Saturday, April 14, 2012

What Is Good For Fighting Off Depression?

Depression is not a sign of weakness. It is a normal reaction to certain events that happen in our lives that we don't like and which we have no control over. It is normal to get depressed once in a while when the situation so warrants it. But of course it's totally another thing when you get depressed more often, sometimes with no particular reason at all, or when your depression comes to the point when your health, work performance and relationships are already compromised. If you don't want either of this to happen, consider these depression busters:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. You might have heard about Omega-3 fatty acids too often. These essential fatty acids have always been linked to heart health, but studies are suggesting that these are very helpful in warding off depression, too. Eating fish, therefore, will be good for depressed individuals, but experts warn not to do it every day as fish may be contaminated with toxic ingredients. To be safe than sorry, take Omega 3 supplements or Fish Oil with Omega-3 supplements.
Sunshine. As studies show that more people tend to get depressed during the cold months experts suggest that a little bit of sunshine every morning will help keep depression away. But of course, you can't stay too long out in the sun without protection. A good time to enjoy it is before eight in the morning. At 9am, the heat starts to sting the skin already, and that kind of heat will do you more harm than good.
Vitamins. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D all help to improve brain and nerve function and increase the production of serotonin.
Exercise. A 15-30 minute jog around the plaza or your very own neighborhood can improve your mood. You may not feel like doing it, but you have to force yourself. Once you get into the habit of exercising every morning, you'll begin to notice that you are not getting depressed often anymore.
Meditation and Deep Breathing. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can also lift your mood up while calming your nerves and bringing your stress levels down at the same time. Try this early in the morning or at night before you sleep.
Good Nutrition. Don't let depression ruin your appetite. Eat anyway, even if you don't feel like to. But make wise food choices. Make sure to include fruits, vegetables, and walnuts in your diet. Rather than take comfort in chocolates and junk foods, munch on vegetable sticks instead. Carrot sticks, cucumber and apple slices (minus the mayo dip, of course) are great companions during snack time. Never skip your meals. Have 5-6 small meals a day, instead of 3 big meals. It's important to go easy on your stomach as a sluggish metabolism can set off depressive attacks. Avoid fried and fatty foods, then, and too much sweets.
Talk. Verbalize your thoughts and your feelings. Don't keep them in. Talk to someone you trust - your best friend, partner, parent, relative, anyone. It's easier to cope with depression that way.
Express yourself. Fight depression through art. Doodle, draw, dance, paint, write. Let your imagine run wild. Be creative in coping with depression.
Hobby. Getting a hobby keeps your mind off a lot of things, including depression. If you are immersed in a project, you may even forget that you are actually feeling sad or low at the moment. Think of something you've always wanted to do and get right on it. It's never too late to start anything, you know.

Feeling low? Try these depression-busters and kick depression out of your system!

If you suffer from depression and anxiety, there is natural relief. Read more information about natural vitamins for depression or visit related website at BestFishOill.com.

Copyright © Alexa L. Ryan


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Overtime - One Of The Risk Factors Of Depression

Long hours have become the new normal in this faltering economy, leaving the worker (as usual) to pay the price. A recent study suggests what many people working these long hours could tell you... routinely putting in 11 hour days is one of the risk factors of depression - doubles the risk in fact - compared to those who work the more traditional eight hours each day.

Long days at work take a toll on your body, but there's also evidence of impacts within the brain as well. Overtime and depression have not been studied to any great extent so the team examined over 2,000 British workers (average age 47) who didn't have mental health issues at the start of the research in 1991.

Almost six years passed before nearly 70 incidences of serious depression were identified by mental health screenings given to the workers. Those whose working hours topped more than 11 hours a day had a two times greater risk of being diagnosed with depression compared to those who spent under eight hours at work each day.

Now there are lots of things that put you at risk for depression - genetic factors, physical or emotional issues and prolonged stress. All those hours at work give you fewer opportunities to relax and likely less sleep as well. You don't have time to exercise and your own self-care slips. The long workdays can also cause problems in close relationships with friends and family, and this itself can also bring on depression.

