Remedies for Depression

Posts Tagged ‘Meditation’

How do we deal with everything life throws at us in this day and age?

If you are living in the world today, you are facing serious issues that may cause depression. With stress over the economy, finances, and other professional and personal problems, more people today face mental health issues than ever before.

So, how do we start to deal with depression? How do we find some solid ground on which to stand in these uncertain times?

One economical and efficient way to deal with depression is through meditation. Most people know what meditation is but fail to understand the true benefits that come from taking time to meditate. By setting aside time each day to spend a few quiet moments in self-reflection or by engaging in what Dr. Rebbie Straubing calls “affirmative contemplation” techniques each day, we can relieve stress and increase self esteem.

How do we know meditation is worthwhile? Meditation is recommended today by most mental health care professionals as a positive way to deal with stress and depression. Meditation has the power to replace negative thoughts and energy with positive thoughts and energy. Meditation will also serve to clear your head and eliminate stress over everyday problems that can weigh you down.

How does meditation work? Dr. Rebbie Straubing offers an unusual model of how the power of law of attraction is what makes meditation so effective. Law of attraction dictates that by having positive thoughts, we can bring about positive results. Simply put - think positive and good things will happen to you. Positive thoughts attract positive results. And by using the meditation process that Dr. Rebbie Straubing calls “affirmative contemplation,” you can begin to feel the positive effects almost immediately.

So, how do we take time to meditate each day? And how do we keep our thoughts positive to attract positive results?

Here’s how:

· You have taken the first step by reading this article.

· Find a thought that feels comforting to you.

· Spend some time each day relaxing into that thought.

· Meditation recordings can be a great help - relax as you listen.

· Start enjoying a more positive and productive life.

No one can escape the reality of stress in this day and age. However, with help we can learn to keep stress manageable and create our own positive results.

Since most of us do not have someone in our life that will tell us each day how to deal with problems. And since no one will tell us how worthy and valuable we truly are - it is up to us to remind ourselves. We must take the responsibility of reinforcing our self-worth. Most of us would forget or neglect this important duty, but we owe it to ourselves to meditate on, contemplate, and affirm our own joy. There are tools that are specifically designed to remind us each day to keep depression at bay. With this help, we can turn positive thoughts into positive reality and beat depression.

Reiki, which is pronounced as ‘Ray Key’ is a well-known natural energy healing process, which employs the use of ‘laying on’ of hands in order to enhance and improve the overall health of a person and help him balance the life force energy.

Reiki healing is a simple, non-intrusive healing procedure. It is an excellent way to reduce stress, bring in more relaxation and get the mind, body in sync with the spirit.

What exactly is Reiki Healing?

According to oriental medicine, what’s causing us to be alive is the life force energy or ‘chi’ that runs through us. In Japanese, ‘Rei’ refers to ‘Higher Power’ and ‘Ki’ means force of life. When brought together, the word Reiki basically means life force energy guided by spirituality. If this life force energy is down and low, we go through phases of illness, depression and stress. If this same energy is up and high, we feel happy, relaxed and healthy.

Reiki healing is a natural spiritual healing method that is simple, safe and can be used to literally treat almost any kind of health condition.

How does Reiki Healing Actually Work?

Reiki healing is very easy to learn and simple to apply. Even though this healing method is spiritual, you don’t really need to have a belief for Reiki to work successfully, although you might end up feeling a lot more connected and in tune to your own religion.

The term healing refers to working on the physical symptoms. When this works in conjunction to the practice of Reiki, there is a greater response and better results as the body returns to wholeness.

The whole healing process works by getting rid of the disease and the pain associated with it, bringing one’s whole self closer to the its ideal form. This is done with the practitioner placing his or her hands on the affected person, for the healing to start. The energy is managed on its own and flows through and within the person who is receiving the healing.

The healer does not intervene consciously in any way. The energy is smoothly being directed by a higher power and knows exactly where it needs to go and what needs to be done.

It’s the healer’s job to actually keep a watch and listen in order to keep the healing space open.

What Kind of Benefits Does Reiki Healing Offer?

When the life’s flow of energy is disrupted in someway or is blocked, it usually leads emotional and health problems.

