Am I Sad or Depressed?

Do you experience any of the following?:

Lack of sleep or too much of it
Can't focus and finish tasks
Hopeless and Helpless
Too many negative thoughts
No appetite or eating too much
Thoughts that life is not worth living

Feelings of sadness, loneliness, disappointment etc. are nothing but natural human emotions. Depression on the other hand is an intense and persistent feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness. It affects our daily life and those who are around us. We basically lose interest in life and everything that is related to it.

Depression varies in every case. Each person is a unique case but there are common signs to all. It is important to note that all signs of depression are part of normal human existence. But the more intense the symptoms the more one is prone to depression. We should always remember that the basis of any disorder is its severity and intensity. Also, time is always an important factor so seek help immediately.

These are the signs of Depression according to DSM IV TR:

- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly everyday
- Diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day,
nearly everyday
- Insomnia (lack of sleep) or hypersomnia (too much sleep) nearly everyday
- Psycho motor agitation or retardation nearly everyday
- Fatigue or loss of energy nearly everyday
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly everyday
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly everyday
- Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without specific plan,
or a suicide attempt or a specific plan of committing suicide

Depression takes a lot of our energy and zest for life and this makes it more difficult for us to do what needs to be done to be better. Overcoming depression it not an easy task or journey. We cannot do it by only will power; we need some level of control. The secret is to begin with simple and small steps and then build your core from there. Feeling better requires time, but for us to be there we need to make positive choices for ourselves TODAY. Yes, it is difficult but it is definitely NOT IMPOSSIBLE.

For a start, do not aim for big results, just keep focused on the small things of everyday life, those that are within our reach and within our resources. Take time to appreciate yourself for each accomplishment. It may be small, but they will soon add up. All your efforts will bear fruit someday.

Here are some helpful tips in coping with Depression:

1) Build Relationships

Surround yourself with people you love and trust. It is not easy for someone who is under depression. The mere thought of reaching out can be exhausting but to remain in isolation will make the situation worse. You may feel too exhausted to talk, but just gather your energy and remind yourself that you need this, that these people care for you and wants to help.

Who are they?

a) Family Members - No one will ever love and understand us than our family. Never hesitate to ask help from them.
b) Trusted Friends - Next to our family, they are the ones who knows us best. The things that we hide from our family are revealed to our friends. There are certain things that only a trusted friend can do.
c) Participate in Social Activities - it is very difficult for someone who is depressed to do this. You don't have to enjoy the activity, just force yourself to be there.
d) Join a Support Group for Depression - Being surrounded with people who share the same problem will make the task a bit easier and makes you feel that you are not alone. You can also be inspiration to each other.

2) Think Positive

When you're depressed everything around and inside you is negative. Thinking positive is not enough to conquer your pessimistic mind set. You must change negative thoughts with more realistic and balanced thoughts.

What are the ways?

a) Think outside of yourself - imagine yourself saying those negative thoughts about you to someone else. How would you feel? Don't be too hard on yourself. Change those negative statements with a more realistic description.
b) Allow yourself to be less than perfect - most of depressed persons are perfectionists, they set high (impossible) expectations on themselves and beat themselves when they fail. Challenge yourself to think that it is okay to fail and that you are not perfect and no one is.
c) Be with positive people - even if you don't feel like being with them, try to emulate their optimism and positivity in outlook amidst difficulty.
d) Log your negative thoughts - list all your negative thoughts during the day. Review it when you feel a bit in a good mood. Rephrase those statements into positive on the other side of the paper/journal.

3) Love Yourself

How can you expect others to love and take care of you when you yourself is not giving it to yourself. To overcome depression you need to plan activities that will enhance your lifestyle.

a) Have 8 hours of sleep - Sleeping problems is one of the signs of depression. Go get enough, take note, only enough sleep is needed.
b) Be in the sun everyday - Lack of sunlight aggravates depression. Have at least 15 minutes of sunlight a day, for example, go for a walk or jog in the park.
c) Keep away from Stress - Stress can trigger depression. Make a list of your stressors and make a plan on how to avoid them.
d) Relax - Relaxation time everyday may reduce depression and boost your well-being. You can try yoga, meditation or just some quiet time.
e) Have a pet - Nothing can replace human connection but it won't hurt to have a pet. Pets bring joy and companionship which is vital in overcoming depression. It will also enhance your capacity to care. The feeling of being needed and caring outside yourself is a powerful motivation to overcome depression.
f) Do things that you enjoy - For someone who is under depression this may be hard, but just list the things that you used to enjoy and force yourself to do it even if you don't like it.

4) Exercise

This may be the last thing on your mind when you're depressed but exercise is a very big help in dealing with depression. Studies show that regular exercise is an effective antidepressant.
Have a 30 minute exercise everyday, even if you have to drag yourself, DO IT! Here are some easy ways to exercise:

Take the stairs
Park in the farthest part and walk
Walk with your dog
Find a partner (for exercise)

5) Healthy Food

Do not skip meals because being hungry will make you irritable and tired. Maintain a balanced diet.

6) Ask for HELP

Never hesitate to ask professional help if you find your depression getting worse. Do not be afraid, depression can be treated and you will be better!

If you have questions / queries or just need someone to talk to, feel free to contact our counselors at 866-321-4188 or email us at affordableonlinecounseling@gmail.com

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A Lesson For Overcoming Stress From All Sides - The Main Harm Can Come From Over-Reacting to Stress

People have experienced stress throughout history. Stress is our modern term for Biblical trials and tribulations. I was told that my great-grandfather was under a lot of stress. The story goes that he was an Indian fighter. However, my great-grandmother was under even more stress. She was the Indian.

Stress is not the enemy. Response to stress is often more stressful than the initial stress. Stress can make you stronger. We can all see the world coming apart at the seam and there is no zipper. Chaos is the norm. Our country and perhaps the world is under a fundamental transformation that is compounding stress on all sides. Today's epidemic of depression builds upon stress, worry, doubt, fear, anxiety, frustration, confusion, cruelty, anger, injustice, hopelessness, aided by temptation and corruption all around us.

Depression has caused suicides to surpass car crashes as the main cause of accidental deaths in the US. It is reported that a larger number of US soldiers are now dying from suicide than in combat. Research concludes that chronic stress causes heart disease and cancer, our #1 and #2 killers. Antidepressants are selling off the shelf with about 1 in 4 women taking them according to a study by the CDC. Perhaps because of the reckless attempts to prevent dangerous things from happening, some 6.5 million children are prescribed psychiatric drugs. These drugs are often used to relieve stress from the parents more than the child. And, millions of adults are turning to alcohol to calm their fears. Suicide rates rise with alcohol and drug use.

The stress level is compounded by a society that mocks moral values and a disintegrating monetary system. It appears that the asylum is run by the inmates and the plague of mental illness is world-wide. One study, which I frankly don't believe, concluded that about 40% of Europeans have mental illness. It's difficult to keep count when the distressed are doing the counting. As that number grows here and there, the assumption plays into the hands of forced institutionalized incarceration.

