How to Remove Blackhead

s
By Dave Poon

Blackheads are much known in every adolescent in the world, but others don’t exactly know what are they and how to deal with them. These are caused by the over secretion of the sebaceous gland also known as oil glands of our skin. The over secretion of oil will thicken and expands the pores of your skin.

When the pores are open, oil will collect on it and clogs the pores. When exposed to the air and it oxidizes and turn to color black. Blackheads are not permanent. It can be treated and can be prevented by taking care of your skin and keeping your face clean at all times.

People with oily skin are prone to blackheads, because oil attracts dirt and grime from the surroundings and it will clog pores. Blackheads enlarge pores and those who have oily skin will end up with rough and coarse texture.

Once the pores are blocked, the oil glands will be infected and results to acne. If you have acne and you want to get rid of them, remember that one way of treating acne is to control blackheads.

Blackheads appear not only on the face but in other parts of the body like your back, chest and other skin areas that are oily. Never pick on your blackheads. Trying to force your blackheads out will only damage skin tissues and it will only make your pores larger which is very unsightly. Seek a professional for the removal of your blackheads.

There are many methods for the removal of blackheads

- You can use lemon juice by using a cotton ball and apply it directly on your face. Wash off after 15 to 20 minutes. Do this for at least twice or thrice a day.

- Get a spoonful of honey and heat it until warm. Apply on to the affected areas. Rinse after 10 to 15 minutes.

- Make a paste out of oatmeal or almond powder with enough rose water. Apply it on to face and rub thoroughly paying special attention on the problem spots. Leave until it dries and rinse with cold water.

- Make a concoction by mixing a half tablespoon of boric powder with one and a half cup of hot water. Wet a face napkin and press it on your face and problem areas twice. After doing so, you can now extract your blackheads by using a stainless blackhead remover and cotton. Remember to used sterilized blackhead remover and cotton balls to avoid infection.

- Mix together equal amounts of almond oil, lime juice and glycerin to make a lotion. Apply on to face and let it dry for 15 minutes or longer. It doesn’t only cure your blackheads but it is also good to lighten dark spots on the skin.

- Beat egg whites until stiff and add a teaspoon of honey. Apply on the face and let it dry for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

- Use a cream that contains AHA's (Alpha Hydroxyl Fruit acids). It will clear dead skin cells and your blackheads. Use every three days.

By following these methods you can get rid and remove your blackheads. They are not only easy to follow but you can make them at home getting your own ingredients available in your kitchen. Remember to wash your face with an antibacterial soap at least twice or thrice a day. Always keep your hair clean and pull your hair back because greasy and dirty hair can spread infections.


Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Skin Treatment. For more information regarding How to Remove Blackheads please drop by at http://www.acneforumtoday.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Poon
Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

7 Ways To Prevent Acne

By Liam Char

There is no “cure” for acne, but there are many things you can do to prevent it from getting worse. Here are 7 things you can start doing right now to prevent your acne from becoming worse:

1. Drink the right amount of water.

You should be drinking about 8 glasses of water a day. Drinking more water will help to flush out any bad toxins in your body which will prevent you from getting acne.

2. Eat five pieces of fruit or vegetables a day.

Eating the right amount of fruit and vegetables a day will prevent you from your acne returning as this will keep your skin in a good condition. Eating five fruit and vegetables a day will provide you with the vitamins that you require to keep you healthy.

3. Exercise.

Exercising daily (even if it’s just a walk and you break a sweat) will help to prevent acne because when you sweat it is releasing bad and unwanted toxins from your body which causes acne.

4. Washing daily.

I recommend you should wash your face twice daily (once in the morning, once in the evening) with soap free facial cleanser and use a gentle and smooth flannel so you don’t cause irritation. Also wash your face after doing exercise which causes you to break into a sweat.

5. Touching and picking.

Resist the urge. You should try not to pick or touch it as this will cause it to worsen and take longer to get rid of. Touching and picking your acne will cause it spread around your face because you are irritating it.

6. Choose the right make-up for you.

Choosing the right make-up can help you from preventing you from getting acne or worsening it. If you purchase the wrong make-up, this may cause your acne to worsen. Many people who have acne and wear make-up prefer using water base make-up because this has natural ingredients in and doesn’t cause their skin to be too greasy/oily which will cause acne.

7. Remove make up.

Removing any stale make-up will prevent you from getting acne or worsening it. The stale make-up clogs pores and left there long enough it will eventually cause acne and blackheads to appear over night.

In conclusion, there’s many things you can do to prevent acne, and seeing as there is no “cure” for acne, preventing it in the first place is one of the best things you can do.


Liam Charr is the owner of the acne treatment blog, where you can find lots more useful acne treatment information. If you're interested in curing your acne then visit his blog right now.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liam_CharPlease note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

The Acne Test

By John S. Rhodes

Getting Started

Do you think you really understand acne? Do you have all the answers? Are you ready to take the acne test?

Below are several questions about acne. They are based on questions that everyone likes to ask and also answer. Several acne myths are also addressed in the acne test. Let’s get started!

True or False?

1. You will outgrow acne.

2. Acne is caused by dirt.

3. Acne is caused by chocolate.

4. Makeup makes acne worse.

5. Tanning beds reduce acne.

6. Good diet and exercise reduces acne.

7. Heavy washing and scrubbing reduces acne.

Answers

Will you outgrow acne? Maybe. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 17 million people in the United States have acne right now. 85-95% of all people between 12 and 24 are hit by acne. The sad truth is that acne can strike at any age. As you get older, your body changes and you could be a victim. This is especially true for women due to hormone changes, particularly during pregnancy and menopause.

Is acne caused by dirt and grime? To a degree, yes, but not really. Poor hygiene is only a minor cause of acne. That’s because acne is caused a buildup of dead skin and naturally produced body oils. This in turn will clog your pores and bacteria become active. The outcome is acne. Note that there are many other factors, such as genetics and environment.

Does chocolate increase acne? There isn’t a lot of scientific evidence that there is a substantial connection between diet and acne. However, there does seem to be at least a minor connection. Based on what thousands of people have reported, it is very likely that good eating habits contribute to better skin which will reduce acne. The bottom line is that you don’t have to give up chocolate, but you should only have it in moderation.

Does makeup increase acne? No, the use of makeup will not generally cause or increase acne. There’s one catch. The makeup needs to be oil free and hypoallergenic. So, feel free to use the right kinds of makeup, especially since it’ll raise self-esteem.

Does tanning reduce acne? Unfortunately, tanning will not reduce acne. It might decrease redness but the acne itself won’t go away due to tanning. Further, tanning increases the likelihood of dry and irritated skin. It’ll also prematurely age your skin and increase your risk for developing skin cancer.

Does eating well and doing exercise help eliminate acne? It does seem that good health leads to healthier skin, which reduces acne. A balanced diet can’t hurt. If nothing else, it will improve your body image. In short, eat well and get some exercise to reduce acne.

Does scrubbing really hard eliminate acne? The short answer is no. Again, hygiene isn’t really related to acne. You’ll want to regularly wash you face to remove dead skin cells, surface dirt, and excess body oil. But, too much cleansing or washing will simply lead to dryness and irritation. That can make acne a lot worse. The recommendation is to gently wash your face 1-2 times per day and avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners


John S. Rhodes is an accomplished writer and researcher on many health topics. See the secret update on acne prevention and cures: uxreports.com/a2/acne.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_S._Rhodes
Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

What Is The Diabetic Neuropathy

By Arturo Ronzon

The goals of treating diabetic neuropathy are preventing and possibly reversing the progression of nerve damage, and reducing the symptoms, targeted therapies to the underlying mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy are essential to slow the progression of the disease. It is clear that symptoms of each of these types of diabetic neuropathy are triggered by a rapid improvement in glycemic control. Although the causes of diabetic neuropathy are not fully known, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is believed to be the major causative factor.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy depend on the types of neuropathy. The most common symptoms of neuropathy include numbness and loss of feeling, usually in the feet and hands; they also include tickling or pricking pain.