Stress and anxiety, negative and harmful thoughts, disturbing feelings, emotional turmoil or physical trauma, all bring in imbalances, which can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.

When you’re relaxed and free of any stress or worry, it really helps your body to restore its natural, inner ability to heal. Reiki healing not only helps you get rid of unwanted stress, but it also gives you a way to achieve deep relaxation resulting in better sleep. Apart from this, it can also help in:

1. Speeding up the body’s natural self.

2. Alleviating and lowering pain.

3. Getting rid of toxins.

4. Assisting the body in recovering from chemotherapy and post surgery drug therapy.

5. Supporting and making the immune system stronger.

6. Breaking harmful habits and addictions.

7. Reducing blood pressure.

8. Removing any kind of energy blockages.

9. Balancing and harmonizing the energy flow of the endocrine system.

10. Emotional clearance and spiritual growth.

On the whole, if you practice Reiki the way it needs to be done, it will help you get your body more balanced and enhance its ability to handle stress and anxiety easily.

A disorder called Panic attacks will affect approximately 1.7% adults which relates to about 3 million people in the United States today, (medicinenet com). Unfortunately, the onset of panic attacks is most prevalent in teenagers 15 to 19 years old.
Panic attacks are a type of anxiety disorder that is sudden and unexpected and can be disabling. It is also often unprovoked, however, it is believed that panic attacks are brought on by a major life stress but can be inherited in some instances. It is not known exactly what triggers a panic attack.
During the 1970’s, those experiencing panic attacks and sought treatment for some of the symptoms as in feeling a possible heart attack, extreme sense of fear, an overwhelming feeling of losing their mind, difficulty breathing, nausea and dizziness were often misdiagnosed in those days.
Physicians thought more along the lines of mental illness instead of an anxiety disorder. Sometimes episodes of panic attacks would be frequent and other times not quite so often. This reinforced the idea that it was all in their imagination for physicians. This in turn often made the patient reluctant to seek help and suffered quietly.
Recent advances have helped the situation. Treatments include psychotherapy and medications or both. Some of the well known medications are Klonopin, Paxil and Xanax.
It is important to work with your physician for these treatments. However, a new form of treatment is emerging.
This treatment is called Kundalini Awakening. This treatment also helps depression.
This is basically a rich source of psychic energy in the unconscious. Being described as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine, Classical Literature called it Hatha Yoga Kundalini.
It is important to note that this is how yogins explain Kundalini, it’s network of channels and chakras, or micro motions in the brain. And, a latent form of spiritual energy, or Kundalini energy, lies at the base of the spine.
This energy is released by realization or spiritual advancement. Meditation, religion or spiritual practices releases this energy.
The very symptoms of a panic attack are the symptoms of Kundalini Awakening. Historically, the terrifying rush of feelings people experience, have tried to be stopped, either by the person themselves, or physicians with medications.
Through the concept of Kundalini Awakening, these so-called panic attacks are actually manifestations of the micro-vibrations that are being stimulated. Instead of fighting these symptoms, it’s important to give in to them and let them flow. In this way, recovery is then possible as there will be no fear of the symptoms.
Meditation is a way of releasing those fears. Understanding that internal energy is causing the heart palpitations and other symptoms, the patient will not fear they are dying or freaking out.
As the Kundalini Awakening is happening or just after an awakening, the person will feel a sense of wonder, strong feelings of peace, emotional joy or reverence, a strong feeling of love or contentment and a heightened sense of consciousness. Some have even reported seeing a white light.
Basically it is considered that all Yoga is Kundalini Yoga, but specific terms like Kundalini Yoga will be used by some individuals. No matter, because it the end you are still awakening the kundalini with yoga.
There are 6 stages in Kundalini Awakening. 1, Prana-flows in Ida; 2, Prana-made to flow in Ida; 3, Prana-made to flow in Sushumna; 4, Kundalini energy is awakened; 5, Kundalini-leads upwards and finally Kundalini-rises to Sahasrara.
This gives the reader a basic understanding of Kundalini Awakening. It is essential to investigate other resources and instructors in the knowledge, training and and process of Kundalini Awakening in order to understand the spontaneous awakening that often happens when alone, so you can take control or be prepared of the so-called Panic attack.
By working through personal issues and adjusting their way of thought has controlled panic attacks better than traditional medicine.

