The Signs and Symptoms of Depression

On the Threshold of Eternity

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The signs and symptoms for depression can vary significantly from one person to the next, but there are definitely some more common symptoms and signs of this mental illness. It is important that you remember that all of these symptoms can come and go as part of life, but when you have more symptoms and stronger symptoms, or if they are lasting longer and longer periods of time, then it is possible that you are dealing with real clinical depression. When these specific symptoms become overwhelming and increasingly disabling, that is when you need to get help.

Feelings that you are helpless or hopeless. You may have a bleak outlook about your life, feeling like nothing is going to get better and that there isn’t anything available for you to do to improve the situation that you are in.

Loss of interest in things that you are normally interested in from day to day. Your hobbies, social activities, past times and even sexual interactions may no longer be fulfilling.

Changes in weight or in appetite.

Changes in sleep such as insomnia or oversleeping, which is known as hypersomnia.

Restlessness and feelings of irritability. You may feel on edge, restless or agitated. Your coping mechanisms may seem nonexistent and your level of tolerance may be low. When you are feeling this way, everyone and everything may get on your nerves.

Loss of energy or lacking energy in comparison to normal. You may feel fatigued or sluggish, or you may simply feel completely physically drained. Small tasks may even feel exhausting for you.

Feelings of self loathing. You may feel guilty or worthless, and you may criticize yourself harshly for thoughts or mistakes that you perceive.

Problems with concentration including problems focusing, remembering things and making decisions.

Unexplained pains and aches throughout the body including back pain, headaches, stomach pain and aching muscles.

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Are You Depressed?

Everybody is capable of experiencing ups and downs when it comes to our moods. Sadness is a completely normal reaction to the struggles, the setbacks and the disappointments that we deal with on a daily basis. Many people commonly refer to these kinds of feelings as depression, though feelings of depression are actually much more severe in comparison to sadness. Many people have described having depression as feeling as if you are living in a black hole, or possessing a feeling reminiscent of impending doom. Some people that have depression do not actually feel sadness at all, but instead they experience feelings of apathy, emptiness and lifelessness.

Whatever symptoms you experience, depression is definitely different from a normal type of sadness in that it will completely engulf your life on a day to day basis, interfering with things like your ability to study, work, sleep, eat and simply enjoy yourself. There are a number of intense and even unrelenting feelings that you will experience including helplessness, worthlessness and hopelessness, and it is likely that you will very rarely if ever experience periods of relief.

There are a number of signs and symptoms associated with true depression. If you have any of these symptoms and they do not seem to be capable of going away, then you may be suffering from true clinical depression: difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, inability to concentrate, previously simple tasks have become more difficult, hopelessness, helplessness, uncontrollable negative thoughts, loss of appetite or inability to control eating, irritable more than often, short-tempered more often than usual, or you experience thoughts that your life is no longer worth living. If you experience any of these symptoms on a consistent basis, then now is the time for you to request help from someone that can help you understand your feelings.

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Nature and Treatment of Addictions

Certainly addictions have become wide-stretched and difficult in regard to its prominence and effects. Individuals of all ages, virtually, can become affected with the behaviors and dynamics of addictions. While anything from obsessive behaviors (e.g., shopping and video games) can become addicted, alcohol and drug addictions are commonly referred to in this regard.

Generally speaking, addiction is formed from psychological dependence that stems from the brain. Commonly addiction is a coping mechanism on some level, which can be either psychological or biological in nature. Of course there are other elements and factors that can cause an addiction, though these are widespread and wide-ranging in nature.

Over the course of a person’s life, an addiction can be felt. For some individuals an addiction can later be displaced to a different type of addiction – or even a tendency that can affect a person’s lifestyle. One’s long-term health can also, of course, be directly affected by the nature of the addiction, as substance-related addictions can have certain effects relative to the specified substance.

A number of treatment options are available to those who may be addicted to some substance or object. It is not uncommon for an individual to be unsure of whether a true addiction is present, which bodes for those around the affected individual. Thus it is important for the individual or those around the individual to consult with a doctor, mental health professional, or other appropriate person.

Once the diagnosis has been made, either formally or informally, treatment should be sought. There are a number of valuable treatment centers and rehabilitation clinics that can help, such as MichaelsHouse.com. These institutions can give the individual the medical and psychological help needed with regards to the addiction. With the right support system and care from the time of its onset to treatment, an addiction can be treated so that the individual can regain control of his or her life.

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The Link Between Diet and Depression

While there is no single dietary change that can treat or prevent depression, some studies have shown that eating the right diet can make a difference. A good diet filled with the right nutrients and variety can help to improve mood and prevent conditions that may worsen depression. The following are some basic guidelines for a diet that can help people suffering with depression.

Antioxidants

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene may be helpful for people suffering from depression. These nutrients help to prevent free radical damage in the body and can sometimes help you to feel better. Good sources of antioxidants include sweet potatoes, carrots, berries, nuts and seeds, along with many other colorful fruits and vegetables.

