Monday, June 04, 2007

Managing Anxiety and Depression

Dr. Daniel Baney has written 'Managing Anxiety and Depression' and writes "If you have ever experienced a panic attack, or, an episode of clinical depression - you could hardly be faulted for wanting and seeking a final and everlasting "cure." Some people who experience these conditions never have a reoccurrence. For others, anxiety and depression are persistent intruders in their lives. Why the difference? Likely, genetics predispose some of us to anxiety or depressive reactions as a response to situational stressors in our life. But that does NOT mean any of us are entirely helpless. Depression and anxiety are most often manageable.

Powerlessness: Beliefs, Behaviors, & Feelings

A key component to anxiety and depression are feelings of powerlessness. Perhaps some life stressor or loss has temporarily overwhelmed or discouraged you. Or, perhaps over time you have developed ineffective cognitive habits - styles of thinking - that promote your giving up power. These "distorted beliefs" lead us to have "distorted feelings" and "distorted behaviors". For example:

Suzy Somebody held and reinforced over time the distorted belief that "No one would be interested in someone like me." This distorted and powerless belief led her to behave by isolating herself from others. Her isolative behavior and belief that no one was interested in her, led to predictable feelings of loneliness. Then, looking at how lonely she felt and isolated she behaved - she reinforced the powerless belief that, sure enough, "See there! I told you no one was interested in someone like me!" And the spiraling cycle of powerlessness was complete and reinforcing.

It is much easier to change the way we think and behave than how we feel. The good news is, if we can change the way we think (correcting distorted thinking) and behave (powerless behaviors), then most often what we get is a resultant change in how we feel (for the better!). This is why cognitive-behavioral therapy is the treatment of choice for anxiety and depression and why empowering clients is so important.

People often think of depression or anxiety as a function of low self-esteem. Actually and more precisely, depression and anxiety are made worse by low self-efficacy. What is self-efficacy? Self-efficacy is the belief that I have a sufficient measure of control and power over my life.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an important tool in identifying ways we might be lowering our sense of self-efficacy, giving up power and control, and thereby encountering depression and anxiety as a persistent companion in our lives.

Tools for Managing Depression & Anxiety

Fortunately, we have many tools at our disposal for managing anxiety and depression. These include: Medications which help treat the biological basis of depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - changing the way we think and behave in order to increase our self-efficacy. Building supportive social networks of friends and activities. Increasing self-care habits to help us weather the storms of life.

Dr. Daniel L. Baney. A United Methodist clergyperson and Licensed Psychologist in Indiana. Complete article and printable version at http://www.drbaney.com.

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Saturday, June 02, 2007

Physical Symptoms Of Depression

Chas Oliver has written Physical Symptoms Of Depression and writes "Depression is typically considered a mental or emotional condition, and with good reason: regardless of its causes, depression ultimately manifests itself in a person’s psychological outlook. But depression, as all mental or emotional conditions do, also presents physical symptoms in those who suffer with it. The physical condition of depression will not reveal itself as starkly as an advanced case of schizophrenia would, obviously; but the physical symptoms of depression are there to be observed, especially as a case of depression lingers on.

The most commonly linked reaction to depression is an expression of sadness. Depression is often considered synonymous with melancholy, or “feeling blue”. And a person displaying overt sadness, such as in the form of crying, is likely in distress. However, crying in itself is not necessarily a symptom of an emotional disorder: crying may actually be a perfectly reasonable and even healthy response, given the circumstances. Context is the key to identifying a possible mental or emotional problem. Crying for a period of time after the death of a loved one is perfectly normal; crying periodically for weeks at a time for no apparent reason indicates a need for intervention..

Expressions of anger are a common, and often misidentified, symptom of depression. Parents will often consider an angry outburst from their child to be an act of defiance, where it may in fact be a case of inappropriately expressed emotional upset. A spouse or a friend might consider anger from someone they care for to be an indication of hostility towards them, but it might actually be an expression of feeling psychologically overwhelmed. Seeking information in the face of anger is not necessarily an easy thing to do, but it can allow for honest communication to take place, and for misunderstandings to be avoided.

Some of the more classic physical symptoms of depression include sleeping too much, or sleeping too little; a loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities; feeling lethargic or physically drained; trouble concentrating; and a decreased sex drive. Some of these symptoms may not be present in the person who is depressed, and the person who is not depressed may display one or more of these symptoms. The above symptoms individually or in total may also be an indication of some sort of physical medical problem. Again, context is key. And where uncertainty exists, use honest communication as much as possible to fill in the gaps.

Find help for depression at treatment for depression and anxiety.

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Friday, June 01, 2007

10 Common Symptoms Of Depressio

Paul W Wilson has written '10 Common Symptoms Of Depression' and writes "Every year approximately 9.5 per cent of the American population suffers from depression. Depression is a grave illness that affects day to day life and destroys families. It is a disorder that controls the mind and its functions causing loss of appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and a deep sense of despair.

The symptoms of depression are varied and the severity changes with time. And, according to experts depression can be an inherited disorder, or caused by life threatening illnesses, or stress. Other causes are certain diseases, medicines, drugs, alcohol, or mental illnesses. Women are seen to experience depression more than men and this is attributed to hormonal swings, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-menopause, and post-menopause.

Common symptoms are:

1. An unshakeable sadness, anxiety, or emptiness.

2. Overwhelming hopelessness accompanied by pessimistic feelings.

3. Extreme guilt, feelings of helplessness, and no sense of self worth.

4. Loss of energy, a slowing down of metabolism, and activity levels. Being plagued by constant fatigue.

5. A sense of helplessness along with an increasing inability to focus and indecisiveness.

6. Loss of sound sleep and development of extreme insomnia.

7. Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain. Triggered by loss of appetite or eating binges.

8. Brooding and suicidal inclinations.

9. Irritability, short temper, as well as restlessness.

10. Physical afflictions like headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain for no particular reason.

If you experience any of the above along with a marked change in behavior do consult your doctor. He will give you a thorough examination to rule out physical causes for depression as well as any underlying medical problems. Then if required he will recommend that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Take matters in hand and try and erase negativity from your mind. Cut out from you life terms like exhaustion, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Change your life by setting yourself a few goals. Try and relax, meditate, and enjoy music. Start new activities that absorb your time as well as interests. Go out and meet people and participate in group activities. Avoid the company of negative people. Make up your mind to enjoy a movie, ballgame, family outing, picnic, or trek. Be positive, self confident, and have faith in yourself. Faith is itself a great healer. Decide to change your world for the better. However do follow the doctor’s advice. Treatment can include: anti-depressant medicines, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. In extreme cases electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy are prescribed.

If your depression escalates or you are suicidal seek help from your family physician or health care provider. Do call a local health department, a community mental health center, or hospital or clinic. Someone will extend a helping hand and talk you through the crisis.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888articles.com/depression-articles-88_8.html, the premier website to find help on Depression Articles including topics on meditation, obesity, beauty, diabetes, fitness equipment, exercise, yoga, weight loss, aerobics cardio and more. He also freelances for the premier Medical Press Release site http://www.1888PressRelease.com/medical-0-27.html

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