Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a pervasive sense of sadness and hopelessness, and inability to enjoy life. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: fatigue, irritability, crying spells, sleep disorders, forgetfulness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts. People dealing with depression need to know that recovery is possible and that it is more than a case of the “blues” that they can shake with willpower, as well-meaning friends or relatives may suggest. Depression is a real disease.

Anyone can suffer from depression, though women tend to get it more than men. In children, the rates are similar between the sexes. Those with a family history of depression are more likely to have it. Severity can range from situational depression, which is caused by a stressful life event; to dysthymia, a mild but long-lasting form of depression; to major or clinical depression. There is also seasonal depression that occurs when exposure to natural light is limited, postpartum and premenstrual depression that occurs due to hormonal changes, and other less common forms.

The cause of moderate to severe depression is now widely agreed to be biochemical imbalances in the brain. While very mild or situational periods of depression may resolve on their own, most cases require some kind of intervention. Traditionally, modern psychiatry offered only talk therapy and medications with severe side effects for sufferers. Since the discovery of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) like fluoxetine (Prozac) in the 1980’s, many people have found relief from the symptoms of depression.

But with society leaning much more toward “greener” lifestyles, holistic methods of health are more popular than ever. There are several tried-and-true herbal remedies for depression. St. John’s wort, for example, has been used extensively in Europe for decades, prescribed by doctors and psychiatrists for their patients suffering from depression. Study after study – over twenty – have proven its effectiveness. Gingko biloba also helps with depression by increasing blood flow to the brain, which increases mood and memory.

Other herbal remedies for depression can be used to alleviate some of the symptoms of depression that can greatly affect one’s quality of life. Valerian root, for example, can help promote the high-quality sleep that is so often elusive when depression hits.

The importance of a healthy diet and the benefits of exercise in maintaining and improving health can never be overemphasized. In addition to promoting overall fitness and endurance, exercise increases production of the body’s “feel good” hormones, which elevate mood. A balanced diet containing omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and other essential vitamins and minerals can improve mood and alleviate depression.

Untreated depression can be devastating to individuals and their loved ones. But there is help available that can lift the veil of depression and allow the sun to shine in again.

Shannon Pollock
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/herbal-remedies-for-depression-did-you-know-there-are-alternatives-to-prescriptions-521079.html

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People go through life everyday, doing routine activities like cleaning the house, cooking, doing the laundry and a lot more. But there are times when problems are encountered unexpectedly, and certain drastic events that occur pose a danger to our emotional stability.

The danger of getting depression is possible, especially those who have recently experienced unexpected events or turns in their life.

Dealing with a disorder like depression is needed because it can create significant impacts in your life. What then is depression? Depression is a mood disorder which causes you to feel hopeless or sad over an extended period of time. Your life, work, health, and the people around you are affected by this mood disorder.

People are affected differently by depression. Others find it easy to deal with depression but there are also those that feel down for an indefinite period. Your daily activities will not be affected if you are only suffering from mild depression but you should also get some sort of treatment to prevent it from getting worse.

Medical attention is needed by those persons suffering severe depression because they can become incapable of communicating or doing daily activities, and the worst case scenario is suicide.

A great number of people suffering from depression are hesitant to seek medical help for they think it is a sign of character flaw or weakness, and some think they can resolve it on their own. But they are wrong; by confining it, the depression will only get worse. Facing the problem is the most effective way to address the problem with depression. And seeking medical help is not bad; it is even an advantage on your part.

Depression is triggered by stressful events, certain drugs, other illnesses, inherited traits, or medications. It is linked to having an imbalanced brain chemistry.

Depression has two significant symptoms: hopelessness or sadness and loss of interest/pleasure from daily activities. Other symptoms of depression include:

1due to change in appetite, the depressed person losses or gains weight
2sleeps too much or hardly sleeps
3cannot sit still or exhibits a feeling of restlessness
4feels tired most of the time
5guilty feeling or feeling unworthy
6problems with concentration, remembering, and making decisions
7thinks about death or suicide

You have a major depression if you are experiencing at least five of the symptoms mentioned including loss of interest o sadness for 2 or more weeks. However, having only a few of the symptoms does not mean that you shouldn’t get assistance.

Aside from the symptoms previously mentioned, some people also experience the following:

1 -having headaches, body aches, pains
2 -digestive problems
3 -loses interest in sex
4 -feels worried or anxious without reason
5 -blaming self or others for the depression
6 -not talking or moving for several hours
7 -increased anger, tearfulness, tension, anxiety
8 -arms and legs suddenly feels heavy
9 -very sensitive to rejection

Indeed depression is a serious problem that should not be taken for granted regardless of age or gender. You must therefore be aware of the early warning signs of depression in order to seek assistance immediately.