Get Enough Protein

Including plenty of sources of protein can help to keep energy levels high, helping people with depression to feel better than they would without enough protein. Giving your body the tools to help itself feel better–like plenty of protein from lean meats, beans, and other sources–is important to overall health. Generally speaking, things that are good for your health will also help to prevent mental illnesses like depression. Some studies have linked the Mediterranean diet, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as lean sources of meat and plenty of healthy fats to a lesser likelihood of developing depression.

Vitamin D and Selenium

Vitamin D can have a huge impact on your well-being. If your depression has ben diagnosed as seasonal affective disorder, or if you often feel better in the summer than in winter, you may be vitamin D deficient. Adding a supplement to your diet may help your moods. Selenium is another important nutrient that has been linked to mood swings and depression. Adding a supplement, or watching your intake from foods, may help.


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Are You Ready for Major Weight Loss?

Picture of an Obese Teenager (146kg/322lb) wit...
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People who are 20 percent or more over their ideal body weight, or have a body mass index of 30 or higher, are considered obese. The heaviest suffer from serious health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, back and joint pain, fatigue, sleep apnea, shortness of breath, certain kinds of cancer and cardiovascular disease. They also can suffer emotionally and socially.

People who are obese may reach a time when they resolve to drop a large amount of weight.

The first step is to talk with your family doctor. Your physician will order tests to ensure your condition is not related to thyroid dysfunction or medications you may be taking. Since obesity affects every major organ system and your mental state, you may be referred to other specialists, as well as a dietitian, an exercise physiologist and a counselor or psychologist.

You then have a choice: an intensive diet and exercise program, or undergo bariatric surgery.

If you choose the natural route, it will take a plan, discipline, support from others and a complete change in lifestyle. You should incorporate aerobic exercise, weight training, stretching and an overhaul of your eating habits. You won’t drop weight rapidly, but you will immediately gain improved fitness, energy, flexibility and strength. As you get healthier you need to continue these new routines the rest of your life.

Bariatric surgery is a fairly new discipline, first emerging in the early 1980s. Surgical techniques now include minimally invasive and laparoscopic options. Choose a board certified surgeon highly experienced in the procedure you want. Make sure the surgery program is comprehensive, with pre-surgery preparation as well as follow-up and support services. Look for programs certified by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. After surgery, follow your surgeon’s instructions exactly to avoid complications. Spend time talking with a counselor or journaling to help you cope with changes in your body, relationships and your life.

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You’ve Lost Your Job Now

You walk into the office and are met by your boss. He hands you a folder and tells you your job has been eliminated. Your knees buckle and you feel like you’ve been sucker punched in the gut. What now?

This scenario has played out for millions of Americans in the last two years, and it’s still happening. As of December 2010, the national unemployment rate had inched up to 9.8 percent.

The old days of working for one company your entire career have given way to shorter tenures with many different companies and even career changes.

Financial hardship is one matter, but job loss affects many aspects of your life, including your self-esteem, your sense of worth and purpose, daily routines, your social status, relationships and dreams for the future.

Here are some tips to survive this stressful time:

  • Find out about your severance package (if any) and health insurance options.
  • Contact your state unemployment insurance office to apply for benefits. It’s usually better to go in person even though the wait can be lengthy.
  • Take a hard look at your finances and seek ways to cut back. You may need to contact creditors and set up a hardship plan.
  • Talk candidly with family members so they understand your situation.
  • Find out if there are support groups in your area for unemployed people. Or talk with a trusted friend, spiritual advisor or counselor.
  • Don’t get ripped off by scams targeting desperate people offering bogus work at home opportunities or resume services.
  • Develop a great resume. You’ll need several versions appropriate for different industries or jobs.
  • Network, network, network. Use personal and online networking to let people know your marketable skills and the types of jobs you’re interested in.
  • Register with online job search engines.
  • See your doctor or a psychiatrist if you need antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication.
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Be Nice to Aspys: A Little Known Condition is Gaining Recognition

You approach a stranger at a party. He’s nice looking, well groomed and wears stylish clothing. He’s standing alone, with a rather stiff, self-conscious posture. You smile. He stares back a few awkward seconds, then shapes his mouth into a returning smile. You strike up a conversation about a recent game. He nods his head with interest, then begins spouting a stream of statistics and data about the game, the major plays of each team, the coaches, the officials, the history of the sport Your eyes glaze over and you find an excuse to break off and flee to the other side of the room.

You may have met an extremely devoted fan of the game or you’ve just had an encounter with an Aspy.

Asperger syndrome disorder (AS) has only become a distinct diagnosed condition since the early 1990s. It is characterized by social awkwardness, inability to understand facial expressions and body language, clumsy movements, overly formal use of language, preoccupation with favorite topics, poor impulse control, difficulty empathizing, hypersensitivity to light, sounds, smells and touch, and repetitive routines.

