought that, accompany depression. As running becomes more of a routine, the bio-chemical reaction that occurs within the brain conditions the brain to deal with stress more effectively.
Increases Self Esteem - Running helps depression by improving self-esteem. First, running will helps you feel and look healthier. When you look and feel healthier, you feel better about yourself. In addition you'll find yourself setting goals, how far to run, how fast, or you might even run a marathon. Achieving goals helps self-esteem.

Running is an often-overlooked prescription to help depression. Medication or therapy may still be necessary; running can still help complement these programs.

Negative Thoughts and Depression

2011-10-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

Research shows depressed people tend to minimize their accomplishments, talents, and qualities. Happy people experience failure, disappointment, rejection, negative emotions, pain, and great sorrows, too, just like depressed people. But happy people keep a positive attitude by gracefully accepting sadness and suffering as normal parts of life, while doing what they can about their problems. This also makes them more pleasant to be around and improves their social lives. Part of happiness is a courageous choice of loving life in the face of suffering, a chosen position or view of things. Negative thinking habits can have a large influence on the degree of depression.

Negative thinking and depression go hand-in hand. To overcome your depression you must overcome the negative thinking habits that are so much a part of depression. Studies show that depressed people tend to minimize their accomplishments, talents and qualities. Everyone experiences failure and disappointment, rejection, negative emotions pain and sorrow. But happy people keep a positive attitude. They accept the hard times, sadness and suffering as part of daily living. While depressed people tend to personalize it, sinking them, further into depression.

One way of correcting or changing the negative thinking that accompanies depression and often times overwhelms the depressed person is to keep a journal. Keeping a journal is an excellent way of identifying negative thoughts and emotions, when they occur, and whom they occur around. Then it is possible to find "replacement thoughts" or more positive ones.

Thinking positive is one powerful natural prescription for overcoming depression.

Your journal will be your record of negative thoughts. First, get yourself a notebook any notebook will do, but have something that you will feel comfortable carrying with you throughout the day. If necessary, get two notebooks, a smaller one to take notes with and a larger one to transcribe and elaborate with at the end of the day. This is important.

Next, as you go about your day, record the negative thoughts you have, and look closely at your surroundings. Who were you talking to, where were you, who were you with, what time of day was it? This information may seem insignificant but as you collect your data, a pattern may well become apparent. This pattern can then be referred to as triggers. Triggers that induce or enhance your negative thoughts.

For instance, you may find that certain people trigger negative thoughts, or maybe it is a place or an activity. Now it's time to develop a plan to replace them.

Replacing your negative thoughts is a difficult and time-consuming process especially when you are depressed. Because of depression, negative thoughts seem to have a grip on your mind. They have taken up residence in essence. However, replacing the patterns of negative thinking can go along way to helping your recovery. Once you have identified the triggers and the negative thoughts, next create positive alternatives to this thinking. .

For instance, say whenever you are around your boss at work your thoughts become negative, you think you are worthless, you think that you cannot accomplish your tasks. These thoughts repeat repeatedly in your mind. Consequently, you spiral into sadness, low self-esteem and ultimately reinforce your already depressed mood. This is where in your journal think of appropriate and positive replacements. Make your plan ahead of time.

Make your plan ahead of time by writing what you will think when your boss assigns you a project. For instance, instead of what you normally that you will never get it done and that you have no energy to do this. Write in your journal that you will think I have unlimited energy and that you will be successful. The first time may be difficult. You might think you will never get rid of those thought. They like it in your mind, but keep trying.

Overcoming depression and its symptoms is a long journey. Journaling is but one path to take. Journaling can help you feel and think more positively about yourself and lead to a more fulfilling life.

What is Stress and How Does it Relate to Depression?

2011-09-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Stress is the physical and psychological reactions our bodies go through when faced with either negative or positive changes, challenges or tragedies in our lives. It is our bodies fight or flight response and is necessary for our survival.

The fight or flight response is a survival mechanism leftover from our ancestors. It protected us from danger when we shared the wilderness with wild animals and hunted for our daily meals. Stress increases our heart-rate, pumps adrenaline into our systems which provides us with short-term boosts in memory, endurance, strength and mental clarity. We need this response. Stress is good for the short-term. If however we are chronically under stress it can lead to a multitude of physical and mental diseases, including depression.

