Depression is a very unique study area that can involve many factors including genetics, behavior, environment, individual circumstances and chemical imbalances in the brain. Though Western medicine has found success with both psychotherapy talk treatments and anti-depressant medication, there is no one single cure for depression mostly because each individual experiences different symptoms. some may be riddled with anxiety, suffer from insomnia and experience stomach pains while others may sleep way too much, show little or no interest in just about anything and may deal with feelings of hopelessness and in extreme cases suicidal behavior. Because of the variations in the symptoms of depression it isn't always easy to diagnose a patient and prescribe a treatment program.

If you have tried medication and psychotherapy and have had little or no success it may be time to give acupuncture a try. As with other acupuncture treatments, the goal is to identify strategic points on the body that may be disrupting the vital flow of a person's 'qi' or life force energy. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that conditions such as depression are linked to imbalance of energy flowing through a person's body and that with the gentle insertion of fine needles along these meridians the flow of energy can be returned to its normal state thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with depression.

Unlike broken bones or torn ligaments, the treatments for depression can vary widely. some people react well to medications while others prefer talk therapy as a way to relieve their anxiety and stress. And still others have found success through the holistic approach of acupuncture therapy and a continued treatment of Chinese herbs and problem-specific massage. some choose acupuncture for the simple reason that is all natural and won't involve a patient becoming dependent on a particular medication. Many people have also found that a combination of psychotherapy and acupuncture have had great results in alleviating major symptoms of depression. if you or someone you know is dealing with depression, ask him or her if they have considered acupuncture treatment. Quick, painless and affordable, acupuncture may be the remedy you've been looking for.

Acupuncture for Treating Depression

Within a couple of days I got a phone call and we talked for seven hours. this was the longest call of my life and it went from seven at night till two in the morning. she gave me her phone number and we spoke a few more times before one night late at night she invited me to her house.

When I arrived I was told by her sixteen year old daughter that she was asleep. this was a shock to me. The daughter told me that her mother had taken some sleeping pills but had told her to lead me up to the bedroom and have me wake her. In a half awake state us two desperate people had sex.

The next morning she was up late and I was introduced to her brother and four children and the word girlfriend was being used. over the next week she gave me the most intensive interview I have ever had in my life. she asked question after question and listened and listened and we were doing like twenty hour days with little sleep. Within two weeks she had me move in but had said sex was no longer on the agenda, I could sleep in her bed but we would not be having sex. I have to laugh she could have told me before I moved in with her and the four children.

In the first week she asked me if I was a manic depressive( Bipolar disorder) I asked her what that was. this proves that she had amazing knowledge of psychiatric illnesses and we had been doing heaps of nights up and all days. she had bottles of legal speed like amphetamines and she was eating them like candy and keeping me up and I was just staying up talking and answering questions.

I did not know at the time that this lady was known by my wife and that the introduction agency leaflet and the letter was all a set up and once convinced that I was a manic depressive she did everything you should not do to someone like me.

I got so tired but the more tired I got the less I could sleep. even when I did sleep my dreami were running so fast that I really wasn't getting sleep. I was not getting deep and needed sleep.

Right when my sleep was being affected she took out a Bible and turned to Revelation chapter 11 in the Bible about the two end times prophets of doom and said that she and I had that mission. In my sick state and in the state of being a Bipolar that could handle such a BIG delusion I swallowed it fully. and to be frank folks it has never ever left me.

Two weeks later I was in a hospital with a full blown episode and what many people without mental health knowledge was a breakdown. I stayed ten days and threatened a malpractice suit to the hospital and they let me go with medication.

Prophecy that doesn't help me

In Christian circles we have a gift that some people have called the gift or prophecy where a person can give you a message about your future. One day six months before my breakdown a pastor of a church with 400 members had said in my future I would be one of the world's biggest known preachers. he told me that I would get over my current heartache and come out of the dark tunnel I felt I was in and when I was healed of my emotional pain and God was ready I would be a world renowned preacher that everyone would know in Christian circles.

The pastor was a visiting speaker and was so accurate about the dark tunnel that I was in and the inner pain I had experienced in my life up till then I just could not reconcile that this message was false about my future as he could not have possibly known about my current state. to this day I still like to think this will happen, but even belief in this prophecy that one day I will be a world renowned speaker and looks like author is still what most doctors would call a vision of grandeur.

