Depression Hurts - Learn How to Deal With Depressing Thoughts

One of my favorite quotes for depression is:

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
- Unknown

Why is this one of my favorite quotes? Because it says everything in those five lines. Watch your thoughts. Why? Because they do become your words. If you are feeling depressed, the words that comes out of your mouth are depressing words. You can't help it. No way you can have depressing thoughts and be happy or say happy things without it having a depressing connotation to it.

Watch your words. Why? Because they become your actions. If your words are depressing, your actions will be too. Imagine being depressed. How do you look? You sit with your shoulders slumped, your head down, your breathing slow with long stressful sighs. Every movement is slow and deliberate, because it takes too much energy to go any faster, to try to get where you want to go.

Watch your actions. Why? Because they become habits. If you allow yourself to think depressing thoughts, causing your words to be depressing, causing your actions to become depressed, to cause yourself to have a depressing day, then what will stop it? You're depressed today, because you allowed it. What would stop you from becoming depressed tomorrow, or the next day, or the next? Watch your actions; because they do become habits.

Watch your habits. Why? Because they do become your character. If you allow yourself to get in the habit of being depressed, of not bothering to stop taking deep depressing breaths that your thoughts are causing, of not bothering to stop speaking of your depression and it's results, of not bothering to stop your actions from becoming your character, then you can just plan on being depressed until YOU decide that you don't want it anymore.

Watch your character. Why? Because it becomes your destiny. And you have just seen how. Take steps to change it now.

What is Bipolar Stability?

Many people believe that when you have bipolar disorder, you go through episodes all the time; however, the truth is that most people with the disorder have more normal periods in their lives than they ever have episodes. This is called stability.

When symptoms of bipolar disorder are present, it is called an episode. There are two kinds of episodes - manic and depressive.

Bipolar stability means the absence of symptoms. This can be compared to a cancer patient who goes into remission. The cancer may still be there, but the symptoms of it are absent.

There is no cure for bipolar disorder, just as there is no cure for cancer; however, there can be long periods of stability for someone who has bipolar disorder (i.e., the absence of symptoms).

Once stability has been achieved, certain things must be done in order to maintain it; such as the following:

o Take medications daily
o See doctor, psychiatrist and therapist
o Keep a regular sleep schedule
o Exercise regularly
o Eat a healthy diet
o Make sure you have balance in your life
o Be productive
o Have a job or volunteer
o Don't isolate
o Have a strong support system
o Keep stress levels to a minimum

Some people have also found that keeping a mood chart or journal to be helpful for bipolar stability. This is a daily way to chart moods, events, thoughts, feelings, etc., which can help you to note patterns and triggers, alerting you to possible oncoming bipolar episodes.

If you should notice that you feel more depressed than normal and it lasts for more than a few days, call your doctor, psychiatrist, and/or therapist, as this might indicate that you are becoming unstable and may be going into a depressive episode.

If you should notice an excessive amount of energy, decreased need for sleep, change in eating habits, and other symptoms of mania, you should contact your doctor, psychiatrist, and/or therapist, as this might indicate instability and an oncoming manic episode.

Although there is still no cure for bipolar disorder, stability is possible for you simply by doing certain things on a regular basis, as outlined in this article.

How To Recognize The Signs of Depression!

Depression is not only painful for the individual affected; it can also bring much pain to the individual's family. This is because the individual will normally shut himself off from any kind of communication with others, preferring to leave himself/herself isolated. This will leave family and friends bewildered by the individuals actions and leave them wondering what they can do.

Fortunately, there are some signs that an individual is struggling with depression that you can look out for. These warning signs can help you identify if a friend or loved one may have a problem and if you suspect there may be a problem, you can get them some help early on.

Some of these depression symptoms will be quite clear and others will be harder to spot. Some people who have depression will act as extroverts and freely mix with people making it hard to spot a problem with them. They're outgoing around people, but inside they feel disinterested in life. However, everybody who is suffering with depression will display various signs of depression; it's just about knowing what to look out for.

Depressed people who try to hide their depression by smiling and acting happy can be hard to spot. But it is possible to look behind their phony smiles. Normally when a person smiles, their smiles will reach their eyes too; you know they are happy! However, when a person's smile isn't genuine, the smile won't reach their eyes. You know they aren't happy or really enjoying themselves. This can be a sign of depression, if you notice the person is acting this way regularly.

