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Major depression -- A person must be depressed for at least 2 weeks but often
for as long as 20 weeks.
Atypical depression -- Unlike those with major depression, people with atypical
depression can feel better for a while when something good happens. In addition,
people with Atypical depression have different symptoms than those with major
depression. Despite its name, atypical depression may be the most common type
of depression.
Bipolar disorder -- People with bipolar disorder have moods that swing from
depression to mania. Also called manic-depressive disorder.
Symptoms of Depression
Feeling sad, helpless and hopeless most of the time, most days.
Changed sleeping habits: sleeping more or less than usual; waking up early.
Feeling guilt: this may include guilt about very minor matters.
Thinking about death or suicide: you may be thinking about killing yourself.
Eating: you now eat a lot more than you used to, or you eat a lot less.
Weight gain/loss: you have experienced obvious weight loss or obvious weight
gain.
Causes of Depression
Probably a combination of physical, genetic and environmental factors are involved.
People with depression may have abnormal levels of brain chemicals called
neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These things
may contribute to having depression:
Heredity -- a gene called SERT that controls the brain chemical serotonin has been
linked to depression. In addition, some studies show that people with depressed
family members are more likely to be depressed.
Changes in the brain -- some imaging studies suggest that people with depression
may have physical changes in their brains.
Long-term stress, such as from loss, abuse or being deprived as a child.
Being exposed to low levels of light, in SAD
Sleep problems.
Social isolation.
Not getting enough of some vitamins and minerals.
Serious medical conditions, such as heart attack or cancer.
Certain medications, including those for high blood pressure, high cholesterol or
irregular heartbeat.
Depression Cleanse
People who cleanse Liver regularly report that they experience greater mental
clarity and balanced moods
There is a reason why this occurs: it supports the entire body's natural cleansing
functions by providing optimal nutrition.
Depression is common among individuals who have their gallbladders removed or
whose gallbladders are loaded with stones. When the gallbladder is loaded with
stones, there is limited space or even no space left for bile storage. The bile that is
produced in the liver ends up getting congested in the liver causing energy
blockage. Anyone without a gallbladder is in the same situation. Bile is forced to
stay and become congested in the liver leading to depression.
Meditation
Meditation is sometimes described as an altered state of consciousness. Meditation
can help promote relaxation, which has been found to be helpful for depression. The
person must gain control over his nervous system and channelize this mental and
emotional activities in to restful harmonious vibrations. Thus, can be achieved by
ensuring sufficient rest and sleep under right conditions. He must also learn the art
of scientific relaxation and meditation which will go a long way in curing depression.
The best method of relaxation is to practice shavasana.
Meditation will help create an amount of balance in the nervous system. This would
enable the glands to return to a correct state of hormonal balance and thereby
overcome the feeling of depression. Regularity of time, place and practice are very
important in meditation. Regularity conditions the mind to slowing down its activities
with a minimum delay. The most effective times are early dawn and dusk when the
atmosphere is serene and peaceful.
Yoga
Yoga is said to be helpful for depression. Yoga involves meditation with physical
postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation. Yoga practices vary, and some may
not be recommended to people with certain medical conditions. In addition to
meditation and yoga, you can use a number of other approaches such as
progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or music therapy.
Yogasans:
Surya Namaskar, Vakrasana, Halasan, Paschimotanasana,
Bhujangasana, Shalbhasana, Sarvangasana and Shavasana and Pranayamas like
Kapalbhati, Anuloma-Viloma and Bhastrika are highly beneficial in the treatment of
depression.
Massage
Massage uses touch to help provide relaxation. Most touch therapies are based on
the premises that the mind and body are interconnected and that physical health and
emotional well-being are closely linked. The belief is that, when the body is relaxed,
the mind contributes to better health, less depression, and overall well-being.
Music Therapy
Music therapy has been shown to be an effective non-drug approach for people of all
ages that assist in reducing fear, anxiety, stress, or grief. Music can be thought of as
a natural tranquilizer for the human spirit.
