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George Archer has a Masters degree in acupuncture and herbology. He works for shenmedicine. Many people have been successfully treated with his expert advice. To get rid off your disease through Acupuncture, make an appointment with George at www.shenmedicine.com
January 6, 2008
Unfortunately, the symptoms of depression in kids may not be too evident therefore, as a parent, is important to be vigilant and watch for symptoms such as social withdrawal, irritability, apathy, sleep and eating problems, lack of interest in activities that were enjoyed in the past, chronic fatigue and deterioration in schoolwork, which can be an indication of sadness and depression in children.
Childhood depression can be caused by a number of things… There are plenty of conditions in which the mentality of a child is just not ready to deal with; this makes them more vulnerable for depression than adults that undergo the same level of stresses.
Causes of Depression in Children
** Stress. Believe it or not, stress is one of the largest problems. Children have not learned how to handle stress and it is likely that they will not be able to unless they are given the necessary help. Too much to do at school, home, extra curriculum courses and a part time job can all lead to depression.
** Family conflict. Children do not blame others for their family?s problems; they turn the blame onto themselves. If mom and dad are fighting it must be because of something he did. This type of worry can turn into depression quickly.
** Learning problems and emotional strain are two more things that can lead a child down the road to serious depression.
** Parents that are depressed. Those children that only see and witness depression are going to use that as their means as well of dealing with life. In fact, it can be a learned behaviour in some cases.
How to Treat it?
Now that you know the possible causes of children and adolescent depression, take a look at a few things that can be done.
In many occasions and depending on the severity of the case, doctors will resort to only treating teens and younger children with psychological therapy. Also, there are medications that can be given to a child for depression, like Prozac, but there are risks associated with taking this type of medication. Warnings have been issued about suicide potential during treatment with this prescription drug.
On the other hand, fortunately there are some natural remedies for child depression. One of the most common and beneficial methods for treating depression naturally is through the use of an herb called St. John?s Wort.
The British Medical Journal has found that the use of this herb to fight off depression has been just as beneficial to some as that of anti depressant medication. St. John?s Wort is one of the natural remedies that can help fight depression.
There is another safe and effective herb that can help a child recover from depression. To learn more about this visit: natural remedies for child depression.
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Pam Brown is an editor at yourbodycanheal.com. To learn about natural treatments for depression in children visit: natural remedies for child depression
For information on natural health remedies, and to obtain a FREE guide to Healing Foods and Herbs visit: natural health remedies.
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October 31, 2007
When we read about effective treatments for a common psychological and medical condition like depression, we are always tempted to expect reviews and discussions of different prescription medications. Antidepressants and other depression related drugs are currently among the most prescribed drugs. This implies that despite the increasing affluence, comfort and better living standards seen today in the developed world, many people are still not happy with their lives. Moreover, considering the fact that the increasing reliance on medication and other medical procedures have not reduced the prevalence of chronic depression in the population; it is safe to assert that there are better and more effective ways of treating depression. This article intends to look at one of such effective treatment for depression.
For a better appreciation of the depression treatment that will be discussed in this article, it is important to look at the causes of depression in most people. Most people erroneously believe that depression is mainly caused by a fault with the nervous system, a traumatic or sad event that happens in one’s life. Though some cases of depression result from chemical imbalances in the body or problems with the nervous and coordination system of the body; in most cases, this belief is not correct.
It is extraordinary to note that depression, in most people, is as a result of conflict between the conscious and unconscious mind. The past events and experiences of our lives, which are presumed forgotten, are usually stored in the unconscious mind. When memories from this part of the mind begin to take over an individual’s consciousness, it creates a kind of fog over the mind, causing the confusion and anxiety that characterizes depression. Psychologists have come to realize that the unconscious mind have a great impact on an individual’s quality of life. This is one of the reasons why depression is a very difficult condition to diagnose. It does not present with physical signs or symptoms because the condition does not affect the physical body.
From the above, it is only reasonable to suggest that the best and most effective treatment for depression should begin with the mind. Within every person suffering from depression, is the ability and resources effectively to treat the condition. Unfortunately, the medical and pharmaceutical have taught us otherwise.
For a start, creating a positive attitude is the most effective prevention and treatment for depression. A sense of humor, optimism and a positive attitude can break through the worst cases of depression. Humor releases substances into the blood that relax the body and mind. Whereas a positive and optimistic attitude creates a clear mind devoid of unnecessary worries and anxieties. This makes it easy to differentiate between the present and what is being imported from the past.
