Depression and Weight Loss
Depression and weight gain are closely related, because very often people want to relieve the stress and bad feeling by eating. Being on a weight loss program during a depression period can be very demanding, but if successful, can be a tremendous boost to self confidence and help with depression also. On the other hand, being over weighted can contribute to depression because we easily lose our self confidence and have a bad self image, which can trigger depressive and negative thoughts and feelings.
What is depression really?
The word depression stems from two words; “de” and “pressure”. We feel like we’re pressed down by a force bigger than our willpower, like a big cloud hanging over us. Eventually this depressed feeling takes over so much, it’s hard to get up from bed sometimes. We lose our zeal for life, nothing inspires us and our life force seems to be totally gone. Sometimes a person can suffer from depression without anybody noticing it. Nobody sees inside of you, not your family, your friends nor workmates. In these situations one feels helpless and alone.
These are the symptoms but what are the reasons? Why do people suffer from depression? Can and should depression be treated medically?
Depression occurs when our life force is weakened and this can have several causes. We all have different ability to handle difficult situations and when for a long period of time things seem to go wrong, this can be enough to trigger depression. Depression is emotional, but negative thoughts make it worse. Life force is what keeps our spirits up and gets us going. This life force is mostly in our spine, but we feel it in our body as vigor, strength and inspiration. Being depressed means we have somehow lost our natural life force and fallen into a psychological well.
Medication can help relieve some pain and remove some symptoms temporally, but it is never a long term solution. It is very important to understand that depression has its roots inside us, it is not coming from outside. Best treatment is positive thinking, different hobbies and support from friends and family.
As I said earlier, depression and weight loss are closely related. Many people feel that one reason they are depressed is because they are over weighted. If you feel this is so, you are most probably right. The weight problem is one reason that makes the life situation worse. But how can one lose weight when all the energy goes to just live from day to day?
Actually what is needed in these situations is action. If we just wait for depression to go away, it might take a much longer time. A healthy diet program that checks our condition frequently is very good and can help boost our confidence and generate a forward going feeling in life. This feeling will eventually remove the depressed emotions and our life force will be free to flow again.
Depression is enemy and we need to face our enemy and conquer it. It is done by taking action and losing weight is a good action to take, but we must not be too strict and hard to ourselves. Allow one feast meal per week, don’s skip meals and eat healthy foods. If it gets unbearable, call someone, talk about it, share it – take action. This will help you take the all important first step. Do things you like that in the past have given you enjoyment. Start something new and move yourself. Life is movement, death is motionless, and depression makes you feel you are dead inside, so the best treatment is to move on like there never was any depression – and soon your system will follow and you have won one very important battle.
Sertraline - Magic Drug To Cure Panic Attacks
It has been discovered that setraline introduced is very effective as it helps individuals in reducing the depression and anxiety he / she undergoes. It is also efficient for the people who undergo panic attacks. There are many other medications too that can be taken to overcome this panic attack, but setraline is suggested as it is less prone to side affects.
The most widely used medicine for the panic attacks are the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that comprises of the medications such as the Prozac, Zolosoft or Sertraline and Paxil. Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and Valium are the Benzodiapines; The Try cyclic antidepressants such as the Parnate, Nardil, Marplanm, and monoamine oxidize the inhibitors like the Norpramin, Anafranil, and Tofranil. The Benzodiazepines and the SSRIs are found to be largely effective in treating this panic attacks. Sertraline is considered the best medication amongst all the other drugs.
A research was conducted by the Pohl RB, and
They have reported to the American Journal of Psychiatry that Sertraline in the treating the panic disorder is a double bind multicentred trail. In the year 1998, an issue proved that sertraline is the best medicament. The double bind research was randomized and there was a parallel group designed to ensure that the outcomes are valid and consistent. This team compared the Sertraline to that of a sob. A horde of 168 patients suffering from panic attacks were estranged into two sets. One group received the Sertraline and the other got the placebo. The set which got the sertraline as the drug to be taken, received 25mg per day for a week and the research begun depending on the individual. Every person was assessed each day to analyze how the dosage affected the symptoms, when the panic attack occurs, and the period the anxiety or the attack lasts, and the side affects.