Some other warning signs you should watch out for will include a person who feels worthless, not being able to concentrate, regularly taking about death, not able to hold a job down. You shouldn't have too much difficulty recognizing if an individual is suffering from depression after chatting with them for a little while.

Depression can be a serious illness that as led to death on too many occasions. If your concerned about a friend or a loved one. Spend some time with them and talk to them about how they feel. Taking the time to listen too them and helping them could save so much potential heartache.

Top 5 Tips For Managing Depression

Top 5 Tips to Help You Deal With Depression

Do you have difficulty getting out of bed? Have you lost your appetite or perhaps you're eating more than usual? Have others noticed that you're somehow different, somehow not as up or happy as you usually are? Have your coworkers or boss noticed that you have been missing more work lately or coming in late?

If this sounds familiar, you could be suffering from depression. Depression is a word that is often thrown around without much care being given to what it actually means. It seems that if you're sad, then you're depressed. The word depression is sometimes even substituted for sadness. And while sadness is part of depression, that's only part of it.

Depression is a life changing, and at times, life threatening condition. According to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic Statistic Manual-the book therapists use for diagnosis) depression consists of having certain feelings, behaviors, and thoughts. They include, but are not limited to: a depressed mood; loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to like and enjoy; diminished interest in all or almost all activities; significant weight loss when not dieting or, conversely, significant increase in appetite; insomnia; fatigue or loss of energy; feelings of worthlessness or guilt; loss of concentration, and recurrent thoughts of death. These things need to be present all day, everyday or nearly every day in order to be considered clinical depression.

The good news is that depression is treatable. Depression can be managed. It does not have to define you. Most people who suffer from depression are able to live the life they want by taking certain steps that have been proven to work. What I have found in providing therapy is that most people don't take the steps that can help. But if you are willing to do the work you can start to feel better and start to enjoy life again.

Here are 5 tools that have been proven to work for those who suffer from depression. I have seen them work for the people with whom I work and they can work for you.

Think Good Thoughts

This is perhaps the hardest of all the steps you can take. Arguably the worst part of depression is not the sadness, but the negative self-talk and thoughts that you have due to the depression.

The most basic way to manage these thoughts is to confront the negative thoughts and replace them with good thoughts. However, this doesn't mean it's easy. It's not. This is the idea behind one of the most successful forms of therapy for depression - cognitive-behavioral therapy. The idea here is that our thoughts control our emotions and behaviors and if we change our thoughts, we change our feelings and actions, i.e. what we feel, say, and do.

When I work with those who suffer from severe depression changing their thoughts is the hardest thing for them to do. One way I have found that works for people is to acknowledge all the thoughts they have and dismiss the negative ones. The idea is to say to yourself that you are having negative thoughts and then to let them go. It's natural to have negative thoughts when you're feeling depressed. The key is to remember that they are just thoughts and not you. You are separate from your thoughts. You can change the way you think.

Exercise

Research has shown that daily activity helps us to feel better about not only ourselves, but also those around us. The exercise you choose to do doesn't need to be vigorous or long, just something that gets you moving. However, when you're depressed you may find it difficult to motivate yourself to exercise. This is common.

So what should you do? Get up. Go for a walk. Do yoga. Go swimming. Walk up and down the stairs a few times. Do anything that gets you active and your body moving.

Exercise has been proven to create endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that are released when we are active and they contribute to feeling better. The release of endorphins helps us to feel more relaxed, less depressed, and helps us to have a better outlook on life.

When I work with patients in the hospital I encourage them to pace the halls or ride the stationary bike. The movement and motion helps the body create endorphins and the mind to think about something else. It's another way to help yourself to mental health.

Create a Happiness Journal

It's common to loose track of those things about which you are happy. When I work with people who suffer from chronic depression, I ask when was the last time they were happy or enjoyed doing something. The answer nine times out of ten is that they can't remember. Their brain has blocked the way to think good thoughts and is focusing only on the negative.

One way to combat this is to write down those times when you were happy, when you enjoyed doing something, or when you felt good about yourself. This is important as it will help remind you that there is hope; hope to feel like that again. It will also help remind you that there are events, people, and places you like; things you may have forgotten about.

Eat Well

When you are experiencing depression it's common to either want to eat all day or not at all. And if you choose to eat, chances are that you will want to eat junk food. Why is this? Simply because of the sugar high you will get.