It is also important to take note of every thought that crosses the mind. This requires a bit of mental and conscious effort, especially at the outset. However, it will be worth the stress. Taking stock of every thought that comes to mind enables you to thrash out necessary mental assignments and discard irrelevant thoughts instead of allowing them to clog the mind, causing anxiety, unnecessary worry and then depression.
Of course, there are cases of depression that results from chemical or hormonal imbalance in the body; there are also cases of chronic depression that no amount of positive attitude can cure. Notwithstanding that, the mind is still the most effective treatment for depression. Creating a positive and optimistic attitude, learning to free the mind of unnecessary and irrelevant thoughts, living for the moment, without worrying about today or yesterday, regular exercise and a healthy diet constitute the most effective depression treatment you can find anywhere.
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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Depression
If you have suffered from depression, then you know how difficult it can be to find a good, non-addictive treatment for the symptoms of depression. Many prescription medications can be addictive. There are also many products that claim to be natural treatments for depression. How can you evaluate these products to find the correct one? How can you weed through all of the hype to find the great products?
First, look at the ingredients in the product. Are the ingredients backed by solid clinical research as depression treatments? Use the internet to do some research. If you cannot find solid research to pack up the ingredients in the medication, then perhaps it is hyped. Also, if the ingredients are backed by research, make sure they are available in the correct dosages. The potency of different herbal extracts can vary quite a bit. Make sure the supplement you are looking at has the active ingredients in sufficient amounts. Finally, check the quality of the product. Does it have premium-quality ingredients? Can you tell that it was created in a quality-controlled environment? These considerations will help you to purchase the best natural depression herbal supplements.
There are actually only a handful of herbs that have scientific research to back their effectiveness as depression treatments. This can be frustrating for those who need help, because there are dozens of supplements that claim to be a depression treatment. The strongest evidence points to St. John’s Wort extract as a natural depression medication. There have been over twenty clinical studies to prove the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort to treat depression. It seems to work just as well as prescription medications, such as Prozac. The great benefit of St. John’s Wort over prescription medications is that it has significantly fewer side effects. This makes St. John’s Wort perhaps the first place those suffering from depression should turn when seeking treatment options. The best dosage to start with is 600-900 mg a day. This can be increased if needed. Make sure the supplement you choose contains 3-5% hyperforin, as this is the type that was tested to treat depression.
There is another natural treatment option for those suffering from depression and that is SAM-e. This promising treatment works more quickly than St. John’s Wort in relieving the symptoms of depression. The downside to SAM-e is that it is expensive. It can cost over $100 per month. This puts it out of the price range for many patients.
5-HTP is another option for those seeking natural treatments for depression. This is an amino acid that causes the body to produce more serotonin, which can lift the depression state. 5-HTP works extremely well when combined with St. John’s Wort as a treatment regimen. Also, increasing the intake of B vitamins helps relieve depression.
There are several options out there for those who suffer from depression and want to avoid addictive prescription drugs. Before heading to the doctor for your next prescription for Zoloft, consider trying some of these natural options. Women suffering from postpartum depression who are nursing a baby should use extreme caution before taking any natural supplements.
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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Depression
Postpartum depression is an often undiagnosed, but extremely serious illness that affects many women after giving birth. Part of the reason so many women do not seek help for postpartum depression is that it is completely normal for a woman to experience mood swings after having a baby. This is often called ‘baby blues’ and usually goes away after about ten days. There is a slight amount of depression associated with baby blues. Postpartum depression is when this depression gets worse or lasts longer than ten days.
There is much confusion about what postpartum depression is. Some people believe that it is a mental problem, but postpartum depression is a disease that is treated by medications. It has a medical cause as well. While the cause of depression is not fully understood, we do know that has to do with the chemical balance in the brain.
The symptoms of postpartum depression include a lack of interest in every day life. A change in eating habits, which usually is the inability to eat, but sometimes can be overeating, will also accompany postpartum depression. A woman suffering from postpartum depression will have much less energy than normal. She will have trouble sleeping, or will sleep more than usual. She will cry easily and for no apparent reason. She will have overwhelming feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness and anxiety. Often, she will feel restless and also irritable.
Some of the more serious symptoms of postpartum depression are a desire to either harm herself or the baby. Women who suffer from serious bouts of postpartum depression are capable of committing suicide or hurting and even killing their children. Because this is so serious, it is important for people to watch a woman carefully after giving birth for any signs of postpartum depression. If the incident of depression occurs within six months of giving birth, it is classified as postpartum depression.