Depression is quickly becoming one of the biggest health problems in the world. According to a study by USA Magazine, 75% of doctor visits in the US are for stress and depression related illnesses. Clinical depression is Australia’s fastest growing illness. How do you know if you are depressed?
The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing found that one in four women and one in six men suffered from depression. In 20 years, depression will be second only to heart disease as the nation’s biggest health problem. Chances are, you may be suffering from stress and anxiety, even depression. Here are some of the warning signs.
WORK STRESS.
Fear of going to work.
Conflict with co workers.
Errors or loss of concentration.
Absenteeism or being physically there, but doing little work.
Unusual or unacceptable behaviour.
Aggression or hostility.
Accidents or near misses.
Trouble with customers.
Feeling unable to cope with constant work demands.
Working more slowly or making more mistakes.
Poor time management.
GENERAL STRESS.
Disturbed sleep.
Lack of energy or motivation.
Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
Physical aches and pains.
Poor concentration, memory or being easily distracted.
Feeling that life is not worth living.
Loss of interest in sex.
Difficulties with home life and routine daily activities.
Feeling easily tired.
Withdrawal from social activities.
Suicidal tendencies.
Sadness, worthlessness.
Frequent moaning, groaning and sighing.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
As Richard Bach in “Illusion”, so eloquently put it: “What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly.”
There is much you can do to reduce you stress levels {regardless of whether external stressors change}. Here are 6 of the best.
EXERCISE.
There is growing evidence that exercise, and in particular strength training, should be provided as a first line therapy for depression, according to exercise therapist Chris Tzar. “In the coming years, medical practitioners may find themselves prescribing exercise and healthy eating habits as frequently as drugs,” he says.
MEDITATION.
Take time out to be quiet and attend to personal needs. Meditation is a way many people do this. It is easily learned and takes care of the need to unwind. After meditating, a few minutes rest should be taken before resuming other activities.
YOGA, PILATES OR TAI CHI.
All 3 activities include movements to reduce your stress levels. They can also benefit your fitness, balance, strength and flexibility. Why not join a class today? Don’t worry, they have beginners’ classes and cater for all age groups.
DIET AND NUTRITION.
Healthy eating is an important factor in beating the blues. Foods containing omega 3 fatty acids, particularly fish oils, can reduce stress. Increased intake of the minerals magnesium, zinc and selenium may help. B group vitamins are very important, particularly if you live or work in a highly stressful situation. An important benefit with these nutrients is that they can increase the level of serotonin [the feel good hormone] in the brain.
QUALITY SLEEP.
High levels of stress can make you restless and lead to disturbed sleep. You need a minimum of 6 hours sleep per night to function effectively. Lavender oil and chamomile tea can be effective sleep inducers.
PETS.
Have you noticed how you feel “at ease” when in the company of your pet? Do you have a warm feeling when you see or stroke a puppy or kitten? Pets can have an extraordinarily positive effect on our feelings and emotions and a growing body of research has indicated their benefits to our health.
Owning a pet has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer as well as a reduction in symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety.
According to cancer specialist Dr Bernie Siegel, our body chemistry changes when we are in the company of pets. “Levels of the stress hormone cortisol go down, immune function improves and perhaps more significantly, serotonin levels increase”. he says.
OTHER STRATEGIES.
Some of the best ways of dealing with stress and depression are often the simplest. Spending time with nature {such as a park or beach},spending time with friends, smiling, being happy, laughing, having fun and looking for the positive aspects of life, are just a few simple examples. Being grateful for just being alive is another. Yesterday, my wife Ros attended the funeral of a close friend who died of cancer. She was 49.
Finally, learning to say no, simplifying your life and reducing your commitments, may be very helpful too. It may be time to nurture “you” rather than always trying to please others.
Hannah Arendt summarized this point of view with: “Dedicate yourself to the good you deserve and desire for yourself. Give yourself peace of mind. You deserve to be happy. You deserve delight.”

Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency — Natalie Goldberg, Wild mind. 

Both men and women live hectic pace of life today. They try to balance the demands at work as well as at home. They try to balance limited means (time, money & resources) & unlimited demands. The inability to balance these expresses itself in terms of stress, anxiety and tensions.

 Stress, fear, anger, guilt, anxiety, jealousy etc are negative emotions which have a definite impact on our body.

Suffering brings disease & contentment brings good health.

A person with disturbed mind can not possess a healthy body. Health is a reflection of physical, mental, spiritual & in today’s circumstances, economic well-being.

Stress hampers the function of immune system. Psychological stress activates the adrenal glands to discharge stress hormones called cartisol.

Temporarily it relieves us from stress but in the long run it affects our health. Stress results in diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, ulcers, cancer, depression etc.

Stress & Digestion

Our thoughts have profound effects on our digestion. Body can assimilate nutrients from food only if you eat in a relaxed environment. Your state of mind is a critical factor at mealtimes.

Treat meal times as sacred. Follow your hunger signals. Eat only upto ¾ th of your eating capacity to ensure proper digestion.

Foods that ease stress

When our body is under stress the demand for nutrients is more as more key nutrients are burned up.

Vitamin A, C, E & mineral selenium help the body to fight the negative effects of stress.

Eat foods that are rich in anti-oxidants. Foods like — dry fruits, leafy vegetables, bananas, figs, fish, whole grains, curd, pulses etc.

Anti oxidants help fight stress by preventing free radical damage.

Vitamin C

Brain has more concentration of Vitamin C than in any other part of body. It is a powerful anti-oxidant. People under stress may consume between 500 to 1000 mg of vitamin C per day as vitamin C is used up more when you are under stress.

Fruits

Fruits are ideal in reducing stress. They are rich in anti-oxidants. Fruits are good in the sense you do not have to fight obesity even if you eat more.

Vegetables

Cabbage, cauliflower & broccoli are rich in bio-flavinoids which are powerful anti-oxidants. The bio-flavinoids protects us from free radicals which are generated during stress.

Sleep & keep stress away

Allow yourself to sleep at least for 8 hours. This gives your body and its metabolic processes time to recover. It re-energises your body. Severe sleep deprivation leads to psychosis.

Try a glass of warm milk — age-old grandmother’s remedy — to keep insomnia away.

Think positive to de-stress

Vegetables and fruits have a cleansing effect on your body. Similarly positive attitude has a cleansing effect on your mind. Keep away negative feelings like — hatred, jealousy, greed anger etc — by maintaining a positive attitude.

The outside world is full of challenges and uncertainty. Completely eliminating stress may not be possible, so goal could be — manage stress and stay calm.

By : Pradeep Mahajan

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Emotional stress is someth ing that we all experience when we have to cope with the many demands and responsibilities of home and work. Stress can be defined as an intense emotional and physiological reaction to a situation or the mental representation of a situation as a memory or anticipation. Chronic stress is produced when stress reactions do not resolve themselves and become habitual. The sustained physiological effects of chronic stress can have a serious effect on the body and lead to an increased risk of disease. The psychological effects of chronic stress produce fatigue, poor concentration and an impaired ability to perform tasks, which leads to more stress. Stress produces a general feeling of helplessness and negativity, both of which reinforce the stress reactions. This produces a lack of vitality, enthusiasm and creativity and many people describe chronic stress as a heavy blackness that covers everything and in its severe form, chronic stress leads to depression. Chronic stress can result in an increased chance of accidents as well as reducing work performance. Chronic stress also reduces our listening and learning skills and this reduces the quality of communication in our personal relationships and family.

It is well recognized that stress reactions are learned and originate from the influence of our own mental outlook and from belief patterns acquired from our parents, family and culture. Stress always contains both an objective component and a subjective component and in most situations, it is the habitual subjective emotional reactivity that generates the emotional tension and physiological characteristics of stress. There is pain and there is suffering. Pain is the objective component that is often inevitable or unavoidable, but suffering is a subjective reaction that we generate and add to the pain. The Buddha described this subjective suffering as dukkha and not surprisingly, mindfulness, which is one of the central teachings of the Buddha, was and continues to be very relevant for working with and resolving emotional stress.