So you can see my faith in this prophecy coming true gave me the faith that this mad women's saying I was going to be this prophet was true. to be this prophet you would be one of the biggest names in the world and the pastor's prophecy backed it up.

Now you health professionals who have not any faith in a Christian God are most probably pulling your hair out at me, but as of writing in the past 20 weeks 28,000 people have read my articles and 1000 people read a week and I post about five to ten a week up.

This year I have three books being prepared and this year I will be doing some of my first preaching engagements. we all know that if one excels in what they do and they really dedicate themselves to it anything is possible. and yet I am declared insane to think I can become in the top five International speakers in the world.

Can you see how crazy I am?

Many people say that Moses did not wrought ten plagues on Egypt. why many people are even saying Jesus had a baby with Mary and married and died a normal death and did not even die on a cross.

But how can you help me medical guys?

I think it quite funny that I am declared a maniac for thinking such thoughts that I could be this great preacher in the future and yet your science can't prove that I won't.

Many good inventors and artists and writers were called maniacs and insane like me until they had their breakthrough and then history records them as a genius. they say that there is a fine line between genius and madness. Could it be that some maniacs like me simply push on no matter the obstacles and cling to their vision and dreams and do it for so long with passion that they have a breakthrough?

Can your sciences dispute that?

I take my medication faithfully yet my vision persists very strongly. this week I have self published my first book and at my rate of article growth and search engines finding my articles and all of the Bible I know and understand I think I can write five days a week for two years if I put my mind to it. Your disability pension gives me a basic income and your government housing gives me cheap rent and the health system has been my safety net. Could I preach and write my way to stardom?

Could I really be one of the last two prophets?

It's all a mystery to me. I feel that I could be and I find very few people, in fact no one in mental health has ever been a Christian who has spoken to me on my level.

You know Solomon King David's son who wrote the Book of Proverbs in the Bible said this.

A fool in his heart says that there is no God.

It's a big insult that verse from one the worlds wisest men to the modern scientists and health professionals that tell me not to reach for my dreams and for me to stop letting my God speak to me in my mind.

I mean no disrespect. I love the public health system as I stay out of hospital with their medications but do I have to give up my dream of becoming a world recognized speaker.

All big things seem to have small beginnings. and if you have read this, you are just one more person that has read something I have written.

Where else can I go? I can only do what I can each day, pray to my God, write and preach and if my reputation grows so will my schedule and if I speak on profound sort of stuff in the Bible and other things, perhaps like Rocky I might get to fight with a world title champ in the big ring.

Have you got some encouraging words for me? take the time to write them as a comment to me. I have lectured mental health professionals four times as a guest consumer at their conventions and meetings and have had them bursting their sides with laughter at the antics I have been up to in my life in this illness. But today I hope you have learned something.

Yeah I am not Jesus. I know that for sure, but keep this article in a safe place in your files and in say five to ten years if you hear about me in Christian circles at least you can call me a genius instead of a madman

With all my love and blessings

Some Valuable Insight Into My Bipolar Vision of Grandeur and Why When Medicated I Still Cling to It

First, you will want to learn as much as you possibly can about your mental state. The more facts that you realize about being a manic depressive, the better are your chances in keeping the symptoms at bay and possibly eliminating the disorder from affecting your daily life. after all, the ultimate goal is to live manic depressive symptom free.

Second, you will want to eliminate stress whenever possible. it is very important that you refrain from having a stressful state as your mood swings are intimately tied to your level of stress. You should attempt to always handle your stressful situations as best as you can with the least amount of fanfare. it can be very beneficial to enroll in meditative exercises such as yoga and Pilates. many people report that this has worked wonders for controlling their bipolar disorder.

Next, be sure to engage in a regular exercise program. not only will this rejuvenate your body but it has been proven to work wonders for your mind. A regular walking routine is great for starters, from there you can build up to whatever you are comfortable with. In very short time, you will be amazed at how a regular workout can be beneficial for your mental state as well as your physical state.

Next, you want to capture a full night's rest as often as you can. Avoid activities that interfere with a good night's sleep. The recommendation is 7 to 8 hours of nightly sleep. upon awakening, try not to skip breakfast. This is a very important meal to get your day off to a good start. Speaking of meals, be certain to have good eating habits and avoid the junk.