There are several indicators that a woman is more inclined to having postpartum depression. Women with a previous history of postpartum depression or other types of depression are more likely to get it. Also, women who have severe problems with premenstrual syndrome might be prone to postpartum depression. If the woman has a difficult marriage situation and feels that she has no one else to talk to, she is likely to suffer from postpartum depression. Finally, if the events surrounding the pregnancy and delivery of her child were extremely stressful, such as having a premature baby, she is more likely to suffer from postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is treated like most other forms of depression. The patient will be put on a medication to control the seratonin in her brain and she will also be referred to counseling. Talking through problems often helps. It is important that the significant people in her life are willing to stand by her and support her until she feels better. It is also important for her to realize that once she starts to feel better, she can have down time from time to time.
One of the best things a woman can do to help herself recover from postpartum depression is to make sure and take some time for herself. She needs to spend time doing something she enjoys every day and taking a break from her baby, until she starts to feel more centered. It is also helpful to write down the emotions she is feeling. This will help her as she starts to get better. She needs to realize that it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by all of the changes in her life. She needs not to put undue expectations on herself. No one is super mom and just being there for a baby is often all that is needed. She needs to take life one day at a time, get the help she needs and soon she will begin to see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Depression
October 30, 2007
One of the root causes, according to many Psychologists and Dr. Kendall Ronin in his Book, On Being Love?s Warrior, is lack of self esteem. Many doctors have said this. Many religious professionals and educators have also said this, and have worked for decades trying to develop plans and techniques to help children develop self esteem. There hope is that the children can then participate the educational system without difficulty. The ultimate hope is that they can participate in our hierarchical system, and have a fair chance to prosper. The problem, however, is not a lack of self-esteem, it is an overabundance of wrong self-esteem.
The system creates conditions, repeatedly, where we must compete against each other in order to be recognized as good, better, and best. For every winner in the system, for every one percent of the winners, there are ninety nine percent of people who are losers. They, of course are not losers compared to those who are lower on the scale than they. Esteem is given for being better than the person on the lower rung, and this esteem is somehow replaces or overrules our own self-esteem.
Somehow we accept the definitions of those outside of us, instead of the deeper knowledge of the self that is gained through mystical and spiritual experience. These experiences, not religion, per se, but true connection with the divine, remind us of who we really are. They lift our self esteem by showing us the artificiality of a world where we gain esteem through performance only, instead of the content of our character. By content of our character I mean, by what we really are in our hearts. From this sense of being we often perform better, but not for the system. We don?t do the tasks outlined to for us that are used to gain esteem from others, we perform tasks meaningful for us. This performing, thought it may seem selfish, is actually liberating and empowering for us and for the rest of the community because it comes from a place of love.
It is liberating and empowering for us because we are allowed to use our creative power to open ourselves up like a flower. We are allowing ourselves to reflect the presence of the Divine in everything that we do. Instead of working to keep a hierarchical machine like system in place, we are working to heal our friends, family members and community from feelings of separation that come from this machine like system.
Through our actions we are spreading light and hope to those who are living in the shadow of those who have claimed that they are just better. It is time to let them go. To cut the strings of the balloons that we are supposed to worship so they can just float away in their own greatness, and so we can live meaningful lives, partaking of the true riches of love, self fulfillment, and community. We can do this by modeling our lives and our behavior after those who love, until we ourselves become loving caring individuals who can spread our caring attitudes and behaviors throughout the community.
If you have ever been down or depressed for some reason and you don?t know why, it is important to explore your idea of self-esteem. Take a few moments to consider whether you are lacking self-esteem, or feeling esteemed by others. The two may seem very similar, but are completely different. If you are experiencing the self-esteem that comes from being esteemed by others, you may have just discovered why you are depressed, or are always fighting against depression. If your self-esteem really comes from being esteemed by others it will be fruitless. Every day you will be provided with images of great people in positions that you can never attain. As we know, another definition for depression is learned helplessness. The very nature of our system teaches us helplessness. If this is the case in your life, it is time for you to take all of the energy that you have been using outside of yourself to be esteemed, and use it as the Shaolin suggest; use that energy on the inside of yourself to find out what you really want, and to prepare yourself to be able to get whatever that is, starting wherever you are.
When you have learned to do this, to place value on the quality of your acquisition (what you would like to do) instead of the quantity of your acquisition (how many people praise you for doing it), you will carve your little niche and live out your dreams, opening up like a beautiful flower reflecting the essence of the Divine and the Beauty of life. Doing what you would like, if it is healthy and life producing, and continuing to do so aside from receiving success or failure, is one of the best cures for depression that has ever been known. In the power of the spiritual warrior, you can do it. You can do it.