The most likely candidates for depression were younger women who were in the lower job grades, used alcohol in moderation and had also been diagnosed with a chronic condition. Should you be worried? Here are some warning signs to watch for:

- Trouble sleeping

- Changes in appetite

- Fatigue or loss of energy

- Feeling stressed or worthless

- Being irritable and impossible to satisfy

- Not taking pleasure in activities that usually bring you joy

- More mistakes at work

- Trouble organizing things, concentrating or making decisions

- Suicidal thoughts or acts

If you, or someone you love, has three or more of these symptoms and they last for at least two weeks, depression is most likely the cause. Recognizing you're in trouble, and in need of help is important - the first step toward getting better.

Even if you love what you do, the long hours you're on the job can still trigger a depressive episode, but it may well take longer to show up. Eventually however, researchers believe that workaholics too will show signs of depression.

It's hard to know if these results would hold for workers doing other jobs, but it certainly points out the fact that working long hours can play a part in depression. Since you usually can't cut back on working hours, here are some simple ways you might cope...

- Try to alternate periods of high stress with times of less pressure or with shorter hours.

- Listen to your favorite music as this boosts levels of dopamine, the feel good chemical in the brain.

- Don't skip vacation time or days off.

- Try a random act of kindness to your boss, co-worker, a vendor.

- Look for humor in daily goings on, circumstances beyond your control.

- Make time for sleep and don't skimp on exercise.

The research on long working hours as one of the risk factors of depression appears online.

FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from the Daily Health Bulletin. Click through now to discover how to recognize the risk factors of depression, plus tips for helping you overcome and prevent this debilitating condition.


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Treating Depression Naturally Vs Conventional Depression Medication

Treatments for depression are many and varied, ranging from prescription antidepressant medication to "electric shock therapy " to remedies for treating depression naturally.

Let's take a look at some of the conventional medical methods which are commonly used in the treatment of depression today, together with some of the natural remedies which are becoming increasingly popular.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - more commonly known as SSRI's or antidepressants

The most commonly prescribed treatment for depression, SSRI's include Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox and Paxil.

It may surprise you to learn that a major consideration in the wide distribution of this type of medication is because of its relative 'safeness' if taken in overdose when compared to other antidepressant medication - such as Imiprimine and Dothiepin - which can be highly toxic if taken in similar quantities.

However, it should be noted that there is evidence to support a connection between the use of SSRI's and the incidence of violence, self-harm and suicidal tendencies.*

* Source: Prozac Backlash (2000), Author: Joseph Glenmullen, Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Deep Brain Stimulation

This method of treatment involves the placement of electrodes into the brain, through a hole drilled into the skull, at the location associated with controlling the mood of a patient. In addition, a small device called a pulse generator is implanted into the chest - typically under one of the collar bones - and this is connected to the electrodes by a thin wire under the skin.

Electrical impulses are sent to the electrodes, via the pulse generator which stimulate the brain cells and prompt the production of chemicals to help relieve symptoms of depression.

DBS is the most invasive, and extreme, treatment for depression, and as such, is usually only carried out in severe cases, or if a patient has shown resistance to all other treatment.

Electroconvulsive Therapy

More commonly known as "electric shock therapy," Electroconvulsive Therapy is viewed rather dimly by many due to its association with early treatments which involved high levels of electric shocks being given to patients without the use of anesthetic.

Thankfully, today, the administering of ECT is carried out far more responsibly and involves a small current being sent to the relevant part of the patient's brain in order to stimulate brain cells whilst they are under sedation.

ECT is usually reserved for patients who have not responded to more typical treatments for depression.

Treating Depression Naturally

All things considered, it's hardly surprising that many people who suffer with depression are becoming more interested in ways of treating depression naturally.

However, because the market for antidepressants is hugely profitable for pharmaceutical companies, many doctors are tied into relationships with them - primarily for their own financial gain - as a result of which, some doctors are less than willing to recommend natural remedies, preferring to stick with more conventional antidepressant medications.

That said, it must be stressed that there are many other doctors who are only too willing to discuss the merits of treating depression naturally with their patients, extolling the proven benefits of these treatments including;

Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Light therapy, Sam-e, Herbal and homeopathic remedies, Meditation, Yoga, Acupuncture, and a tailored diet and exercise plan.

There are numerous accounts of great successes having been achieved by treating depression naturally. Natural treatments have been responsible for:

- Increased feelings of general well-being and optimism

- Increased energy

- Increased feelings of calm and relaxation

- Increased ability to focus

- Less stress and associated side-effects, such as headaches, stomach upsets and irritability

If you'd like to know more about alternative and complementary remedies which may help in treating depression naturally, please click here. If you'd like to know about the different options available in treating depression, click here.


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