Symptoms include weakness, pain, and numbness, which may be serious enough to interfere with daily activities, they usually develop 10-20 years after the initial diabetes diagnosis, other are stomach problems and muscle weakness. Often, the symptoms are slight at first (The initial symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are pain, tingling and loss of feeling in the feet), but then they increment overtime. An estimated 10 to 65% of those with diabetes have some form of neuropathy, but not all with neuropathy have symptoms. Over 45% of individuals who have had diabetes for over 25 years will experience some symptoms of painful diabetic neuropathy. Some symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are described as a 'stocking and glove' distribution, meaning that the symptoms affect the foot, leg and hand.

Good control of blood sugar levels prevents further nerve damage and can reverse the pain or numbness. Some investigations showed that intensive control of hyperglycemia could prevent or delay the development of diabetic neuropathy. Other than tight glycemic control, no evidence-based treatments currently exist that prevent or ameliorate diabetic neuropathy.

Prevention consists in maintaining tight blood sugar control as the key to eliminating many of the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. That's why people who don't control (or can't control) their blood sugar very well seem more likely to get diabetic neuropathy. Even in patients with excellent glycemic control, around 20% will still develop painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN).

What's the treatment for diabetic neuropathy?

The goals of treating diabetic neuropathy are to prevent progression and reduce the symptoms of the disease. Although the FDA has recently approved two new agents specifically for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy: duloxetine and pregabalin and they are considering an application to approve acetyl-L-carnitine as a treatment as well, effective therapies for the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy are not currently available. However, if you want to get appropriate treatment you must first talk to your doctor to determine exact type for your diabetic neuropathy.


Want to learn more about Diabetic Neuropathy?, feel free to visit us at: www.about-diabetics.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arturo_Ronzon
Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Diabetic Retinopathy

By Arturo Ronzon

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease associated with diabetes and it's the leading cause of blindness in American adults, despite readily available and effective therapy, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among working age people. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the complications of diabetes, but with early detection and treatment, the risk of severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is small.

Diabetic retinopathy is a specific micro vascular complication of both insulin dependent (type1) and non insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes, and it is due to microangiopathy affecting the retinal precapillary arterioles, capillaries, and venules. According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. This disease is an abnormality of blood vessels which supply the retina, the layer lining the inside of the eye which acts like a film in a camera.

Over time, the resulting high levels of glucose in the blood can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels, including those of the eye. Without a retina, the eye cannot communicate with the brain, making vision impossible.

Routine eye exams by a licensed ophthalmologist will detect diabetic retinopathy during its early stages, when treatment is most effective; in addition, persons with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year.

Blurring of vision is the main symptom associated with diabetic retinopathy but this usually occurs when the disease is already well established, this symptom of diabetic retinopathy can blur or distort the images that the retina sends to the brain, though there is no pain, this severe form of diabetic retinopathy requires immediate medical attention. The symptom may be as subtle as a yawn or as dramatic as a feeling of imminent collapse.

Once retinopathy has developed, laser surgery is currently the mainstay of treatment, but with early detection and treatment, the risk of severe vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is small. In mild cases, treatment for diabetic retinopathy is not necessary.

The most common treatment for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy is panretinal laser photocoagulation, and early detection and timely treatment of diabetic eye disease significantly reduces the risk of vision loss.


Want to learn about Diabetic Food?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-diabetics.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arturo_Ronzon


Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Trazodone Antidepressant - Information You Need To Know

By Athlyn Green

Trazodone antidepressant is used for treatment of depression. It affects chemical messengers or neurotransmitters in the brain that nerves use in communicating or stimulating each other.

This is a prescription medication that is believed to target symptoms of depression by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin—a brain chemical that plays a role in mood. Using Trazodone for depression may also directly increase the action of serotonin.

Although this drug works in a similar fashion to serotonin reuptake inhibitors, it is chemically unrelated to them. It is the generic name for Desyrel. The Food and Drug Administration approved Trazodone antidepressant for use in 1982.

As with any drug that increases concentrations of serotonin in the brain, this medication should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Commonly noted side effects include headache, lightheadedness or confusion, blurred or abnormal vision, agitation, dry mouth, low blood pressure, tiredness or sleepiness. Stomach upset can be reduced by taking this drug with food. A more troubling complication can be priapism, a painful condition in which sexual organs remain in an erect position. More alarmingly, occasional permanent impairment of erectile function or even impotence has been noted. You will want to discuss this with your doctor before consenting to using Trazodone for depression.

Blood pressure may drop if you combine this medication with a blood pressure medication. Dizziness upon standing may be an indicator of reduced blood pressure levels.

Cardiac abnormalities have been associated with Trazodone antidepressant and it should be used cautiously in people with pre-existing cardiac disorders. Do not take Trazodone if you have had a heart attack in recent weeks. If you have any type of heart disease: irregular heartbeats, chest pain (angina), or high blood pressure, you may require monitoring.

You should use alcohol cautiously in conjunction with taking this medication. When taking Trazodone for depression, you may experience dizziness or drowsiness—and alcohol may increase these effects.

Your doctor will have weighed potential benefits against risks before prescribing this medication for you. He will outline why he feels Trazodone antidepressant may be indicated to treat your depression. If you are suffering from major depression, it is crucial to get these symptoms under control.

If you are concerned about potential side effects, other options are available. Many people have turned to natural remedies when seeking to alleviate their symptoms. Can natural supplements effectively treat depression? Can they act on neurotransmitters to repair and correct malfunctioning?

Evaluating ingredients in natural remedies provides insight as to how they work.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) significantly improves anxiety and depression and has been clinically shown to increase production of serotonin.

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) reduces depression and is critical in the manufacturing of important brain compounds, such as neurotransmitters.

Phosphatidyl choline increases central neurologic activity, brain energy, and mood. It is beneficial for treatment of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

L-Glutamine is an amino acid, which, studies show, significantly decreases depression by altering neurotransmission associated with mood disorders.

Other ingredients include Siberian ginseng, ginkgo biloba, passionflower, vitamins B1 and B6. These work respectively to alleviate anxiety and depression. A good quality natural supplement will incorporate these ingredients using a wide range of vitamins and minerals, amino acids and enzymes, herbal extracts and specialty supplements to restore brain balance and functioning in a manner similar to using Trazodone for depression and its troubling symptoms. Ingredients are scientifically formulated, in combination, to provide crucial nutritional, chemical, and hormonal balance needed for well being.

You should always consult your doctor prior to embarking on any course. You can be comforted, however, knowing that using Trazodone antidepressant or a natural remedy can bring desired relief from symptoms that may have been weighing you down.


Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She has contributed to Trazodone Antidepressant, a section of http://www.beat-your-depression.com dedicated to natural treatments and prescription drug alternatives for this disorder.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athlyn_GreenPlease note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Depression, Anxiety, Stress! What Therapy Is Best For Treatment Of These Signs And Symptoms?