The current research direction is wrong as it concludes that "depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain." Psychiatry has come to rely heavily on altering our brain chemistry by tricking it into producing higher levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Can we accept the statement that 23% of American women from age 40 through 59 currently on antidepressants ALL have defective or diseased brains?

National CDC figures indicate that the baby boomer suicide rate rose by almost 30% during the decade ending in 2010, even as the rate among people 85 and older (traditionally, the demographic most likely to kill themselves) actually dropped by 12%. For people ages 45 to 54, the suicide rate was 19.6 per 100,000 in 2010. For people ages 55 to 64, it was 17.5 per 100,000. For the whole population, the national rate was 12.4 per 100,000, according to the CDC. In Sacramento County, California, state data show, the suicide rate among boomers rose 60% - from 16 per 100,000 in the year 2000 to almost 25 per 100,000 a decade later.

The prevalence of depression may be the side effect of powerful medications. Baby boomers are heavier and more sedentary than their elders were at the same age. And, on more medication. The record shows that more than 90% of the people who die from suicide already have a diagnosed mental disorder of some sort.

Wait a minute! I'm depressed just reading what I just wrote. Push the pause button. Let's be still and know that a little personal quiet time for prayer and reflection can help us cast all anger far away and allow a peace that passes all understanding to envelope us and fill us.

Embrace Truth and the Peace and freedom Truth brings. Improved health can help us overcome stress and better address the situation. Regular exercise improves circulation, improves the immune system and makes us stronger to overcome stress. The truth is that today can be better than yesterday and tomorrow can be better than today. The birth pains become less intense when we focus on what can be instead of what was.

A recent study in Israel on anti-depressant possibilities gives new hope what the sugar Trehalose has health benefits that may relieve stress. Don't under estimate the possibilities when adding Trehalose to a cup of Chamomile or other relaxing teas. Take time to relax!

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Feeling Hopeless? Read This!

Do you feel like just throwing in the towel sometimes? Maybe you've been trying to beat depression for a while now with little or no results. Or, you research how to treat anxiety and try your best to calm your nerves, but nothing seems to give you peace. Perhaps a situation in your life has got you down for the count. We've all been there. It's a part of the human experience called hopelessness, but it doesn't have to last!

How Are Hopelessness and Anxiety Connected?

The problem with hopelessness is that our minds truly don't know what to do with it. We know we have to keep moving forward because well, that's what we do, but a lack of hope can make this incredibly hard to do! This internal tension results in a lot of anxiety, so many of us end up with not one but two battles to face: how to beat depression (aka hopelessness) and how to treat anxiety.

How to Treat Anxiety and Hopelessness? Make Up Your Mind

The first and perhaps most important step to combatting hopelessness is to make up your mind that you simply will not let it beat you. Get determined and decide that this is your life and you will let nothing get in the way of you experiencing the deep joy, peace, and contentment that you were meant to have. Intentionally putting yourself in this mindset can give you the motivation you need to beat depression and hopelessness once and for all.

Redefine Your Life

It's easy to look back on your life and dwell on past mistakes. This is especially true for thoughtful people who pursue personal development-people like you! As you learn more about yourself, it can be tempting to fall into a state of hopelessness when what you should be feeling is empowerment! Instead of seeing your past cycles of behavior as predictors of the inevitable, use your insight to change your life! Learn to recognize the emotions and triggers that have caused you to make mistakes in the past and use this information to right the ship. Remember, knowledge is power!

Know that it is completely within your power to take back control over your life and beat depression. Keep reminding yourself of this simple fact each and every day and you'll be well on your way to eliminating hopelessness and finally embracing the life you deserve.

Check out http://www.clearyourstress.com/ for more tips and great information on how to overcome hopelessness and beat depression.

You'll also find many guided exercises and meditation methods to connect with your inner wisdom, and enjoy a balanced lifestyle >> http://www.clearyourstress.com/meditation-methods/.

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Methods for Curing Depression

Depression is considered as one of the most fatal disease of contemporary life. In fact, it is crippling illness. This fatal illness robs the sufferers of their willingness to live, capability of loving and working, joy, vitality, concentration, memory, sleep and energy. Depression not only takes away one's emotional and spiritual health but also undermines one's physical health. Many researches revealed that this illness enhances the cardiovascular diseases and aggravates long-lasting illnesses like asthma, back problems, arthritis and diabetes. As per the Norwegian study, this illness enhances the chances of death from major diseases like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, respiratory illnesses and stroke.

In this universe, nothing is irreversible, and so this applies for this crippling disease also. There are useful methods for combating this disease. If a depressed individual follows such methods with full care and precaution then he or she is sure to get mastery over its recovery.

Useful methods for combating depression

• A depressed individual must see a counselor. One should be more than a friend to a counselor. One should explain each and everything concerning one's vexed problems to the counselor. This is the person who will suggest ways to overcome the problems.

• One should go for morning walk. During dawn time, the fresh air blows all around. If there greeneries like orchards, parks, and dense jungles then they will prove very useful for depressed people.

• One should let oneself stand in the sun in order to let the sunlight penetrate the body. The sunlight is good source of vitamin D. This vitamin is very useful in the cure of depression as well as health.

• Depressed individuals should read good books based on jokes, laughter, happiness and spirituality. Reading of such books will change the mentality of the sufferers and make him or her feel rejuvenated.

• One should eat right. This means that one should eat good quality of food. For this one take advice of nutritionist also. One should eat fresh and fragrant food. Stale food may spoil one's health.

• One should abstain oneself from liquor consumption and drugging. These intoxicants simply mar one' health. Even healthy persons become sick by having such intoxicants so depressed individuals should be farer from such intoxicants.

• One should also try to fall in love if one has some romantic moments of life. The feeling of love will certainly make one happy and hilarious.

• Laughter: One should laugh as much as one can in the company of friends.

• Be creative: One should indulge oneself in some creative writing. This will distract one's attention from gloomy mood of depression. Writing of articles, poems can be enjoying.

• One should connect oneself with one's dreams. This is also one of the remedial measures of combating depression.

• Having positive thinking and courage to alter oneself also plays a major role in overcoming depression. This is psychological treatment. One should not allow negative feelings to take precedence over oneself at any cost.

In a conclusion, these were remedial measures for combating depression. A depressed individual must follow these methods to regain the life of happiness and vitality.

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Bipolar Disorder - An Underdiagnosed Condition

Kate, a stunningly beautiful 37-years old medical doctor was found in her surgery unconscious. She was lying in a pool blood. Her left wrist had been slashed. Busi, her secretary, quickly and tightly strapped the gaping wound and then urgently called for help. This was the second time in twelve months that her boss had tried to commit suicide. The last time, Kate had taken an overdose of aspirin tablets but luckily survived.