In studies, chronic stress is linked to depression. The number of people suffering from chronic stress and depression has risen dramatically since the end of WWII. Society changed dramatically after WWII. This change led to faster and increasingly stressful lives. As a result of this change, we live in almost a constant state of stress, job losses, financial turmoil, new jobs, boring repetitive jobs, moving, traffic jams, lack of control over your own destiny, divorce, intrusive advertising, getting married and health problems.

Most of us go from one of these stressful situations to another. In addition the habits in our daily routines that are considered healthy for reducing stress, such as being realistic, meditate, and exercise, having hobbies, sharing feelings or living and eating healthy have disappeared from our daily rituals.

This combination of chronic stress and our unhealthy physical and mental lifestyle leads to chronic stress, which in turn can creates feelings of chronic hopelessness. You in effect feel that your life is out-of your control, so why try? Your self-esteem suffers. Your self-worth suffers. These negative emotions can cause depression. Which if left unchecked can lead to chronic depression.

Stress and depression are related in that stress can cause depression if the stress is chronic. Although stress is necessary. Physical responses to stress helps us, if we are not in a chronic state of stress. If you are susceptible to depression, have a history of depression, then learning to deal with stress is a must. Controlling stress can help prevent reoccurences of depression and help you in your recovery.

Is Treatment For Mental Illness Covered by Insurance?

2011-09-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Insurance coverage for the mentally ill falls well behind that of general population and despite laws that mandate coverage for mental illness coverage remains inadequate. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act attempted to address the shortcomings of health insurance as it relates to mental health. However, gaps remained and coverage for mental illness doesn't cover the cost leaving many untreated.

1. The Mental Health Act requires employers to provide equality of coverage; it does not however require them to provide coverage. In other words, a company does not have to provide coverage for mental illness at all. Which is the case all too frequently leaving the mentally ill to bare the cost entirely. Many do not seek treatment because of the cost, leaving them vulnerable and untreated. Untreated mental illness can ruin a person’s career, family and finances.

2. Because long-term effective treatment is expensive and coverage inadequate the mentally ill often leave their employment. Inadequate mental health treatment, the lengthy time it takes to diagnosis these illnesses directly relates to lower levels of employment, lower levels of education. Which in turn leads to lower levels of insurance coverage. It is sort of like a revolving door, spiraling the mentally ill down lower and lower in the employment ladder because of their inability to pay for services. A revolving door. Adequate insurance coverage would go along way to breaking this cycle.

3. Federal Laws exempts small companies and companies that can prove a cost increase of one-percent. Many companies utilize this loophole to exempt them from the law. Therefore, in reality the law despite its good intentions does very little to insure the mentally ill.

4. Insurance companies frequently limit-counseling sessions, while emphasizing prescription drugs. Although prescription drugs are necessary in certain cases, therapy or a combination is often necessary for complete recovery. Many mentally ill do not get the full treatment necessary because of the restrictions insurance places on their treatments. Companies opt for the less costly and quicker treatment of prescribing medication rather than a complete approach. Anti-depressants are dangerous drugs and cause long-term health complications. However, companies opt for the more dangerous, yet cheaper treatments.

For example, I took medications for years and remained stable. I stayed employed, payed my rent and went through all the motions of happiness, but until I learned really how to relate to my illness, bi-polar disorder did I really achieve happiness. The thing is no one told me this. The medication appointments lasted fifteen minutes, kept me from going over the deep end, but never addressed my happiness. Many of my posts try to address topics relating to full-recovery, rather than just being stable. Thinking positive, journaling, eating right all are part of the process.

5. Even if adequate coverage is available for the individual, a shortage of psychiatrists leads to long waiting periods on the average of 54 days or longer. Often these patients seek out their primary care physicians whom often do not have the knowledge to treat these patients.

6. Faced with astronomical treatment costs parents with mentally ill children have been forced to give up custody to receive treatment through Medicare.