By Athlyn Green

What therapy is best for depression and stress? Are prescription drugs the answer? Or can herbal remedies be a safe and effective alternative?

Conventional antidepressants treat brain neurotransmitters, helping to either boost levels or prevent reuptake of these mood-enhancing messengers. When chemical imbalances are present, emotional well being is compromised. Depression anxiety stress treatment seeks to alleviate symptoms.

These disorders seriously impact quality of life and need to be treated. While no one can say what therapy is best for depression and stress, science provides valuable insights. Any remedy should correct imbalances and restore functioning.

Natural remedies are proving increasingly popular because of reduced risks associated with their use. How would a natural supplement compare to a prescription drug as a depression anxiety stress treatment? What substances in natural remedies influence the brain and its functioning?

Siberian ginseng acts to improve the balance of important neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine). It has been shown to be effective in treating depressive disorders and inhibits monoamine in the brain, similar to a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

Omega 3 fish oil contains essential fatty acids, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), known for its multiple health benefits. Neuroscientists have found evidence that omega 3 DHA produces alterations in serotonin and dopamine levels. Studies confirm that when a depletion of omega-3 fatty acids occurs, depression increases.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) increases serotonin levels, which is important to regulation of endocrine and brain activity essential to emotional well being. 5-HTP is a close relative of tryptophan and part of the process that leads to serotonin production. Scientists, examining research from around the world, have concluded that 5-HTP has real antidepressant properties.

SAM-e is used to treat moderate to severe depressive symptoms. European research has shown it to be as effective or exceeding conventional medication, acting on the brain in a fashion similar to antidepressant drugs but generally free of troublesome effects.

A good quality nutritional remedy will include vitamins and minerals, amino acids and enzymes, herbal extracts and specialty supplements. These will be formulated in a specific manner to scientifically treat illness and support essential nutritional, hormonal, and chemical balances.

When asking what therapy is best for depression and stress , part of the answer lies in making sure you are consuming and absorbing needed proteins and essential fatty acids in your diet. Underlying nutritional deficiencies can lead to depression. Nutritional supplementation provides essential ingredients needed to support optimal emotional and physical functioning, providing preventative protection to guard against these maladies.

Natural depression anxiety stress treatment works by strengthening weak signals, raising levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain and improves processing of these signals by the neurons.

As can be seen, your nutritional state can have a serious impact on brain functioning—in fact, some scientists believe that a diet compromised in essential nutrients can lead to serious brain diseases.

Conventional drugs or alternative remedies offer important treatment options when trying to determine what therapy is best for depression and stress. It is helpful to understand how these act upon the brain by providing needed components to achieve normal functioning.

It is important to discuss use of any depression anxiety stress treatment with your doctor—especially if you are taking medications for other health-related conditions. He can advise you as to what may be the best approach for you.

A practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine can be a valuable partner in the healing process, offering insights into why natural remedies can be safe and effective when making a decision as to what therapy is best for depression and stress.


Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She has contributed to Depression Anxiety Stress Treatment, a section of http://www.beat-your-depression.com dedicated to natural treatments and prescription drug alternatives for this disorder.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athlyn_Green
Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Recognizing the Physical Symptoms of Depression

By Andrew Bicknell

Depression is one of the most debilitating mental disorders of our modern era. It affects nearly 10 million Americans every year. Although it is primarily thought of as a mental condition depression can also inflict varying amounts of pain and discomfort that manifest as physical symptoms of depression.

One of the problems with the associated with the physical symptoms of depression is the misdiagnosis of the depression itself. Doctors, when presented with these physical symptoms, will test for and diagnose a physical illness and prescribe treatments to treat these symptoms not knowing or understanding that the symptoms are hiding a more insidious disease.

When you look at a list of the physical symptoms of depression you can see why these misdiagnosis and mistreatments can occur.

1. Headaches – These are one of the first symptoms that can occur with depression. In fact headaches can be intensified to migraine like intensity in someone who is suffering from depression.

2. Chest Pains – Depression can cause chest pains, which for most people is a sign of an impending heart attack. While any chest pain should be checked by a doctor it can also be a symptom of depression.

3. Sleep Disorders – People who suffer from depression can have either problems going to sleep (insomnia) or they sleep for excessively long periods of time. Thy may have trouble getting out of bed as well.

4. Digestive System Issues – Diarrhea, constipation, and nausea are all physical symptoms of depression.

5. Extreme Fatigue – The majority of people who suffer from depression also suffer from perpetual exhaustion. This can relate back to the sleep disorders and it doesn’t seem to matter how much sleep they get they still are fatigued.

6. Back Pain and Muscle Aches – Depression can intensify the pain and discomfort of people who are already suffering from these conditions.

7. Appetite and Weight Issues - People with depression can experience either a lack of appetite or intense cravings for certain foods. This can be accompanied by either weight gain or weight loss.

Another issue for people who suffer from more severe forms of depression may be even harder to diagnose because with severe depression can come delusions and hallucinations. It can become increasingly difficult to know whether a depression sufferer actually has some of the physical symptoms of depression or if they are inventing them.

It is also easier for many people to accept the physical symptoms of depression then any mental symptoms. There are many people and cultures that place a social stigma on anyone with a mental illness. It is therefore easier to accept and treat a more benign physical ailment then it is to deal with issues of the mind.

What many people do not understand is that with the successful treatment of the underlying depression with either therapy or medication or both the physical symptoms of depression will often be resolved. Unfortunately treating the physical symptoms will do nothing for actual the depression and without proper treatment the depression will normally continue to get worse. It is therefore of the utmost importance to treat the depression itself if a sufferer is to see any relief from the physical symptoms of depression.


Andrew Bicknell is a writer and the owner of Depression and You. Visit his website for more information about recognizing the physical symptoms of depression and other depression disorders.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell
Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Birth Control Pill and Depression

By: Melissa B. Rayn

If you are struggling with depression, or have at one point in your life, it is important to learn more about how the birth control pill may affect your depression. Depending on the type of depression you have, birth control pills can improve it or make it worse.

PMS or Menstrual related depression can be improved by using the birth control pill. Depression that only sets on during “that time of the month” is caused by hormonal changes in your body. Those rapid changes can be “mellowed” by taking the pill. Many women with menstrual or PMS related depression see an improvement in the way the feel after being on the pill for a couple of months.

If you constantly suffer from depression, it is probably not hormone related, at least not related to the hormonal changes associated with your period. Taking the pill in this case can make things worse instead of helping relief your depression. Many women feel increased depression after being on the pill. There are also some who don’t start feeling depressed until they start taking the birth control pill. Usually using an alternate form of birth control in addition to some natural or prescription medication will get you back out of depression.

Different types of birth control pills seem to affect depression in different ways. In general pills with higher levels of progesterone are most likely to worsen your depression.

If you are currently suffering from depression talk to your health care professional about treatment options prior to starting on the pill. If you are already on an antidepressant, you may want to discuss birth control with your physician to see which option will have the least effect on your mental health and to make sure there isn’t any interaction or reaction with your depression medication.

If you are feeling depressed and think it may be caused at least in part by your birth control pill, make an appointment with your physician to discuss how the two of you can get you back out of depression and feeling better.

Article by:


For more information about
depression, its causes and treatment options, as well as other women’s health issues, visit www.healthandbeautyinfo.com

Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Depression Medication - The Light At The End Of The Tunne

l
By David Richards

When a person is suffering from the severe disease called chronic depression, most likely he or she may need to be prescribed depression medication as soon as possible. If you have experienced any of the classical symptoms of depression, persisting for more than a month, you may need to visit your physician without fail. You can help yourself and your doctor in his or her diagnosis work, by providing as much details as possible about your problems of depression. Always keep in mind that if your problem is severe enough to demand extra help, you will need to take a family member or friend along on your first visit, to see that you are helped in a proper way.