At first, the symptoms of depression are subtle and hardly recognizable. Children and teens have different symptoms of depression and are quite difficult to diagnose compared to adults. So if you have children, you should pay more attention to them and watch for possible signs of depression.

Depression should not be taken likely. If you or any friend/family members have the symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Hector Milla
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/depression-symptoms-should-be-taken-seriously-66078.html

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Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a mental illness that manifests itself as mood swings or mood cycling between depressed, manic, or normal moods. There are two types of bipolar disorder. The first type, sometimes called raging bipolar, manifests itself as almost constant mild mania, with periods of sever mania alternating with depression. Mixed episodes where the patient displays both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time can also occur with this type of bipolar disorder.

The second type, sometimes called rapid cycling bipolar, manifests itself as almost constant depression, with alternating periods of mania and severe depression that can often last a few hours or a few days before cycling to the next episode.

Depression symptoms include oversleeping, extreme sadness, feelings of worthlessness or despair, irritability, anger, and withdrawl. Manic symptoms include sleeplessness, increased energy levels, distractibility, racing thoughts, obsessive behaviors, and extreme happiness.

There are many treatment options for bipolar disorder. Most patients with bipolar disorder require a combination of medication and therapy or counseling for successful treatment of symptoms. However, minor cases of bipolar disorder may not require medication, but may require instead cognitive behavioral therapy. There are some cases, such as in patients with a history of drug abuse, where medication may be recommended but is not a viable treatment option. These cases typically also use cognitive behavioral therapy to assist patients in coping with their illness.

Celexa is an anti-depressant, commonly used with bipolar patients. Celexa, or citalopram, is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. This family of medications has the effect of balancing serotonin levels in the brain, which are thought to be responsible for mood stabilization.

Celexa is most successful as a treatment for unipolar depression and bipolar disorder type two patients. This is because it is an anti-depressant. Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that balances moods and particularly controls strong emotions, often presents imbalances in the form of depression. Celexa corrects these imbalances, giving the patient relief from depression.

Celexa is most successful as a treatment for bipolar disorder type one patients when used in combination with a mood stabilizer. As an anti-depressant, Celexa alone causes bipolar disorder type one patients to swing into a manic episode. Used in combination with a mood stabilizer or anti-psychotic, however, can allow for a balance of moods to take place, ending rapid or raging mood cycling.

Celexa has several possible minor side effects when used for treatment of bipolar disorder. Common side effects include drowsiness, cotton mouth, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Less common side effects include abdominal pain, anxiety, gas, headache, heartburn, increased sweating, pain in muscles or joints, increases or decreases in weight, weakness, and vomiting. If these side effects persist or become unbearable, you should contact your doctor.

Celexa can also have several possible major side effects when used for treatment of bipolar disorder. Common major side effects include a decrease in sexual desire or ability. Less common major side effects include agitation, confusion, blurred vision, fever, increase in urinal frequency, lack of emotion, decreased memory, skin rashes, and trouble breathing. If you experience any of these side effects you should contact your doctor immediately.

Friends, family and patients with bipolar disorder should keep in mind that even when using anti-depressants such as Celexa, suicide, suicide threats, and suicide attempts can still occur. Always be aware of the signs that can lead to suicide so that medical treatment can be found before an attempt is made.

Bipolar disorder should, in all cases, be treated with a combination of Celexa, or other medications, in conjunction with therapy or counseling. Bipolar disorder patients are encouraged to take active part in their treatment plans. Additionally bipolar patients should not attempt to self medicate or treat symptoms with medication alone. If you show symptoms of bipolar disorder, you should contact your doctor about Celexa and other treatment options.

Li Ming Wong
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/celexa-and-bipolar-disorder-211802.html

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The latter type, sometimes referred to as ‘clinical depression’, is defined as ‘a persistent exaggeration of the everyday feelings that accompany sadness’.

If you have severe depression you may experience low mood, loss of interest and pleasure as well as feelings of worthlessness and guilt. You may also experience tearfulness, poor concentration, reduced energy, reduced or increased appetite and weight, sleep problems and anxiety. You may even feel that life is not worth living, and plan or attempt suicide.

Depression can affect anyone, of any culture, age or background. About twice as many women as men seek help for depression, though this may reflect the greater readiness of women to discuss their problems.