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Eat healthy
There is no magic diet that fixes depression, but watching what you eat is a good
idea. If depression tends to make you overeat, getting in control of your eating will
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help you feel better. Although nothing is definitive, there's evidence that foods with
omega-3 fatty acids -- such as salmon and tuna -- and folic acid -- such as spinach
and avocado -- could help ease depression.
Eat foods rich in depression-fighting nutrients. Start by focusing on foods that are
rich in some or all of these nutrients, such as dark green vegetables, legumes
(beans), nuts, extra-lean meat, whole fruit, and yogurt.
Get plenty of antioxidants. Antioxidants seem to help the brain (and the rest of the
body) stay in better shape overall by neutralizing free radicals, damaging particles
that are seen as a leading cause of cellular degeneration over time. Although
antioxidants aren't strictly indicated as a treatment for depression, they do allow your
brain to function more smoothly overall. Look for foods high in beta carotene, vitamin
C and vitamin E, such as carrots, squash, citrus fruit and nuts.
Eat complex carbohydrates to relax. Carbohydrates have a well-known stressreduction effect when eaten, but some carbs are better for you than others. Avoid
simple carbs like sugar and milled grain; opt for brown rice, whole grains, and
legumes instead.
Get plenty of protein. Protein in foods like turkey and fish helps boost energy and
alertness levels, improving overall mood.
Get some sunshine
Lack of sufficient sunshine is the reason behind seasonal
affective depression. Sunlight helps you in SAD. Your body
naturally produces vitamin D, which is known to help
combat depression and mood swings, when your skin is
exposed to the sun. This is why some counselors prescribe
sunlight lamps for depression patients who live in areas with
low winter sunlight: it stimulates the same effect as going
outside and standing under bright sunlight. Make a
commitment to do the real thing yourself, for at least 15 or
20 minutes, whenever you have the chance.
You don't necessarily have to do anything while you're
outside. Just find a bench and sit for a while or take a
leisurely walk around your neighborhood.
Fall in love
With yourself, first! Treat yourself as you would a precious lover whom you adore,
flaws and all. Pamper yourself with baths, naps, flowers, massages. Write love
letters to yourself. Tell the voice in your head that says you are not good enough or
pretty enough or smart enough to shut up and hit the road, Jack.
Create
Write down your thoughts and secrets. Paint or draw pictures about how you feel.
Build something. Garden! Get creative and don't worry about whether it's good
enough if you made it, it's awesome.
Do something new
When youre depressed, youre in a rut. Push yourself to do something different. Go
to a museum. Pick up a used book and read it on a park bench. Volunteer at a soup
kitchen. Take a language class. "When we challenge ourselves to do something
different, there are chemical changes in the brain, "Trying something new alters the
levels of dopamine, which is associated with pleasure, enjoyment, and learning."
Connect with your dreams
Do you remember what, as a child, you dreamed your life would be like? Sometimes
we need to change our dreams, but it's amazing the power of those deep original
dreams and how they can guide us.
Have the courage to change
The only way out of depression is to listen to what the darkness is trying to tell you
and change your life accordingly. as long as you trust your heart and soul and what
they're trying to tell you, you will find the brightness again. The light is right there
waiting for you to turn the corner and see it. It will get better, and then you will be so
grateful and happy that you had the courage to get through the darkness awake and
alive.
After the darkest storm the rainbows come out.
Get enough sleep
Depression can make it hard to get enough sleep, and not getting enough sleep can
make depression worse. What can you do? Start by making some changes to your
lifestyle. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try not to nap. Take all
the distractions out of your bedroom -- no computer and no TV. In time, you may find
your sleep improves.
Take on responsibilities
When youre depressed, you may want to pull back from life and give up your
responsibilities at home and at work. Don't. Stay involved and having daily
responsibilities can work as a natural depression treatment. They ground you and