Health and Wellness

Living with Depression

2006-01-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

Depression is a psychological, biological and environmental problem that has affected millions of people, both directly and indirectly. People suffering with depression often have difficulty functioning normally, and frequently experience problems in their everyday lives as a result. The emotional toll of depression can shatter families, result in a loss of employment and in some occasions end in suicide. While there is no cure for depression, treatment options are available that can help sufferers of depression lead normal, happy lives.

Depression changes the way in which a person is able to think, feel and view the world around them. These changes produce adverse effects on behavior directed towards others and towards one's self. If a person experiences feelings of sadness or malaise which continue over a long period of time, it is likely that he or she suffers from some form of depression. Recognizing the symptoms of depression is the first step toward recovery. Those who feel they may have depression should consult their physician.

Once a diagnosis has been made and a treatment program initiated, the next step is to recognize the effect that depression has on the mental processes that govern one's behavior. Understanding the mechanisms of depression can help people who are coping with this often debilitating illness. Of the treatment options available today, all involve either talk therapy, medication or a combination of both. It may take several weeks or even months before a treatment plan can produce any obvious positive results. During this time, having an understanding of the nature of this illness can be highly beneficial. Realizing that depression is a treatable affliction can promote rational thinking and a diminished emotional response toward the symptomology of this unfortunate condition.

There are several resources available on the Internet which can help sufferers recognize the symptoms of depression and give advice on how to cope with it once a treatment plan has been established. Through treatment, understanding and the support of others, living with depression can be made substantially less difficult. Many who have suffered from depression go on to lead healthy, productive lives.

Visit our site to learn more about Depression treatment You can also learn about other treatments such as bipolar and anxiety treatments

Lifelong Depression

2006-01-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

I have suffered from depression for as long as I can remember. My earliest childhood memories are tainted with the ominous presence of my illness despite growing up in a very loving home with two kind and nurturing parents. After a divorce in my early thirties, I found myself unable to cope with the feelings of sadness that had permeated my existence and often left me unable to get out of bed. Of course, these feelings had intensified as a result of my divorce, but even well before I knew that something wasn't quite right.

I went to see a psychologist and my doctor, both of whom asked me when my symptoms started. I explained that I was fairly certain they started the day I was born, which both told me was entirely possible. Since that time, I have tried a variety of medications. From SSRI's to MAO inhibitors, I have tried so many medications that I sometimes felt like a guinea pig. I finally found a medication that worked for me and produced very few noticeable side effects. I am now enjoying life more than I ever have and can honestly say that I feel like I never thought I would or even could.

Enjoying my life now is somewhat bittersweet as I look back over all the years that I spent in depression without even knowing that it wasn't natural. I knew something was different simply from watching the behavior of others and comparing it to myself, but I always considered it to be my personality or "just the way I am". I want to encourage others who experience extended bouts of sadness to get more information about depression. There are several resources available on the web, and even your primary care physician can be of great assistance in helping you to determine if you suffer from depression. He or she may recommend that you speak to a specialist.

Had I known that my problem was correctable, I would have spent many more years enjoying my life instead of wondering why everyone else was enjoying theirs. Depression is treatable, and you too can enjoy a happy, productive life.

Visit our site to learn more about Depression treatment You can also learn about other treatments such as bipolar and anxiety treatments

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

2006-01-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

Anxiety disorders can have a devastating effect on those who suffer from them. Left untreated, anxiety disorders often inhibit an individuals ability to function normally in everyday life. Anxiety disorder may also be a source of additional tension caused by the strain the condition places on personal and professional relationships. Physical manifestations in the form of illness and mental manifestations in the form of depression are often the consequences of the intense and irrational worry that characterizes anxiety disorders While new methods of treatment are being developed, the most current form of medical care involves a combination of therapy to recognize and change the mental thought processes that make anxiety disorders possible along with medication designed to minimize the chemical imbalances that may facilitate these thought processes. There are several categories of anxiety disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, but the most commonly diagnosed is general anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms associated with them are often shared by a variety of illnesses such as depression and chronic fatigue. In the past, physicians would frequently misdiagnose anxiety disorder by associating the symptoms with other illnesses while neglecting their underlying cause. This often resulted in treatments that were either ineffective or only served to inhibit the recurrences of specific symptoms. The end result of an improper diagnosis usually entailed an increase in other symptoms that were left untreated.

Today, there are several resources on anxiety disorders and the symptoms associated with them. An increase in medical information available through the Internet has allowed individuals to obtain facts on the diseases and disorders they could potentially be suffering from. The ability to convey the presence of symptoms to your physician can help him or her provide a more accurate diagnosis of anxiety disorders.

With proper treatment, anxiety disorder can be controlled. Many who have suffered from this affliction now lead healthy, productive lives as a result of their commitment to maintaining a well planned regimen.

Visit our site to learn more about anxiety treatment You can also learn bout other disordes such as Bipolar treatment or depression treatment

Recognizing the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

2006-01-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

Bipolar disorder is a treatable brain disorder marked by extreme shifts in a person's mood and disposition. Periods of intense mania are followed by bouts of severe depression, often with periods of normalcy in between. While on either end of the spectrum, sufferers of bipolar disorder often find it difficult to concentrate and maintain functionality sufficient for leading a productive life. Those who experience severe episodes of depression and hypomania are classified as suffering from bipolar II disorder, which women are diagnosed with more often than men. It is estimated that over two million Americans have a form of bipolar disorder, although many may be unaware of it. Bipolar disorder can develop at any time, however, most will experience the onset of symptoms in the post adolescence/early adulthood phase of their life. Fortunately, bipolar disorder can be treated but must be managed for long term success. Recognizing the symptoms of bipolar disorder is often the first step toward proper diagnosis and treatment.