Finally, you should know when to get support from others. Keep in mind that this is not a battle that you ought to fight alone. throughout history, there have been many famous people that have been diagnosed as bipolar. those that have sought out the help of professionals have gone on to lead rather normal lives. Following the advice of professionals will allow you to keep control over your manic depressive episodes and live a fuller life.

Learn To Minimize The Symptoms Of Your Manic Depressive State

Causes of depression are 40 – 70% hereditary and children of depressed children are more likely to be depressed. This would mean that the potential for depression lies in one's genetic makeup, and a stressor may trigger a latent potential for depression. However those who dispute heredity as one of the causes of depression cite other true observations that those who live with depressed individuals are more likely to be depressed, and a depressed parent may lack parenting skills or the necessary energy or patience to deal with a child properly, and may be one of the causes of depression. It is hard to know who really wins the nature versus nurture argument, but once we learn more about the role heredity plays among the causes of depression, the better we will understand how genes have an impact on our moods.

Whether causes of depression are hereditary or not, there is a physiological basis for the problem, which refutes claims that depression is nothing more than a bad mood that will pass. Low serotonin levels have been shown to be one of the causes of depression, and loss of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus has also been identified as one of the causes of depression. Seasonal affective disorder is also one of the causes of depression, and it has been shown that those who are deprived of light and warmth in the wintertime and become depressed as a result are not merely suffering from the “winter blues” but have a problem caused by the shorter days and longer nights. Seasonal effective disorder can develop into full blown depression if it not treated as one of the series causes of depression. Hormones may also play a role as one of the causes of depression, especially among those women who suffer from Pre Menstrual Syndrome or post-partum depression. In fact, while one out of every four women suffers from depression compared to one in every eight men, this discrepancy disappears among women who have undergone menopause, when there are lower levels of estrogen. More study is needed to determine whether these hormonal fluctuations are actual causes of depression, or merely triggers.

Losing one's job, getting a divorce or a death in the family may not be actual causes of depression, but they can trigger the problem in those who have a predisposition for the problem. Certainly, such events can cause sadness and a feeling of worthlessness, but if these feelings are not persistent, they are normal aspects of the grieving process and are not causes of depression. However, if the negative feelings are prolonged and obsessive, they may be triggers in setting off depression. There are some physical aliments which are included among causes of depression. Hepatitis and heart conditions can be causes of depression, in addition to Aids and other illnesses which cause weakness and fatigue.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

It's important to know what really is meant by bipolar before we delve into the symptoms related to adolescent bipolar. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depressive disorder due to the phases of mania and depression which characterize this disease. the patient has cyclic bouts of mania or euphoria or elation which are followed by phases of depression. Both these phases take a serious toll on the energy levels, basic body functions, concentration and even decision making abilities. Bipolar disorder affects the basic senses which are required to lead a healthy life.

Though this is a serious disease with serious implications, it does have a cure. many a times the right counseling and medicines can help in eliminating its symptoms and effects. however, there is a different approach needed to tackle bipolar disorder in adolescents since its more complex.

Bipolar in Adolescents

It's normally seen that bipolar disorder manifests itself during late adolescence or early adult hood in most people. Though these cases in early teens are not as frequent, there have been instances reported. this phenomenon is known as the Early Onset Bipolar Disorder and is characterised by frequent mood swings. Moreover, it is seen that severity of the symptoms is more intense owing to the relatively low emotional development in teenagers.

How to recognize Bipolar disorder in adolescents?

Adolescent Bipolar disorder has almost the same symptoms which are seen in adult bipolar disorder. these include lethargy, extreme mood swings, erratic attention span, depression, euphoria and even excessive talkativeness.

Here are some ways to recognize the symptoms of early bipolar in your teenager:

1. Is there a change in your teen's behaviour at school or with his friends?

2. Are people trying to avoid your teen and do they have a problem in making friends?

3. Have you started hearing about more of disciplinary incidents involving your teen?

If your teenager has started displaying any of these symptoms frequently, then you need to take a stock of the situation. Don't just write off these incidents without actually getting to the bottom of the situation. most parents attribute these problems to growing up years when it can be more serious. Have a psychiatrist examine your child. Remember, the earlier you catch this disorder in your teen, the better the chances of a complete cure. There are many resources on the web which can help you to understand medication for bipolar and bipolar in adolescents.

