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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Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Symptoms Of Depression - Six Steps That You Can Take To Stop Your Depression

Joe Stevens has written 'Symptoms Of Depression - Six Steps That You Can Take To Stop Your Depression' and writes "Many people go through depression at some point in their lifetime. For some people it's a fleeting thing that comes and goes, but for others it can be crippling. However, there are some things that you can do to help you ward off the depression "bug" and I'd like to share them with you.

Here are Six things that will help you to stop depression in its tracks and help you to keep yourself together.

#1. Acceptance - Don't start beating up on yourself because you're feeling down. I've battled this for years and it's really pretty silly. The pity thoughts of "oh why do I have to feel like this? why can't I just be like everybody else", will only bring you down further. You must accept that you're a human being and human beings are NOT perfect. Depression is something that you must deal with in your life. Is it a bummer sometimes? Absolutely, but it does NOT make you a bad person just because you happen to have a problem with depression. Don't ever, ever start persecuting yourself. Got it?

#2. Stop what you're doing and visit your "Happy Place"- Have you ever seen the movie "Happy Gilmore?" If so, then you'll immediately know what I mean, if not, let me explain. Everyone has a place or a dream of exactly where they'd most like to be. For some people this could be an island in the south pacific, for others the mountains or on a bike trail in the desert. Wherever that may be that makes you most happy and gives you peace, is your happy place. When you feel the depressed feelings coming on, stop what you're doing right away and pay a visit there. It helps.

#3. Write it down - Sometimes I feel so full of emotional garbage that I'm certain I'll just burst open and then confetti would be everywhere (That was a joke). I've found relief by writing things down though. You can do this with a pen and paper, you can post to a mental health forum, you can start a blog and post there, or whatever it takes. Sometimes it helps to post to a forum if you have a problem that you really need feedback on, but it might be too sensitive to share with family or friends. Another method is to write all of that garbage that's bugging you down on paper and then get rid of it. Trash it, burn it, flush it or tear it into a million pieces. It feels really good.

#4. Call a friend - I should put an asterisk next to this one. You only want to call a trustworthy friend that you know you can confide in, that perhaps has confided in you before or has the same or similar problems as you. Don't just grab a co-worker and say "I've gotta get this off my chest!" Situations like this tend to backfire and I highly recommend that you don't do it. Stick with those close to you that are trustworthy.

#5. Call a family member - Some types of depression are hereditary and someone else in your family may go through the same thing as you, with similar feelings. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and say "hey bro or hey sis, do you have a minute?" People that love you are suppose to be supportive. There are some things that you may be more comfortable talking to a family member about than a close friend and vice versa.

#6. Exercise - I can't recommend it enough. Exercising will help you to burn off stress and get those happy endorphins firing upstairs in your brain. The more that you do, the better that you'll feel. Make certain to stretch very well before and after exercising in order to avoid injury and reduce soreness. This is a great help because you can get outside and really work up a good sweat. You can even get rid of some unwanted pounds while you're at it, which will be great for your self esteem. Get off of your rear and get with the program! It helps.

I hope that these tips help you to get through the "rough" times. Just remember to keep your chin up and don't be afraid to share those feelings and get rid of them. Feel free to print this out and put it on your wall. I hope it helps you.

Joe Stevens is a disabled veteran that writes articles on different topics that interest him or affect him. You can read several more articles on depression by going to http://www.articlesaboutdepression.org/ or by simply clicking on self help for anxiety and depression.

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