Kate was married for fifteen years with two children. Her husband, Rob, adored her despite her long term addiction to tranquilisers. They had met at university and had been together since. Kate had been an outstanding medical student, and frequented the honours roll. Her parents divorced when she was 18 years old.

With the assistance of a patient who had come in for a doctor's appointment, Busi carried her stricken boss into a waiting car and took her to hospital. After her wrist wound was treated, Kate was admitted to the psychiatry ward. Her parents came to visit. Kate's psychiatrist, Dr. Pon, was also informed. He had been treating Kate for Bipolar disorder (manic depression) for several years.

Bipolar disorder is a common but poorly understood condition. It can vary from depression to mania. The patient characteristically has mood swings, ranging from extreme ecstasy to plumbing the depths of almost suicidal melancholy.

Some patients, like Kate, are happily married and successfully raise families. They can be highly productive and successful in their careers. But others have their lives blighted with failure. Psychosis does occur, and is often characterised by hallucinations. Some individuals may, as in Kate's case, have problems of alcohol and substance abuse. The reason for this is unknown. It may be that some people try to "treat" their symptoms with alcohol or drugs.

Bipolar disorder usually lasts a life time. Between attacks some people are functional while others have lingering signs of the disorder. The cause of the condition is unknown. There is a theory that it may be genetic. Therefore a careful interrogation of the family history must be done. Others postulate a link with substance abuse or post-traumatic disorders.

Its onset varies. For some the symptoms begin in childhood, for at least half in their mid-twenties, and with the rest it may start late in life. Males and females are affected equally.Treatment is medical, using mainly anti-psychotics and antidepressants. Psychotherapy is also effective, and Electro-convulsive therapy, the so-called shock therapy, has recently found favour.

Kate's mother has recently been admitted to hospital: a late-onset sufferer of Bipolar disorder. She unfortunately has the manic variety, and has been discharged from her job as a teacher. She has received the Electro-convulsive (shock) therapy twice.

Kate survived her attempt at suicide, and she made no further attempts to take her life. Her children, who are now both young adults, are her loyal caregivers. They are watchful of her mood swings, diligently accompany her to therapy and support group sessions, and scrupulously ensure that she takes her medication. They sometimes join her in hilarious conversations with her imagined personalities.

If her children's lives are stressful it doesn't show. Though the humiliation of having a "mad" mother has not been easy to take, they are both thriving at university. Kate, though her life is a beguiling mixture of madness and sanity, still has a viable medical practice. Her weakness for drink and drugs also withered and fell away. She is the lucky one. Some patient's lives are destroyed and their families ruined by this condition.

There is still very little awareness of bipolar disorders in society, particularly its subtle and atypical variants. Some people carry on undiagnosed and untreated with devastating consequences for their lives.

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Holding On To Hope In The Face Of Adversity

It has been a current trend today that families in America are really facing financial and emotional stresses given the weak economy and the inner turmoil within our government to come together to address all the major problems affecting many families today. It really comes down to our leadership and their ability to establish unity in coming together in making the right choices for the benefit of our people. Proposed programs for assisting families in distress need to be considered, approved and implemented by both parties that make sense and have a positive impact on the financial, job and housing markets. It is a well known sign of the times that many people are out of work and struggling with their financial obligations and are facing the reality of foreclosure. The job market is very weak and it is taking much longer to find opportunities and in many cases candidates for consideration are willing to take less pay to just be working again so they can hopefully get back on their feet.

I have always felt uncertain when it came to my employment experiences because although I may put forth my best effort I still can be terminated so I have come to realize there is no such thing as job security today and there are so many people out there trying to find work so prospective employer's have more flexibility in firing and hiring since they have so many candidates looking for the same position and they usually try to underpay the prospective employee.

I certainly would also welcome the idea of building my own practice but find preparing tax returns which generally is seasonal does not go far in paying the bills. I have as many as 50 personal tax clients but I need a client base with established commercial and business accounts and it is not so easy to build a thriving practice from very little no matter how professional or competent I am. I also am only one person and currently seeing many doctors due to my emotional and mental health concerns. I also would need to establish right away with potential clients my transgender background if I don't go through legal name change for a female name which I would use Emily Denise Iannielli which is the same initials as my birth name Edward Donald Iannielli III. However it is not legal so that would not be the name I would be able to use and my CPA license is obviously in my birth name. The most difficult thing for me is to go through with the legal name change because I am very proud of my name as it was given to me by my parents and I was named after my dad who was my hero. I am very confused because I wish to present as female and the name Emily Denise would be more appropriate but at the same time I feel that changing my name would result in my having a sense of guilt and betrayal due to the intent of the name since I was named after my dad and grandfather.

Life is so complicated and filled with so much stress that at times people lose their sense of security and find themselves struggling and hoping to put an end to the pain they are experiencing. If life means having to pay your mortgage into your 70's and your struggling to find a job in your early 50's, what are the odds you will be able to pay your mortgage? I am in this dilemma and the reality is I'd rather die so my wife could collect my life insurance to pay off the mortgage and put our son through college while I finally find my peace and no longer have to worry about having to work until 72 in a horrible job market where I am a slave to the mortgage company. I'd just rather check out now then face that difficult and painful reality. If that is what life is all about then I feel the joy has been lost and my purpose is to be a slave to my mortgage which is a harsh and very painful reality.

The irony is since I started transitioning I am so content now with presenting as a female though I have to restrain myself from wearing women's clothes at home as mandated by CPS. Otherwise I will be threatened with child abuse and placed in jail according to the caseworker involved in the case who I met having known only an hour before that he was coming to interview me in the aftermath of having lost my job and being released from the hospital after spending 2 weeks there which came on the heels of my first hospitalization for 10 days after collapsing at the office after being notified of my termination 2 weeks earlier.

The CPS caseworker, very insensitive, mandated that my wife go to the courts to have a restraining order placed on me after all I have been through in the wake of calling 911 to have my son admitted to the hospital because he was having severe tantrums and screaming how he wants to die and he was fighting me so I did what I had to since I was alone with him and I was vulnerable and on antidepressants which affected me and he was crying for help. I did what any parent would and I was punished for it by CPS which I felt was an outrage. In his departure I really felt angry and desperate so I called his supervisor and I called him and I said if you don't allow me to remain in my home so I can take care of all I have to such as unemployment, disability and my mortgage I would just give up so he wound up calling 911 and I found myself back in the hospital and was admitted because of the restraining order and how it impacted me.

After speaking with my doctor she called my wife and the caseworker decided to change the restraining order to a refraining order so I could remain at home and have a relationship with my son. He still accused me of wrongdoing and I am fighting it even if I have to go to court because if anything I am trying to do my very best for my son and I should not be brought down due to the ignorance of a CPS caseworker who knows I am being treated for severe depression arising from a family history of depression and suicide, job loss, financial insecurities and my transgender issues.

