How to Deal With Depression

Dysthmic Disorder: A Form of Depression

2009-09-29T00:40:00.000-07:00

Dysthmic Disorder is the one of the well known form of depression basically characterized by inveterate depression. This kind of depression is not as much severe as the major depressions. The symptoms for this kind of depressions are very common among the youth generation and can rely for 2 years, low level of energy, long hours of sleep and disturbances which irritates the person are the major results of this order. Dysthmic disorder is not due to medical illness, its basically because of disorder in mind.

Consequences of the Dysthmic disorder basically results in low recalling or reminding power, hesitations in life, lack of confidence, and many more which describes the malfunctioning of the human life that he is not doing anything up to the mark. These symptoms are so severe that it can cause distress and interference in the vital responsibilities in the life.

Cure for this Dysthmic Disorder lies in the human itself, he has to physically rule out this disorder from his life. Else this depression can cause severe damage to life style. This is basically a mood disorder that can be cured by enjoying the life. Changing your daily routines and by bringing the another level of excitement in the daily life. Yup there are medicines to cure this disorder but medicines donot cure this upto complete extent so happiness in life is very essential to cure any kind of disease or disorder in this contemporary life.

MAOI antidepressants (classical and reversible), and SSRI antidepressants (of which the best current evidence is for fluoxetine) are supportive when person is getting full support from the family and friends to make the life living happy and worthful.

Causes for this Dysthmic Disorder:

# Mutation in thinking level
#Mutation in feelings of the person
#Rapid change in Behaviour

Understandig Bipolar depression

2009-09-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

Bipolar depression is also known as manic depression. The person with bipolar depression has a very severe mood swing .A person with this depression show these symptoms for weeks and even months. This depression can go through various stages like severe depression, which shades into moderate depression and to mild and brief mood disturbances .This stage is then called as blues. These extremes of mood may include the lows of depression as well as the highs of a very elated mood (known as mania). This depression can occur in both males and females. It usually occurs first in age group of 18-24.

Symptoms of Bipolar depression
• Increased talking & thinking
• Insomnia
• Unrealistic belief in one's own abilities
• Poor judgment
• Increased sex drive
• Substance abuse
• Tiredness and loss of energy.
• Excessive feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
• Being unable to see a positive future.

Home Remidies For Depression

2009-09-05T01:39:00.000-07:00

Depression is a feeling that can ruin a person’s life. The person in depression loose his ability to think and surrounding by negative thinking. Depression is not a disease but an illness wherein a person is not able to do normal things. There are a lot of depression treatments available. A person can also switch to home remedies to overcome depression. These home remedies offer a great help in fight depression.

Some of these remedies are

•Making a tea with cardamom and Indian basil leaves as it provides a great aroma that can help you to feel better.

•Try to be in touch of your friends.

•Always try to take food that is easy to digest.

•Add rose petals in boiling water and have the drink.

•Eat apple with milk and honey.

•Take sleep in dark room.

•Eat garlic clove after every meal.

•Try to take more vitamin C diet.

•Guggul improves the nervous coordination and provides a great help in depression.

•Relaxation and meditation provides a great help.

•Intake of fresh fruits should be increased

How to care a depressed person

2009-09-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

Depression is one of the most common disorders. If one of your close one is depressed, you may wonder you can help him/her in some ways. The pain of seeing a loved one in the depression is like a torture. There is great need of taking care of the sufferer of depression. There are plenty of ways with which you can that you can help them.

Few ways to help them are
•Recognize the problem
Sometimes depressed person can not identify the right treatment for himself. It will be helpful for you to explore the treatment options. The more you understand the illness more better option you can opt for him.

•Provide Emotional Support
You should make the patient realize that he is not alone in this. You are always there for him. Showing ignorance gives birth to more negative thinking.

•Encourage activity
One should encourage the sufferer to perform activities that release stress. The patient should make to follow yoga and relaxation techniques properly.

•Go out
Going out for seeing a movie, meeting friends or to eat are great ideas. This will led new ideas to enter the patient mind and help to come out of depression.