The other major source of stress comes from unresolved traumas that result from physical injury, assault, domestic abuse and violence. In general this kind of trauma-related stress results from experiences and associated emotional reactions that we cannot process, because they are outside of our normal range of experience. These unresolved wounds become repressed and submerge into the subconscious mind where they continue to simmer and generate a generalized anxiety. This is described as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Occasionally, in severe cases of PTSD resulting from war or other intense situations, the stress reactions will erupt as nightmares and flashbacks in which the individual re-lives the trauma.

Whatever the source of the stress reactions, it is important to understand that each reaction has an internal structure in the form of negative thoughts and beliefs and associated emotional energy that gives power to these thoughts. It is often very helpful to examine these negative thoughts and try to change them. This is the approach taken in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Another approach is to change the emotional energy that empowers the thoughts and beliefs, because without this compulsive charge, the beliefs will have no power to generate stress. This is the approach taken in MMT. Through careful attention and investigation of the emotion through mindfulness, we can uncover the internal structure of the emotion and discover what needs to change. As the structure changes, so does the emotion. Resolve this and you will neutralize the stress reactions.

OVERCOMING STRESS REACTIONS: THE FOUR Rs

Stress is generated by habitual emotional reactions to external events and internal beliefs. These patterns of negative thinking can be changed by the application of the four Rs, which are the primary focus of MMT. These are: RECOGNITION, REFRAMING, RELATIONSHIP, RESOLUTION.

RECOGNITION

All habitual emotional reactions rely on two key elements: ignorance and emotional energy. The first task in MMT is to learn to recognize our stress reactions as they arise in stressful situations. We train ourselves to watch very carefully for any impulse to react. This counteracts the automatic and mechanical part of what makes reactions habitual. The maxim of MMT is that all change begins with mindfulness and mindful-recognition is the first and most important step. You know what pushes your buttons. It might be in your personal relationships with your partner or with your children or perhaps with your parents. One of the most important steps you can take on the path of self-transformation is to take the initiative to examine what stressors cause you to react and to learn to recognize your impulse to react. This is very empowering and changes your attitude from being a victim to being a warrior. For most of the time, most of us react out of habit and have no awareness of what is happening while it is happening. We are simply seduced into the same automatic patterns of reactive thinking over and over again. Clearly, the first step is to break this pattern of ignorance and know what is happening as it happens. This is the fundamental first part of mindfulness. Mindfulness means to be present for experience as it is unfolding.

REFRAMING

Now you are learning to recognize anger reactions, disappointment and frustration reactions, fear and anxiety reactions as they arise in real-time. This new awareness can be very transformational by itself by simply making you conscious of what you are doing. It is a truth that what you don’t see is what has the greatest power over you. Awakening to what is happening is therefore the first step to change.

The next step that paves the way for transformi ng the emotional energy that powers stress reactivity is to change your relationship to the emotion. Our usual response is to say I am angry or I am afraid or I am upset and we literally become the emotion. Contrast this to saying I notice anger/fear/upset in me. Now the emotion becomes reduced to an object, not me, that I can relate to with mindfulness. This simple reframing of how we perceive an emotional reaction - as me or as an object that has arisen in me is itself transformational.

RELATIONSHIP

However, what keeps a reaction alive is the associated emotional charge, without which the reaction would have no power to cause stress. MMT teaches us how to form a non-reactive relationship, the Mindfulness Based Relationship, with this underlying emotional energy that compels us to react. This is the RELATIONSHIP phase of MMT.

The mindfulness relationship is very important. This is where we allow ourselves to open our awareness and investigate the emotional energy, which is quite different to our usual reactions of ignorance, avoidance or aversion. We choose to be fully present with the inner feelings behind the stress reactions, rather than getting sucked into the content and story line. Just as in personal relationships, it is the quality of our PRESENCE, our ability to listen with an open mind and heart that is most important. Now we are learning to cultivate this same presence for our inner emotional stress. The nature of the mind is such that if you allow things to change, they inevitably will. If you allow things to change and unfold into this safe spaciousness of the mindfulness-based relationship, things will change in a beneficial direction that will transform and resolve the inner conflict and pain. It is the habitual reactivity that stops this natural healing and as we learn to disengage from the patterns of reactivity we create the right conditions in which emotional tension will resolve itself.