I also have an autistic son who struggles and has a very low self esteem and feels very alone and isolated. The main concern I have is that he seems down continually and barely smiles and when I think back to my childhood and my inner struggle I felt exactly as he does and although it is under different circumstances I can't help but feel guilty and part to blame and sadly it is like staring back into my childhood so I know exactly how he feels and I'm trying so hard to reach him and help him through this. I spend the weekends with him and try to allow him to do things he likes but at times it seems we have more limited options due to my present circumstances and I don't want to have my son needlessly worry as he has enough on his plate. I just want to help him find his happiness and work on building up his self esteem.

In addition to financial concerns I have dealt with many personal issues and struggles that over time can affect you in ways where you become self doubting and no matter how capable you are your self esteem has taken a beating and you start to develop a poor self image which impacts how successful you become in life. I was always straight laced and very compliant and respectful. I was also very shy to the point I was afraid to talk to people or be around them even through my school years. I was a loner type but I was very responsible and devoted to my family as a child growing up, to my school work and to athletic endeavors such as baseball and cross country. I was also a very secretive and private person because I knew I was different and realized I have struggled with gender dysphoria all my life knowing that I was a girl at the age of 4 but realized I was trapped.

This affected me in every aspect of my life and the hardest part was I never had anyone I could talk to about it. I was very lonely and isolated and I had parents who were wonderful but had the sad struggles with their health which made it very hard for me to say anything. My mom lived with depression her whole life and was in and out of psychiatric hospitals but was never able to cope and eventually she would lose her will as she was 50 when she passed in the hospital. My last recollection of my mom was when I asked her in a gentle but firm voice to squeeze my hand so at least I would know that she was still with us and although she lacked strength and seemed non communicative she did manage to squeeze my hand which gave me a tiny measure of hope though in my heart I felt she would soon lose her fight. I remember learning of her death three days later as my sister sat me down to tell me and I just cried like a baby thinking back to that very day my mom held my hand for the last time. It was so tragic for all of us. My dad lived for almost 20 years beyond our beloved mom and that was his only love so that really affected him in the years following and he resorted to alcohol and was also suffering from depression and was treated several times in hospitals and treatment centers and in the end he could no longer bear his pain so he sadly seemed to have either been under the influence of alcohol or extremely depressed when on April 16, 2009 he was struck by a speeding train down the block from my sister's house dying instantly.

I always knew I was different as a kid struggling with my gender as I was always envying the girls and the pretty dresses they wore and I felt I should be dressing and living as a girl too and it was a major conflict with me since the age of 4 years old. I was very secretive and painfully shy so I had no one to talk to or seek support from. I felt all alone and had to deal with this huge burden all on my own. No one truly can understand this type of pain but I will tell you it is very painful and very difficult to deal with especially when you have no support system and the idea of suicide has crossed my mind on several occasions including my teenage years and especially when I had to suffer through male puberty which was a very painful and emotional time for me as I was hoping to develop as a girl like the ones I was going to school with and I just cried because I knew I was destined with a life as a male even though I knew in my mind, heart and soul I was anything but a boy. I was a girl who felt betrayed by nature and I was devastated and I remember one time at 16 when I went to sleep with a dress I loved which I bought on my own from the money I saved from my paper route and just felt so comfortable and natural. I just knew I was very feminine and had to hopefully find a way to transition to become female not really knowing when, how or if it would ever happen.

I wish to look back on my life with pride and a feeling that I was very loyal and protective of my family, that my life had a true purpose, that I made a positive impact in my son's life and made at least one person feel good about them self including my wife and son, of knowing my son will be OK and able to live a life and have the ability to find his way and do something positive with his life. I would feel so upset if I had to go through the pain of suffering financial difficulties that it would result in my feeling of having to take my life to protect my family from losing our house and leaving my wife and son alone hoping at least that my policies would pay out for their financial needs. That would be the saddest tragedy of all after coming out and being happy as Emily only to end my life over a mortgage company's decision to foreclose on our house we call home.

Why do we have to sacrifice our health and well being and spend less time with our children? The answer is that we are feeling the burdens and financial stresses which is destroying our lives as families are facing more pressure and stress which takes them away from their children and leading to the decline in the quality of life. It seems we have to work into our 70's just to keep up with our obligations and it is more understandable why people are having breakdowns, suffering from depression, wishing to end their pain through suicide and wishing for better days ahead knowing their struggles are robbing them of their mental well being and impacting the children in a way where they withdraw and feel to blame. It is really very sad to see such financial stress and emotional setbacks due to the uncertainty of finding employment opportunity in a down economy where families are desperate and just trying to survive. Life is not supposed to be so painful. It really makes me very frustrated that our leader seen so ineffective and can't come together to help rebuild the economic problems that have taken a toll on most of us.

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Why Psychotherapy Works for Depression and Anxiety

It is true that the word "therapy" scares a lot of people. Given the assumption that we as human beings are generally self-sufficient, it is understood that people have the innate capacity to recover and to mend when they are in the middle of a crisis. However, as social beings, it is also our natural inclination to cling to others for help especially when our problems seem too much for us to bear.

Personal conflicts such as depression and anxiety are common and their triggers are varied and plentiful. They say the winter months cause depression, but there are reasons beyond our control that can contribute to our feelings of mental imbalance. Loss of work, loss of a loved one, a death of a pet, dissatisfaction in life as a whole are just some of the many reasons why people find themselves feeling depressed. If you find yourself in the middle of this downward spiral, it is best to seek the help of a psychotherapist. How does psychotherapy work and why does it work in the first place?

People get to sort out their own problems

Psychotherapy is probably the best tool to help people who are depressed and anxious. In psychotherapy, therapists help their clients overcome their destructive behaviors by facilitating a process of problem identification and discernment. This is the reason why psychotherapy takes a long time to work. It is a series of questions and answers. After all, as with all therapy, there is a process that adjusts to the coping and management capacities of a person. Aside from facilitating the process of problem identification and discernment, therapists provide their clients the tools they need to overcome their destructive behaviors. These tools include positive patterns of thinking, effective coping mechanisms and better problem-solving skills. This is all anchored in the fact that psychotherapists believe in the process of self-determination, which basically states that people have the intrinsic capacity and motivation for self-betterment, growth and change.

Talk in itself is therapeutic

One reason why people linger on being depressed, anxious and too consumed by their personal conflicts is that these destructive feelings are bottled up inside them. Talk is therapeutic since it is a form of release. Psychotherapy too is essentially cathartic, and this is illustrated in the way it allows clients to freely express what they feel inside and to feel lighter - mentally and psychologically - in the process. There is even a branch of psychotherapy called cathartic psychotherapy wherein laughter is treated as a healing agent in depressed and anxious clients. At the end of the day, what depressed and anxious people need is someone to talk to; a psychotherapist fulfills that need and more.