Yoga :An effective treatment for Depressiopn

2009-08-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

Treating the depression with medication has lots of side effects. Yoga is safest and highly effective. Yoga exercises prepare the body and mind for long periods of meditation. Yoga enables proper stimulation of glands and organs, helping them to produce the soothing, healing chemical balance that led to overcome stress and depression. Yoga exercises improve circulation, sending invigorating oxygen to your brain and all your muscles. Practicing yoga regularly will also make a huge difference in its effectiveness. A person should do yoga for 20minutes daily or at least 3 days a week. One can join yoga classes or can practice yoga at home. Yoga provides great physical and mental benefits that can create true happiness and well-being.

Some very useful tips

• Elderly patients should first consult doctor before choosing yoga as a treatment option.

• Never force or strain your body while doing yoga. Relax briefly between each practice.

• Avoid tea, coffee, smoking, alcohol for better results.

• Practice in the presence of a medical or yoga expert

• Practice Yoga on the ground in a calm surrounding. Do not practice on sofas and beds.

How Relaxation Helps

2009-08-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of methods to cure depression. Some relaxation techniques provide great help to take charge again in an easy and gentle way and help to over come depression. . it is important to take the time and effort to make such practice a regular routine, as benefits compound over time. ontinue doing this for 10 to 20 minutes. Practice this technique early or late in the day for optimum results but wait at least two hours after eating a meal. The relaxation response brings your system back into balance. A variety of relaxation techniques help you achieve the relaxation response. They also serve a protective quality by teaching you how to stay calm.

Some Useful Tips-
1. Find a quiet place where you feel comfortable and you can sit properly.
2. Breathe deeply to tighten your chest. Sit with your back straight and breathe in slowly through your nose
3. Yoga provides a great help in relaxation and also has calming effect on the mind.
4. Do not skip these routine habits.
5. Listening to Meditation Scripts provides a great help.

Depression in women

2009-08-23T23:46:00.000-07:00

Depression is a complex matter. Depression is much more common in women than in men, but the reason for this occurrence is unclear. Learning about these factors can help you minimize your risk of depression and treat it more. This depression is independent of racial, ethnic, and economic divides but this gender difference in rates of depression is found in most countries around the world. Women often find it hard to overcome this condition.

Some of the depression associated with women are-

Menopause: Women may be at increased risk for depression during menopause. This condition can be detected few days before menstruation period, during or right after it

Pregnancy and infertility: The many hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can contribute to depression. Other issues relating to pregnancy such as miscarriage, unwanted pregnancy, and infertility can also play a role in depression.

Relationship dissatisfaction: Often the women with dissatisfaction are relation with family or husband can go tin depression state. Because of the special role that interpersonal issues, Its hard for women to come out of depression.

Puberty : The emergence of sex differences during puberty likely plays a role.The counseling session provides a great help in this depression.

Exhaustion :you overestimate your strengths and if you have increased responsibilities for the duties you assume .Women should take a full day rest in her off days to prevent this depression. . Physical and mental rest is essential to keep you productive in your work.

Treating Depression : Acupuncture

2009-08-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

If you are suffering from depression then acupuncture can serve as a perfect remedy. Acupuncture is one of the safest and natural methods which balance the operation of mind and body to work in controlled manner. This treatment has cured a lot of patients in all around the world. This is done by inserting very fine needles into the human body to reduce all types of body pains and diseases. Acupuncture basically improves blood circulation which led to cure of symptoms of insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Acupuncture helps to enhance concentration, enrich sleep and have e positive feelings about life. Acupuncture can be manual acupuncture or electro-acupuncture. In former, massaging is with hands around the places where needles are inserted whereas in electro-acupuncture electrified needles are inserting in your skin.