Despite laws and regulations for assuring insurance coverage for the mentally ill, the mentally ill still have lower levels of coverage than the overall population. This may be due to the nature of the illness; lower levels of employment, education achieved and income level all are directly related to mental illness. These are in turn related to levels and quality of insurance an employee receives. Despite the overwhelming evidence of the link between body and mind companies still opt out of covering mental illness adequately. Seems that in the end adequate mental health would lead to savings overall. However, companies look for short-term success rather than future savings. Until then I fear that although on the books it looks as if the mentally ill have equal opportunity for medical insurance in practice it is severely lacking.

Using Acupuncture to Cure Mental Illness

2011-09-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

The number of people seeking treatment for mental illness has increased dramatically. In addition healthcare costs are skyrocketing and despite laws and regulations mandating that mental health issues are covered equally treatment for mental health illnesses remains too costly for many. Because of this disparity between cost and demand people are looking for cheaper and safer alternatives. Depression the most prevalent form of mental illness which affects 8 million people annually, is most commonly treated with a combination of prescription medications or psychotherapy. However these can be expensive and alternative treatments such as Acupuncture have been shown to be as effective.

Acupuncture has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years to treat depression and mental illness. However, western civilization shunned it as being archaic until recent studies that have shown it to be as effective as modern treatments.

Acupuncture originates in China dating back 5,000 years. Acupuncture, along with a combination of natural herbs and medicines can be very effective at treating depression and mental illness. Acupuncture stimulates the bodies own ability to heal itself. Acupuncture accomplishes this by relieving obstructions in what acupuncture believes are the body’s natural energy channels.

As a result placing acupuncture needles in specific places along these energy channels it releases these obstructions, balancing the energy and bio-chemical imbalance allowing the body to heal itself.

Acupuncture likely works because by placing needles in these strategic locations it stimulates the central nervous system. This then stimulates nerves, which stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The hypothalamic-pituitary system is responsible for the regulation of neurotransmitters and hormones. These neurotransmitters and hormones include serotonin and endorphins, which in addition to relieving pain are linked to whether a person feels good or bad.

The traditional acupuncturist utilizes the entire mind body approach incorporating herbal supplements, diet, mind-energy exercises and life-style counseling. When diagnosing a patient for depression or other mental illness the acupuncturists will determine the exact course of treatment by observing many different factors including observation of posture, gait, demeanor, skin tone, brightness of eyes, voice, smell, tongue and pulse diagnosis, palpation and asking about symptoms and history. Traditional Chinese medicine does not recognize any mental disorder as a single condition rather each patient is viewed as an individual and each treatment is unique based on the diagnosis. Each patient will have different recommendations as to herbs, diet and lifestyle changes as opposed to the one for all prescriptions modern western medicine traditionally utilize. The question remains though is acupuncture effective at treating depression and other mental illnesses. Studies do indicate that acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are effective at treating depression and mental illness.

Since the early seventies, studies around the globe have suggested that treating mental health disorders with acupuncture has a positive and holistic effect on depressed patients, particularly when used in combination with psychotherapy and herbal treatments.

Psychologist John Allen, from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and Acupuncturist Rosa Schnyer, conducted the very first pilot controlled study on treating depression symptoms with acupuncture in the Western scientific world. In a double blind randomized study, 34 depressed female patients who met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria were assigned to one of three treatment groups for eight weeks.

The first group received acupuncture treatment specifically tailored to their depression symptoms. The second group received a general acupuncture treatment not specific to depression, and the third group was placed on a waiting list for acupuncture treatment, but received no treatment. The study found that those in the tailored acupuncture treatment experienced a significant reduction in symptoms, compared to those in the non-specific treatment. Moreover, over 50% of the participants no longer met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for depression after the study.

The study findings suggest that using acupuncture alone could be as effective as other types of treatments for relieving depression symptoms typically used in Western medicine, such as psychotherapy and drugs.

Acupuncture seems to be a viable option to treat depression and mental illness. It treats the total mind body connection. Each person receives his or her own unique treatment with unique counseling, herbs and needle locations. Many people that did not find relief through traditional methods found relief through either a combination of acupuncture and traditional procedures or just acupuncture.