The domino effect showed that only 9% of the group stopped using the sertraline to cure the panic attack as it gave side affects. A minute percentage stopped taking the medication as it did not work for them. A very large percentage of people experienced a great change and it has decreased the extent of panic for them. The study said that 62% of the partakers did not undergo any kind of panic attacks in the end. Other results reported that there was a decrease in the symptoms before and after they experience the attack. For the best results dosage of sertraline must be given between 50 mg - 200mg.
The use of sertraline for these panic attacks can be prescribed by the doctor. One will have to get an appointment for evaluation and analysis. The doctor may also refer you to the psychiatrist if he personally feels that you need to be monitored better.
Learn The Skill of Treating Anxiety Attacks
It is important to first understand exactly what Anxiety Attacks in order to then be able to treat them.
What Are Anxiety Attacks?
Anxiety attacks can be described as sudden unexpected bursts of extreme severe anxiety. Usually there are at least 3 to 4 additional physical and cognitive panic signs and symptoms, which can include:
– Shortness Of Breath
– Chest Pains
– Dizziness and Light-headedness
– Tingles, Numbness
– Loss of Control
…there are others.
An actual anxiety attack normally peaks within 5 to 10 minutes and can take up to 1 hour to completely subside and disappear.
Many studies have suggested that an estimated 30-35% of the population have had a single anxiety attack before in their lifes - which is twice as common in women compared to mean - just like cases of depression.
Treating Anxiety Attacks
There is one key factor that makes the difference between those who fully eliminate panic attacks from their lives and those who do not. The key ingredient is not medication, lifestyle changes, or relaxation exercises. It is when the individual no longer fears the thought of having a panic attack.
This may seem like a simplified and obvious observation but give it careful consideration. The one thing that has you searching for a solution to anxiety and panic attacks this very moment is the fear of having another one.
In my opinion, the best way to stop future anxiety attacks is to give people the ability to immediately stop fearing another panic attack. It is very simple yet amazingly effective. Here is how it works:
After a person experiences a panic attack for the first time, the experience can be so impacting that it leaves a strong imprint on the persons psyche. This mental imprint generates a cycle or loop of anxiety whereby the person develops an unhealthy fear of having another panic attack. People can spend anywhere from months to years caught in this repetitive cycle of anxiety.
By following this process, it can allow that person to break the cycle of anxiety and return to normal everyday living.
The really unique element of the technique, is that there is no need for you to regress into your past and find out why you had your initial panic attack in order to get results. All that is needed is your willingness to break out of the anxiety cycle.
It is important to know that you don’t need to purchase medecine or pills etc in order to tackle anxiety and panic attacks.
This is something that can be tackled without using natural remedies.
3 Top Reasons Relationship Depression Starts And How To Overcome It
Did you know that depression in a relationship is quite common? It usually means that something is wrong in the relationship that one or both people acknowledge but do not know how to change the problem. When depression in a relationship happens, it’s essential that it gets fixed or the relationship may completely dissolve. Many bad relationships are the cause behind relationship depression.
How Does Relationship Depression Start?
What causes depression in a relationship to begin? Actually, there are three main causes as to why relationship depression begins. They include:
(1) Letdown Feelings - Many times relationship depression begins when one person has been let down by their significant other. Their dreams have not been fulfilled and they no longer feel hopeful staying in the relationship.
(2) Loss of Control - It can also occur when one person is too controlling over the relationship. The person becoming depressed in the relationship has to do things a certain way including selection of clothes, cooking, cleaning the house, etc. Too much power is given to one person and the other feels insignificant. Thus relationship depression begins because the dominated person has no control over his or her own life.