Therapy that has long-term benefits

Medication is a cure sought after by many people who are depressed and anxious. However, when prescription medicines are the only course of action for the client, the benefits are very short-term in nature. Moreover, the dependence on prescribed medication in cases where a depressive or anxious behavior persists can lead to another set of problems altogether. With psychotherapy, long-term curative benefits are guaranteed. After all, the achievement of sound mental health is truly non-negotiable.

Park Presidio Counseling Center is a counseling center in San Francisco specializing in couples counseling, anxiety therapy, depression, therapy, EMDR therapy and Post Traumatic Stress cases. Work with them toward a happier and more satisfying state of being.

If you or your family is facing great problems and you think you can't fix it alone, then a psychotherapy san francisco from Park Presidio Counseling Center can do a great help.

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Expat Counseling

Moving abroad is an exciting adventure but it is also a major personal and professional challenge. Without our usual support system of friends and family in close proximity, emotional issues are likely to arise or resurface.

Typical mental health problems that expatriates may encounter include: prolonged sadness, a sense of loneliness and isolation, depression, anxiety, marital issues, grief from missing our previous life, eating disorders, existential problems, and loss of identity. These unfortunate consequences of expat life are not surprising, when taking into consideration that, according to scientific studies, the quality of our support systems and social networks is one of the most important factor for our happiness and level of well-being.

Expat Counseling versus Traditional Counseling

An important element of traditional psychological counseling, also known as psychotherapy, is to help clients create or rebuild their social support system, so that this can be a reliable and genuine source of comfort, love and support when going through challenging times - which we all go through from time to time. In expat counseling we may still need to work on existing support systems, but given that these are not present and easily accessible to the client in the host country, it is vital to help the client deal with the feelings of isolation, loneliness and sometimes sense of despair that comes from the expat life, and turn these feelings into positive and creative forces of energy instead. In other words, the client will be able to turn the disadvantages of the expat life into advantages by using his or hers creative skills and true potential.

In the course of expat counseling it is also relevant to encourage the client to establish an acceptable support system in the host country. Some expats do not wish to spend much time and effort occupying themselves with creating new friendships in their host country, given that their current life is not a permanent one, and because they will eventually leave the host country. Instead they chose to spend their time on pursuing individual goals and maintaining their support systems in the home country. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing so, such an emotionally isolated life can eventually lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety and all of the above and previously mentioned psychological problems. Human beings are social beings, and it is in our nature to need and crave the physical presence and emotional closeness of other human beings, regardless of how much we reason with ourselves that we can do without it.

Who can benefit from this type of counseling?

Expat counseling is helpful for individuals, couples and families who have relocated to a foreign country either permanently or momentarily. It is also helpful for those who are planning to move abroad in near future, or for those who are planning to return to their home country soon, as re-entry to the home culture can surprisingly also present another culture shock. Relocation therapy is also ideal for individuals and couples who have different cultural backgrounds, which can sometimes lead to unfortunate misunderstandings and disappointments between the partners. Last but not least, this form of therapy is popular with individuals who have a multicultural background and who prefers to work through their personal issues with a therapist that has a similar multicultural knowledge and insight.

Camilla Dessing, Lic., MSc., is an fully qualified psychologist with many years of experience consulting individuals, couples and families. She is currently working at the Center For Psychology in Singapore. If you wish to schedule an appointment for individual or couple's counseling, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Dessing at info@singaporecounseling.com. Camilla firmly belief that everybody can change through the therapeutic process and that anyone is able to reduce symptoms significantly or overcome entirely their psychological problems, whatever they are, in therapy.

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13 Reasons People Become Clinically Depressed And How It Can Be Turned Around

Having 'clinical' depression can affect all aspects of a persons life, strangely enough during my days of dealing with depression waking up in the morning in itself was tiring, even after a good nights sleep. Our self esteem and self confidence takes a beating and that dark gloomy cloud that hangs over the heads of people that are going through depression, unfortunately can not be wished away or just float out of their lives somehow. First let's look at some reasons why people get themselves into a 'clinically' depressed state, and then look at what has worked for myself and others I work with to get back to feeling abundant again.

Reasons People Become Depressed:

Becoming Isolated - It's just natural for human beings to want to be around other people. If the option of meeting that significant other and starting a family is there we feel fulfilled, but if it's not an option, we at least want to feel the closeness that friends, co workers or certain social groups give us. The feeling of being isolated appears when we feel that we just don't belong, and this is a major reason people become depressed.

Medications - Let's remember that antidepressant medication and clinical depression in general is still very poorly understood. But if you are on some kind of antidepressant consider yourself one of the lucky ones if you don't experience side effects such as the one written on the back of my old prescription: "Fluoxetine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed."

Chronic Stress - If you are dealing with chronic stress and anxiety it may be contributing to disrupting normal patterns of behavior, which can then lead you down the road of depression.

Candida Overgrowth - Toxins that become released into the bloodstream due to the Candida fungus in the human body can cause a multitude of symptoms, this can then lead to health anxiety and depression. As i've experienced in my own struggles in the past as well as seeing what has worked for others, curing your intestinal Candida can also cure your depression.

Childhood Abuse Or Hurt - A child who has been surrounded by abuse is much more likely to experience clinical depression at a later age then one who has not. In fact, the numbers show that 59% of physically abused children will become depressed later on in life. PTSD, learning difficulties and generalized anxiety are also part of the assortment of mental difficulties someone could experience later on in their lives.

Substance Abuse - It's estimated that 80% of people who have a chemical dependency or a certain addiction, also experience a co-occurring mental health problem such as generalized anxiety disorder or depression. Making the most of this one life that you are given, and firstly admitting that you need help is the first step to success, no one can truly create lasting change but yourself.

Loss of a Loved One - Grief is a normal emotion to the news of losing a loved one that commonly leads to major depressive disorder. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are all part of the grieving process.

Change - Sometimes when we lose that familiar feeling in our lives and get hit with a new job, a new marriage, a divorce, moving somewhere new, retirement etc, life can quickly become dissatisfying or dull. A seemingly positive change that has been planned for some time can bring unexpected changes that can bring about depressive episodes.

Nothing To Live For And Feeling Lost - There's nothing worse than having a stale life, something that gives you that jolt when you wake up in the morning is key for each one of us. This can come in the form of a new hobby, becoming educated about something you're interested in, taking part in a new social group, or maybe even teaching people something that you may be an expert at.

Financial Problems - Your money flow is the result of your continuous thoughts, that lead to your continuous emotions, that lead to your continuous actions. But isn't this true about everything in life? Yes, financial problems can certainly lead to depression but can be reversed for most people by applying what they already know.

Physical Illness - There is no doubt that clinical depression is a painful condition and often times occurs in association with a severe physical illness. Not only can physical illnesses lead to depression - the opposite occurs as well, which makes recognizing and treating depression all the more urgent.