Benefits of Acupuncture over medication
• Give results much faster than medication.
• No side-effects
• No addiction.
• Give long lasting relief after completing the Acupuncture for Depression Protocol.
• Cost saving in the long run.
• Better mood
• Healthy appetite

Treating Depression-VNS Therapy

2009-08-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

VNS Therapy is a non-drug treatment which can be opted for the treatment of depression. This is one of the safest treatments. VNS Therapy can be used for long term treatment. Vagus nerve stimulation is one of several newer types of brain stimulation methods .Vagus nerve stimulation is based on intermittent stimulation which is done with a device called as pulse generator. This device is implanted in the chest with a small surgery. This pulse generator is used to send electric signals to the brain of the patient. This passage of electric signal is done through a nerve in between known as vagus. Because of vagus nerve this treatment is known as vague nerve therapy. The duration of this treatment is about 50 to 90 minutes with the patient under general anesthesia.

The treatment can have some side effects such as

• Harshness

• cough

• Throat pain

• paraesthesia

• Indigestion

• vomiting

Treating Depression :Medication

2009-08-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

Medication is one of the primary treatments to approach in treating depression. They are prescription-only drugs that come with risks as well as benefits. Self-medication can be dangerous. There are several types of depression medications (antidepressants) used for the cure of depression. The prescription and management of medication must be done by a skilled physician who can have a close look at the patient .In patients with severe depression antidepressants are more effective than any other treatment. Antidepressants help people with depression by making some natural chemicals more available to the brain. In this way they help in restoring the brain's chemical balance which helps in recovery from symptoms of depression. In order to avoid antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, never stop your medication but you can gradually reduce your dose. The duration of taking antidepressant are decided by the doctor under whose inspection the patient is. Generally the duration is about 4 to 6 months.

Things to look if you are starting medication
• Consult a psychiatrist only as family physician does not provide much help.
• Find the right drug that actually works for you.
• Have a close look at the side effects
• Don’t stop medication without talking to your doctor
• Go to therapy along which the medication.

Treating Depression : Psychotherapy

2009-08-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

First treatment that is offered to a depressed person is Psychotherapy. This treatment is often called with a name therapy. There are a number of Psychotherapy based on type and condition of the depression. Psychotherapy is not normally used to treat severe depression patient. Psychotherapy therapy works by assuming that the patient is depressed due to unresolved issues that they are unaware of. For best result of Psychotherapy treatment the patient should attend all the counseling properly. In psychotherapy, first thing is to identify the root cause of depression. Psychotherapy can give results which can give longer-lasting benefits. It also helps you to follow your medications properly.

What you can gain from Psychotherapy

• It can help reduce stress in your life.

• It can give you a new perspective on problems with family, friends and co-workers.

• It can make it easier to stick to your treatment.

•It helps to regain a sense of control and pleasure in life

•It helps to learn various coping techniques and problem-solving skills

Treating depression - Electroconvulsive Therapy

2009-08-16T22:19:00.001-07:00

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) has got higher rate curing depression than any other treatment of depression. This treatment is successful in treating major depression, mania and other forms of depression. In ECT, an electrical shock is given to maintain proper functioning in the brain. We can improve the person’s mood with these stock and brain cell will work better. In the beginning this treatment was opposed for depression as it is used for treatment for mental patients.

How this treatment is done
For this treatment person can be admitted to hospital or he can come to hospital only for treatment and can go back home after treatment. These electric shocks are given 3 to 4 times a week. The treatment should only be taken under guidance of professional psychiatrist. Before this treatment the patient should to put to sleep with drug and an additional drug is also given to relax and partially paralyze the muscles. These things help to avoid injury during the treatment. The patient is closely monitored during the treatment .The patient wakes up after 20 minutes of the treatment. Some patient might require medication after treatment. A total of 12 to 15 shock sessions are prescribed for treatment.

About Dysthymia depression

2009-08-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Dysthymia depression is less severe form of depression. It is also termed as minor depression. The person with this depression can work properly but usually seems to be unhappy. It is not as extreme as other types of depression. It can be said that person with dysthymisa are functional but lack in social and interpersonal relationships. It affects women two to three times more often than menthe per son is given diagnosis if he is depressed for about 2 years. Sufferers of Dysthymic disorder often report that they don't recall ever not feeling depressed .People who develop dysthymia when they are young often do not realize that they are ill until this depression develops into a major depression.

