When the Light Goes Out at the End of the Tunnel Depression the Silent Killer by Terry Clark - HTML preview

Alternative Methods to Help Cure Depression

 

Many people see depression as a lifelong struggle. It may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the person's brain. Other things such as a particular life-changing situation may be responsible for the condition. According to food and drug administration's website, there are 21 million individuals suffering from various symptoms of depression. Due to this increase in the number of patients, pharmaceutical companies have started to advertise the use of antidepressant medications to treat the condition. But instead of reducing the overall depression symptoms, these medications have created side effects and further aggravated the overall problem for a person.

 

Many people tried to use a pill in order to overcome their chemical imbalance which is one of the main reasons for depression. An important fact to be noted here is that many individuals take medication without even understanding the real cause of depression. This particular problem is serious. Using the wrong treatment may make the situation worse rather than improving the state of depression. Under such conditions, it is always advisable to visit a reputed doctor in order to understand the right cause of depression. Lack of essential nutrients in the body may also worsen the state of depression.

 

The basic thing that one must do is to suppress the depression development activity that is currently going on in their body. This can be done through the use of psychotherapy sessions and physical fitness exercises will be very helpful for the person. These will help create a good chemical balance in the brain. A diet rich in all essential nutrients will also create positive effects reducing the depression symptoms in the person. It can be used as part of the overall treatment.

 

Taking medication for depression is not always advisable and hence people who are suffering from different depressive states are advised to reach out for help which will create a balance in their life. It is very important for a person to achieve supreme balance in order to stay away from different diseases and also to avoid the occurrence of depression.

 

One can look forward to Tai Yi, which offers methodology for self empowerment to overcome a depressive state. During the complete treatment, it is essential for the person to move around in a group that creates positive talk and constantly encourages them to feel good and positive.

 

 

What to Do When Someone You Love Suffers From Depression

 

When you love someone who suffers from depression or bipolar disorder you may find yourself frustrated, angry or losing your ability to tolerate their behavior towards yourself, your children or other friends and family. Sadly, while great strides have been made to treat these disorders, the family and friends coping with sufferers often feel hopeless or discouraged by their attempts to help.

 

If you are living with, or close to someone who is diagnosed or appears to be suffering from depression or bipolar you will find the following tips beneficial for helping both the individual and yourself from the terrible effects of depression.

 

IDENTIFY SYMPTOMS

 

If the person you love has not been diagnosed with depression it is important for you to analyze their behavior and act on it. If the person displays symptoms of depression they may not realize it on their own. Depression often causes a person to feel like a failure and they may blame their lack of interest, energy or ability to show affection as a personal weakness rather than a medical problem.

 

Individuals who have bipolar disorder frequently assume bouts of manic symptoms can simply mean they have high energy rather than a problem that needs attention. Using a questionnaire online or from a pamphlet can help you or your loved one identify symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder.

 

SEEK TREATMENT

 

If you feel that your loved one is displaying symptoms of depression, including an inability to show interest in activities that they usually enjoyed, sleeping more or less than usual, unexplained crying, withdrawing from interactions and talk of suicide, it is crucial that they seek medical intervention right away.

 

If the individual refuses to seek treatment you may need to enlist the help of others to speak to them, including anyone they might respond to - friends, teachers, counselors. You can even ask your own physician for help if nobody else can convince them. If they talk about suicide call 911 or a suicide emergency help line immediately.

 

BE SUPPORTIVE

 

Probably the most important action you can take, aside from getting the person medical treatment is to remain nonjudgmental and consistently supportive.

 

The symptoms of depression can vary in intensity but their affect on a relationship is always negative. A depressed person feels unworthy and weak. This self-depreciation furthers the depression. Losing the ability to work, communicate or enjoy life will erode relationships, lead to financial problems and affect intimacy.

 

It is important to remember this is not the true nature or feelings of the person suffering from depression. A depressed person may start arguments or tell you they don't love you. Do not believe them or take their comments to heart. Indulging their grievances will only further the depression.