A good and proven way to find the right treatment or medication against your depression consists of

- a correct analysis of your previous clinical history,

- a precise overview of the current status of the disease

- a right diagnosis.

The first obvious step on your part, should normally be to provide every bit of information about your problem; your previous medical history, physical tests, and preliminary laboratory tests can assist your doctor know a lot, if a general medical problem is the real cause of your malady.

Most cases of depressions are caused by a general medical illness or medicines associated with those diseases. As soon as these conditions are identified and treated, the depression will usually disappear by itself.

Unfortunately, depression medication is simply not possible without your active cooperation and help; you should never hide anything from your doctor.

Based on the intensity or severity of the disease condition, depression medication is for practical reasons classified in three main categories:

1. Emergency or acute medication

2. Continuation or long term medication.

3. Maintenance medication

The medicines against depression which have been and improved tremendously the recent years, are used to treat any one of the three main levels of depression symptoms:

- severe or major depression

- moderate depression and

- mild or minor depression

For each group of symptoms, most treatment methods or schools prescribe certain methods of treatment where medication plays an important role. This approach works better and an increased clinical efficiency has also been documented.

The main purpose of acute or immediate medication is to systematically take off the severe symptoms of depression until you feel well or better. Continuation medication means to continue the treatment on a more long term basis even after you feel fine. This is critical because it avoids the recurrence of depression after some time.

The third kind of medication is for patients who experience one or more episodes of recurrent depression. This medication is also known as "maintenance medication" and it's purpose is to maintain depression treatment over a longer period of time to prevent recurrence .

There are many types of depression medication methods and combinations like

- antidepressant medicine (Happy pills)

- antidepressant medicine combined with other psychopharmaca

- antidepressant medicine combined with psychotherapy etc..

Be aware that medication for depression does not work instantly. As a matter of fact, it works pretty slowly and gradually over a period of several months. However, with the correct medicine, most affected people will obtain good results within a month. If we compare with psychotherapy alone, medical treatment is significantly faster.

A significant criteria for a successful treatment of depression is the same as for many other diseases: the earlier it is detected the better chances for healing. Another important success parameter is correct medication - and this depends on a correct diagnosis. Depression should be treated properly no matter what it cost once it has been detected and diagnosed. This is the best way to prevent relapse, which in most cases mean increased severity and intensity.


David Richards is a writer and internet publisher who likes to publish info that can help people with chronic depression as well as mental health issues in general. Read more at Depression.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_RichardsPlease note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Is Your Teenager Suffering From Depression? Clues Every Caring Parent Should Watch For!

By A. Graham Smith

Does your teenage child spend a good portion of their days lolling around doing very
little constructive? Do they suffer from innumerable minor ailments - maybe
headaches, stomach aches, feeling sick? Do they stay up way into the wee-small-
hours of the morning watching late night (or should that be early morning) TV, or
maybe playing video games, or endlessly 'chatting' via the Internet with person or
persons unknown? Do they seem to resent being asked almost anything about their
lives, and do they usually react with an odd grunt, and rarely as much as two
syllables?

If you can see a likeness to your own teenage child or children in some of these
descriptions, perhaps you are thinking: "Yes, but so what?" Perhaps you have
assumed - as many parents might - "That's just being a teenager! They're all like that
aren't they?"

Well, to be honest the answer is "No". Not all teens are like that. It may be true that at
some time or other all teenagers wrestle with the challenges of things like hormones,
spots, first love, social acceptance, and all the other stuff that suddenly seems so
important during those transitional years between childhood and becoming an adult. It
may also be true that these issues could lead many teens to become surly, sullen and
uncommunicative from time to time for short spells. But, you do need to take stock,
for if your teen is like this nearly all the time...then you should take a little time out to
do some 'discreet' deeper investigation.

Why? Because your teenage offspring might be suffering from depression. It is a sad
fact that the combination of common stressors that can arise in today's society can
compound themselves in a way that sends some youngsters spiralling down into a first
major period of depression, which they almost certainly find difficult to cope
with. Some such teenagers can turn to trying to alleviate their plight by abusing drugs
or alcohol. Admittedly rare, but in extreme cases depression can lead to unpleasant
self-harming activities, or possibly attempted suicide. Every year there are devastated
families whose teenage child made the ultimate 'cry for help' that a suicide attempt is
judged to be - and sometimes that 'cry' does indeed have fatal consequences.

It is unlikely that most teenagers, themselves, will actually recognize that they
are depressed. They may well feel isolated, cut-off from being able to talk to you or
their friends, lacking in any feeling of motivation or enjoyment of life. They may drift
away from long-term friendships - sudden 'spats' and arguments might occur and this
could all be part of a downward spiral. You may even become aware that they are
increasingly finding excuses to miss a day of school here or there. All these are possible symptoms
of depression and should be seen as 'amber lights' warning you to beware that all may not be well.

We, none of us, want to be an over-concerned parent over-reacting every time we
have the slightest inkling that something may not be right. But equally we don't want
to 'plough-on' regardless, ignoring what may be happening to our children, blissfully
unaware that they could have a real, major problem brewing.

Common wisdom and media influence, even including TV comedies, have led us to expect that
teens will be difficult to deal with. They may seem to inhabit a world of their own into
which an adult parent dare not stray - without the risk of being strafed by some
carping comments, accusations of never leaving them alone, or maybe even greater
tantrums. Nonetheless today's parents should have enough understanding of basic
psychology to be able to pick-up on whether there is really something going on in
their teenager's life that requires them to 'be there' for their growing child, even if the
going gets a little rough.

Both teenage, and even childhood depression have been shown to be on the increase,
particularly in developed Western societies like the US, UK and Northern Europe. It
is important that as a responsible and caring parent you put some homework in to
familiarizing yourself with those signs and sypmtoms that could indicate that your almost-adult-
child is suffering from more that just the occasional ups-and-downs of normal teenage
angst!

A Graham Smith - 15 years lecturing, tutoring and acting as a student counsellor and mentor, plus 30 years experience of depression as both a carer and sufferer, now publishes a web-based guide to dealing with depression a resource that looks at the positive side of depression and how it can help you change your life for the better. http://www.depressionisok.com contains useful articles, information and links plus much more about spotting the signs and symptoms of Teenage Depression.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles
Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Depression - Finding The Right Medication

By Michael Russell

Once it has been established that a person is suffering from clinical depression, help for the condition is fairly easy to get. Even "regular" physicians are so informed about depression that they can prescribe treatment for it. It's no longer necessary (in most cases) to see a specialist to get a diagnosis or medication for it.

If the patient chooses treatment in the form of medication, there are many options available. Each medication has some side effects, so it's just a question of trying different medications until the right one has been established. With most of the medications, results can be seen within three to six weeks, given that the patient takes them on a regular basis and that the dosage is adequate for the patient.

Treatment in the form of medication is usually divided into the following categories:

- SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are medications such as Zoloft, Luvox, Paxil and Prozac. These are the most prescribed drugs for the treatment of depression They only have a few and tolerable side effects, such as mild headaches, insomnia, feeling very sedated, nausea and a decrease in interest in sex. The later can be helped with a small dosage of special medication and the other side effects usually wear of within a few days. They are safe in overdose.