The Media - With the average American exposing themselves to the media for just over 5 and a half hours per day, it's no surprise that this kind of exposure leads many into a state of depression. With the different messages being transmitted through the media that continuously reinforce aggression and other forms of risky behavior, it's no surprise that the media inspires anxiety and fear. Add to this the fact that media exposure at night time can disrupt sleeping patterns as well, and we have quite an interference in the development of our emotional and cognitive development.

Fear - It's easy to get into a pattern of negative thinking that breeds fear in us all, but the biggest obstacle that stood in my way during my 6 year struggle with an anxiety disorder was the fear of failure, which led me to live a confined and fearful life. What I've come to understand is to try something and fail, is not failure. But to not try at all, that's failure. So if the fear of failure is adding to your depressive state than understand that regret weighs more heavily on your shoulders then failure ever will.

Now That We Know What Could Be Contributing To Feeling Depressed, What can We Do About It?

The emotions that you are feeling are nothing more then a feedback mechanism. Feeling the emotion of fear for example means that the solution will come by stepping out of your feared comfort zone in a slow and systematic way. Feeling the emotion of isolation from others means that it's time you changed your approach to the situation that is isolating you from others, if financial problems are getting you down, become an entrepreneur and sell your expertise! For everything that is adding to the feelings of depression, there is an answer for, all you need to do is find the specific thing that is the cause, and listen to what kind of feedback you are getting. I've learned that the worst thing you can do is play the victim (as easy as it is to do so when depression strikes), as mentioned we get one shot at life and when the end comes I want you to look at your past and truly feel like you gave it your all each and everyday!

Dennis Simsek (also known as the anxious athlete) is the founder of the popular End The Anxiety audio program that has helped many overcome their anxiety disorder related issues naturally. This is not a 'quick fix' solution but a proven strategy that in time will GUARANTEE your natural recovery from anxiety related issues. Visit http://www.anxietyend.com now and listen to a sample of the best anti anxiety program online.

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What is Psychological Depression?

It is one of the most common and most serious mental health problems facing people today. Psychological depression can interfere with a person's ability to function effectively throughout the day or even to have the motivation to get out of bed in the morning and it is in fact so common that over 1 in 5 Americans can expect to get some form of depression in their lifetime.

The causes behind depression are complex and not yet fully understood but we are able to treat it much more effectively because we have a better understanding of the causes of clinical depression.

The first step in fighting depression is to understand what it is, how it affects you, and what causes it. Unfortunately, many people do not recognize that depression is a treatable illness. Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment; although the great majority, even those whose depression is extremely severe can be helped. This condition is so common that over 1 in 5 Americans can expect to get some form of depression in their lifetime.

Symptoms of major depression include at least five of the following symptoms (at least one must include the first and second listed below) and they must be present nearly every day, all day, for 2 weeks: Persistent depressed mood, including feelings of emptiness or sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, feelings of hopelessness or pessimism, feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness, insomnia, early morning awakening or oversleeping, change in eating (either loss or increased appetite), decreased energy, fatigue or feeling slowed down, restlessness and irritability, difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions, thoughts of suicide or death, persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders or chronic pain. A less severe type of depression, Dysthymia, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good.

The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The guidelines for diagnosis of major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder are found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM IV). The depressed mood must persist for greater than two weeks in order to warrant this diagnosis.

The first step to getting appropriate treatment for depression is a physical examination by a physician. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression. If a diagnosis of depression is made, treatment with medication and/or psychotherapy will help the depressed person return to a happier, more fulfilling life. Most do best with combined treatment: medication to gain relatively quick symptom relief and psychotherapy to learn more effective ways to deal with life's problems, including depression.

Psychological depression is not something you can just "snap out of", it is a serious medical condition that affects the chemistry of the brain. With the appropriate medical treatment the vast majority of people of suffer from its effects can live depression free lives.

Andrew Bicknell is a writer, webmaster, and the owner of Depression and You. Visit his website for more information about psychological depression and other depressive disorders.

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Teenage Depression - Statistics

There are numerous sources of information quoting statistics of the prevalence of teenage depression and these statistics appear to be increasing every year. But what is the value of knowing the grim reality facing the youth of our generation. Well historical statistics will indicate that teen depression was almost unheard of about 15 years ago, yet today the average statistics seem to indicate that a staggering 20% of teenagers will experience depression before they reach 18. One could argue that lack of knowledge and awareness of the signs and symptoms of teenage depression may have resulted in many teens being undiagnosed and simply labelled 'typical' teenagers. But extensive research and statistical evidence have brought this growing problem to the forefront of mental health programmes worldwide. Statistics of teen depression, regardless of how disturbing, helps us to recognize that it is a problem shared by many and has resulted in a growing resource of help and support.

An even more unsettling statistic is that out of the 20% of teens that experience depression, only 33% receive help or follow through on the recovery process. Educational and awareness campaigns are aimed at family and friends as well as depressed teens themselves in order to reduce the number of undiagnosed cases of teen depression, as research indicates that 80% of teenagers who access the appropriate services can be successfully treated. Given the evidence of success of appropriate treatment and intervention, it is sad that the statistics report about 90% of suicide cases to be linked to depression or other mental conditions, especially when approximately 1 million American teens attempt to commit suicide every year.

Another useful outcome of statistical research into the prevalence of teen depression is that it highlights key precipitators or risk factors in the teen population. For example, the evidence suggests that girls are twice more likely to experience depression than boys. There is also evidence of a small percentage of teenagers that suffer from seasonal depression, usually during winter months and in higher latitudes. Also, in almost 50% of teen depression cases there is a family history of depression or other mental condition. These statistics have resulted in mental health programmes and awareness campaigns being more focused to reach more vulnerable groups.

These statistics tell us that parents, as well as teenagers themselves need to be aware of the risk of depression in individuals who endure intense emotional or social difficulties, or have experienced recent trauma or loss. It is also important to be aware that 70% of teens who do suffer with depression will have more than one episode before adulthood. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression early, friends and family of the depressed teen can assist him or her to seek help early and provide the invaluable support in the teenager's time of need. This will be the key to lowering the unsettling statistics of teen depression in the future.

The must read book: "All you wanted to know about Teen Depression", is available at: [http://www.depression-teenage.com] Anne Ross is a Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Crises facilitator, Cranial Sacral and Myofascial Therapist, including various other Massage/Body/Energy techniques, but above all she is a mother. She is an accredited member of the Traditional-Medicine Society and the Association of Transactional Analysis.

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Depression and Mental Illness - 7 Foods That Heal Depression and Mental Illness

It is basically boils down to what you put in your body. Depression and Mental Illness is, among other things, a disorder of chemicals inside the brain. If you not nourishing that body of yours it will be sick. it will not cope any more. It will be depressed. Think about it this way - if you do not water a plant and give it some compost it will not function properly and not yield fruits.