(3) Pretending - Sometimes, when a relationship begins, people don’t act like themselves. They tend to hide who they are for fear of rejection or opening up. If you are like this, it’s likely that you feel that revealing who you really are will make your partner leave you. When you aren’t yourself, you lead yourself into a relationship depression. After all, the relationship is based on a lie and no one can lie about who they really are without becoming depressed.
You Can Stave Off Relationship Depression
A person who is depressed in a relationship will need considerable help getting over it. There are ways this can be done and it will take patience. If you know someone who is in a relationship depression, here are some things you can do.
First, be around for them. It’s important to be a friend and listen to them whenever they are ready to talk. They need to feel like someone is on their side so do so for them.
Second, help them out physically around the house. They don’t feel like doing much when they are depressed and this goes for chores too. Lend them a hand until they feel up to doing things once more.
Third, make sure they get up out of bed. While this may seem easy to you, when a person is suffering depression in a relationship, they are going to need a little extra push.
Fourth, remember to love them unconditionally, with no strings attached. It’s normal to feel frustrated by the relationship depression but they have to know that you are not upset with them by the situation, only about the situation itself.
Fifth, find some outside help. Often times, just talking about the problem that’s causing the relationship depression can help. Other times, people will need medication to overcome their depression. Don’t be afraid to seek out help if you feel it goes beyond what you can do.
Panic Attacks During Pregnancy - What Every Expectant Mom Should Know
Pregnancy is a time of amazing joy. A woman bringing life into the world. You pick out baby furniture, paint the room and begin setting it up. Clothes that always seemed small and darling will be what your child will be wearing. You gain weight slowly and get to see the baby on an ultrasound. However, for many women, the joy of child birth can bring panic attacks too. So how does a pregnant woman deal with panic attacks?
Well, to be honest, the attacks can happen before the woman decides to get pregnant and after she has the baby in post partum depression. It is noted that six percent of women who do develop panic disorder get it after the child is born. However, both points are still being studied on.
There are several stressors in our lives… both positive and negative events. Example: You take a new job…a positive effect. Yet, there are many things that need to be done that causes stress.
Getting pregnant is the same way. It can be positive and joyous but it is one of the most changing life event ever experienced. It can cause panic disorders through the tension and stress that is caused from the anxiety one feels.
When the stress level rises, physical panic reactions ensue. This can make them feel as if they have lost all control of their mind and body. Some even feel that have lost their self-esteem. This is the time when self-esteem should be at its highest level before the baby’s birth.
In the third trimester, the brain produces a chemical called serotonin which produces during fear and worry times. Since the chemical is released, panic attacks can become frequent and be intense.
As the impact of the pregnancy grows, the woman’s ability to cope with family and the impending birth is starting to take a toll on her. For those who have suffered panic attacks during pregnancy, it is not uncommon to feel even more frustration and fear already felt from just being pregnant.
It is imperative that pregnant women and her family understand what goes on when she is suffering with panic disorder. The body is already in extreme distress from the pregnancy and panic attacks further aggravate the issue. She may find she cannot cope, cannot be trusted to make good judgments and is more tired trying to maintain self control. There are some mothers-to-be who suffer self-doubt about being a good mother.
Physical symptoms of a panic attack in pregnancy is much similar to everyone else who gets panic attacks. They are:
* Shortness of breathe
* Racing heartbeats
* Hot flashes
* dizziness
Psychological effects can be described by the following symptoms:
* fear of losing control
* fear of dying
* fear of being inadequate
Should a pregnant woman suffer from panic disorder, it is imperative she speak with her physician. Sometimes a mild prescription can be given to her if the symptoms warrant it. These effects can be quite debilitating but taking responsibility for the treatment plan can help in reducing anxiety.
Relaxation techniques including meditation and yoga are suitable programs for pregnant women. Plus a woman can change her negative thoughts into positive ones and reduce the low self esteem that she feels.
If at all possible, if there are signs of stress or anxiety, family members and the woman should be seen by her doctor.