In a study out of Britain, researchers found that people eating whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, were 26% less likely to be depressed. Conversely, the same study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, found that people who eat processed foods, such as those with refined sugars or fast food, were 58% more likely to suffer from depression.

Wanting to eat foods high in sugar, or comfort foods, is normal if you are suffering from depression. But remember, while it's normal, it's not helpful. There are a number of reasons for this. The first is that sugar only gives us a short boost of energy. It is similar to any drug that lifts our energy and mood for a short time. However, our body will only feel good until it has processed the sugar and then the crash that will happen may even leave you feeling worse then before.

Therapy

And then there's therapy. The simple act of talking about your issues, feelings, thoughts, and ideas can have amazing affects on both your mind and body. Research has shown that talk therapy is among the most important steps someone who is suffering from depression can take.

I have found working with those who suffer from depression that it is common to want to be left alone; to want to hide out in a safe place and just watch the world go by. The problem is that since you are also probably suffering from negative self-esteem, negative self-talk, and feelings of being alone and isolated, what will most likely happen is that you will not be able to make the changes necessary to start to feel better.

However, therapy can help provide a safe place to talk; a safe place to discuss your issues without fear of retaliation, ridicule, or judgment.

Conclusion

There is no one answer on how to deal with depression. My experience in providing therapy has shown me that the act of doing something, anything, creates better results then doing nothing. If you want to start to live a life that has less pain and depression, then now is the time to act. The fact that you're reading this means you have taken the first step in seeking help and that's something you can feel good about.

How To Beat Depression By Yourself - 3 Easy Steps

A difficult task as you can well imagine for someone suffering from manic depression. This may well be the case for the majority of sufferer's, however for those bordering on what may be described as borderline depression, the title "how to beat depression by yourself" may certainly apply. While not the most desirable way to go about a cure, it isn't impossible and can work for those who would prefer this method, providing the will and desire is there.

Three Easy Steps To Beat Depression:

The first step to helping yourself get through a depressive state is to be honest with yourself and acknowledge that you have a problem and decide whether or not you are determined to do whatever it takes to beat it. Easier said than done, but this is the first positive step in the right direction.

The second step is to talk to someone about it, someone you can really trust a good friend, family member or seek the opinion of a qualified person, your doctor or psychologist. There advice will help you focus on the task ahead, provide a support base and sounding board for you. Hopefully there advice will re-enforce what you may already know about yourself and the type of depression you may be suffering from.

The third step is to do a little research yourself on the topic of depression. There is a wealth of information readily available and if applied correctly, you could see yourself well on the way to a steady recovery. Different types of depressive states will obviously require different types of treatments, therefore it is vitally important that you know what type you suffer from.

Self-Help Strategies:

For mild depression, self-help strategies like physical exercise and adhering to a healthy diet can be extremely beneficial. The good news is there is an abundance of information and assistance out there to help you get through this illness. Education in this regard can be of immense benefit to yourself, helping you understand what some of the common symptoms and remedies are giving you a greater awareness of what you may be experiencing. Knowledge takes away the fear of not knowing what's going on.

I read recently an explanation describing what depression was and the writer defined it as a chemical imbalance that takes place in the body and brain. It is a known fact that the mind is such a powerful tool within the human anatomy that it has both the power to heal or destroy the mental and physical well being of a person.

If this is true then it goes without saying that we must be very careful what we feed the mind because we ultimately become what we think about most predominately, be they negative or positive thoughts. Understanding this one thing can make a huge difference in the way we view ourselves and the way we behave and live. The root of all depression rests with this simple truth. Change the way we think and we can completely change the way we feel and live.

The Power Of The Mind:

To illustrate how powerful the mind is, think about a situation of life and death where the mother or father of a child is able to lift the weight of a car or other heavy object that was about to crush the life out of their child. The mind instantly created a super human effort through a chemical change in the body combined with adrenalin. How many times have you heard such stories?

While the mind was put to work in a very positive way to produce a positive outcome, so too it can be put to work in a very negative way producing negative results. Think about this for a while and you will begin to appreciate the enormous respect you must have for your mind and its power to produce both negative and positive outcomes.

