Archive for the ‘Mental Health’ Category

Depression Diagnosis

Depression is a mental disorder that manifests itself through symptoms like depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. In a severe case of depression, the individual suffering from depression may resort to committing suicide. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities.

There are two kinds of this illness: Major depression, or dysthymia which affects mood; and Manic depression or bipolar illness, when feeling low and depressed alternates with recklessness.

The first thing you should do if you suspect that you may be depressed is visit your family doctor for a thorough checkup. It is preferable to visit your family doctor as he will be aware of your previous medical conditions and medical history. If you are unable to or maybe embarrassed to visit your family doctor, any other general physician will serve the same purpose. There should never be any embarrassment or apprehension when coping with depression.

Other medical conditions can cause depression symptoms, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, female hormonal changes and thyroid conditions. Therefore an individual should be absolutely sure by before taking any kind of medication and self medicating.

The doctor you visit, family doctor or any other physician, will begin the diagnostic process by asking you a series of questions and those could be :

What are the signs you’ve been experiencing?

How long have you had these symptoms?

How severe are your symptoms?

Have you felt like this before?

Have you been treated for this illness before?

If so, what medication were you given and which worked best in your opinion?

Do any of your relatives have depression?

If yes, were they treated for depression and which treatments worked best for them?

Have you used drugs or consumed alcohol recently?

Have you had any thoughts of death or suicide?

There is no current laboratory test that can be used to diagnose depression. Depression is diagnosed based on your reported symptoms, signs that your doctor observes during the interview, your medical history and your family’s medical history. Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.

The family needs to extend their love and affection and most importantly their support. It is very essential that the family be supportive of the individual suffering from depression through this difficult time.

Facts relating to depression :

Depression is common, affecting close to 121 million people worldwide.

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability around the world.

Depression can be diagnosed and treated in primary care.

Fewer than 25 % of those suffering from depression have access to treatment.

In conclusion, depression like most major illnesses can be cured, if it is detected in time and is treated. Family plays an vital role in the treatment.

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Alternative Ways to Manage Depression

Depression is among the most frequently reported medical conditions today and is projected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020. It is estimated by some that roughly half the people who seek treatment for depression are not helped by psychotherapy and medication or withdraw from treatment too early. Even among those who recover, more than one third of them have a relapse within eighteen months. This suggests that alternative treatments for depression may be helpful for some who suffer from this disorder. Here are some of the ways in which depression can be managed naturally.

The family of B vitamins seems to play a significant role in helping to manage depression. Research suggests that people who have low levels of Vitamin B (folate) are more likely to be depressed than those who have normal levels. One group study looked at elderly people with low levels of this vitamin and who were depressed. They were given supplements of thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6 along with antidepressant medicine, and these individuals showed more improvement than those just taking antidepressants.

Vitamin B12 is well known as the “energy vitamin”. It is required for the production of red blood cells as well as their maintenance. It also helps in regulating appetite. It prevents mental weakening and helps in the acceleration of thought processes as well as fighting infection and carcinogen agents. People who suffer from depression often respond faster to depression medication when they take Vitamin B12 supplements along with it.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) does not recognize depression as a specific illness but instead tries to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to the individual. A variety of techniques are used to restore imbalances found in the body, such as Chinese herbs, tui-na massage, exercise and acupuncture.

In a double blind randomized study of the effectiveness of acupuncture for treatment depression, 34 depressed female patients were assigned to one of three treatment groups for eight weeks. The first group received acupuncture treatment specifically tailored to their symptoms. The second group received a general acupuncture treatment that was not specific to depression, and the third group was placed on a waiting list for acupuncture treatment, but received none. The study found that those in the tailored acupuncture treatment experienced a more significant reduction in symptoms, compared to those in the non-specific treatment. In addition, more than half of the participants no longer met the accepted diagnostic criteria for depression after the study.

St. John’s Wort is probably the most well known herbal remedy for depression. Many believe that it is more effective than many prescription medications but with fewer risks. The active compounds in St. John’s Wort help naturally reduce feelings of sadness, anxiety and worthlessness, and many who take it also report less exhaustion and fewer headaches. Best of all, the side effects are few and minor in nature.

Passion flower is another natural ingredient that can help treat depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Passion flower is a natural salve that is most effective when combined with St. John’s Wort to produce a calming, soothing effect.