2011-08-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

Just a simple video I threw together on two guys talking about depression. I hope to do a series on depression using cartoons I make from Go animate and post to You-Tube.

Hope you like it.

Types of Depression

2011-08-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

I started this site or blog several months ago with the intention of helping those that suffer from depression, bi-polar depression and other mental illnesses. I‘ll write my first article or post on the types of depression.

The three types of depression are major depression, chronic depression and bi-polar depression. Each has its own symptoms and characteristics. Postpartum depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and atypical depression are subtypes of major depression or chronic depression.

I suffer from Bi-polar depression. Bi-Polar depression is characterized by alternating periods of clinical depression and times of extreme elation. Depression not associated with bi-polar depression or episodes of mania is often is referred to as uni-polar depression.

Classic signs of mania are:

· inflated self-esteem or self-importance

· decreased need for sleep

· more talkative than usual or compelled to keep talking

· experiencing racing thoughts or ideas

· easily distracted

· increase in goal-oriented activity (social, work, school, sexual) or excessive movement

· excessive involvement in potentially risky pleasurable behavior (e.g. over spending, careless sexual activity, unwise business investments)

Major depression or clinical depression is characterized by a dismal mood, and a severe loss of interest in pleasurable activities. However, the depression cannot be related to an illness, disease or side effect of medication. Certain illnesses can cause depression, along with drug abuse and alcoholism.

The symptoms of major depression prevent you from functioning normally. They are present daily or for most of the day for at least two weeks.

I suffered from major depression and was unable to function; losing my job, my home, friendships and self esteem. Eventually I ended up homeless. I experienced suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide twice. I was lucky I survived.

I understand personally the feelings of worthlessness, doom and the anxiety that one feels when depressed. They are overwhelming. They overwhelmed me. I wished I had sought out help sooner, but like many I felt ashamed. I felt as if no one would understand. But I know that there are people that can help, that do understand. Please seek out help, talk to someone.

Other signs and symptoms are:

· significant weight loss / weight gain or decrease / increase in appetite

· difficulty sleeping or increase in sleeping

· excessive movement or slowing down associated with mental tension (observed by others)

· fatigue or loss of energy

· feeling worthless or excessive guilt

· difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions

· repeatedly thinking about death or suicide, trying to attempt suicide or having a specific plan to commit suicide

Chronic Depression – Many of the same symptoms as major depression except chronic depression does not disable a person from functioning. Chronic depression signs last for two or more years and during these times, the person may experience one or more episodes of major depression.

I had no feelings of happiness during this time. It was like being in a deep dark pit. I knew life was right next to me, the life I once had. The friends and family I once shared life. But I did not want to reach out, I did not want to turn on the lights or climb out of the pit of despair I was in. Nothing I did made me feel good. Even colors seemed duller. Life was grey. The shows that made me laugh did not any longer. The hobbies that once gave me a passion for life simply became a burden. These are key signs of depression, the loss of interest in activities that you once found pleasure.

I had been depressed for years without seeking treatment or for that matter even realizing the symptoms myself. I knew something was wrong, so did others around me. But because it did not disable me I never really got treatment. It was not until I experienced a bout of major depression that I was diagnosed with bi-polar. Unfortunately, at the time I was unable to function normally and had to pay the consequences.

It is critical that if you feel you are experiencing depression that you seek help and prevent the disasters that I went through.

Depression is an illness you can overcome, I have. But you must inform yourself, be knowledgeable about your illness even if you are under treatment of a doctor. Learn and constantly stay on top of your illness.

I hope you found this article informative. I hope you come back. If you wish to guest post on my blog, please feel free to contact me.

Antidepressants Facts, The Truth about Psychiatry Depression

2011-01-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

An alternative view about depression how to treat depression.

Basics of Bipolar Disorder

2011-01-16T15:03:00.000-08:00

Mental Health & Therapy : Signs to Watch for Bipolar Symptoms

2011-01-13T14:03:00.001-08:00

Depression Symptoms - Do You Have Any Of These 10?

2011-01-12T06:14:00.000-08:00