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety isn’t necessarily a problem. But when it becomes persistent, powerful and interferes with daily life, it’s called an anxiety disorder. It can affect about one in 20 people. But sadly, only a tiny proportion of sufferers will seek treatment.Anxiety disorders are the most common of all the mental disorders. At the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Federal agency that conducts and supports research related to mental disorders, mental health, and the brain, scientists are learning more and more about the nature of anxiety disorders, their causes, and how to alleviate them. NIMH also conducts educational outreach activities about anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses.Causes of anxiety disorderGenetic predisposition. Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, suggesting there’s a genetic factor involved in the cause. Studies show that if one identical twin has an anxiety disorder, the second twin is more likely to have an anxiety disorder than if they were unrelated.Personal characteristics. Researchers believe that people who have low self-esteem and poor coping skills may be prone to anxiety disorders.What Are the Types of Anxiety Disorders?Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – OCD is characterized by unwanted thoughts or behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control. You may be troubled by obsessions, such as a recurring worry that you forgot to turn off the oven or that you might hurt someone. You may also suffer from uncontrollable compulsions, such as washing your hands over and over. Post-traumatic stress disorder: PTSD is a condition that can develop following a traumatic and/or terrifying event, such as a sexual or physical assault, the unexpected death of a loved one, or a natural disaster. People with PTSD often have lasting and frightening thoughts and memories of the event, and tend to be emotionally numb.Symptoms of Anxiety mood and other emotional problems, eating pattern changes, sleep pattern changes, mental changes, social problems, physical problems, childhood or adolescent depressionThe anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms present for more days than not for the past 6 months; children don’t need to meet as many criteria).Treatment of anxiety disorderThe choices of treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and/or pharmaceutical therapy (medications). Mainstream treatment for anxiety consists of the prescription of anxiolytic agents and/or antidepressants and/or referral to a Psychologist/cognitive-behavioral therapist. Treatment controversy arises because some studies indicate that a combination of the medications and behavioral therapy can be more effective than either one alone, however others studies suggest pharmacological interventions are largely just pallative, and can actually interfere with the mechanisms of successful therapy.It’s important to understand what anxiety treatment can and can’t do. An accurate diagnosis and proper treatment increase the odds that your symptoms will lessen significantly or disappear altogether. Once symptoms are under control, treatment can keep them from flaring up again and can help prevent a second anxiety disorder from developing. Treatment often improves or controls the problems caused by anxiety. For example, if anxiety is impairing your ability to work or creating friction between you and your family and friends, treatment can help you function better and improve your relationships.
How Do You Treat Depression Naturally ?
Depression is one of the most common psychological and emotional problems American adults encounter. A study reports that about 13 to 20 percent of American adults have some form of depressive symptoms. Unfortunately, many severe cases of depression can ultimately lead to suicide.
Are there any solutions and treatments available to stem this unfortunate tide? Fortunately, the answer to this is yes. Unfortunately again, many of these treatments involves a soup of medicines that may have some form or side effect. As we discussed previously psychotherapy is another solution that is gaining popularity due to the favorable results they have exhibited.
For some people, the question that remains is if there are any natural depression treatments available that do not involve some cocktail of hard-to-spell medications that can be taken as a preventive and beneficial alternative to mainstream treatments. The answer is yes. Although it is recommended that any form of depression should be consulted with a doctor let’s take a look at a list of natural supplements that may help alleviate symptoms of depression.
It Starts with the Diet
Depression can be treated with better nutrition. Studies have shown that such treatment not only has a beneficial effect on the person’s physical health, but also a favorable effect on the person’s mental and emotional health. This nutritional treatment includes modification of diet, vitamins and minerals, and the addition of some amino acid supplements.
The amino acid supplements are essential elements that are precursors to neurotransmitters. The amino acids D, L-pheylalanine and L-tyrosine are a viable alternative to antidepressant drugs.
A deficiency in vitamins and minerals in the body can also cause depression. If this condition is corrected, depression owing to this cause can be alleviated. Even if you are not sure if you lack vitamins and minerals, supplementing your diet with them will often improve symptoms related to depression and will contribute to better overall health.