Treatment

The treatment for bipolar disorder in adolescents is usually a combination of therapy and medication. Anti depressants, anti-anxiety prescriptions and mood stabilizers are usually prescribed. no matter what kind of treatment, bipolar disorder needs to be taken very seriously. Remember, the sooner the problem is diagnosed, the more the chance of your teen leading a normal life. There are many different types of bipolar medication out there so consulting your doctor on the right one is the way to go.

Bipolar Medication to Counter Adolescent Bipolar

Erratic Moods

If you are not properly medicated or otherwise treated for depression, you can become very irritated, moody and frustrated. your moods may be erratic and it might even take you a few days to realize. it is highly likely that you have also been upsetting the people around you, such as your family and work colleagues, without even realizing it.

Fatigue or Restless Sleep

This is not necessarily a sign of depression, but more a contributing factor or aggravator of it. If your mind will not stop working at one million miles an hour, or your dreams are waking you up in a state of panic, then you should definitely seek some professional medical advice to help you to prevent things from getting worse. the answer may be as simple as changing your diet or getting some exercise so try this first before you outlay a lot of money on expensive medical appointments and medications.

Weight Gain or Weight Loss

Stress, anxiety and depression can affect people in different ways and for different reasons. Similarly, different people will exhibit different signs. in my experience, I notice that I tend to lose my appetite and significantly lose weight in the days leading up to a really depressing mood. And I do not have much weight to lose, so small changes in my weight can be quite significant. this is also despite the side effects of my prescription medication which increases my appetite. on the other hand, other people tend to comfort eat and gain weight before becoming depressed. in either case, changes in your weight, particularly if it is weight gain, can be a cause of stress, anxiety or depression in many people.

Withdrawal

A sudden withdrawal of contact with friends, family and work colleagues is obvious. However, if this occurs gradually over time, it is possible that no-one will notice until it is too late. Remember, it is possible for a person to be physically present in a social setting but emotionally or psychologically distant. always make sure you are surrounded by people and if you cannot interact, then it is usually a good idea to spend time with your family.

Loss of interest in Personal Presentation

This is possibly one of the most obvious signs to see when someone is experiencing trouble in their personal life. A person who is preoccupied with their troubling thoughts will often become lazy when it comes to applying make up, re-dying coloured hair or treating acne. in some cases, even failing to bathe can be obvious

Memory Loss and Operating on Auto Pilot

This is one of the last signs that you might acknowledge, as everyone gets weighed down from time to time with the pressures of life. you should know for yourself once you have reached the point where nothing interests you, and you are simply doing what is required of you by everyone else, and nothing more. If your demeanor is not excitable and your stare is empty, if you have trouble engaging in conversation or making eye contact, then I strongly encourage you to find a family member to just be around. If you think you are becoming forgetful, often your memory is quite fine, it is just the case that you were not listening properly because you were caught up in your own thoughts.

Even if you are medicated for stress, anxiety or depression and are under the supervision of a medical professional, if any of these signs are familiar to you, it might be worthwhile requesting a second opinion to ensure that you have been prescribed the right medication for you. If, after reading this article, you have some concerns for someone close to you be careful and tactful in how you raise them. Be prepared to listen patiently, do not push for more information then the person is willing to give you initially, and make sure that they are aware that you are there to help if they need someone. do not take an accusatory approach or make the person feel cornered or ashamed - they are probably feeling bad enough already.

Signs & Symptoms of Stress, Anxiety & Depression

She has a job in retail, but when she is not at work, she does nothing but sit in a chair or sleep.

How do I know if this behavior is a result of depression or just laziness?

This is the age of anxiety Seventy percent of people today are stressed out from overload - working harder for the same pay, juggling family and work, and worrying about money. As well, some people have Anxiety disorders such as panic, phobias, obsessions and compulsions - illnesses in which anxiety comes from within. To reduce stress and anxiety effectively we need to understand our symptoms and emotions, worry accurately, learn coping strategies, and find support. but there must be an easier way - what about 'nerve pills'?

A tranquillizer can calm racing minds, slow pounding hearts, ease tight breathing, relax tight, painful muscles and help us sleep. The Benzodiazepines, such as 'Xanax' (alprazolam - short-acting) or 'Rivotril' (clonazepam - longer acting) can help in dealing with major life stresses especially if taken at night when anxiety symptoms such as insomnia interfere significantly with work or caring for a child.

