Private Health Care Management: Depression

Monday, September 28, 2009

Gratitude Helps Depression

Depression is the opposite of a state of gratitude – it is a feeling of despondency that can be caused by inactivity, any factor that sends the equilibrium of the mind into negative territory, a deteriorating economic state, sickness (your own or that of a loved one), unemployment, a spouse or friend walking away from your life or even hormones. In other words, depression is what optomism is not.

For what I give, not what I take, For battle, not for victory, My prayer of thanks I make. ~Odell Shepard

Depression first chokes and then, if unchecked, goes on to completely destroy positive thought. It sends the positive attitude process ever downward, and places the depressed person in a zombie-like stupor. A depressed person slows down at work, does not enjoy family life and remains in a condition of continued dissatisfaction. That was the mental state – a depressed person suffers on the physical front too because negative thinking releases harmful chemicals into the body. Additionally, a depressed person suffers from fatigue and keeps thinking that he is affected by some medical condition.

Depression has to be recognized and battled as quickly as possible. The first thing that a depressed man may do is to reach out for anti-depressant pills, which give a temporary relief from depression. However, depression normally stems out of a negative thought process and the best way to treat it is positive thinking. Yes, a depressed person needs to start thinking positively to ward off depression, and one of the greatest factors that can usher in positive thought is the feeling of gratitude.

Gratitude, or thankfulness, is an appreciation of a benefit received. Expressing gratitude makes one feel good and also tanks him up with positive vibes, and he begins to feel upbeat and full of encouraging energy. The body will be energized and actually healthier. The big question, however, is what to be grateful for and to whom to express our thanks.

Well, the answer to that question lies inside each of us. If we take a look at our own lives, we will find innumerable instances that we can be grateful for. For instance:

We can thank the lord for giving us a good night's rest, for a great sunny day and for the birds chirping in our backyard. Thank life for not leaving you alone, high and dry! If we are healthy, we can thank nature for giving us a robust body constitution; if we are unwell, we can thank the doctors for bringing us out of our condition. If we have friends to fall back on, we must thank them for just being there for us.

These were just a few instances – sure enough, you will find many more reasons to feel grateful towards Nature and towards your family/friends once you start evaluating your life. So, go right ahead and do that, and when you discover the little things that add that sparkle to your existence, humbly express your gratitude to them.

The positive attitude you express will promote positive thinking, which in turn will drive away the darkness that depression has exploded into your mind. Gratitude will drive away the fears planted by depression and sprinkle your mind with good cheer, and once you are cheerful, the world will be wonderful. Forever.

To Do: 1) Make a list of 10 things that you are thankful for "right now". 2) Put up a sign reminding you to make another list every day. 3) Add to your list during the day every time you start having any negative thought. 4) Save your lists in a scrapbook. 5) Read your scrapbook if you are having trouble remembering anything you are thankful for.

Natural Remedies for Depression

Depression is a fairly frequent psychiatric disorder, which is characterized by a symptoms including depressed mood and other emotional problems, hopelessness, eating pattern changes - you might eat more or less than usual, and the decreased ability to have any pleasure in just about anything. Depression affects between 7% and 19% of the people in the US, with more than twelve million American adults being newly diagnosed with depression each year. Major depression accounts for more than 60% of suicides every year, primarily because only about one third of men and women with depression access medical attention.

Although the exact cause of depression is still unknown, there are many known natural remedies for depression. The most important natural remedy that can take care of your depression is a good diet, which actually plays a huge role in the balance of chemicals in the brain. A diet that limits sweets, sweet chocolate, pies, ice cream, sugar loaded sodas, cake and other foods packed with sugar can actually reduce the amount of poor moods, because sweets are able to temporarily increase mood by increasing blood sugar levels. But, once the sugar level drops, moods tend to be even lower and cause those with depression to enter depressive periods. By keeping blood sugar levels steady, major depressive moods can often be prevented. Avoiding coffee and other drinks like 180, Instant Tea, Cherry Coke, Havoc, Bomba Energy as well as dart and Espresso Italia espressos that are high in caffeine can also be beneficial. The same goes for any alcoholic beverages. Caffeine and alcohol can both worsen mood, by providing a temporary period of happiness that is usually followed by depression. Those with depression should focus on consuming foods that are able to trigger serotonin production, such as foods rich in B vitamins and magnesium. Nuts, green vegetables, and some varieties of fish can be beneficial, since they can actually trigger a good mood without being followed by a state of depression.

St. John’s Wort has been used in various countries for treating mild depression. Although it has not been proven effective in treating severe depression cases, it has been shown to actually increase synaptic levels of biogenic amines, such as nor epinephrine. Various studies have been performed, and have shown that St. John’s Wort has actually been as effective as various prescription medications for depression. When used by patients diagnosed with mild depression, it can relieve many of the symptoms, included but not limited to extreme mood changes, loss of appetite, insomnia, and negative feelings. Exercise is possibly the most beneficial natural remedies for depression, because it can lessen some of the symptoms of depression while keeping the body healthy. Exercise has been shown to improve overall mood, increase energy, and reduce the effects of insomnia in depressed people. Exercise has been effective in treating mild to moderate depression, but may take longer than prescription medications to show results.

Seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression that only occurs during certain parts of the year, has been shown to be effectively treated by extended exposure to bright artificial and natural sunlight. It is used as an alternative to prescription depression medications, and works by regulating the body clock. Exposure to artificial and natural sunlight can actually trigger chemical changes in the brain, such as serotonin and melatonin production which can improve sleeping patterns.

Depression is a serious medical condition, but mild cases can easily be improved with the help of natural depression remedies. Prescription medication have possible serious side effects, but using natural methods can improve the medical condition without any similar problems. Changing regular activities such as diet, exercise, and even church going can help to improve depression periods decreasing your depressed mood and other emotional problemsand sex problemsand eating pattern changes - you might eat more or less than usual, making those diagnosed with depression able to live a normal, happy life.

Private Health Care Management

Monday, September 28, 2009

Gratitude Helps Depression

Natural Remedies for Depression

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