A doctor is the best person to suggest to someone the right combination of medication and vitamins for depression, as well as explaining the potential side effects. DO NOT try and figure this out yourself, as the side effects can be severe or even fatal if the wrong dosage is taken.

Depression is a much more serious condition than just feeling a little blue. It’s a real problem that can affect all aspects of a person’s life, from their job to their relationships. Learn more about the various approaches to managing depression without medication at Depression Help.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Panic Attack?

Panic attack symptoms can vary widely by the person, and contrary to their name, they often involve a lot more than panic alone. Fear, illness, pain, and many other problems can come along with the feelings of panic, leaving the person suffering the panic attack feeling completely helpless at times.

Some of those who have panic attacks experience different symptoms than others, but almost also people will see an increase in symptoms if their panic attacks are left untreated.

The American Psychiatric Association says in their official manual of diagnosis and statistics that panic attacks will frequently begin with the feelings of panic and then will be accompanied by four or more other related symptoms.

In order for the panic attack to qualify as a medical panic attack, the symptoms will have reached their high point inside of ten minutes.

The Symptoms Of A Panic Attack

The typical effects of a panic attack include: A pounding heart, accelerated heart rate, Sweating or chills, becoming overheated, gasping for air or being unable to breathe, sensation of choking, chest tightening and discomfort, nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, irrational fears of any kind, fear of going insane, fear of dying, and numbness or tingling sensations in the body.

Because panic attack symptoms are truly nightmarish for many, the attacks can really interfere with quality of life. Treatment is vital, and stopping future attacks is also important.

Anyone can eradicate panic attacks from their life, but it will take a dedicated approach and often will need the use of a method such as Panic Away. This program uses the brain’s inner workings to get control of panic attacks and will allow the best chance to beat them.

Those people who suffer from panic attacks say they would go to nearly any length to avoid having the attacks happen. The stumbling block is that they simply do not know how to prevent them. Panic attacks may not cause significant long term physical damage, but the emotional damage can be severe. Get more information about the steps you can take to stop panic attacks.

The EasyCalm Video Coaching Series: A Product Review

EasyCalm Jon Mercer review

Jon Mercer’s coaching system is designed to give subscribers the ‘inside scoop’ on anxiety disorders and how to control them. To begin with I downloaded the program which is a series of Internet based videos. In them Jon Mercer himself took me through each stage of the series step by step gradually allowing me to develop techniques to combat my anxiety.

The digital available product, the EasyCalm video coaching series, was designed after Jon Mercer himself had suffered from an anxiety disorder and it has been a popular method of coping with the condition for over 20 years.

The EasyCalm Series prides itself on its cost value as well as providing personnel service. I was able to contact and receive feedback from actual people at a fast pace with EasyCalm. Paypal business screening as well as a number of other business investigation units has verified EasyCalm, which is what really won me over to try it.

The first of ten videos is available for free because of those ethical standards and Mr. Mercer’s desire to demonstrate his coaching series’ worth. I found this first segment interesting and thought I would try out the rest. The money back guarantee also made my decision easier.

The entire series is 3 hours and 10 minutes long with a variety of download speeds accommodated and a personal download page to make sure it’s possible to receive the videos at your own pace, and protect them if you lose your Internet connection for some unforeseen reason.

Positive aspects of Easy Calm

With EasyCalm I was offered personnel tuition where Jon Mercer, the developer of the technique himself, lead me step by step though his own process.

The value for money was amazing.

The 24 hours service as well as the videos themselves made me feel very connected to the program.

Possible Downsides

Some people might not like watching videos.

EasyCalm takes practice and is therefore only for people who truly want to overcome their anxiety.

In Conclusion

The EasyCalm Video Coaching Series is for everyone who wants a very easy program that can truly help you overcome an anxiety disorder. If nothing else the confidence a buyer can have with the money back guarantee and the numerous screen processes Easy Calm has been through makes it worthwhile.

The first video, available free from the website, is a must see, and anyone suffering from anxiety would be foolish to turn down the chance to sample a system that has worked for so many people. It’s a rare offer and one I think everyone should take advantage of.

For more information on easycalm video review, Anxiety, Panic Attacks and related mood disorder issues visit Anxiety Panic Resources – get our free Downloadable 40-Part Video and MP3 Audio Mini Course. Simply send a blank email to free@anxietypanicresources.com or visit our website to get your own copy right now.