One thing that may make it hard for doctors to recognise depression is that people with depression often complain of physical problems, commonly headaches, lethargy, stomach upsets or joint pains, rather than low mood, sometimes because these can be significant symptoms, but sometimes because they find it difficult to admit to feeling emotionally distressed for reasons they may not even be able to identify.

Depression is usually related to upsetting life events, such as bereavement, relationship difficulties, physical illness, or job or money worries.

Are there different types of depression?

Bi-polar disorder (manic depression)

Someone with bi-polar affective disorder has both ‘high’ and ‘low’ mood swings, along with changes in thoughts, emotions and physical health.

Post-natal depression (PND)

About 1 in 10 women experience postnatal depression in the first year after having a baby.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Some people describe feeling depressed regularly at certain times of the year. Usually this kind of depression starts in the autumn or winter, when daylight is reduced.

How can you reduce the risk of depression?

• Keep in touch with you friends. If you are already depressed you find it very difficult to be sociable, and this can make you feel more depressed. So it is important for you to keep in contact with friends and find someone to talk to when you are feeling low.

• Keep active. Being more active is associated with lower levels of depression. Outdoor activity seems to be particularly important in staving off depression in older men.
  Review your eating habits. Recent research has suggested that people who are depressed may have low levels of certain essential fatty acids, which are found in fish oils. It has therefore been suggested that people with depression should change their eating habits, for example eating more oily fish such as sardines, or should take fish oil supplements.

• Investigate herbal medicine. St John’s Wort ( Hypericum perforatum) can help many people with mild to moderate depression. Before taking St John’s Wort check with your doctor or pharmacist especially if you are taking other kinds of medication, for example for heart disease, epilepsy, asthma or migraine.

• Investigate self-help techniques. Some people have reported benefits from various self help techniques such as meditation, listening to music, and acupuncture.

• Take control. Some people find it helps if they have some control over what happens. This helps to guard against the kind of ‘hopelessness’ which is associated with depression. Activities that involve making a ‘fresh start’ have been shown to help people recover from long-lasting depression. Similarly, learning to set small or manageable goals can give you a sense of achievement and make you feel better.

There are a number of self-help books, guides, and software programmes which can help you to learn ways of coping with mild to moderate episodes of depression.

What treatments are there for depression?

Drug treatments

Anti-depressant drugs act by increasing the activity of those brain chemicals which affect the way we feel. Anti-depressants are thought to help 2 out of 3 of people with depression.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as dothiepin, imipramine, and amitryptyline are often prescribed for moderate to severe depression. These usually take up to two weeks to start working and may have side effects.

Newer antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and SNRIs) target specific chemical ‘messengers’ in the brain. The most well-known SSRI is fluoxetine (Prozac) but there are several other brands. These newer drugs are popular because they tend to have fewer side effects than older drugs.

Lithium carbonate is sometimes prescribed to people with severe depression. High levels of lithium in the blood are dangerous so anyone taking lithium must have regular blood tests.

If you are prescribed drugs for depression you will probably be advised to take them for at least six months – or longer if you have a previous history of depression. You may experience withdrawal effects if you stop taking antidepressant drugs, particularly if you stop suddenly. These effects can include headache, nausea, dizziness and even hallucinations. Always consult your doctor before stopping taking anti-depressants. Do not stop taking medication suddenly as the withdrawal effects may be severe.

Talking treatments

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of ‘talking’ treatment. It is based on the fact that the way we feel is partly dependent on the way we think about events (cognition). It also stresses the importance of behaving in ways which challenge negative thoughts – for example being active to challenge feelings of hopelessness.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on people’s relationships and on problems such as difficulties in communication, or coping with bereavement. There is some evidence that IPT can be as effective as medication or CBT but more research is needed.

Counselling is a form of therapy in which counsellors help people think about the problems they are experiencing in their lives and find new ways of coping with difficulties. They give support and help people find their own solutions, rather than offering advice or treatment.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

ECT is a controversial treatment which is intended only to be used for people with severe depression who have not responded well to medication or other treatments. The person receiving ECT is given an anaesthetic and drugs to relax their muscles. They then receive an electrical ’shock’ to the brain, through electrodes placed on the head. Most people are given a series of ECT sessions. Some people say that ECT is very helpful in relieving their depression, although others have reported unpleasant experiences, including memory problems.

