Depression can be a paralyzing situation. It can last only hours or for days and months.
Depression can sometimes be described as hopeless and despairing, like being in a dark cave with no exit in sight. The depressed person yearns for a return to ‘normal’ life, and though like being in a pit, cannot put themselves out.
There are several simple techniques to help relief the pain of depression and alleviate the symptoms.
Drink water. Most of the common ailments which hamper us could be reduced by being properly hydrated. Drinking a cup of water every hour on the hour is a method I use so I can be functioning at peak performance, mentally and physically.
Deep breathing. When we are babies we breath from our diaphragm. Sometime as children we transition to shallow breathing from our lungs, which is not as effective for getting oxygen to our brains. Lie down and put your hands on your abdomen. Breathe so that your belly raises and lowers with each inhale and exhale.
Exercise. Regular exercise is so necessary for keeping mind and body fit and healthy. Join a gym, ride a bike, swim, or go for a walk with the dog. Any activity will help perk up the mind of the depressed person. Force yourself to take that first step toward the activity and soon it will become almost automatic.
Nutrition. Eating properly is a very important key to maintaining mental health. Certain foods can cause biochemical reactions in the body which will affect moods. Keep a journal of what you eat and how it affects you. Do your best to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein. Today’s produce is deficient of the necessary nutrients for our optimal health and well being. It is necessary to add vitamins and nutritional supplements to our diets. Included in this should be an endrocrine support supplement which will stabilize and balance hormones. For me, this has been one of the vital keys to my mental health.
Rest and a good night sleep. I think the Latin world with their ’siestas’ have a good thing going. A midday rest gives the mind and body a needed break from the frenetic activity that defines our lives. Getting a solid night’s sleep helps the brain and melatonin restore to healthy levels. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that aids as an anti-oxidant and helps with some forms of depression.
Prayer. Our lives are on constant ‘go-go-go’! Praying to God opens up channels of grace that will aid in the restoration of hope and peace in our lives.
Just do it. If depression is keeping you from taking action on something necessary in your life, force yourself to go and do it. Many times the very action of activity will be the catalyst to help lift the depression.
Friends. Have a couple of friends that you can count on to share with and lean on. Feelings of loneliness can become more acute with depression. Trusted friends will offer wise counsel and patient advice to help and not hurt you.
Professional help. Should the depression last longer than a week or two or symptoms of despair become life threatening, professional help should be sought!! Prescribed medicines can provide the stimulus for healing where the simple home ‘remedies’ outlined above are not working.
Above all, do not be afraid. You are not alone. Your life is a beautiful gift waiting to be unwrapped. Follow the steps and find sunny days once again shining on you!
By: Jeanne Condon
Depression – Quick Cures
March 15th, 2010 by admin No comments »Manic Depression Symptoms
March 15th, 2010 by admin No comments »
Manic Depression manifests itself mainly through behavioral and mood symptoms that can be classified into two opposite sets. One set involves symptoms of a very elated, or “high,” state, while the opposite set involves a very depressed or “low” state. These two symptom sets demonstrate themselves in a continuous range, classified by experts into mild to moderate to severe, in both opposing symptom sets.
The National Institute of Mental Health lists many of the symptoms of Manic Depression. Many of them are mood symptoms, while others involve physical abnormalities and psychological instabilities. The following are some of the more commonly identified symptoms associated with the manic (”high”) phase.
Mood changes during a manic phase
An individual suffering from a manic phase almost always feels excessively good, and maintains an unusually euphoric mood. These individuals often find themselves talking and thinking very quickly, sometimes jumping from one thought to the next. This behavior is noticeably different from the individual’s normal disposition, and lasts for an abnormally long time.
Sufferers may also feel very irritable, and may result in provocative, aggressive, or intrusive behavior. They may deny that anything is wrong with them, and may even accuse others of conspiring against them. They basically believe that they are invincible and powerful, even to the point of absurdity.
Physical changes during a manic phase
Individuals suffering from a manic phase generally feel restless and excitable, and may display levels of energy unusual to the person. They often engage in activity, no matter what it might be, and may quickly tire and look for other things to do.
These individuals may also need little sleep to maintain their energy levels during the day. A heightened interest and drive towards sexual relations may also be evident.
Psychological changes during a manic phase
Sufferers are easily distracted, preventing them from working or learning effectively. They also exhibit reduced judgment skills, which may result in spending sprees and substance abuse. Some individuals have been noted to resort to cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medication abuse while in a manic phase.
Conversely, the depressive (”low”) phase displays symptoms that are polar opposites from the ones enumerated above, although they can fall into the same rough categories:
Mood changes during a depressive phase
In contrast to a manic phase, a depressive phase causes an individual to suddenly feel hopeless and pessimistic. The sufferer may also feel unexplained pangs of guilt and worthlessness. It is a sad, scared, or otherwise empty mood that lasts for a time.
Physical changes during a depressive phase
A person going through a major depressive phase almost always feels tired or being “slowed down.” The individual loses sleep (or the opposite, gets too much), as well as any interest he/she used to have for activities normally enjoyed, even sex.
The individual also suffers changes in appetite, often resulting in unintended gain or loss of weight. Pain and other persistent physical symptoms may also accompany the general discomfort of a depressive phase, even though there is no sign of any underlying illness or injury to cause it.
Psychological changes during a depressive phase
Individuals suffering from a depressive phases suffer from difficulty in concentrating, memory, and decision-making. They are also restless and irritable, and may lead to conflicts with co-workers and peers. This is also a symptom of the manic phase, effectively making sufferers very unfit to work during an episode.
The most serious psychological symptom involves thoughts of death or suicide. Sufferers of Manic Depression have committed suicide before, making the mental disorder a very serious social problem as well.
More manic depression symptoms [http://www.bipolardepressionsymptom.org/bipolar-disorder-articles/manic-depression-symptoms.asp] are examined at this link.
By: Tim F Clark