- SNRIs (Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) such as Effexor and Serzone also have good results. The side effects are about the same as the SSRIs, except for the sexual side effects. They are also safe in overdose.

- Bupropion (Wellbutrin) has restlessness, anxiety and insomnia as side effects. It is not safe in overdose, since higher amounts of this medication can cause seizures. It is therefore also not recommended in treatment of depressive patients with epilepsy. - Mirtazapine (Remeron) is fairly new on the market. The known side effects are weight gain and a sense of sedation. Due to the later, it is only used at night. It is safe in overdose.

- TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants) such as Elavil, Pamelor and Norpramin are one of the first types of medication used in treatment of depression. It has quite a lot of side effects and has to be monitored closely by the physician. Despite of this, it is an effective treatment and many patients turn to it when all other treatment forms have failed. The most common side effects are blurred vision, dizziness or feeling lightheaded that can lead to a fall, constipation, urinary problems, dry mouth, a feeling of sedation, heart palpitations and weight gain. It can be fatal in an overdose.

- MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) such as Parnate and Nardil are also older forms of medication that are especially used in the treatment of atypical depression, where the patient complains of unexplained body aches, excessive sleeping and overeating. When all else fails, this form of medication is often prescribed. It does come with a lot of side effects though, the same as TCAs. During usage of this medication the patient has to follow a very strict diet. He must avoid all food high in the amino acid tyramine, which are contained in liver, aged wines and cheeses, broad beans and other foods. The patient also must avoid taking any sort of cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine. Mixing the medication with the mentioned foods or a decongestant can be fatal.

No matter which medication form the patient and doctor decide to go with, results are even better if the medication is taken while the patient undergoes psychotherapy.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Depression
Article Source: http://EzineArticlesPlease note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Depression Treatment - Going Natural

By Michael Russell

When diagnosed with clinical depression, some people choose not to take medication. Some are worried that they will feel sedated and walk through the rest of their lives in a zombie like state; others fear the possibility of addiction. Some just simply don't want to give up their nightly glass of wine and fear that mixing it with medication could bring on problems, which it could. Whatever the reasons, they do have the choice of alternative treatment, though in many cases it might take longer to see results. Some people would like to get to the bottom of their feelings and decide to see a therapist. No matter if they are taking medication or going with alternative treatment forms, results are always better when the patient simultaneously gets therapy.

Though natural remedies such as herbs and plant extracts have been tested on subjects with depression and proved to have positive results, they are not FDA approved. The patient should investigate each product before taking it and make sure of the side effects. These are very rare and usually tolerable, but could cause serious problems if the patient has other physical conditions.

- St. Johns Wort is the most used natural treatment of depression. Upon testing on subjects with depression, positive results were noted as early as 2 weeks after starting. In fact, it was shown to be just as effective as the leading prescription drug for depression. It had best results on mild to moderate depression, but was shown not to have any effect on severe cases of depression. St. John's Wort can be harmful if it is taken in combination with other medication, so the patient should make sure he informs himself well and tells his physician about any other physical ailments that he has. Though side effects are rare, some patients report dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, diahrrea and sensitivity to light.

- Valerian Root is most commonly used to treat sleeping disorders that depressive people can experience. It has been proven that it reduces anxiety and stress and improves the quality of sleep. Some people experience digestive problems if they use it for a long period of time and some build up a resistance to its sedative quality and get the opposite result. Instead of feeling sedated, they feel stimulated.

- Kava Kava is another plant that makes a person feel relaxed and content. It causes mental alertness that wears off in a few hours and gives way to drowsiness, so it best be taken a few hours before going to bed. It should not be taken by people with liver problems or a steady drinking habit, nor by people taking other medication. Excessive use can cause dizziness and liver problems.

- 5-HTP is a natural supplement that converts into serotonin once taken. Serotonin is a brain chemical that influences sleep, mood appetite and behaviour. Before starting to take this supplement, the patient should be tested for his level of serotonin, since the cause of depression could lie elsewhere than in a lack of this chemical. Though no serious negative results of taking 5-HTP have ever been reported, it should not be taken over a longer period. Some side effects may occur, such as nausea, diahrrea, constipation and headaches.

- A lack of essential minerals and vitamins can also be behind a depression. Minerals such as zinc, magnesium and potassium ant the B-complex of vitamins can all have a mayor influence on the mood and general well-being. The patient should have a simple blood test first though to see if he is lacking any of these.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to
Depression
Article Source: http://EzineArticles

Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

The Symptoms and Causes of Clinical Depression in Adults

By Matt OConnor

Clinical or major depression - sometimes referred to as major depressive disorder or severe depressive disorder, is the most common mental disorder in the world. It affects 16% of the human population and is the leading cause of disability in America as well as in other countries. The World Health Organization expects that in 2020, clinical depression will become the second leading cause of disability in the whole world (next to heart disease).

Clinical depression is characterized by severe sadness and melancholy for a prolonged period of time. It can affect a man or woman's mental and behavioral attitude as well as his or her ability to carry out normal, everyday things.

So, what are the symptoms of clinical depression in adults?

• Severe periods of sadness that could last for hours, days, and even weeks.

• A decrease or loss in interest in the usual activities that he or she usually finds interesting

• Appetite change (can be both loss and/or gain). The result is a ballooning up or down in weight.

• Guilt over things that are relatively beyond their control such as getting sick.

• A general feeling of worthlessness.

• Lack of concentration on tasks and the inability to think logically including evidence of indecisiveness on things both significant and less so.

• Exhaustion during physical activities including exercise, work, and even walking.

• Irritability and a short temper

• Periods of sobbing for seemingly no apparent reason.

• Lack of self-confidence

• Low self-esteem

• Negative perception of the future or loss of hope over everything

• Occasional feeling of anxiety.

• Suicidal tendencies

• Irregular sleeping patters that include hypersomnia or excessive sleeping, loss of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and insomnia or lack of sleep. This can be coupled with a difficulty in getting back to sleep. This in turn is naturally not good for a person's health or day to day existence.

What are the causes?

• Medical condition – Illnesses or traumatic experiences that are far too difficult to handle can cause depression. This might be cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism, hepatitis, and major injuries.

• Life experiences – Depression can be triggered by poverty, prolonged unemployment, career frustrations, multiple personal failures, gambling addiction, financial problems, loss of family members (spouse, child or relatives), a breakup within a committed relationship and other events that can trigger severe sadness.

• Early life experiences – Childhood trauma like rejection or abandonment, chronic illness, neglect, death of loved one, sexual abuse, incest, psychological trauma, and other accidents that may not appear to be harmful during the early years but which can manifest later in life.

• Psychological conditions – Lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem can trigger depression.

• Physical conditions – Weight issues and physical deformities or disabilities can cause an adult to become depressed.

• Living with a depressed person – Acquiring negative energy from someone who is depressed can increase the chances of depression. It's true - negative "vibes" can have a damaging effect!

• Heredity – It is believed that there are depressive genes. If the parents have these kinds of genes, the offspring is likely to become depressed as well.

• Postnatal depression or postpartum depression – Mood changes after giving birth. This is often seen within 3 months after the delivery and would last for a number of months.

• SAD or Seasonal affective disorder - Some people experience depression during winter when daytime is short. The Seasonal affective disorder can be countered with phototherapy.

It seems then that there are a number of causes for depression, the majority of which are not the sufferer's fault. This then reveals depression as the most cruel of illnesses. It's important for us to remember that only we, in the end, can control what goes on inside our minds. That is our last defense against this condition.