For free advice on Depression or for a free consultation over the phone or in person ring 0151 678 3358 or 07714853 524 or visit http://www.clairehegarty.co.uk

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diane walker
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/depression-what-is-depression-665085.html

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Do you get depressed on (and off) your computer? Depression (prolonged sadness with no prolonged rational cause) is actually quite

common. In the United States, about 1 in 10 of citizens actually suffer from this illness.

Unfortunately, not even a major proportion of them get properly treated, thus, depression and its ill-effects continue to be a burden to

far too many individuals, plus a drain on business and society as a whole.

Is this illness something you can shake off by yourself-like flu or maybe a bereavement-and then get back on your keyboard?

Ordinary grief or sadness…yes. Sadly clinical depression takes far more than a little cheering up to actually cure.

As the name suggests, it is a genuine medical condition, often needing outside support to recover, or even cope.

Constant visits to a suitable behavior therapist are often vital, in addition to correctly taking any of the prescribed medicines that the

doctor has given.

Although neither treatment nor medication will be free, the amount of suffering that a person is going through because of severe

depression is enough reason already for them to be supported in facing depression head on by properly investing in the various

effective depression treatments now available.

Depression can badly interfere with an individual’s daily activities, ruin any attempt at healthy computing practices, impair their

normal functions and bring any but the most routine and easy business activities to a halt.

A solitary occupation – running a business on the Internet-can in fact increase ones feelings of stress and isolation. One’s zest for life

can quickly and easily dissipate due to intense depression.

Just picture it-in place of an energetic sunny disposition, you can become a stranger, hating yourself, having no drive or motivation,

isolating yourself from the world and basically just not caring about living or participating any more,

Additionally, someone suffering from depression will directly or indirectly make those around them suffer strain heartache and

depression as well.

Seeing the individual go through such rough patches, basically indifferent to anything or anyone anymore, its highly likely that not only

will depression corrode a relationship with ones self, but with his or her loved ones and business contacts too.

Depression treatment usually begins with the depressed person being gradually being supported and encouraged to openly

acknowledge both that they are ill (and wish to be free of it), and that they can escape.

This is what really makes it possible not only for the doctor but for the patient, to actually treat and confine depression, and

ultimately find an appropriate depression treatment for most sufferers.

With various medications (like Zoloft antidepressant depression treatment) plus a wide variety of psychotherapies, the patient, as

well as their family, should have a considerable range of options tailored towards the particular depression profile displayed.

Psychotherapy, a popular type of depression treatment includes short-term therapy sessions, usually from ten to twenty weeks

promising to actually be able to make positive results for the depression patient.

This form of depression treatment actually assists a depressed individual by slowly enabling them to open up about their feelings, the

root of their problems, and the roots of their depression.

Healthy verbal exchanges between a cognitive behavior therapist and the patient is great depression treatment that will positively

enable the depression sufferer by helping them discuss and talk about whatever they’ve been bottling up inside them

Various medications that are available for depression treatment will help the depression patient regulate their mood swings, and help

them sleep better and as well as socialize and feel less threatened or aggravated by others.

To sum up, if you are feeling down and can’t lift yourself back up to where you were, don’t be afraid to seek qualified medical help.

Get depression treatment NOW!

Mick Madigan
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/finding-the-right-depression-treatment-on-and-off-the-pc-91802.html

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i would say that depressed people are sometimes hard to read, you cannot tell because often people keep their feelings locked up inside of them.
i guess they might act withdrawn, reject offers to go out places, and seem disinterested or vacant. depression sucks the life out of you and doing anything can seem impossible. they might seem tearful as this is another symptom.
many depressed people also self harm (don’t get me wrong, that’s not all, and not all self-harmers are depressed) so you might notice some scars on their arms or something.

i think generally you might not be able to tell, but those might be some telling signs.

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For a huge amount of people that are suffering from depression, suicide is a huge risk. It is really not uncommon for those that are suffering from any type of depression to contemplate suicide, whether they mean to go through with it or not. Normally if someone is going through a bought of severe depression, suicide isn’t something that they have the physical energy to go through with. However once the depression begins to lift there is a really great chance of them attempting to do harm to themselves.

For individuals that are suffering from depression, suicide is often looked at as a symptom of their condition. The many different symptoms that people contemplating suicide can experience can be treated by medical therapies. If you happen to be suffering from depression, suicide thoughts of any type should be taken extremely seriously and a qualified health care professional should be consulted as soon as possible.

When suffering from depression, suicide issues can be hard to diagnose and deal with. Risk factors with depression and suicidal issues can depend on things like your age and gender, and are often likely to change over the course of your life. Those experiencing suicidal thoughts are generally also going through some type of depressive illness as well. Many research studies performed by health care practitioners have shown that with individuals suffering through depression, suicide issues are really quite common. Further research by healthcare professionals shows that people who have thoughts of suicide have had some type of alteration to the neurotransmitters in their brain.