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Dr. John Gilmore is a writer. Dr. Gilmore has a D. Min. in Integrating Work and Spirituality. Dr. Gilmore is a Martial Arts instructor, a certified Reiki Master Teacher, Reflexologist and Massage therapist. His degrees are in Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality. For more articles like these or information about some of Dr. Gilmore?s books or Cyber Circle visit http://www.dswellness.com
Journal on Practical Spirituality, Life, Work and Spiritualty, by J. W. Gilmore at http://www.dswellness.com
October 22, 2007
The causes of depression are many. It cannot be restricted to a particular age group. Even among small children, the problem of depression can be quite persistent and usually interferes with the normal or regular course of behavior of the child.
Depression not only affects adults, it affects children as well. Children who suffer from depression can be treated using medications and counseling techniques. A child is considered depressed when feelings of depression are ongoing and interfere with the normal behavior of the child.
Children are quite sensitive, and the level or risk of depression is quite high among them, especially when they experience a sudden loss or cannot learn or pay attention to a particular thing. The problem of depression in children and teenagers is often hereditary and affects children whose family has a long history of the problem. If you see a continuous withdrawal from normal daily activities of the child or even signs of sadness, boredom, or low self-esteem, you must immediately consult a doctor, as these are the symptoms of depression. A child is not a good communicator. There are many things that your child might want to express but cannot. Sometimes they may even attempt suicide or other self-destructive behavior. So, if you notice any such marked difference in his or her behavior, you should immediately go for diagnoses and find the root cause of the problem.
Depression in children and teenagers must be treated as a disease and should be diagnosed as early as possible. It requires continuous medical attention, and counseling at medical and family levels is a must. Depression among children and teenagers is often treated with cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy. Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors like Prozac and Zoloft are often considered to be the most effective strategies in dealing with symptoms of depression prevalent among children and teenagers.
Depression at such a young age is not a good thing. One out of every five teen suffers from this problem of depression, and the reasons for this are quite unpredictable. Since teenage years are quite sensitive years, it is very necessary that parents keep an eye on their children rather than leaving them to live the life they want.
A sudden change in the mood, appetite, or weight in children and teenagers is one of the root causes of depression. Usually, they show a lack of interest from their normal course of activities. The sudden loss of a near or dear one can aggravate the problem of depression. The problem worsens when these young minds start blaming themselves for the existing conditions, and it is here where one should handle them with utmost care. They tend to withdraw themselves from the social world and stay in a world of their own, which is anything but normal.
Depression in children and teenagers can be life-threatening, and medical and professional help should be sought as quickly as possible. Treatment for depression at an early stage ensures speedy recovery; otherwise, the problem worsens with time. Help these young minds to get back to their life by showing them that you care.
Depression among teenage boys often results in aggressive behavior or some actions which are not acceptable to the society or to the law at large. Among girls, it is mainly self-destructive behavior and suicidal thoughts. It is obvious that parents naturally do get upset and sometimes even irritated by these activities of their children. But this only worsens the problem. The parents should know that there is help available and there is absolutely no harm in consulting a medical expert to treat this disease of depression.
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Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of Overcome
Depression Blog. Visit now to find out all you wanted to know about
depression and simple ways to overcome it.
Depression does not mean a moment?s sadness or feeling low. Depression is characterized by prolonged periods of sadness and melancholy. The loss of self-esteem, unhappiness, and emptiness within are indeed depression.
Medical experts classify depression into various types depending on the severity of the problem.
Bipolar disorder or manic depression is characterized by sudden mood changes. The same person can be at an elevated state at one moment and very low the next moment.
Postpartum depression is often characterized by prolonged sadness, especially by a new mother when she undergoes all the physical stress during childbirth.
Dysthimia is often less severe but is similar to depression and must be treated immediately.
Cyclothemia is very much similar to bipolar disorder. A depressed person occasionally suffers from severe changes in mood along with his or her mental illness. In addition to this, people may experience sudden mood changes as the seasons change. More and more people fall into a groove during the winter and fall season.
One of the severe forms of depression that medical sciences can identify is clinical or major depression. Clinical depression is not an illness. It is more of a disorder, since it is characterized by certain symptoms which are related to depression. The best thing with clinical disorder is that it can be tested effectively once diagnosed. Treatments for clinical depression have always been successful, and studies have revealed that 80% of the patients suffering from clinical depression have been cured effectively. Whatever may be the level of your depression, it is always better to leave it in the hands of a medical expert who can take good care for the problem.
Clinical depression is not momentary sadness. There is a prolonged feeling of sadness and lack of interest in any sort of activities when a person is clinically depressed. Moreover, there is a loss of appetite and significant loss in weight also. What?s more, a feeling of hopelessness, low self-esteem, and withdrawal from social and family life are some of the symptoms of clinical depression. There is a sort of isolation which is always occupied with negative thoughts of ending life rather than making it a better one.