Symptoms

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Insomnia or hypersomnia

• Feelings of guilt

• Low energy

• Low self-esteem

• Loss of appetite or overeating

• Lack of concentration

• Irritability or anger

Basic Treatment include

• Talk therapies and interpersonal therapy

• Medication

• ECT (Electro-Convulsive Therapy)

• Depression self-help

Understanding Major depression

2009-08-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Major depression is the most common and serious type of depression. This depression is also known as clinical depression .Some times it is also referred to as Unipolar depression the person with this type of depression is totally fed up from his life. It is impossible for him to function normally in his day today life. The height of depression can to a limit of person committing suicide. If the depression is severe, it is more likely to affect its patient’s life. This occurs mainly because of crisis that occur in ones life. This depression occurs only once in life and if treated properly, will never occur again. Men and women of all ages, races, and economic levels can get major depression but it is more likely to occur in women.

Symptoms
• Extreme difficult to concentrate.
• lack of energy
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and inappropriate guilt
• Withdrawal from day to day activities, a loss of interest in activities once you were crazy about.
• Feeling of death or suicide
• Trouble in sleeping

Some useful tips
• Avoid alcohol and drugs
• Eat well-balanced meals
• Get regular exercise and sleep
• Seek supportive relationships

Urgently consult a doctor if
• You hear voices that are not actually there.
• You have spells of crying.
• You are in depression that disrupt work, school, or family life for longer than 2 weeks.
• You think that one of your current medicines you are taking makes you more depressed

About Seasonal Affective Disorder

2009-08-11T22:12:00.001-07:00

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression in which mood of a person swings as the season changes.Because of this seasonal mood swing ,this is also known as winter depression.Probability of occurrence of this depression is more in winter and every less in winter. SAD is more likely to occur in women than in men. I This depression occurs each year at the same time. SAD cannot be said as unique mood disorder, it has many similarities with major depression.

Symptoms

• A change in appetite

• Weight gain

• Increased sensitivity to pain:.

• Oversleep

• Difficult to concentrate

• Anxiety

• Reduced energy level

• withdrawal from friends

How to get it treated

• Light therapy in which patient is exposed to light to improve symptoms.

• Medication

• Diet change

• Learning to manage stress

• Going to a sunny climate during the cold months

Some useful tips which can help in cure

• Get more natural sunlight. Sit near windows whenever possible.

• Take a walk. Stay physically active.

• Educate yourself

• Take a winter vacation in the sun.

• Develop a mental set that you are going to enjoy the season

• Keep in touch with your friends.

• Healthy and positive mental and physical lifestyle.

• Buy an ionizer and use it in your house to keep the air fresh.

• Plan active events for yourself in advance of the fall.

• Laughter

Postpartum depression:Overview

2009-08-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

Postpartum depression is a common depression which occur during and after pregnancy. Depression which occurs within 6 months of childbirth may be postpartum depression. About 20 percent of pregnant women and new mothers have depression. Many women stuck in depression web right after childbirth, some women get depression only after several weeks or months. Postpartum depression can led to feeling of restless, anxious and worthless. Some new moms worry so that sometimes they hurt themselves or their babies.Many moms even stop having a regular diet, have trouble sleeping because of this depression . Women with these condition need to be hospitalized.

What causes Postpartum depression
• Previous postpartum depression
• Depression not related to pregnancy
• Severe premenstrual syndrome
• A troubled marriage or relationship
• Loneliness
• Stress during pregnancy or after childbirth

How to help yourself
• Find someone to talk to and tell that person about how you feel.
• Get in touch with a person who can help you with child care.
• Find a NGOs,support groups in your area .
• Every day, write down your emotions and feelings in a diary
• Be honest about how much you can do, and ask other people to help you when you need it.
• Be honest about how much you can do, and ask other people to help you when you need it.

If Self help does not Work much
• Do not worry much if self help does not give you the result. Postpartum depression is treated much like any other depression. Counseling and medicines can all help. Talk with your doctor about what treatment is best for you and you definitely get rid of it.