 

If the person is being treated for their depression remind them that treatment will eventually work and remain positive. Remind them that this is a medical problem and that they are not to blame. Don't push them to do more than they are capable of and never suggest that they just "pull themselves together" since that will lead to more feelings of worthlessness. Regularly inviting the person to go for a walk, enjoy a movie or other outing, or simply listen to them talk can help when the person feels able to do these activities.

 

KEEP PERSPECTIVE

 

If you have been through several bouts of depression with the one you love, remember the episode will eventually end. If you are having trouble keeping perspective you might seek out a support group for friends and family of those suffering from depression to help you feel connected to others dealing with similar situations.

 

Find a confidant who will listen without judgment. Especially when dealing with a depressed spouse you may feel unloved or hopeless. Having a friend or therapist who you can share your feelings with will help you remember that it is not the person or yourself causing this turmoil, it is a medical problem that must be viewed as temporary and treatable.

 

 

7 Ways to Overcome Winter Depression

 

In North America, it is estimated that 50 to 60 percent of the population is affected by winter depression. There is a broad spectrum of symptoms that arise, from a change in sleep patterns and weight gain, to overwhelming suicidal thoughts and the unfortunate results. Think of it this way - fully half of the people you know are somewhat depressed in the wintertime!

 

Wintertime depression is very common in those parts somewhat north (or south) of the equator. People who live near the equator have a very low incidence of winter depression. Why? Simple. They live where there are enough daylight hours to avoid triggering the hormone imbalance that causes depression. Now, please note that I did not say that people near the equator spend more time sunbathing than northerners. It doesn't matter that they have a better tan. Rather, it is the length of the day that matters.

 

Again, it is the length of the day, not the weather! This fact about winter depression is what gave rise to the name Seasonal Affective Disorder. People who live in northern climes suffer because of the seasonally shortened days. Just as trees lose their leaves when the days shorten, people lose their happiness. People who live where the days shorten seasonally are victims of the brain's chemical reaction to lesser hours of daylight.

 

So, understanding that it is not your fault, what can you do?

 

First, start right now on a plan to extend the hours of daylight in your day by using light therapy. Light therapy is the most effective depression treatment known. All you need is a small bank of lights and the time to sit near them for a couple of hours each day.

 

The lights are the easy part. Get the cheapest fixture you can find that will hold four foot long fluorescent bulbs. Mine has four bulbs. Buy the best 'grow' lights. The kind that is best for plants. They are the closest match to the spectrum of sunlight. Do not use standard fluorescent bulbs. They are too green and will actually drain the energy out of you.

 

Research has shown that the best time to treat your winter depression with light therapy is early in the morning. It is best to make it your first task of the day. As well, this will give you some quiet time alone to read some uplifting material. It never hurts to get some positive input!

 

Reduce your stress by sticking to a daily routine. Get to bed on time so you can do your light therapy in the morning. Try to avoid annoying people. Get to work early and plan your day. Make a list of things to do and check them off as you accomplish them. Save the challenging projects for when you are not fighting your winter depression.

 

Next, decide that the weather will not affect your mood. You can't change the weather, so why be upset by it? If the weather is bad, allow a little extra time to get to work. It's simple, isn't it? Accept it and move on.

 

Then, improve your health. Eat a little less. Eat healthier foods. Exercise a little. Go for a walk. Did you know that it is nearly impossible to think bad thoughts while walking briskly? Drink water! The vitamin that people lack the most is plain old water.

 

Last, don't give up on yourself. If you feel bad, yell for help! Talk to someone. Those closest to you need to know how you are feeling. Tell them. If you can't talk to your family or a friend, go see your doctor. Go to a walk in clinic and see a nurse, a psychologist - somebody! And please, except if you are completely overwhelmed, do not take antidepressant medication. Yes, they will help if you are suicidal, but the long term side affects of these mind altering substances are extreme and not good for your overall health.