But taking more than just occasional doses can cause problems. Tranquillizers have potentially dangerous side effects including reduced mental alertness, concentration and memory, as well as physical unsteadiness. Driving may become dangerous, they may precipitate a depression and react badly with alcohol. Regular use can lead to tolerance and increasing doses - people in abusive situations or who have problems with alcohol or other drugs seem to be especially at risk for this. Tranquillizers must be stopped gradually, or you risk dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. in most stressful situations, it would be better to experience and express our emotions rather than just numbing them, and apply the energy of anxiety to finding healthier ways to become equal to the stress.

Anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, panic, phobias, obsessions and compulsions, have much more severe symptoms and anti-anxiety medications may be invaluable in allowing us to function, at least in the early stages. but in the long run it's best to correct any underlying biochemical imbalance using antidepressant drugs such as 'Paxil' or 'Zoloft'. these damp down excessive or obsessional worry without making you dopey, reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks and treat the depression which is often part of mood disorders. Knowing you can control your anxiety improves motivation to find more long lasting success through self-management. However, a few people need to take medication indefinitely just to function adequately, and they shouldn't feel any more guilty about it then a person with diabetes taking insulin.

Anxiety disorders can start young - many students quit high school because of a phobia about public speaking. if we started teaching about anxiety and coping skills early, perhaps we could reduce the rates of serious anxiety disorders and alcohol and drug abuse.

Tranquilizers really help in disabling anxiety, but using drugs (or alcohol) to handle the common stresses of modern life is dangerous - like painting over a rust spot on your car without removing the rust. if you do take tranquilizers, work closely with your doctor, aiming to gradually reduce the dose while learning effective coping techniques. Ask your doctor about cognitive-behavioural therapy, anxiety programs, and support groups. Yoga, relaxation, some herbal remedies and acupuncture can also be helpful. Read books and learn from others who have recovered, because with knowledge, skills, support and persistence, the battle against anxiety can be won

Stress And Anxiety - Do You Need 'Nerve Pills'?

What do you do? There is so much information floating around about diabetes that most if not many think it as a 'death warrant'. Immediate thoughts are about people who had diabetes undergoing all kinds of treatment, medications, restrictions, complications such non healing of ordinary wounds, and also how it impedes other treatment and so on.

Yes it is difficult to cope with the diagnosis of diabetes. most refuse to believe that they could be the carrier of diabetes. They spend money in getting it checked again and again in despair. Ultimately, when it is sufficiently confirmed, they fall into despair. and despair leads to depression. Visions of impairment, incapacity to do certain things, and other similar thoughts crowd the mind, leading to depression. The American Diabetes Association has studies to prove that diabetes are greater risk of falling into depression - itself another disease.

Loss of appetite, inability to concentrate, lack of interest in day to day activity, inability to sleep, or disturbed sleep pattern, including excessive sleep are some of the symptoms that are indicative of depression. What is not realised that depression combined with diabetes is a dangerous condition.

If you are one such person and suffer from signs of depression, you should consult your physician to help you, or refer you to a therapist who is cognizant of the disease, and who can perhaps help you. Seeking help does not mean you are helpless. on the other hand, seeking help means you want support from experts who could help you through the phase your are undergoing. Remember that you are one of the many thousands who suffer from this disease, and who have successfully overcome the present phase you are in, and are now leading healthy lives.

There are support groups available consisting of people like you, who have diabetes, and many of them have been through the trauma you are now undergoing. Talking it out with them will act as a balm for your why me syndrome.

Diabetes is not a life threatening disease, any more. It can be controlled provided you are ready to make some alterations to your lifestyle. your lifestyle undergoes only minor changes and not major ones. The more you learn about it, the more you will find that it is controllable, without any major changes in your lifestyle. yes, there will be restrictions and pills to take. but it is not the end of the world for you. Learn from various sources. Get in touch with the American Diabetes Foundation, or visit their website. Learn what it is all about, and what are the medications available. you will be pleasantly surprised to find that nearly 95 per cent of the diabetics lead normal lives. The more you learn about the disease, the better you will feel.

Control of diabetes has come to such an advanced stage that individuals need not give up their favorite foods or their leisure time activities. of course there are new medications to take, more frequent tests, and several visits to the physician before your ideal medication combination is arrived at. This itself is stressful. but take it in your stride. Don't feel helpless, because there is no need to. There are enough diabetics around. all you have to do is to get in touch with them. The American Diabetes Association is one such organisation, and they will be happy to help.

Depression Due To Diabetes - Reaction After Diagnosis