RESOLUTION

Mindfulness creates a therapeutic space that allows the emotion to unfold and undergo transformation. If you give it space it will change. This is one of the great discoveries made by the Buddha, 2500 years ago and which we are rediscovering today. It is not what we do that matters as much as how we relate to our emotional stress. When this relationship is based on the receptivity and openness of mindfulness, then we create the best possible conditions in which emotional tension can resolve itself.

Resolution can be understood as the process in which a stress producing emotion like anger or anxiety or disappointment undergoes a process of unfolding and differentiation. When we investigate anger with mindfulness, we begin to see that the anger is actually an assembly of more subtle content - the inner structure - in the form of feelings, memories, sensations and often some form of inner imagery that pulls all these parts together into the form of an emotion. The anger differentiates into feelings of sadness, emptiness, fear. With intense stress reactions resulting from trauma, we will likely notice vivid inner imagery. It is by uncovering the internal structure of the emotions and associated imagery that change becomes possible and mindfulness provides one of the best ways of cultivating a safe relationship with painful content by teaching you how to stay present and avoid becoming reactive to what you are uncovering.

Through becoming conscious of the inner structure of the emotions that power our stress reactions, the emotional energy will change and resolve. Without this emotional power, there is nothing to sustain the emotional reactions and life-long patterns of stress producing reactivity begin to dissolve, leaving you free from their compulsive grip. Like the petals of a lotus bud that were previously held and constrained so tightly, the mind begins to explore a new freedom with all its possibilities and choices. This is the freedom that the Buddha talked about and that is possible for all of us to discover through the practice of mindfulness. MMT teaches you how to apply mindfulness to resolve your patterns of habitual reactivity so that you can realize your full potential and enjoy your life and relationships to the full.

Peter Strong, PhD is a scientist and Buddhist psychotherapist who specializes in the study of mindfulness and its application in Mindfulness Meditation Therapy. Peter teaches mindfulness meditation (vipassana) and works with individuals and couples using Mindfulness Meditation Therapy for resolving difficult emotional problems including anxiety, depression, phobias, grief and trauma and the management of anger and stress. Besides face-to-face work, Peter also works with individuals and couples online via email and web conferencing. To learn more visit http://www.mindfulnessmeditationtherapy.com/

Email enquiries welcome.

As Fibromyalgia (FM) sufferers we are often made to feel like our pain is “all in your head”, but research has consistently proven that Fibromyalgia is not a form of depression or hypochondria. IT IS REAL!  However, there is a connection between FM and other chronic pain conditions to depression and anxiety.  Treatment is important because both can make FM worse and interfere with symptom management.

There is some debate by medical and mental professionals about what causes what.  The “What came first?  The chicken or the egg” debate translates into “What came first?  The chronic pain or the depression?”  TRUE Fibromyalgia experts, researchers and others know that the chronic pain of FM & overlapping conditions leads to depression and anxiety. 

Fibromyalgia is a common condition in which a person suffers from chronic musculoskeletal pain. There are points called tender points, sometimes all over the body, and these tender and painful points are used as part of the diagnosis of FM. Individuals with FM may also be more susceptible to pain in general. Whenever the tender points are simply touched, they can send sharp pain impulses. Many Fibromyalgia sufferers experience pain all over and some experience pain only in specific regions. It can involve the muscles and the joints. Sometimes, there is so much pain that it is hard to pinpoint exactly where the pain originates.  Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by other overlapping conditions such as chronic myofascial pain (CMP), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), restless legs syndrome (RLS), migraine & tension headaches, interstitial cystitis (IC), mitral valve prolapse (MVP), cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety and more.  The symptoms of Fibromyalgia, alone, are wide-ranging and debilitating.  Do they really think that depression and anxiety is the CAUSE for ALL of the above?