Rid your mind immediately of all negative thinking, feelings etc. because this type of thinking, if it has not already will bring you down and could be the root of your depression. Feed it only the very best of positive thoughts and you will have a positive outcome, a healthy mind and body in no time at all. Apply this thinking to the task ahead "How To Beat Depression By Yourself" and you will succeed guaranteed.

5 Warning Signs of Depression and What to Do About Them

Something doesn't feel right.

Maybe you don't want to admit it to yourself, but you can't ignore all the signs. You get through your days okay, though some are better than others. What it really comes down to is you feel like you lost your spark, that edge that made you want to hop out of bed and take on the world and all it has to offer.

If this sounds a lot like you, you might be depressed. People tend to write off bad moods and listlessness as personal weaknesses, not serious mental health issues. And western culture, with its heavy emphasis on toughness and self-reliance, still stigmatizes people who seek treatment for their legitimate mental health issues.

Depression is often difficult to detect. The reason is because its victims suffer with it for so many years they don't know any better... they don't realize their lives could be radically different. On some days its symptoms are subtle, while on others it's easier to tell there's something seriously wrong. If you're on the fence about whether you might be depressed, here are the most common warning signs:

1. Your sleep patterns change. You might think that you only need to worry if you find yourself sleeping a lot more than you used to. This is not the case, however. Significant changes in sleep patterns - either sleeping longer or shorter than normal - are telltale signs of depression.

2. You feel tired all the time. Another thing you need to look out for is a constant lethargic feeling or hesitation to take on your day. If you find yourself having a difficult time getting out of bed in the morning, even after sleeping long hours, you could be depressed.

3. You can't focus, make decisions, or remember details. When you're awake during the day, you "go through the motions" of life. You do your best to carry on your daily routine, but it's almost like there's a big mental haze clouding up your actions.

4. You're often irritable or annoyed. The stereotypical person who is "blue" is portrayed as apathetic and unaffected, but this is an inaccurate depiction. Sometimes when people get angry a lot over minor things, the anger or frustration is just a surface emotion. Those disturbances can mask a greater issue.

5. You've lost interest in things you used to enjoy. This is a huge warning sign. If your favorite hobbies and spending time with loved ones becomes a chore, or if you find reasons to neglect them and spend time doing other things, you are probably struggling with this mental health issue. Depressed people have a hard time understanding why they can't find the joy in the simple things in life anymore. They wish they could find that "spark" again.

As you can see above, many of the warning signs of depression aren't obvious. It's easy to justify those negative feelings away as some type of weakness or sensitivity on your part. But it's critical that you don't do this. The first step to recovery is realizing you are dealing with a serious mental health issue, and it's not your fault! It has nothing to do with how tough you are or your maturity.

Once they decide to seek treatment, many people jump at the chance to take the first antidepressant their doctor prescribes for them. You should think twice before doing this because these pills are often expensive and come with dangerous side effects.

Depression is a complicated illness that hinges on a wide variety of factors. Therefore, exploring alternative methods to treat it is a wise choice. Embracing a holistic approach to fighting your illness - through dietary changes, self-help, and the incredible power of your mind, to name a few - can be an effective way to eliminate your symptoms for good.

Depression in Teens - How to Prevent Depression in Teens

Depression in teens is a very serious subject. Each year, 4% of teenagers will suffer serious depression, and need professional help.

While feeling sad is a healthy feeling, prolonged sadness without recovery leads to depression. If your teen is depressed, you will most likely find they will have problems with school work, relationships with friends and family, and engage in potentially harmful actions like drug use and unprotected sex.

The fact is that depression in teens can be treated with the proper resources. Yet, most depression cases in the United States, dealing with teens, go untreated. This is terrible, because if depression goes untreated it will get worse, last longer, and be harder to reverse if treatment does take place.

The two most common forms of depression in teens are reactive depression and manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder. Reactive depression is the most common type of depression, and deals with prolonged states of sadness and feelings of worthlessness. Bipolar disorder is characterized by a disturbing change of moods, usually from extremely manic to extremely sad, in short periods of time.

There are certain symptoms you should look for, when evaluating depression in teens. If your teen is sad a lot, and doesn't feel the usual relief after crying, this is a very critical sign.

Also, if they often express feelings of guilt, for no adequate reason, and their self-esteem is low, that is another sign. Other indicators are frequent indecision, a negative outlook on life, irregular sleep patterns, and high irritability, to name a few.