Diet for Depression

2009-08-09T23:07:00.000-07:00

There’s no particular diet that works for depression. A particular eating plan can ease symptoms of depression to a great extent. While certain diets or foods may not ease depression (or direct you to better mood), they may help as part of an overall treatment for depression. Lets have a look at what to eat and drink in depression.

What one should Eat

Fresh green leafy vegetables, some fresh fruits, whole cereals and beans seeds,and soya protein supply whole protein to the body and are good to eat in depression . Avoid eating processed food, stimulant food, canned foods, smoking, dairy products, meats, eggs, and fish.Nutrients in foods support the body's repair, growth, and wellness. Nutrients we all need include vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, and even a small amount of fat. A deficiency in any of these nutrients lead to our bodies not working at full capacity – and can even cause illness.

Reduce your fat intake to 30% of total calories intake. Try not to take more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol a day, and limit servings of meat, fish, and fowl to three ounces each. Eat at least one meal a day that includes pasta primavera or a hearty potato soup that is very high in complex carbohydrates along with proteins.

Key points

1.Take fresh green vegetables

2. Take Some fresh fruits

3. Take Cereals and beans

4. Avoid any processed food

5. Avoid artificial colors, stimulant food, canned foods.

6. Avoid dairy products, meats, eggs.

What one should drink

Depression has been linked with a high intake of caffeine.Moderate and high coffee drinkers highly prone to get depression than did low users. Depressed patients tend to take high amounts of caffeine (more than 700 mg per day). In addition, its has been linked with the degree of mental illness : the higher the intake, the more deep the depression. More intake of refined sugar via sweet foods and/or from junk food can increase depression.

Key points

1.Avoid coffee, dairy products.

2.Avoid alcohol

3.Avoid coffee

4.Avoid dairy products

Treatments For Depression

2009-08-08T02:39:00.000-07:00

A person in depression always get feeling that he cannot come out of his depression.However, even the most severe depression is a curable. It is estimated that only about 30 percent depressed people receive an appropriate treatment.

There are many treatments that work well for depression.These are

1. Medications
Depression medications are the most commonly used conventional medical treatment for depression.People with moderate to severe depression often get help from Antidepressants. Two thirds of people will respond to any given medicine. As treatment levels were added, such as switching medications or adding an additional medication, remission rates increased. Antidepressant drugs are used to treat depression and other conditions such as anxiety and panic attacks

2. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy in conjunction with medication is considering to be the most effective treatment for depression.Psychotherapy is a process in which a trained professional enters a relationship with a patient for the purpose of helping the patient with symptoms of mental illness, behavioral problems or personal growth. the most effective type of psychotherapy for depression is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy focuses upon the role of thinking and belief systems as the root of depression

3. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
This treatment uses electrodes that give electric pulses to your brain. It is used only for people with severe depression who need to be treated in hospital.ECT may be used when a severely depressed patient has not responded to antidepressants, is unable to tolerate the side effects of antidepressants, or must improve rapidly.If antidepressants are not given after a series of ECT, there is a 50% relapse rate within 6 months. But there is no scientific evidence that ECT causes brain damage

4.Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Vagus Nerve Stimulation, or VNS, involves the use of an implanted device to provide periodic stimulation to the vagus nerve. Because the device is embedded in the body and works automatically, compliance with the cure regimen is assured.. It is very beneficial as no drug used to worry about. But you are put under anesthesia, there is a small possibility of death.

Other alternative depression treatments
• Relaxation works- Relaxation techniques may not only help recover from symptoms of depression, but also help to reduce stress and boost feelings of joy and well-being. We can try yoga, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation to get help.

• Acupuncture- Acupuncture, the method of using fine needles on specific parts on the body for therapeutic purposes, is increasingly being investigated as a cure for depression, with some research studies showing good results. If you decide to try acupuncture, make sure that you find a licensed skilled professional.