Asperger’s is a type of autism, although people with this condition often are highly intelligent, have excellent written and verbal abilities, appear ordinary, and function fairly normally.

Although mostly diagnosed in children, AS is increasingly recognized in adults who initially seek help for depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-esteem issues, OCD, ADHD and relationship problems.

One of the most famous Aspys is Temple Grandin, a scientist, college professor, animal rights advocate and author. Grandin has said her condition is like a computer that hasn’t been loaded with software. Most people intuitively know how to make connections with others; Aspys must watch and learn appropriate behaviors, thus loading the needed software into their brains.

So, next time you meet someone who seems odd, be extra nice. They may be an Aspy coping with their limitations.

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After Job Loss¦Take Care of Your Beautiful Mind and Your Body Electric

If you’ve been let go from your job it’s normal to go through bouts of denial, anger and depression. The key to setting yourself up for a brighter future is in moving from the initial negative feelings to a more productive state of mind. You accept what has happened and start looking forward instead of backwards. And you take care of your most valuable asset you.

You are now in the sales and marketing business, and the product you are selling is you. So let’s get personal.

  • Take a look around and be grateful for what you have. You probably have reasonably good health, a place to live, food to eat, people who care about you. Not a bad place for starting over.
  • Write down your abilities and accomplishments. Include your technical and your interpersonal skills. Develop a short commercial to use when talking to people about your job search and during interviews. Being able to clearly and concisely describe your education, experience and skills will set you apart.
  • Take a look in the mirror. Maybe you could lose a few pounds. Maybe your teeth could be whiter. Maybe you could use a hair cut. Spending some time and money on your appearance is one of the best investments you can make.
  • Don’t lie around and feel sorry for yourself. Follow a daily schedule work on your resume, make calls, do research, set up meetings and informational interviews. Add exercise to your routine.
  • Avoid isolation. Keep up with your contacts and work to expand your network. Attend social and business events.
  • Improve upon or learn new skills. Employers want workers who have multiple skill sets and are up to date with software applications.
  • Consider the type of company you want to work for next, or whether you want to become a consultant, open a franchise or start up your own business.

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Aren’t We All a little Paranoid?

Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is characterized by a deep distrust of others. People with PPD suspect that others are competing with them, undermining them, plotting against them and out to humiliate and belittle them.

Well, let’s think about this. Didn’t Bernie Madoff bilk billions from people who trusted him? And in the workplace aren’t we constantly competing with our coworkers for time, attention, rewards, promotions and job security? Haven’t most of us encountered so-called friends, who smile to your face, then spread rumors behind your back? What about the guy who cuts you off in traffic or suddenly slams on his breaks in front of you for no reason other than to get you upset?

There are some good reasons in our current world for people to have a healthy distrust of others. They’re likely to be more cautious and careful, very selective in whom they befriend and which institutions they patronize.

It’s probably a normal human trait to be a little paranoid  a survival mechanism. It’s wise to look before we leap, to suspect hidden agendas behind offers that seem too good to be true. We just have to be careful not to let our cynicism block us from actual opportunities and genuine relationships.

People with PPD seldom seek counseling, and if they do, they won’t open up and share with their therapist. Their thinking is so rigid they find it hard to let down their guard and consider a different reality than the one they see.

The beauty of self reflection and personal growth is that we can take a breath, forgive others, try to understand a different point of view and not let setbacks keep us from hoping and dreaming.

It takes courage in a time of change and uncertainty to look for the good in others, overlook offenses and stay positive.

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The Procrastination Problem, Part 2

If you want to procrastinate less or not at all  and make your life more meaningful you need a plan.

Stephen Covey, author and motivational speaker, recommends using a compass approach to organizing your life. A compass is a device that shows you which direction you’re heading. If you don’t know where you’re going, any path will get you there. But if you develop a vision for your life, then you quickly see the road you should take.

Most people want to achieve balance in their lives “ becoming a well-rounded person who is effective and respected at work, at home and spiritually. Covey’s compass method calls for spending time at the beginning of each week to plan actions and activities that accomplish meaningful and important things in our lives. You can use an actual Covey compass tool, or make use of a small planning book or digital device to keep track of appointments and activities. Help your child with his art project Monday evening. Schedule lunch with a friend or colleague Tuesday. Go to the PTA meeting Tuesday evening. Finish the big report by Wednesday. Go to the gym Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Volunteer with a canned food drive Thursday evening. Meet your running buddies for your 10-mile distance run Saturday morning.

In this way you’re making time for the most important people and activities. The little things can come and go they’re not important. Create your plan weekly. After a while you’ll see you’re accomplishing much more and feeling better about your life balance.

If a big project seems overwhelming, break it into smaller parts. Look at the due date and work backwards. Mark down milestones along the way and when various components need to be done. Be realistic as to how long it will take to finish the work so you schedule plenty of time. Fight through the urge to procrastinate.

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