The first step a teenager needs to take if they feel depressed is to communicate with somebody they trust can help them. There are many different options for it teenager to discuss their problems with, such as their parents, their family doctor, somebody they trust in their church, and school counselor, or professional psychologists.

Depression in teens is typically treated with psychotherapy and/or medication. Typical psychotherapy sessions for depression in teens revolve around talking about how they feel with a trained psychotherapist, and trying to understand the root cause of the depression. Most often, depression is caused by a faulty understanding of reality, which can be easily corrected under the proper guidance of a professional.

In more severe cases of depression in teens, medication is also often prescribed. Depending upon the level of depression, medication might be required first before progress is made.

In conclusion, I have given you some facts to consider, relating to depression in teens. Use this information to determine the best course of action for you or your teen today, to make sure there is no unnecessary suffering being caused by depression in your life.

Is Mental Illness Caused by Demons?

In my opinion yes. Maybe not in all cases, but I would guess in something like 90% of them. This I would say from first-hand experience as someone who once suffered from demonic possession. I am a former NPR news reporter and now a writer and author.

As you join me in reading my article, you are sitting in a realm inhabited by the demonic and angelic. It's called the supernatural. You are probably shielded from seeing into this realm surrounding our earth realm. Shielded in God's mercy because if we could see what some of the demons look like that hover over us trying to afflict us or direct our paths, we would flee in terror and not be able to get through our days.

I was first educated at Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism. I became a news reporter at a commercial radio station, then at an NPR affiliate where I worked in radio and television. Later I went to Los Angeles as an entertainment reporter. Journalists are taught by professors and news editors to be cynical until they get the facts. In my hard-news reporting I had to interview preferably several sources to get the facts, before I broadcast a story or wrote an article.

In my own personal battle with alcohol, drugs (cocaine) and manic depression, I had a number of showdowns with the supernatural, most of which horrified me. I believe it was hard evidence that something demonic was happening. After much research, I came to the conclusion that something certifiably demonic was at the source of my battles with mental illness and addictions.

My spiritual warfare with the demonic took on what I call inner and outer battles. There were may inner battles with demons manifesting in manic depression, drug addiction and alcoholism. But it was not until I had an OUTER battle with the demonic, like something out of a horror movie, was I convinced that the supernatural and evil spirits are real. Demons can dwell within the body and mind and without or outside the body in the environment, atmosphere, etc. Only through God can we have them effectively and permanently cast out.

I have since been delivered through the power of prayer and fasting unto Jesus Christ and I have not had to take medication in 11 years. I once took Haldol, Mellaril, Lithium, Thorazine and Elavil---heavy psychotropic drugs. I was placed in quiet rooms and padded rooms, in straight jackets and restraints. One doctor said I was manic depression probably with a "touch" of schizophrenia. Oh great. I peeked at his clipboard that he had left in my room and it said: "Suffers from grave mental illness. Grave indeed, at times I felt like the walking dead.

As those who suffer or are still tormented by bi-polar illness know, it if often cyclical with normal periods where you are in your right mind.

It was in several normal periods years ago, in between manic and depression (bi-polar illness) where I was simply going about my daily business that the demons began to manifest. Anyone who has been in a truly haunted house knows what I'm talking about.

Anyone who has seen The Exorcist knows what I'm talking about. Why were people so stunned and so frightened of even that Hollywood version of possession and deliverance? Because deep in our beings, we sensed that we could be vulnerable. That there was a lot of truth there. (After all it was based on a true story about a young boy. I am not Catholic, but go to a bible-based Christian church and my deliverance was through prayer, fasting and praying the scriptures. I did not have an exorcist, I had the Great Physician, Jesus Christ.)

On February 17, 1994, while I was living in Los Angeles, I had one of my last terrible and tormenting battles with the demonic realm. My husband and I were separated and I was resting on the couch that evening. I looked up to see three entities in the shadows that looked like three men in the corner where my husband often had prayed to a (false) god and burned incense.

I called out who was there, the evil entities laughed and said "We're demons". If it had been a Saturday Night Live tv skit, I might have laughed too. But these evil spirits manifested in my living room and it was NOT funny.

Two days later I sensed a heavy presence of pure atmospheric evil in my apartment. Water ran without my turning it on, the toilet backed up, a heavy smell of sulfur and cat feces permeated the air. (I did not own a cat.)