Some Very Useful Herbs
The herb St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) in an extracted standardized form is being used in Germany and other European countries to treat depression in its mild and moderate forms. It is also known to alleviate anxiety and sleep disorders.
This herb claims many benefits among them are its anti-depressive and antiviral properties.
The Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) extract, while not a primary treatment for major cases of depression, is an excellent supplement to any depression-related syndrome. Studies are beginning to show that Ginkgo can be used to treat some forms of depression that are not responsive to antidepressant agents. In cases of resistant depression, Ginkgo Biloba is beginning to appear attractive to the medical world.
Cut Back on Those Soft Drinks
Many practitioners advocate a nutrition oriented approach to treating depression. They believe that the answer to the depression question can be found in the diet of a person. Studies show that a decrease in the intake of sugars and refined carbohydrates can produce relief from symptoms of depression.
This diet will entail cutting out sugary drinks, pasta, white bread, and other processed foods. For your carbohydrate needs, it would be better to stick to grains, whole wheat, and other natural plant based carbohydrates. Also, cutting down on these kinds of food can do wonders for one’s overall health.
This treatment is recommended for those who feel depressed and languid during the late hours of the morning and the afternoon. For these people, eating sugary foods will induce a temporary feeling of alleviation from depression. However, this is only for a few minutes, and the body automatically reverts to languid depression.
Depression is one serious disorder that should not be taken for granted. Some people will equate depression with other natural feelings such as anger, happiness, and sadness. However, depression is much more complicated than that. It is a disorder and an ailment that can be treated by natural or medical means. It would do well to consult your doctor for more information on dealing with depression.
Panic Attack Symptoms - is There a Cure?
Anxiety attacks affect more than 4 million people in the US. Recent statistics show that the percentage of people suffering from anxiety is growing. Some of the common Symptoms Of Panic Attacks are: excessive sweating, heart beat racing, fear of crowded and public places for no apparent reason, dizziness, difficulties breathing, hot flushes.
Thus, there are cases when patients are not treated the right way. Medication is only a short-time relief, and not a cure for anxiety. Medication such as anti-depressant are highly addictive, and not to forget their side-effects.
A common misconception is that people can not be completely treated. Advanced practitioners have proved the contrary: while anxiety is a metal disorder, medication will only reduce the levels of anxiety for a short period of time. Several methods and cures for anxiety have been successfully used by thousands of people, shocking truth is that over 98% have managed to overcome panic and anxiety.
Most Common Symptoms Of Panic Attacks
The symptoms may vary from one person to another, therefore I have made up a complete list that can help you identify and make the huge difference between the symptoms in panic attacks and the ones that occur in heart attacks, which are very similar:
* you may feel dizzy all day along * hot flushes, while in public places such as supermarkets, cinemas etc. * racing heart beats * severe headaches, especially at the back of your head * nausea * weakness and trembling * stomach pains * often shaking * you worry too much for no apparent reason * inability to meet with your friends, isolation. (this occurs in severe forms of social anxiety disorders, also known as agoraphobia). * tickling or stinging sensation through your arms, legs or feet * back pains * sleep disorders * negative thinking * feeling of unreal * fearing that you might die * fearing that a severe illness that is threatening your life
These are the symptoms of panic attacks that are often experienced by all patients. There is nothing to fear. The symptoms in panic attacks have nothing to do with heart problems or any other diseases. If you experience any of the symptoms above, then you should seek a natural cure for anxiety.
Go on and find out some of the most effective treatments and Natural Cures For Anxiety available now. You can stop anxiety and panic attacks from the comfort of your home without any medication, expensive counseling or therapies.
5 Steps To Reduce Stress Naturally
Stress is predicted to be the biggest health problem in the 21st century and if stress is spoiling the quality of your life, put these five keys to reduce stress naturally into action today and find some much needed relief.