Understanding Depression :Types

2009-08-06T23:31:00.000-07:00

First step in managing the depression is know about the type of depression one has. Depressive disorders come in different forms. Knowing what type of depression you have can help you manage your symptoms and get the most effective treatments. There are several different diagnoses for depression, mostly determined by the intensity of the symptoms, the duration of the symptoms, and the specific cause of the symptoms.When a psychiatrist makes a diagnosis of a patient's depressive illness, he or she may use a number of terms--such as bipolar, clinical, endogenous, major, melancholic, seasonal affective or unipolar--to describe it. These labels confuse many people who don't understand that they can overlap.

Three main known types of Depression are :

Major depression:
Major depression, or clinical depression, is characterized by the inability to enjoy life and experience pleasure. The symptoms are constant, ranging from moderate to severe. Left untreated, major depression typically lasts for about six months. Some people experience just a single depressive episode in their lifetime, but more commonly, major depression is a recurring disorder. However, there are many things you can do to support your mood and reduce the risk of recurrence. You do not need to feel suicidal to have a major depression, and you do not need to have a history of hospitalizations either, although both of these factors are present in some people with major depression. There is no official diagnosis of "moderate depression.

At least four (or more) additional symptoms are present:
• significant weight loss / weight gain
• difficulty sleeping or increase in sleeping
• excessive movement or slowing down associated with tension
• fatigue or loss of energy
• feeling worthless or excessive guilt
• difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• repeatedly thinking about death or suicide, trying to attempt suicide

Dysthymia depression:
Dysthmia is a type of chronic “low-grade” depression. This is dysthymia - - a condition that people are not even aware of but just live with daily. They go through life feeling unimportant, dissatisfied, frightened and simply don't enjoy their lives. Medication is beneficial for this type of depression While the symptoms are not as severe as a major depression, they are more enduring and resistant to treatment. Some people with dysthymia develop a major depression at some time during the course of their depression. Symptoms of depression may surface with other mood disorders. They include seasonal major depression (also known as seasonal affective disorder).

At least four additional symptoms are present:
• decrease or increase in eating
• difficulty sleeping or increase in sleeping
• low energy or fatigue
• low self-esteem
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• feeling hopeless

Manic depression:
Manic-depressives suffer from violent mood swings. Severe depression, "the blues," and normal mood are all points on the mood swing.Manic depression can be defined as an emotional disorder characterized by changing mood shifts from depression to mania which can sometimes be quite rapid. People who suffer from manic depression have an extremely high rate of suicide. A manic episode consists of a persistent elevated or irritable mood that is extreme, which lasts for at least one week.

At least three features are present:
• inflated self-esteem or self-importance
• decreased need for sleep
• more talkative than usual or compelled to keep talking
• experiencing racing thoughts or ideas
• easily distracted

Other types includes:
• Post Partum Depression – Major depressive episode that occurs after having a baby. Depressive symptoms usually begin within four weeks of giving birth and can vary in intensity and duration. ommon symptoms include helplessness, hopelessness, guilt, sadness, lack of confidence in mothering abilities, and a deeply rooted conviction that something is wrong with the baby or that something bad will happen to the baby.

•Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – this type of depression is a form of major depression that fluctuates with the seasons. It most often includes a depressive period in the fall and winter months. This type of depression is usually cured by the arrival of spring and the lengthening of the daylight hours.

•Agitated Depression – Kind of major depressive disorder which is characterized by agitation such as physical and emotional restlessness, irritability and insomnia, which is the opposite of many depressed individuals who have low energy and feel slowed down physically and mentally.

•Cyclothymic disorder-. It’s characterized by alternating mood swings of highs and lows that are not severe or debilitating enough to interfere with daily activities. Often, a person with cyclothymic disorder may later develop bipolar disorder if their condition is left untreated.

•Melancholic Depression: It is a sub-type of Major Depressive Disorder. The main features of this kind of depression include either a loss of pleasure in virtually all activities or mood does not temporarily improve in response to a positive event.

•Disease or drug-related depression:Some diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis, stroke, chronic pain, and hypothyroidism can cause depression.