I had an appointment and exited the apartment. At the time I smoked cigarettes and re-entered it because I had forgotten them. The evil presence was still there, and I nervously hurried to find my cigarettes. Before I could exit the door, I was suddenly attacked by a horrific invisible demonic presence that clawed at my back and shot up the base of my spine to my brain. I ran screaming from the apartment in terror. I felt my personality and essence had been snatched out and it was days before I was able to pray.

It was not until I was able to call on the name of Jesus that I felt the presence ebb. One year later I moved to New York City--trying to move away from demons no doubt! Which is silly because they are either in you or have no problem following you wherever you go or both. The good thing was that I found a great bible-believing church in New York. I learned to pray and fast, memorize and meditate on scripture, fellowship and call on believers to pray for me.

When I was willing to surrender my old way of life I called on Jesus for salvation. Then I called a prayer partner for deliverance. His confidence in Christ as a healer and prayer gave me assurance I would be set free. The next three days I went into prayer and fasting. This was spiritual warfare, truly a supernatural battle for my mind, body and soul.

On February 25, 1998, I went into a cold and deserted New York City area park and prayed for deliverance from alcohol, drugs and mental illness. I cried and fell on my face with outstretched arms begging for my freedom. In the invisible realm I sensed a heaviness being lifted, I felt bondages being broken, chains snapping and a sense of release. I walked out of that park a free woman.

I don't advise anyone to abruptly stop taking their medication. Psychiatrists serve their purpose for those who are catatonic or or a danger to themselves or others. Pray for wisdom. I spent a year prior to my deliverance weaning myself from the psychotropic drugs and bathed in the protection of prayer unto God. If you are not immediately set free, it is not because God doesn't love you. Meditate on scripture and you will begin to sense a peace, purpose, power and protection.

Mary Magdalene had seven devils (demons) until the Lord cast them out. It is speculated that she once suffered from mental illness. Anyone who has seven demons is not in their right mind! One of the scriptures I hung on, meditated on was:

"Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils." Mark 16:9

A formerly "crazy" woman and yet Jesus gave her the honor of being the first person to see the resurrected Christ. Then He made a woman the first evangelist when he told Mary Magdalene to run and tell the disciples that she had seen Him. Finally over 500 witnesses saw Jesus themselves. He had conquered death as He said He would.

The Jesus of the Bible the one I and other believers know, is not just the Lover of your soul. He is a Healer and Deliverer. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is mighty and powerful beyond human comprehension. He will summon a heavenly host of warrior angels to do battle when you call.

The 5 Important Facts You Must Know About the Light Therapy Lamp

If you are viewing this post right now, chances are that you are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and you want to learn how to make use of the Light Therapy Lamp to help solve your problems.

Yes, these lamps have been made use of in hospitals and clinics, and recommended by doctors. However, the consumers and patients ought to know more about what a Light Therapy Lamp is. That is why I will show you 5 important facts about the lamp before you purchase it and use it for yourself.

1) It helps to alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or in lay man's term, winter blues, is a mental problem many face in winter occurring areas. This is due to the shortening of days in these regions and the body automatically adjust to the lack of light. As a result, the production of melatonin, a hormone that is secreted in the body internally in darkness or dim light, occurs. This results in a change of mood and worse, depression that mimics those of clinical depression.The lamps produce this light that helps users to maintain their level of melatonin, allowing them to be more ready for the day even though it is shorter during winter.

2) Composition on a Light Therapy Lamp.

The Light Therapy Lamp is usually made up of a box of special fluorescent lamps that is installed with a diffusing screen. These lights are more powerful than your everyday lights, as they are needed to jumpstart your body to help adjust to the new body clock. However the lights produced are level of that of natural sunlight. Therefore, by using the SAD Lamps, it can be said that it is similar to you being outdoors, and that is actually great.

3) Intensity of the Light the lamps give out.

The intensity of the Light Therapy Lamp can be varied from 2500 lux to 10000 lux. lux is the measurement of lux illumination of lamps. It really depends on the person's needs and preference. Furthermore, the treatment duration will change variably with the lux value of the lamps they are using. The lower the lux, the dimmer the lamp will be. Usually for a 10000 lux (which is usually the case), the user may only need to bathe in the light for 30 minutes while doing what they want (surfing the net, reading a book). If he/she uses a 2500 lux Lamp, then he may need to bathe in the light for around 2 hours. But one thing very important about them is that the level of light matches that of the sunlight given during sunsets and sunrises. And everyone has their own suitable amount and intensity of light.