Depression is a mental illness characterized by feelings of profound sadness and lack of interest in enjoyable activities. It is a constant low mood that interferes with the ability to function and appreciate things in life. It may cause a wide range of symptoms, both physical and emotional. It can last for weeks, months, or years. People with depression rarely recover without treatment and if you have Fibromyalgia, you may have to fight it for the rest of your life.

Anxiety is a normal state of apprehension, tension, and uneasiness in response to a real or perceived threat.  Although anxiety is considered a normal response to temporary periods of stress or uncertain situations, prolonged, intense, periods of anxiety may indicate an anxiety disorder. Other indicators of an anxiety disorder are anxiety that occurs without an external threat and anxiety that impairs daily functioning.

What can cause depression & anxiety?  Stressful life events, chronic stress, low self-esteem, imbalances in brain chemicals and hormones, lack of control over circumstances (helplessness and hopelessness), negative thought patterns and beliefs, chronic pain, chronic physical or mental illness, including thyroid disease & headaches can ALL cause both.  Little or no social  and familial support can be a main factor in depression for FM patients. Family history of depression & anxiety can also be a factor.

Lack of quality sleep is also believed to have an influence on depression.  Since FM & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients tend to have insomnia and/or other sleep disorders, it stands to reason that poor sleep can lead to depression.

There is a wide variety of medications, vitamins, minerals, herbs and therapies that can help ease the impact of pain, anxiety and depression.  With so many out there, you and your doctor may have to go through the process of trial and error to find what works best for you!

Exercise is not only good for FM, it is also highly beneficial for depression and anxiety.  Recent studies suggest exercise can change your brain chemistry. Exercising can boost your level of serotonin, a brain chemical that is effects mood and pain perception. It can also stimulate the production of endorphins, natural painkillers that can give you an overall feeling of well-being.

Exercise is a great for stress, too. It relieves muscle tension and it gets the heart rate up. The combination makes us more relaxed and alert, which helps us deal with our problems in a calmer and more controlled way.

There are several other methods you can use to combat stress, including: meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mental imagery relaxation, relaxation to music, biofeedback, counseling - to help you recognize and release stress. 

You can learn more about this topic, medications, supplements, alternative therapies and more at my website AND I will be writing more articles - so check back here!

Meditation has become a popular alternative therapy for many people. It has been used in Eastern countries for thousands of years in religious rituals, for stress relief, and to treat certain medical ailments. In today’s society, it is used mostly to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. As with any alternative medicine or therapy though, there are some that are still skeptical about whether or not meditation really works and if it has any benefits whatsoever.
There have been several studies conducted that indicate that meditation can be very effective in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression or even just as a relaxation technique. It is thought that it actually redirects the blood flow from the sympathetic nervous system where the brain reacts quickly, to the parasympathetic nervous system where the brain rests and relaxes. This allows a person to go into a completely relaxed state while lowering their pulse rate and conserving energy. Many people find that meditating first thing in the morning allows them remain calm and relaxed throughout the rest of their day. They also find that it is easier to concentrate and think more clearly.
The one thing that many people do not understand about meditation is that it is not an immediate solution. They try it once or twice and find that it does not work for them. Unfortunately, it takes time and practice to master the technique. A person must be able to completely relax both their body and their mind in order for it to be effective. They also need to believe wholeheartedly that it will work otherwise it is a waste of time. When meditating it is important to do it with passion and intensity in order to get positive results.
If done correctly, meditation can be extremely beneficial. Some of the physiological benefits associated with it include decreased blood pressure and heart rate, pain control, lowered cholesterol levels, and improved breathing for those suffering from respiratory ailments. There are also several psychological benefits, which include depression relief, stress relief, anxiety relief, improved memory, increased alertness, better concentration, less irritability and decreased mood swings. Many have also found that it has a positive impact on both their personal and professional relationships.
There is very little physical risk, if any, associated with any of the different meditation techniques. However, it should be noted that intense meditation has been known to cause or worsen certain psychological disorders. This is a rare occurrence and at this point, there are no reports that indicate any other side effects. Even so, if you suffer from any type of psychological disorder, it is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of your treating physician before you try meditation.
Meditation has been around for a very a long time and it does not appear as if it is going away anytime soon. It is becoming increasingly more popular among those that choose alternative therapies and medicines to treat their ailments. However, it can also be very complementary when used with modern medicinal treatments. It is safe and it has been proven to be very effective.