Did you know 16% of the world's population suffer from depression? Are you a sufferer? Find out more information. The author of this article, Matthew OConnor runs a site dedicated to the latest news and developments in adult clinical depression.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_OConnorPlease note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Lexapro Antidepressant Side Effects - What To Expect

By Athlyn Green

If you feel you may be experiencing Lexapro antidepressant side effects, in conjunction with treatment for depression, it is important to keep your doctor apprised. He can adjust your dosage, which is usually all that is required.

This drug is a member of a group of prescription drugs known as SSRIs. It has been widely used and has been prescribed to approximately 13 million U.S. patients. It is the fastest growing medication of its kind.

Beneficial aspects include improvement of anxiety and depression in a relatively brief time period. It is a potent medicine that is generally well tolerated.

In relation to side effects Lexapro antidepressant medication does present some challenges. Insomnia, nausea, increased sweating, fatigue, and sexual difficulties such as decreased libido or difficulty achieving fulfillment may occur.

These are common. Most of the time they wear off and are usually not so severe as to make patients discontinue treatment with this drug. Side effects from Lexapro antidepressant use are usually mild to moderate.

People taking this medication generally do not suffer from agitation, anxiety, or nervousness that may be experienced when taking other psychotropic medications.

How does this drug work to treat depression? This medication increases the supply of a chemical messenger in the brain called serotonin, thus helping to restore the brain’s chemical balance. Increasing serotonin levels relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety. Research has yielded evidence that people suffering from depression have an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters.

For this reason, your doctor may choose Lexapro antidepressant side effects not withstanding, to treat your condition. He knows it is important to alleviate your anxiety and depression, which can be lifelong medical conditions that impair functioning and well being.

If you have experienced adverse side effects Lexapro antidepressant treatment may not be for you. In this case, it might be beneficial to consider alternative treatment options. Natural remedies are gaining in popularity as safe and effective alternatives to conventional prescription drugs.

What benefits do natural supplements offer? Are they a viable alternative choice if you are suffering side effects from Lexapro antidepressant use and want to explore other avenues?

Natural preparations are effective for treating depressive disorders. You can take these remedies confident that they will act to combat your symptoms, but without the particular Lexapro antidepressant side effects, you may be currently experiencing.

Natural supplements are specifically formulated to address depression, working to correct neurotransmitter malfunctioning and imbalances. They incorporate vitamins and minerals, enzymes and herbal extracts, and utilize specialty supplements and amino acids. Ingredients act in specific ways. Valerian treats mood disorders and depression; passion flower helps alleviate insomnia and is an aid in combating nervousness; chamomile reduces anxiety. Tyrosine can ease psychological stress, ginkgo biloba enhances mental acuity and concentration and combats depression, and 5-HTP (Hydroxytryptophan) is used for treatment of anxiety and has been clinically shown to significantly improve depressive symptoms.

If you have experienced adverse side effects Lexapro antidepressant dosages may need to be adjusted; or, after discussing alternative approaches, you and your doctor may decide to pursue natural remedies.

Prescription medications are effective in alleviating depression and your doctor may have decided the benefits to you outweighed any potential side effects from Lexapro antidepressant treatment. He is a valuable and knowledgeable partner in the healing process.

Conventional treatments offer relief. Just knowing what to expect, if you encounter Lexapro antidepressant side effects, helps in the treatment process. You may decide that natural remedies are the best course. Whatever path you choose, you will soon be on the road to recovery—so that the rest of your life can be the best of your life!


Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She has contributed to Side Effects From Lexapro Antidepressant, a section of www.beat-your-depression.com dedicated to natural treatments and prescription drug alternatives for this disorder.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athlyn_Green

Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Is a Depression Test Worthwhile?

By Mark J Emslie

Depression, whilst hitherto was considered a mental problem, these days it is rightly recognised as a disease and one that can affect anyone. Indeed, with the day to day pressures of the modern world, its grip is becoming firmer every day with a multitude of people affected. The depression test has been developed by the psychiatry profession to diagnose a sufferer. However, whilst most people are more than happy to seek advice from there doctor or the medical profession, there seems to be a stigma attached in consulting a psychiatrist.

Is there a need for the Depression Test?

Whilst the depression test has its place and can be very accurate we all have observation skills which, if we know the signs of depression, we can use to provide our own diagnosis and alleviate the need for a depression test. The common signs of depression are:

1. A continuous feeling of sadness, anxiety or simply an "empty" mood.

2. Sleeping much more or less than is usual.

3. A reduced appetite / weight loss or an increased appetite / weight gain.

4. A loss of interest / pleasure in activities that you once enjoyed.

5. Feelings of irritability or restlessness.

6. Ailments such as headaches, chronic pain, or digestive disorders that don't respond to treatment.

7. Having problems concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.

8. General fatigue or lack of energy.

9. Having feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness. 10. Thoughts of death or suicide.

Of course, if you are displaying any or all of these signs of depression, a depression test would confirm your diagnosis but either way, it is extremely important to seek early medical advice to treat the condition.


If you need more information or resources concerning depression or anti depression, please visit http://www.AntiDepressionInfo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_J_EmsliePlease note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Depression: Knowing When It's Not A Sad Spell

By Michael Russell

It's easy to say after a hard day, "I'm depressed", but when you think of it, most of us will have forgotten that we even said that by the next day or at least within a few days. Any normal human being will go through a rough time when they lose a loved one to death or separation, when they can't figure out how to pay the next bill, when they haven't slept in months due to a new baby or when the sun hasn't shone in three weeks. So, even though at that moment it does seem serious, when do you know if it's the real thing? When does it become a clinical depression?

Any item in the list of the most common symptoms of depression can be due to other causes, like a physical disorder or illness. And anybody can be feeling at least one symptom at any given time. So before you go and diagnose yourself with clinical depression, make sure you're suffering from more that one symptom and talk to your doctor.

A person suffering from a clinical depression will usually experience these symptoms:

- A difficulty falling asleep and/or sleeping through the night. They may also wake up early and be unable to go back to sleep. Many feel that they dream all night, the dreams often being of a very disturbing nature.

- A feeling of complete exhaustion with not even enough energy to carry out daily tasks.

- A constant feeling of sadness and misery. Not even the things that usually bring them joy have any effect. They will start crying for no specific reason.

- Feeling that they are a failure in every aspect. They may ponder on the past and the mistakes they have made in the past, are making in the present and will make in the future. This all brings on a feeling of hopelessness, as if life will not get any better and is ultimately not even worth living. Though a depressive person might not be suicidal, in many cases thought of death and suicide are constantly in the back of their mind.

- A person suffering from a depression will either not want to see anyone at all or be terrified of being left alone.

- They have no interest and joy in things that they used to love, such as hobbies. In most cases, interest in sex will disappear completely. Though they may not have an appetite, they might stuff themselves with food to find comfort.

- Though depressed people often seem subdued, they might become irritable and angry for little or no reason.

- Low self-esteem and lack of confidence.

- A feeling that life is unfair.

- Though they might spend the day not doing anything and without the will to do anything, they still feel that life is passing them by.

Depression not only causes emotional pain, in many cases it also brings on physical pain, such as back pain and headaches. These usually cannot be explained by the medical profession and will not go away through treatment such as therapeutic massages or medication. Other physical symptoms of depression are constipation or other digestive problems, chest pain and dizziness. Any of these conditions could imply something else and should be checked out by a doctor. If the patient has a tendency to suffer depression, it should be mentioned to the physician.


Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Depression
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

How To Deal With Depression

By Michael Russell

Depression is a vicious cycle. Those who are trapped in it may not realize themselves that they are depressed. Often times, it slips underneath the person's emotional radar, rendering the person unaware of its causes and presence.

It takes a conscious effort for a person to keep a consistent state of happiness. Accepting reality as it is, in both hard times and soft, is one way to deal with depression. The person must directly embrace the faults of reality, its potentially harsh circumstances - by doing so, the person has re-paved the path of happiness.

Depression in its bare form is simply a lack of direction. The elements of hope and trust are missing, thus causing the person to feel down and dimmed. The person has to first realize that depression, like all other things, is preventable. It is a choice to feel a certain emotion; essentially the person who is experiencing depression is choosing to experience it.

"The flowers are bright, but the person's mind is dark". Reality is purely subjective. One can choose a pessimistic viewpoint on an absolutely bright and sunny day, while another person can see beauty in spite of the darkest clouds. This applies in every aspect. The first thing the person must do is embrace the experience of depression. Depression does not occur because of some outside circumstance. It occurs internally, when the body and mind have developed a negative disposition.

Depression is closely linked to the conditions of anguish and anxiety. The person is not consciously aware of anguish. Often times, the condition of anguish was caused by the repression of a past event - perhaps a lost loved one, an emotional breakdown, etc. In regard to anxiety, the cause is usually discovered within conscious levels of thought. It takes a little self-questioning on the person's part in order to locate anxiety's root cause.

What lifts depression is the capability to understand it. By understanding the nature of it, the person will be able to identify what it is that's hiding beneath. Like happiness, depression is influenced by the person's habits and activities. The things that surround the person strongly influence that person. If the person is surrounded by negativity and fear, then it is likely that they will experience the same. On the opposite end, if the person essentially chooses to be around positive events, then depression would be less of a problem or no problem at all.

The mind works in the way that it looks for proof of its beliefs. If the mind is experiencing depression, then it will seek depressing events. The person will likely listen to saddening music, watch saddening shows, etc. However, this circumstance can be easily altered - by listening to uplifting songs, perhaps ceasing to watch a depressing news story, etc. It's all choice at the bottom of it. Regardless of the "circumstances", emotions are a choice. Just like life, it's entirely subjective. People create their own realities. Everything that has occurred internally was earned to an extent. It takes courage and hope to realize that something like depression isn't going to last forever. That is, unless it is chosen.


Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Depression
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Depression in the Elderly

By Michael Russell

A lot of people may say that they feel "depressed". Feeling sad or upset is normal for a certain amount of time when we have lost someone or something we love. However, when this feeling of being "down in the dumps" or having "lost your drive" extends over a longer period, seems to happen all the time and if you can't pinpoint exactly what the cause is, it could be depression. Depression starts with the being lethargic and you begin to lose interest in almost everything you do. This is far from normal. This is no longer just something that is "in your head" but already a serious medical condition that should be diagnosed and treated.

Depression may occur at any age, but it is very common in the older population. Depression most often goes unnoticed because the elders themselves and those who are in contact with them think that it is just a normal part of the aging process. This notion is wrong and should be corrected. If depression in the elderly is not treated, it could lead to dire consequences such as poor quality of life or suicide. Depression in people over 65 years old happens more often in developed countries. This is because in some countries, the elderly have a high place in society and are valued for their wisdom. In the developed countries however, the culture is so fast-paced and youth-centered that the elders are left behind. Seniors in these countries often feel left out, irrelevant and worthless, thus causing depression in almost 6 million in America alone.

Depression greatly affects the quality of life of the elderly. It is a known fact that the hope of getting better has a tremendous effect on the recovery or peaceful death of an elderly person. If they loses

this 'hope' and becomes depressed, the likelihood of delayed recovery or death due to the physical illness is increased. Healthcare costs tend to double with individuals suffering from untreated depression as compared to those without it for many reasons. Depressed seniors who are untreated have difficulty following the necessary treatment regimen or participating in their rehabilitation program. Also, they tend to rate their health as poor, resulting in more trips to the emergency room and visits to the doctor's clinic. Lastly, the risk of abusing prescription drugs or alcohol is higher in the depressed elderly.

What all people over 65 years old and their families and caregivers should know is that depression can be and should be treated primarily to prevent suicide and improve the quality of life. When a person reaches a certain age, time starts to take its toll on the body, his health takes a turn for the worse and he has difficulty adjusting to new life situations leaving him feeling lonely, isolated and worthless. All these could send anyone to the edge. If that person is also deprived of the needed emotional and psychological support from those around him, this pushes him off the edge. This is why the suicide rate of the elderly in the United States alone is six times the national average. This is also the reason why depression has been labeled as a major public health problem.


Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Depression
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell


Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Treating Depression With Modern Approaches

By Athlyn Green

Treating depression is an important step on the road to recovery. Modern research has yielded discoveries into how the brain works and offers varied treatment approaches.

Newer depression medications offer relief from side effects associated with older medicines. Newer drugs may be called on when waging war against depression treating symptoms of this challenging condition.

If you have been diagnosed with depression, your doctor will outline different medications, their benefits and risks. He will weigh these in deciding on a treatment for you. In treating depression, your doctor will consider your age, your history—whether you have experienced depression previously—and he will gauge the severity of your depression.

He or she may recommend that you try a SSRI. These are used to treat depression in its early stages. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are an appropriate and beneficial treatment choice because they do not present the same severity of side effects. In weighing your depression treating it with a SSRI may be your doctor’s first choice.

Alternatively, your doctor may choose a tricyclic antidepressant. This may be decided upon if you have tried several different medications but have seen no appreciable improvement. Your doctor may consider a tricyclic antidepressant when treating depression if you are grappling with a major episode.

Other drugs can be called on. MAOIs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors may be used, but caution is indicated because of potential dietary and drug interactions.

Drugs such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, Remeron, or Desyrel are also currently used for depression treating symptoms effectively. These may be selected because the risk of side effects is reduced.

Modern treatments offer much in the way of choice. Thankfully, a wide range of antidepressants is available for treating depression effectively.

If you are looking for other treatment options, natural remedies may be more tenable. A nutritionally oriented physician or therapist can help you to research supplements and herbs that are known to calm the nervous system. Natural supplements have been used successfully for depression treating and reducing symptoms by correcting brain imbalances and restoring neurotransmitter functioning.

Natural supplements are gaining in popularity as a viable method for treating depression and their use is not attenuated by side effects encountered with prescription medications.

What beneficial substances do natural remedies contain? A good quality natural supplement will include vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, specialty supplements and additional herbal extracts. Chamomile offers beneficial anxiolytic effects (anxiety reduction) and is effective in alleviating insomnia; valerian is used for mood disorders such as depression. (Clinical studies suggest a neuroprotective effect associated with valerian extracts.) Calcium and magnesium alleviate emotional and physical stress; ginkgo biloba increases oxygen content to the brain, aiding in concentration and mental acuity. It is also used for treatment of depression. These supplements are specifically formulated to address depression treating it by improving balance and restoring damaged neurotransmitters in the brain.

Side effects can largely be a thing of the past with newer medications and potent herbals. You do not have to suffer with debilitating symptoms. Treating depression has never been easier, with the many modern options available.


Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She has contributed to Depression Treating, a section of http://www.beat-your-depression.com dedicated to natural treatments and prescription drug alternatives for this disorder.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athlyn_GreenPlease note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Stress And Depression Caused By Stuttering

By Steve Hill

Would you say that you are often down and depressed? Do you become easily stressed? Do you find it difficult to speak at times? Do you find life a big struggle? Around eleven years ago I would have answered yes to all of these questions. I had to go through the first twenty-two years of my life with a speech impediment to contend with. I am now able to talk fluently after working very hard to overcome the stutter and my whole life has improved one hundred percent.

I am not really sure why but I was a very weak person when I was a child, what some would call a bit of a cry baby. I developed a speech impediment when I was around five years old and then let it control my life for the next seventeen years. I had what some people call a stammer but what is better known as a stutter. I was very ashamed of this and would attempt to hide the fact that I had this stutter as much as I possibly could. I would do this by adopting some very clever coping techniques. For example for some reason I found it hard to meet new people, this may be because I had a lack of all round confidence. I would therefore try very hard to avoid meeting new people and when the situation arose where I did have to meet somebody new I would be very quiet and would hardly speak a word.

I was also very much aware which words I could and could not say. I had a huge dislike to any word which began with the letter b and again would avoid all of these type words at all cost. At times I would have to think of an alternative word to say, as an example I used to live in a place called Brixham but when people asked me where I lived I would say Torquay. Torquay was actually ten miles away!

My childhood was not exactly a happy one as the stutter caused me lots of stress and worries every day. I could often spend weeks in a depressed state and this made my parents unsure of how to help me. This depression was very hard to get myself out of as there just seemed that there was no hope of me ever being able to speak fluently. I had attended speech therapy for many years with very little success.

Aged twenty-two I decided enough was enough and started on a journey which would eventually lead me to reaching my goal of fluency.


Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:
help for stuttering
stutter
stuttering info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_HillPlease note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Depression Treatments That Offer Hope

By Athlyn Green

Depression treatments have come a long way and offer hope to sufferers. Research has shed insight into the human brain and its functioning and has come to the rescue with flexible treatment approaches to combat troubling symptoms of depression.

The latest scientific evidence confirms that clinical depression is a medical illness, one that causes changes in the brain. Brain chemicals and their balance are affected and treatment for depression is tailored to address those underlying causes.

Armed with these insights, science has yielded newer depression treatments that offer fewer side effects. These are used in conjunction with traditional medicines that are still effective for those who may not respond to the newer medications.

What medications are available? Your doctor will first consider different factors when deciding on a drug therapy for you. He or she will determine your history, whether you have suffered bouts of depression in the past, the severity of your depression, and your age. Then he or she will decide on an appropriate treatment for depression for you.

Your doctor will draw from an arsenal of different antidepressants, SSRIs, tricyclics, or MAOIs, or additional drugs. These are all effective medications.

When depression treatments are in the early stage, your doctor may select a SSRI. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a beneficial treatment choice because they do not present the same severity of side effects.

If you have tried a SSRI without tangible benefit, your doctor may choose a tricyclic antidepressant. This may be indicated if you have tried several different medications but have seen no appreciable improvement. A tricyclic may be called on if you are in the throes of a major depression.

MAOIs may be tapped as a last resort as treatment for depression. Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors is fraught with potential dietary and drug interactions.

Drugs such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, Remeron, or Desyrel may not necessarily fit into drug classifications of antidepressants but these may be selected in depression treatments for you because the risk of side effects is reduced.

Thankfully, newer drugs have yielded a reduction in side effects and are used to effectively treat depressive disorders. Because long-term effects have not yet been established, you will want to discuss potential benefits and risks with your doctor, once a treatment for depression has been decided upon.

If side effects are a concern or if you find that you are sensitive to medications, an alternative approach is the use of natural remedies. Natural supplements are gaining in popularity as viable depression treatments and the good news is that their use is not attenuated with the side effects encountered in prescription medications.

Chamomile is effective in alleviating insomnia and anxiety and offers beneficial anxiolytic effects (anxiety reduction), valerian is used for mood disorders such as depression. Clinical studies suggest a neuroprotective effect associated with valerian extracts. Calcium and magnesium treat emotional and physical stress. Ginkgo biloba has been shown to increase the oxygen content to the brain, aiding in concentration and mental acuity, as well as its use for treatment for depression. Many beneficial vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, specialty supplements and additional herbal extracts are combined in herbal preparations, which are specifically formulated to improve, balance, and restore damaged neurotransmitters in the brain.

Science offers newer medications for depression and researchers have uncovered the exciting potential of substances derived from nature. Depression does not have to interfere with quality of life. New depression treatments offer help and hope.


Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She has contributed to Treatment For Depression, a section of http://www.beat-your-depression.com dedicated to natural treatments and prescription drug alternatives for this disorder.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athlyn_Green
Please note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.

Medications For Depression—Making Wise Choices

By Athlyn Green

If you have been diagnosed with depression, a discussion with your doctor will reveal a list of depression medication options for you. It's important to learn about these drugs as well as alternative remedies that might be helpful.

Science has yielded an increasing arsenal of drugs in the war on depressive illnesses. Modern drugs offer relief without as many side effects. Medications for depression are safer and less toxic than older preparations.

Your doctor will consider different factors when deciding on a drug therapy for you. He will determine your history and if you have suffered bouts of depression in the past, your age, and the severity of your depression. He will then discuss a list of depression medication that may prove the most beneficial in your case.

He may discuss SSRIs, Tricyclics, MAOIs, or other antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, Remeron, or Desyrel. These are medications for depression that are in current use.

SSRIs are used to treat depression in its early stages. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be more beneficial because they don’t present the same severity of side effects experienced with the tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Tricyclics may be indicated if a patient has tried a whole list of depression medication with no tangible improvement. Tricyclics are helpful in treating major depression.

MAOIs may be called on as a last resort. Their use is contraindicated because of hazardous dietary and drug interactions.

Other drugs may not necessarily fit into drug classifications of antidepressants but are also used as medication for depression because they don’t present the same potential dangers to the patient.

Newer drugs have yielded a reduction in side effects and are used to treat depressive disorders. Long-term effects have not yet been established. Potential benefits and risks should be discussed when contemplating a list of depression medication.

Many are turning to alternative approaches. Natural remedies are gaining in popularity as safe and effective treatment choices over conventional and modern medications for depression.

Natural supplements draw on a comprehensive list of ingredients that have been shown to bring relief from depression and its troubling symptoms. Herbal remedies incorporate essential vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, specialty supplements and additional herbal extracts needed by the human body and brain for optimal functioning. Specific ingredients such as calcium and magnesium, valerian, chamomile, and ginkgo biloba boost functioning. These ingredients are beneficial for physical and emotional stress, for treating anxiety and mood disorders; and most importantly for treating depression. All work to restore brain balance, resulting in mental clarity and improved mood.

As seen from the foregoing there are many appropriate and differing medications. Your doctor will go over a list of depression medication with you or he may describe a remedy that includes use of natural supplements.

Depression doesn’t have to compromise quality of life. Science has offered newer medications for depression and has discovered exciting substances derived from nature’s own storehouse to effectively treat symptoms.

You can make wise treatment choices using medication or potent natural remedies.


Athlyn Green is an avid health enthusiast with an interest in natural remedies for treatment of health disorders. She has contributed to List of Depression Medication, a section of http://www.beat-your-depression.com dedicated to natural treatments and prescription drug alternatives for this disorder.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athlyn_GreenPlease note that these articles are supplied to our visitors as a courtesy. We are not responsible for their accuracy or content, nor are we responsible for or necessarily share the opinions and views of the authors.