The manic phases of bipolar disorder can be marked by an increase in energy, restlessness, irritability, the inability to concentrate, aggressiveness, euphoria, irrational thought and limited sleep, among other symptoms. The depression phase of bipolar disorder can be marked by feelings of sadness, guilt, helplessness, pessimism and agitation, as well as weight fluctuation, disturbed sleep patterns and a loss of interest in life. Suicidal thoughts may be present during prolonged periods of depression as well.

The importance of recognizing the symptoms of bipolar disorder cannot be overstated as many who suffer from it are improperly diagnosed because of the nature of their condition. Sufferers may feel that the extreme shifts in mood they are experiencing are simply the ebb and flow of life. They may seek help during periods of depression and not disclose their manic behavior because they associate it with happiness or normalcy. Recent attention paid to bipolar disorder and bipolar II disorder in the media, however, has helped to educate the population. Just as both forms of bipolar disorder have become more widely recognized by the medical community, the general public is also more aware than ever of their existence. Guidance is available for those who exhibit some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder as there are now many excellent resources for detailed information, both in print and on the web. Anyone who feels they may be suffering from bipolar disorder should always consult their physician. With proper treatment, those who have experienced the debilitating nature of this affliction can go on to lead healthy, productive lives.

Visit our site to learn more about Bipolar treatment You can also learn bout other disordes such as anxiety treatment or depression treatment

The Anxiety of Everyday Life

2006-01-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

Many people I know claim that life stresses them out, and for all I know, they're probably telling the truth. Some, however, often say they feel anxiety over the major issues in their lives. When I hear this, I can't help but smile. You see, I suffered from generalized anxiety disorder for most of my life. While they may experience brief episodes of worry over life altering events that anyone would worry about, I would often find myself anxiously worried about everything. From the mundane and miniscule to the full scale and future altering, if it existed...I was anxious about it. If being anxious were a career choice, I would have been a high PhD toting, high powered executive.

The biggest difference between those who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder and the population at large is the limited amount of control sufferers have over their thought processes. I used to worry uncontrollably about things over which I had little if any control. In fact, I often worried excessively about things that had no choice but to resolve themselves. My anxiety caused me to spend a great deal of time focusing on things that didn't merit the degree of concern I imparted them. Additionally, all the anxiety I felt over these everyday events wore on me, both mentally and physically.

Generalized anxiety disorder can be difficult to diagnose. I was lucky enough to have a physician who recognized some of the symptoms based on our conversations and recommended me to a specialist. Now that I've been diagnosed, I have successfully controlled my anxiety through behavior therapy, medication and relaxation techniques.

If you or someone you know feels overly anxious about the everyday events that all people experience, I encourage you to get more information on anxiety disorders. There are several excellent free resources on the web where you can view the symptoms of anxiety disorders to help determine if you may be suffering from anxiety. Always consult your physician regarding your medical concerns and remember, help is available.

Visit our site to learn more about anxiety treatment You can also learn bout other disordes such as Bipolar treatment or depression treatment

My Battle with Bipolar Disorder

2006-01-27T08:46:00.000-08:00

Since my early twenties, I have suffered from bipolar disorder. I am now in my mid-fourties and have managed to keep it under control through the use of medications as well as the support of my friends, family and my wonderful and compassionate husband. Unfortunately, it took a long time to get to the point I am at now. For many years, I suffered through the challenges of trying to lead a productive and functional life despite being plagued by the imbalances brought on by my condition. During this time, I was unable to seek proper treatment because I was unaware that I had bipolar disorder. I had been diagnosed with depression by more than one doctor and the medications I was given did little to help my overall condition. My periods of depression were followed by brief stretches of manic behavior, some more intense than others. I always assumed these were the ups and downs of life. During my periods of depression, which also varied in length and intensity, I often found it difficult to go to work. I was unable to concentrate as the feelings of despair were so overwhelming at times that on some days I never made it out of bed. During my manic times, I often felt that anything was possible.

While my outlook was positive during these episodes, I was often irritable and hard to deal with. My euphoria was sometimes followed by periods of normalcy, though I would eventually slip back into depression. During a particularly long battle with depression for which I had to be hospitalized, I was finally properly diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Just being aware of what had been taking place inside of me helped me to understand some of the problems I was experiencing. I was placed on a series of medications designed to manage my condition and through counseling, learned to anticipate the onset of episodes and maintain rational thinking throughout. Although I must constantly be aware of my condition, I now lead a functional and satisfying life which I enjoy. Thankfully, today there are many sources of information on bipolar disorder and the medical community is much more cognizant of it's existence. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms I have described, I urge you to seek more information and to tell your physician about your concerns. Know that if you do suffer from bipolar disorder, you can get your life back on track through the treatment options available today. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Visit our site to learn more about Bipolar treatment You can also learn bout other disordes such as anxiety treatment or depression treatment