During the big depression (not the one that might be coming on us now, the one in the 30s) a lot of people in southern United States ate a lot of corn which is very low in tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted in the body to niacin. Niacin has been proven many times to treat people with serious cases of depression and mental illnesses. Most of those people suffered pallegra which is lack of vitamin B3. Among other things they suffered dementia, schizophrenia and psychosis. They all had been seriously affected by it and it was discovered at some stage that vitamin B3 niacin is the answer. Once a little niacin was added to their diet - 90% of them were cured. This is just one example of what the right nutrition can do to chronic illnesses. Here are 7 more:

1. Eat raw! Here is an exercise. Take a whole month and eat fresh raw food in that month. That is not to say you should make it a vegetarian month, by all means take your protein from meat but do not cook your vegetables. Eat lots of fresh salad that is made of fresh uncooked tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, lettuces, capsicums,brown button mushrooms, avocadoes, sprouts, red onion, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice and tons of extra virgin olive oil. And in the end of the month see if you feel better.
2. Consume lots of fruit. And organic is better.
3. Swallow niacin. If you are depressed and consume 250-500mg of niacin you will probably feel better within 15 minutes. Niacin has been proven time and again to treat depression. You will have a flush, but that is OK, do not worry about it. And if you do not feel better after 15 minutes - then take more niacin.
4. Immerse your body with lots of vitamin C. Vitamin C will help create some chemicals, i.e. brain chemicals (see beginning of article) that will improve your mood.
5. Eat food with tryptophan. Cashew, chicken and turkey and generally nuts are all high in tryptophen. A couple of handful of cashew nuts will treat the body for depression, naturally, the same as a prescription dose of prozac. Cashew nuts are fattening, I know, but cashew nuts are a meal by themselves, you will not be hungry after eating two handfuls of cashews. And besides, who cares about getting fat if you can get rid of depression. And that leads me to nutrition number 6:
6. Exercise. Exercise and exercise. Do not abuse the body, 3-4 hours of exercise per week will do wonders to your body and workout all those cashew nuts.
7. Combine all the above. There is a way to heal depression, and you have to work for it, nothing is instant and there is no magic pill. In fact all those pills you are taking for depression will magically kill you. Depression is a serious illness and it has to be treated naturally to have high chance of success.

Roy Gol is an expert Nutrition Adviser and creator and owner of Acai House [http://acaihouse.net/].

Food Matters is a program I review in my blog and that provides a series of videos that give you a ton of information about how to heal depression and mental illness. They also have a 20 minutes FREE videos just so that you see what this is all about. AND they will also give you your money back if you are not happy with the program. See it here. [http://bit.ly/cGqsC7].

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Difference Between Psychotic and Neurotic Depression

There are so many forms of depression. Neurotic depression is another form of depression that is observed in people. It is also known as dysthymia disorder. It is a chronic form of depression and is distinguished by the frames of mind that are constantly low however it is not as severe as the other forms of depression. Psychotic depression is the most dangerous form of depression. People that suffer from this form of depression experience the problems like Hallucination and Delusions. Hallucination causes problems in vision and hearing problems. Delusion causes fears and development of negative thoughts in human minds.

Difference between Psychotic and neurotic depression

The cause of Neurotic depression is completely unknown. So many researches have been done to identify the reason of neurotic disorders but none of the research has been successful. This form of depression is not as severe as other forms of depression. It causes depressed mood, hopelessness and despair almost everyday. It is mostly observed in women as compared with men. It can also occur in children as well. The cause of Psychotic depression is also unknown. However few researches have shown that it has something to do with hormonal changes. Hormone named Cortical is the main cause of psychotic depressions that normally leads to stress. It is also not a severe form of depression but should be cured in time. Neurotic depression generally affects four to five percent of general population. It can easily be cured by the help of medicines prescribed by the specialist. It may persist for years if not cured at the right time. In case of this type of depression consulting with a specialist is a wise decision.

Other causes of Neurotic depression

1. Appetite problem, you tend to overeating or less eating.

2. Sleeping problems

3. Your energy level gets low.

4. Ability to Concentrate gets affected

5. Poor self admiration.

Other causes of Psychotic depression

1. Sleeping problems

2. It plays a huge role to get you in the state of Anxiety.

3. You tend to loose the ability to move.

4. Your ears and eyes do not work normally.

Neurotic depression can be cured easily both by medicines and psychotherapy. Medicine that is frequently used to get rid of this disorder is Fluoxetine (Prozac). Along with medicines talk therapies are also very much used to cure this disorder. It has been observed that the interpersonal and behavioral therapies have been a great help in Neurotic depression. Psychotic depression can be cured by antidepressants. Antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants are greatly helpful in the treatment of this type of depression. Trained professionals also use ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) technology to treat psychotic depression. People have found it really very good that have been through ECT. The recovery from psychotic depression takes more than one year time, but the result is always satisfying. Neurotic depression also takes almost the same amount of time. The results in case of neurotic depression are also very good.

Do you want to discover more about depression? Drop us a visit and find out more articles about topics such as agitated depression and alcoholism depression.

Or are you interested more in solutions and depression treatment? Start now and compare reviews of this year's best products!

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How Do I Recognize the Signs of Depression After a Break Up?

Many people suffer from depression after the loss of something. But how do you know if you are depressed or just experiencing the normal emotions following the loss of a relationship? Afterall, it's normal to cry, lose sleep, lose your appetite, feel guilty and sad after a break up, isn't it? So if these feelings are all normal how do you recognize the signs of depression after a break up?

Everyone will experience feelings of sadness and anger after a relationship breakup. It's when these feelings last for an extended period of time that they become more concerning. The timeframe may vary depending on who you talk to but typically if you have had these sad feelings or changes in behaviour, appetite, sleep patterns or lifestyle for more than a month then you may be experiencing depression.

Common signs of depression after a relationship break up are these: loss of interest in daily activities, loss of pleasure in activities formerly enjoyed, feelings of sadness, helplessness, or hopelessness, crying spells, sleeping too much or too little, trouble concentrating, difficulty making decisions, memory problems, increased or decreased appetite, unexplained weight gain or loss, restlessness, becoming easily annoyed, lack of energy on a daily basis, speaking in a slow, monotonous tone, feelings of guilt, less interest in sex, thoughts of death, and physical problems such as headaches or stomach problems.

As you can see the signs of depression are very similar to what most people would consider normal feelings and emotions that you would experience after breaking up with someone. It's really the time frame that defines depression after a break up. The longer these feelings last the more likely it is that you are suffering from depression. Because the signs and symptoms are similar you may not recognize them. If you do recognize them you may just figure they will go away on their own.

Once you have recognized the signs of depression after a break up there are simple steps you can take on your own to help overcome it. If these things don't work then it is advised that you seek the help of your medical doctor for advice in how to treat depression.

If you would like more information about relationships that will help you recover from a painful break-up then click here now Signs Of Depression

Peter Harris is a health care professional and author and writes frequently about relationships.