4) Treatment using the Light Therapy Lamp

Treatment using the Light Therapy Lamp is very simple. Just by switching on the lamp and making sure that you sit or position yourself comfortably, doing what you like (for example, reading a book, eating a meal etc). You do not have to stare into the lamp, but instead position the lamp lights towards your head and body. Treatment is simple and hassle-free as you can do what you still need to do (e.g. use the computer for work). You only have to open your eyes during the treatment and concentrate on the activity while being illuminated by the light. Of course, you can blink during treatment.

5) Cost of the Light Therapy Lamp

The cost of these lamps usually hovers around the range of US$150. There are many other more expensive ones which usually incorporate other technology such as ionic technology. One example is the NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp. Other types have adjustable light intensity and adjustable timing to switch on, allowing you to suit it to your own preference, like the Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device.

All in all, the Light Therapy Lamp is the most effective solution against Seasonal Affective Disorder. The lamps are generally not expensive, especially if you look in the long-term perspective. It is really worth it as you can use it for a few years. If the lamp cost US$150 and you use it for 5 years, it'll only be around 0.82 cents per day!

Well, I hope that these facts about Light Therapy Lamps have helped you in your decision to purchase and use them. I wish all of you can enjoy your winter days.

Clinical Depression - My Experience With and the Effectiveness of Client Centered Therapy

When first diagnosed with clinical depression in 1986, I did not want to talk to anyone, and I do mean anyone, about my emotional issues. That included my wife, parents, relatives, and friends After I was told that I should go to a therapist for treatment I didn't want to do that either. I figured my issues were my own business and no one else's, not even the psychologists. "Give me some pills and I'll be fine ", I said to the psychiatrist. I figured all I needed was some medicine and eventually I'd get over being depressed for good. It did not take too long to find out how wrong I was.

My doctor also insisted that if I wanted to get better, I needed psychotherapy. There are different types of psychotherapy available to help anyone who is depressed. Psychotherapy focuses on either affect (emotions), behavior (actions), or cognitions (thoughts), Some psychotherapies focus on a combination. The idea is that when either affect, behavior, or cognition get out of whack, they are all negatively effected. Through a series of psychological tests it was determined that my emotions were seriously damaged. For example, I'd cry at the drop of a hat, my self-confidence was in the toilet and I felt totally worthless. I needed emotionally focused therapy and that is what client centered therapy is all about.

I was pretty quiet for the first two or three sessions. Remember, I didn't want to say much of anything and as I reflect back I believe it was because of the stigma associated with having a "mental problem." It wasn't until the fourth session that I really started to open up and participate. As time went by I slowly began to feel better about myself and life in general without the psychotherapist "doing anything to me." I couldn't put my finger on it at first but after I did some research on client centered therapy, I understood why I felt better.

Client centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, is a non structured, non directive process between the psychotherapist and the patient. It is the process itself, not something that the psychotherapist does to the patient, that ultimately enables the patient to feel better by relieving the symptoms of depression. Client centered therapy is based on the humanistic philosophy that we all have the ability to strive to be the best that we can be in this life and we can find meaning for ourselves without constant direction from others. It was within this framework that Roger's focus in psychotherapy was less on what the therapist did and more on the client's verbal and nonverbal communication.

In order for client centered therapy to be effective the therapeutic process must contain the following 3 conditions:

1. Genuineness - Just as I was able to (eventually) share many of my thoughts and feelings with the therapist, so too was he able to share his own thoughts and feelings, both positive and negative, with me. Over several sessions I came to trust him and honestly believe that he was the real deal not hiding behind a facade or a mask of professionalism.

2. Unconditional positive regard - The second condition established by my therapist was that he accepted me with all my positive and negative qualities, just the way I was without any ridicule or rejection. I became so comfortable with our sessions that I could yell or scream at the guy without feeling guilty or unaccepted for doing so. This made me feel that how I communicated was just as important as what I communicated.

3. Empathy (reflective listening) - My therapist was able to understand and share my emotions and feelings. He did this by not only listening to what I had to say but actually summarizing and restating what I had to say in his own words. So when he made statements like," I can understand why you felt like you were between a rock and a hard place" or " perhaps you feel that you're unlovable", I came to believe that he actually knew what it felt like to "walk in my shoes" without making my issues his own. This enabled me to take charge of my feelings and work through them.