Feeling as if you’re trapped in a rut or that your life is going nowhere is another part of stressful illnesses and this feeling can trigger depression. Doing the same routines day in, day out isn’t good for us and although we do need some security, too much can cause problems. Take yourself out of your comfort zone and try something new. Start a course, a fitness program, try a new sport, learn a musical instrument, go on a activity holiday or take up a new hobby. New experiences add to the pleasure you get from life and keep your spark alive.
Avoid stress, anxiety and depression treatments that don’t work, especially diets, nutritional supplements and antidepressant drugs. The food you eat or don’t eat cannot cause nor cure stress, depression or anxiety. Drugs are used to treat chemical imbalances and as yet, there is no scientific evidence anywhere to prove that chemical imbalances cause stress, depression or anxiety. One of the main causes for all of them lies in flawed modes of thinking and these can be very effectively addressed and will bring more relief for you than food, supplements or drugs.
When you’re suffering a stressful, depressive or anxious episode, a feeling that somehow, it’s your fault can creep in. In blaming yourself this way, guilty feelings arise and you feel even worse. But you’re not at fault in anyway, you didn’t suddenly decide to suffer from stress, depression or anxiety and I know you’d ditch them right now if you could! Stress, depression and anxiety have specific causes that certainly aren’t your fault. Never blame yourself and concentrate on treating the causes instead.
Burnout is an ever increasing problem in our society. As if a full working day isn’t enough, many people return home and have to do even more work to run the family home, prepare meals, time for the children and a multitude of other activities and people all clamouring for attention. So make “me time” a priority. Have at least one 20 minute break away from your work station where you can relax in peace. At home, schedule periods each day so you can rest and relax. These times are so important to both mental and physical health and they’ll help relieve stress, depression and anxiety.
It’s been said many times: What you focus on becomes your reality. It’s true and in life, little things can make a big difference. If you continually focus on problems, on little things that annoy you, on the irritating habits your loved ones have and on all of the inconveniences we all experience in daily living, your going to be unhappy. Instead, focus on the little things that make life worthwhile but that many of us take for granted: a sunrise, a smile, an act of kindness, a star filled sky, a hug from your children, a kiss from your lover or support from your friends and family. We all have many wonderful things we can focus on everyday instead of expecting them without regard and the more you focus on these little things, the happier you’ll feel.
Each of the above techniques will help you reduce stress and improve your overall health as well. Use them every day and you’ll quickly feel the stress melting away.
Anxiety Drugs: Do They Really Treat Anxiety Attacks
What causes anxiety and panic attacks? what are the symptoms of these disorders? anxiety drugs, do they really treat anxiety attacks?. These are questions asked by many people who believe they maybe suffering from one of these disorders and are scared of a life dependant on drugs for relief.
Anxiety and panic attacks are problems that affect many people on a daily basis and are more common than many people believe. If you do not suffer from one of them, then you probably know someone who suffers from these disorders, even if you do not realize it. A lot of us experience anxiety/panic some time in our lives, but for about five per cent of people it’s so severe and persistent and contols most of their daily life.Anxiety and panic attacks, are some of the most common psychological disorders and affect women more often than men, they are more common than you think. If you have this disorder, you may think that drugs are the only option to treat anxiety attacks. Medication can relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety, but it doesn’t cure the underlying problem and it’s usually not a long-term solution. Anxiety drugs also come with side effects and safety concerns, such as the risk of addiction. Many anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines work by reducing brain activity, this leads to side effects beyond anxiety relief. All benzodiazepines relieve anxiety (anxiolytic) but some act as sleeping agents too.Drug companies spend billions promoting the view that depression and anxiety are biological illnesses and can only effectively be treated with drugs. All independent research indicates that the right psychotherapeutic intervention relieves symtoms more quickly and is more likely to prevent relapse.The truth is anxiety and panic attacks are the most highly treatable of all mental health conditions. And you don’t have to rely on controversial antidepressant drugs to treat anxiety and panic attacks.
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