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Agitated Depression - The 6 Unique Symptoms

Most people have never heard of agitated depression but it does exist. It reveals itself in a way that is indicative of its name - moods of irritability, short temper and aggravation. Often times the condition presents itself as an anger management issue as the individual will have outbursts of anger and rage.

Often times, the underlying feeling that they have is that they are misunderstood and that no one knows how they are feeling. This type of depression is a hypo-manic depression meaning they exhibit hypo-manic behavior.

Even in cases of other depressions, such as major depressive disorder, there can be levels of irritability, aggravation and agitation. However, when it comes to agitated depression, these moods are enhanced and more pronounced. Moods of irritability and agitation are just a few of the classic symptoms of agitated depression. There are many other symptoms as well and understanding them will make it easier to understand and diagnose. It's important to note that these symptoms also present themselves in cases of manic depressive disorder so sometimes diagnosing can be a bit tricky.

The assumed anger management issues also pose a problem, as professionals may wrongfully diagnose a manic depressive disorder or agitated depression and prescribe antidepressants unnecessarily. This can result in amplifying things whereby the agitation and symptoms of depression actually worsen. This also increases the thoughts and risk of suicide.

When someone has agitated depression it can be quite serious and the characteristics and symptoms can be mild in nature or become quite severe. The severity of the depression and angry outbursts really depend on the individual themselves. This type of depression is more prevalent in middle age to elderly people however it has been diagnosed in younger individuals as well.

There are a variety of symptoms that you should look out for if you suspect someone is suffering with this form of depression. Often times the person will be "antsy" and have a difficult time sitting still or staying in one place for too long. They also have serious, spontaneous mood swings where they will be calm, cool and collected on minute then have an emotional or physical outburst the next. Violent verbal outbursts are also a possibility.

Below you'll see a list of other symptoms that may present themselves as well.

• Tearing or pulling at the clothing
• Intense feelings and thoughts
• Endless thoughts and movement which are essentially without base
• Talking nearly continuously
• Wringing of the hands
• Violent verbal outbursts.

If you, or someone you know, are/is experiencing some or all of these symptoms then you should consider contacting a professional for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. As with many other types of depression, agitated depression can be successfully treated. The treatment plan may include antidepressants, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or in severe cases admission to a depression treatment facility. Bottom line is that there is hope for anyone suffering with depression. The key is to acknowledge that there may be a problem, seek out support from a professional and embark on a successful treatment plan.

Dana Zarcone is a National Certified Counselor. She created www.depression-test.net to provide information, tools and assistance to those suffering with depression. Learn more about agitated depression and other types of depression by going to her website.

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Treatments of Depression Articles: What Should Treatment of Depression Articles Accomplish?

Writing treatments for Depression articles requires conducting research from the Internet, medical journals, and quite possibly the personal experiences of the author. The information you gather is not to be copied, cut and pasted from the web, or otherwise falsified. You cannot take others work and make it your own; if you quote an article or person you must provide the information of where you took the information from.

Purpose

The purpose of these articles is to provide others with information that is practical, easy to understand, and usable. Terms that may not be known by the reader should be explained either within the article or cited at the end of your own article. Terms could actually appear at the beginning of the article as well.

The reader of your treatments of Depression articles should be able to relay this information to a doctor, a counselor, or a family member. People are hungry for accurate information.

The information provided in the articles must be correct. Providing inadequate or incorrect information is not only unethical it could be dangerous for the reader. Incorrect information could present a danger to one who reads it.

What kind of information on Depression should be included?

The kind of information you put in your articles will depend on the title or subject of the piece. For example, if you are writing about severe Depression treatments, you should try to explain them and include any related dangers or side effects of the treatments. This is imperative for the safety of the reader and your own credibility. Your reader should always be on your mind as you write.

Conclusion

In your writing of treatments of Depression articles your writing should be clear, grammar and spelling error free. Your information must be accurate and as complete as possible. The reader should be encouraged to do their own searches for treatments and any options they may have.

As you write, keep your reader in mind. It may help to have in mind the kind of information you; yourself would want to read as well as how you would use that information. If you can make it interesting and add a little humor, your articles will be good.

We have found a pure natural depression supplement that can also help with anxiety and overall general well being.

To learn more about the product we use with excellent health results, especially when it comes to improving anxiety and depression, be sure to check out - http://www.depression-product-selection.com

John Gibb is the manager and owner of various health websites. His latest addition is Natural Depression Alleviation

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Animal Therapy for Depression

Who could dispute that animals can have a positive effect on emotional well-being? With research being conducted into the field of alternative medicine on an on-going basis, more and more people are beginning to realize the cathartic effects that animals are having on individuals well-being, especially so in those patients suffering with depression.

While some people recover from depression using medications alone, there are many others, who would prefer to use a combination of alternative therapies to try to alleviate the symptoms of depression. One of these treatments being studied is 'Pet Therapy', but what is this alternative and how could it help?

Many scientists have spent endless hours looking into the different types of therapy available for treating depression as an illness; 'Pet Therapy' has been concluded as one of these therapies. Animals have long been recognized as being a positive force in the healing process.

Dogs notably have a calming and therapeutic effect on people. They can help individuals to cope with the emotional issues related to their illness. They also offer physical contact with another living creature and help to divert a person's attention from their pressing daily problems. Owning a dog brings about a sense of responsibility. Dogs rely on their owners for feeding, walking, attention and love. What better excuse for a depressed person to get out of bed in the morning?

Dogs love almost everyone without any degree of prejudice or rejection. You do not need to speak any type of language to communicate with a four-legged friend. Give them a treat, tickle their tummy and they will love you without bounds. Dogs are aware of illness and sadness and genuinely want to provide companionship and comfort; they show an abundance of intelligence and are both intuitive and compassionate. Any dog owner will relate and agree with me when I say that it is a warm feeling when their dog can detect their sorrow and lick their tears away.

Pet Therapy can facilitate many positive changes one such example being increased socialization skills. Animals can be used as part of group therapy programs to encourage communication and increase the ability to focus. Helping to develop a person's self-esteem and reducing their loneliness and anxiety are just some potential benefits of individual-animal therapy.

The bond between humans and animals is demonstrated every day in millions of homes around the world. It is also becoming a powerful, common mode of therapy in many facilities such as hospitals, schools and residential homes.

While it is difficult to measure and quantify the benefits of dog therapy with hard scientific fact, there is no question that the magical interaction possible between animal and human is unmistakable. Tears can be dried. Scowls transform into smiles. Silence is broken and lastly but not least importantly loneliness and isolation can be ejected from a person through mere touch and cuddles. Dogs offer their owner's absolute and unconditional love and a level of boundless patience that no human could ever possibly give. The love of a dog is unlimited, what better form of alternative therapy could there be?

Author reserves all rights to this work.

(c) Samantha Weaver 2006

Samantha Weaver is Author of Saving Samantha: A Young Woman's Escape from Childhood Hell. (ISBN 1401910300) Due for release 17/04/06. Find out more at [http://www.samanthaweaver.com]

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