As Fibromyalgia (FM) sufferers we are often made to feel like our pain is “all in your head”, but research has consistently proven that Fibromyalgia is not a form of depression or hypochondria. IT IS REAL!  However, there is a connection between FM and other chronic pain conditions to depression and anxiety.  Treatment is important because both can make FM worse and interfere with symptom management.

There is some debate by medical and mental professionals about what causes what.  The “What came first?  The chicken or the egg” debate translates into “What came first?  The chronic pain or the depression?”  TRUE Fibromyalgia experts, researchers and others know that the chronic pain of FM & overlapping conditions leads to depression and anxiety. 

Fibromyalgia is a common condition in which a person suffers from chronic musculoskeletal pain. There are points called tender points, sometimes all over the body, and these tender and painful points are used as part of the diagnosis of FM. Individuals with FM may also be more susceptible to pain in general. Whenever the tender points are simply touched, they can send sharp pain impulses. Many Fibromyalgia sufferers experience pain all over and some experience pain only in specific regions. It can involve the muscles and the joints. Sometimes, there is so much pain that it is hard to pinpoint exactly where the pain originates.  Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by other overlapping conditions such as chronic myofascial pain (CMP), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), restless legs syndrome (RLS), migraine & tension headaches, interstitial cystitis (IC), mitral valve prolapse (MVP), cognitive dysfunction, depression, anxiety and more.  The symptoms of Fibromyalgia, alone, are wide-ranging and debilitating.  Do they really think that depression and anxiety is the CAUSE for ALL of the above?

Depression is a mental illness characterized by feelings of profound sadness and lack of interest in enjoyable activities. It is a constant low mood that interferes with the ability to function and appreciate things in life. It may cause a wide range of symptoms, both physical and emotional. It can last for weeks, months, or years. People with depression rarely recover without treatment and if you have Fibromyalgia, you may have to fight it for the rest of your life.

Anxiety is a normal state of apprehension, tension, and uneasiness in response to a real or perceived threat.  Although anxiety is considered a normal response to temporary periods of stress or uncertain situations, prolonged, intense, periods of anxiety may indicate an anxiety disorder. Other indicators of an anxiety disorder are anxiety that occurs without an external threat and anxiety that impairs daily functioning.

What can cause depression & anxiety?  Stressful life events, chronic stress, low self-esteem, imbalances in brain chemicals and hormones, lack of control over circumstances (helplessness and hopelessness), negative thought patterns and beliefs, chronic pain, chronic physical or mental illness, including thyroid disease & headaches can ALL cause both.  Little or no social  and familial support can be a main factor in depression for FM patients. Family history of depression & anxiety can also be a factor.

Lack of quality sleep is also believed to have an influence on depression.  Since FM & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients tend to have insomnia and/or other sleep disorders, it stands to reason that poor sleep can lead to depression.

There is a wide variety of medications, vitamins, minerals, herbs and therapies that can help ease the impact of pain, anxiety and depression.  With so many out there, you and your doctor may have to go through the process of trial and error to find what works best for you!

Exercise is not only good for FM, it is also highly beneficial for depression and anxiety.  Recent studies suggest exercise can change your brain chemistry. Exercising can boost your level of serotonin, a brain chemical that is effects mood and pain perception. It can also stimulate the production of endorphins, natural painkillers that can give you an overall feeling of well-being.

Exercise is a great for stress, too. It relieves muscle tension and it gets the heart rate up. The combination makes us more relaxed and alert, which helps us deal with our problems in a calmer and more controlled way.

There are several other methods you can use to combat stress, including: meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mental imagery relaxation, relaxation to music, biofeedback, counseling - to help you recognize and release stress. 

You can learn more about this topic, medications, supplements, alternative therapies and more at my website AND I will be writing more articles - so check back here!