Suicidal thoughts are very common in those who are depressed and go through a major life event or trauma. Although suicidal thoughts are not normally a reaction by most people suffering the daily stresses in life, they can happen to anyone. Some of the risk factors that can bring about the thoughts of suicide can include many of the following:

• If you are diagnosed with any type of depression, suicide thoughts and issues are likely.

• Life events such as being jailed or a previous suicide attempt by you or someone close to you can be factors.

• Should you have a family history of depression it is likely suicidal thoughts are something you could be dealing with. Other family related factors that can lead to depression and suicidal issues include any type of physical and emotional abuse as well as a history in your family of drug abuse.

• Exposure to others that have either tried to commit suicide or when successful at it due to their depression can be a huge risk factor.

So what can be done when you find out that you or someone you know is at risk of suicide?

First, many people need to come to the realization that a person is seeking attention, and need immediate help if they are discussing suicide. For many people battling depression, it becomes an option in their minds and speaking of it is a way to ask for help.

For individuals that are experience depression, suicide prevention is essential. Many healthcare providers believe that with an accurate diagnosis of depression, suicide can often be avoided. Being able to effectively diagnose and treat depression is one of the very best ways to avoid suicidal thoughts and actual suicide attempts.

It is essential that it is determined whether or not a person is suffering from a mental disorder versus a substance abuse related disorder. Unintentional suicide can be caused by substance abuse, so it will be important for the sufferer to receive treatment for both. When trying to effectively prevent suicide, it is important to remember that in someone with depression, suicide will always remain a risk.

Ryan King
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/depression-sucide-is-a-serious-risk-101782.html

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I am going to try and answer your questions in the same order you asked them..

MILD DEPRESSION:

Because this is only the mild form of the disorder, the symptoms are not very severe. Sufferer may carry on with their normal lives, only appearing low in spirits and possibly less sharp in their thinking or in their interest. They may stop doing things they do not actually have to do, but will often continue with the essentials, such as going to work or carring for the family.

However, they will tend not to be as conscientious about these things as previously, or will become upset because they feel they are not coping as well as they should because they feel too tired.

SEVERE DEPRESSION:

Severe Depression includes markedly depressed mood complicated by symptoms such as slowed speech, slowed (or agitated) responses, markedly impaired memory and concentration, excessive (or diminished) sleep, significant weight loss (or weight gain), intense feelings of worthlessness and guilt, recurrent thoughts of suicide, and lack of interest in pleasurable activities. This form of clinical depression is a dangerous and excruciating illness. The emotional structure of the brain has frozen into a pattern of misery that cannot be altered by willpower, a change of scenery, or the most earnest efforts of friends. In a sense, the brain has locked up like a crashed computer.

BI – POLAR

People with Bipolar Disorder experience extreme mood swings that can take three different forms: manic, depressive, and mixed episodes. Symptoms can include both a lowering of mood (depression) and an exaggerated elevation of mood (mania).

MANIC BI POLAR EPISODES

In a manic episode, some people with Bipolar Disorder may experience an elevated (extremely happy) mood, often described as feeling "on top of the world." Others may feel very agitated and act uncooperative and aggressive, which can be frightening for themselves and others. Patients often report that these episodes result in consequences that must be dealt with after the symptoms fade.

A diagnosis for a manic episode includes either an elevated or an irritable mood lasting at least a week plus three or more of the following symptoms:

•Talking too fast or too much
•Risky or impulsive behavior, like sexual promiscuity or excessive spending sprees
•Needing little sleep
•Being easily distracted (your attention shifts between many topics in just a few minutes)
•Having an inflated feeling of power, greatness, or importance
•Intense focus on goal-directed activity
•Racing thoughts

DEPRESSIVE BI – POLAR

A diagnosis for a major depressive episode requires having a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities a person used to enjoy. In addition, four of the following symptoms must also be present nearly every day for at least two weeks:

•Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (i.e., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite
•Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) nearly every day
•Feeling restless or sluggish to the point that others notice
•Fatigue or loss of energy
•Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
•Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
•Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal thoughts without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide
Mixed episodes
A mixed episode includes symptoms that are both manic and depressive.

ABILIFY (aripiprazole) is used for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder in adults and in pediatric patients 10 to 17 years of age.

Bipolar is verry different from clinical depression

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