 

In summary, here are the seven things you can do now to overcome your winter depression:

 

1) Make or buy a light box. Use it in the morning. One to two hours every day.

 

2) Reduce your stress by having a daily routine.

 

3) Get enough sleep. Go to bed early so you can get up early and sunbathe in front of your lights.

 

4) Decide that the weather will not affect your mood.

 

5) Eat healthy. Get some exercise. Drink lots of water.

 

6) Talk about how you feel. Remember, 50% of people feel like you do, to one extent or another.

 

7) No matter how bad it gets, hang on! It will get better.

 

 

Bipolar Disorder

 

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness also known as manic-depressive illness. It is characterized by extreme moods swings in the sufferer, far more extreme than the ups and downs in mood experienced by the general population.

 

Moods can range from severe depression all the way up to feelings of extreme elation, called mania. Between these extreme moods patients may experience a whole spectrum of moods ranging from depression, mild depression (also called dysthymia), periods of normal mood, a mild form of mania called hypomania and full-blown mania.

 

During episodes of mania the patient may experience extreme highs with increased energy. Other symptoms of this phase may include:

 

-Hyperactivity - Jumping from one activity or idea to another.

-Recklessness or aggression.

-Increased libido.

-Impaired judgment.

-Restlessness, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

-Ability to manage with little or no sleep.

-Substance abuse.

-Exaggerated expectations of one's abilities.

 

Periods of depression are characterized by symptoms such as:

 

-Extreme sadness, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

-Deriving little or no pleasure from activities.

-Sleeping excessively or inability to sleep.

-Diminished sexual desire.

-Unexplained changes in appetite and behavior.

-Suicidal thoughts.

-Low energy levels.

-Irritability.

-Poor concentration and memory.

-Aches and pains, which have no physical explanation.

 

Extreme episodes of mania or depression may be accompanied by psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. During manic episodes delusions of grandeur may be experienced while in the depressive phase patients may hold deluded beliefs that some horrible catastrophe has befallen them.

 

Unfortunately, there is no physiological test such as a blood test to diagnose bipolar disorder. However, recent studies in brain imaging have shown that the brains of manic-depressives may have physical differences. Given the many and varied symptoms, diagnosis of bipolar disorder is not always easy and is often confused with other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

 

Substance abuse, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders as well as thyroid problems also commonly occur in individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder.

 

In Type 1 Bipolar disorder patients experience episodes of both depression as well as mania at different times. In Type 2, depression may occur alternating with mild mania (hypomania) but never progresses beyond hypomania. Where depression and mania alternate rapidly it is called rapid-cycle bipolar disorder and such patients may experience many cycles within a week or even a day. Where elements of mania and depression co-exist it's called a mixed bipolar state. Type 1 is the classic form of bipolar disorder.

 

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known. However, the consensus of current research is that it has many rather than a single cause. Scientists believe it is partly genetic but is the result not of a single gene but the interaction of several genes. Studies of identical twins have shown that where one twin has the disorder the other identical twin has a significantly increased likelihood of developing the disorder, but it does not happen in a hundred percent of cases. This confirms that genes do play a part but other factors are at play too.

 

Treatment for bipolar disorder includes medication as well as psychosocial strategies such as behavioral and cognitive therapy.

 

Medications commonly used are mood stabilizers such as Lithium, anti-psychotics and anti-convulsives. An anti-depressant may be used to treat the depressive stage. However, it would not usually be used on its own without a mood stabilizer due to the risk of triggering a manic episode. Electro-convulsive Therapy too may be used where drug therapies are inappropriate such as in the case of pregnancy.

 

Psycho-social treatments aim to change negative thought patterns associated with the extreme mood swings. They also provide education on identifying depression and manic episodes. These strategies may be aimed at patients as well as their families.

 

Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness and lifelong support and medication may be required to control it. Many sufferers can lead healthy and fruitful lives as long as an appropriate treatment regime is followed. Those who do best are patients who are diagnosed early, receive suitable treatment and have the support of family or community.

 

 

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