The best thing about clinical depression is that a cure is possible. A proper combination of counseling and medication helps a clinically depressed person return to his or her normal life. There is a vast array of information available on the Internet and books on clinical depression. You can have some basic knowledge about treatments on clinical depression or visit your local clinic to ask for all possible treatments on clinical depression.
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Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of Overcome
Depression Blog. Visit now to find out all you wanted to know about
depression and simple ways to overcome it.
There are many depression medications, but each has its own specifications and can be administered individually depending on the intensity and seriousness of the problem. This article will give you a brief outline of depression and anxiety medications that are usually recommended by medical experts.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are quite new to the family of depression and anxiety medications. This medication is usually recommended to people whose depression is at an early stage and is quite effective in mitigating the effects of depression at this stage. SSRIs are usually recommended to people with minor depression problems and should be administered after consulting with a medical expert.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MOAIs) are the second category of depression and anxiety medications and are also meant for patients suffering from mild depressions and are extremely sensitive to their surrounding environment. MOAIs are extremely beneficial in treating patients who indulge in overeating, oversleeping, or sudden emotional outbursts as a result of depression. MOAIs must not be administered before consulting a physician, as they have dangerous side effects.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) are mainly administered to patients who are severely depressed. This form of depression and anxiety medications has proved to be extremely beneficial. More than seventy percent of patients suffering from depression have benefited from its medications. Today, with the coming of new and more advanced depression and anxiety medications, TCAs are prescribed only when other forms of anxiety and depression medications fail or do not bring out any positive results.
There are also other forms of depression and anxiety medications that, because of their particular chemical content, provide instant relief to anxiety and depression syndromes. They are termed as other because their chemical contents do not fit to any particular category.
Finding the right medication for depression is not always easy. Depression is an illness that cannot be fought alone. You need the help of psychiatrist and medical experts who can give you the best medication to treat your depression and help you come out with the problem. If diagnosed, depression can be treated through therapy and depression medication depending on the intensity and seriousness of the problem. One of the most effective treatments of depression has been cognitive behavioral or interpersonal talk with the patient. Depending on the intensity of the problem, short- or long-term sessions are conducted to help the depression patient come back to his or her normal and sound mental health.
Depression medications are now highly administered by medical experts to cure the illness. Doctors usually prefer a mixture of these medications, as they function better to cure the problem of depression. Usually insomnia, blurry vision, dry mouth, constipation and so on are the common side effects of depression medications. Consult your doctor immediately if these side effects persist for long and affect the normal functioning of the body.
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Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of Overcome
Depression Blog. Visit now to find out all you wanted to know about
depression and simple ways to overcome it.
In normal daily life, it is obvious that people overlook the general symptoms of depression. Any kind of manic disorders or prolonged depressive mood should be brought to the immediate notice of a doctor, who will guide you through all the symptoms that depressive people have.
Finding a common symptom for depression is difficult, as there are many of them. People suffering from depression do not exhibit each and every symptom of depression. The symptoms of depression vary in accordance with the severity and seriousness of the problem. However, there are certain symptoms which people can easily identify as root causes of depression. Isolation, low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, and pessimist thinking towards life are general symptoms of depression.
Continuous withdrawal from one?s pleasurable activities and things, especially hobbies, is a tell-tale symptom of depression. This results in fatigue, loss of energy and interest in every walk of life. You don?t get proper sleep, do not eat properly and sometimes even live in isolation for hours. This is not a normal life. These are symptoms of depression and if not diagnosed at an early stage can cause serious health problems.
Depression patients find it extremely difficult to concentrate on a particular thing. Lack of interest in everything usually results in inattentiveness and a low concentration level.
If any one of your near and dear friends or family members exhibits such symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. A doctor can really help your friend or family member by understanding the intensity and root cause of depression.
Unusual sleeping habits, sudden gain or loss of weight, and suicidal thoughts and even attempts are clear indications or symptoms that he or she is suffering from depression. Restlessness and irritable behavioral patterns accompanied by poor mental health condition such as headaches, digestive disorders, and body pains are also some symptoms of depression.
Depression is a common problem. It is just like any other illness which can be treated effectively once the cause is identified. There is no real test for depression. Depression can be treated only once its symptoms are identified. Once diagnosed, your doctor, psychiatrist, psychotherapist or psychologist can help you overcome that depressive mood and help you live life to the fullest.
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Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of Overcome
Depression Blog. Visit now to find out all you wanted to know about
depression and simple ways to overcome it.
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