To be totally honest, I really did not need a battery of psychological tests to determine that my emotions were damaged. I knew that was my problem. However testing was part of the entire process that I needed to got through since I had voluntarily committed myself to treatment. I could have been taught a whole slew of different ways to change my thinking or behavior but I knew that was not going to change how lousy I felt. Keep in mind that client centered therapy takes time. As I made progress, my sessions were eventually cut back to the point that after three years, I no longer needed them.

If you've being diagnosed with depression and it's your emotions that are getting the best of you by negatively impacting the way you feel about yourself, talk to your doctor about client centered therapy. It worked for me, it could work for you as well.

About A Menopause Test And a List of Menopause Symptoms

A menopause test that doctors can perform checks the level of follicle stimulating hormones circulating in a woman's blood stream. There is a long list of menopause symptoms that a woman may suffer from. The most common complaints are hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings and headaches. The exact cause of these and other symptoms is unknown. Not all women experience them and some women experience others.

Another menopause test that a doctor may perform involves taking a sample of the cells of the vaginal wall. This is a simple and painless procedure. An individual woman's list of menopause symptoms may include vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. During menopause the vaginal walls thin and vaginal cells do not contain as much estrogen as they once did. This menopause test will help your doctor determine an appropriate treatment.

Over the years researchers have evaluated a long list of menopause symptoms to try and determine which ones are related to decreased estrogen production, which are simply related to aging and which are related to life events that may coincide with menopause. The following symptoms are sometimes associated with menopause: dizziness, lack of energy, diarrhea, constipation, depression, backaches, upset stomach, headaches, migraines, cold sweats, body aches, stiff joints, shortness of breath at rest and upon exertion, nervous tension, urine control problems, bladder infection problems, discomfort passing urine, rapid heart beat, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, vaginal discharge, dry eyes, nose mouth and skin, weight gain, breast soreness or tenderness, tingling in the hands or feet, sore throat, trouble sleeping, chest pain on exertion, loss of appetite, swelling of body parts and difficulty concentrating.

About 50% of all women experience hot flashes and night sweats at some point during the menopausal transition. Only about 10% experience them during the years leading up to menopause. The percentage increases as menopause approaches and in women who have them, they often continue for three years following menopause, if they are not treated. Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy, stress management techniques, acupuncture, herbal remedies and dietary supplements.

Natural estrogen produced by the body is known to affect the elasticity, thickness and moisture in of the skin. Thus, vaginal dryness and dry skin are probably symptoms of low estrogen levels. Estrogen creams and a ring that is inserted into the vagina and releases small amounts of estrogen on a regular basis are treatment options for vaginal dryness. Researchers are working on a cream that contains red clover isoflavones to relieve dry skin, improve skin thickness and elasticity.

Breast soreness and tenderness decreases as menopause approaches and is not experienced by most women during or following menopause. Treatment options include anti-inflammatories and analgesics. Supplements containing berries from the Chaste tree have shown some effectiveness and are non-estrogenic.

Headaches and migraines may be associated with fluctuating hormonal levels. Women who experience migraines during puberty often see them return during menopause. Some migraine remedies contain relatively large amounts of caffeine, which triggers hot flashes in many women. There are natural pain relievers that may be effective for headache and migraine relief.

Trouble sleeping is often caused by night sweats. It can also be a symptom of depression. Chest pain and shortness of breath should be evaluated by a physician. Heart palpitations or rapid heart beat is often associated with hot flashes and is not usually dangerous, but women who have a long list of menopause symptoms should have a complete physical to rule out other health problems. Doctors do not always perform a menopause test, unless a woman requests it.

To learn more about menopause symptoms and natural products that provide relief, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

How To Deal With Depression - Unique Ideas That Can Help You Cope With Depression

Do you suffer from depression? There's no reason to be ashamed of how you feel. There are millions of others around the world that suffer from chronic depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression) and many other types of this mental health disorder. You need to learn how to deal with depression in order to be able to get on with your life and function, at least somewhat normally.

People that have never been depressed can sometimes not be very compassionate towards others that have this problem. It's very easy to criticize something that you've never experienced, however, depression is a proven medical disorder and anyone that doesn't have any compassion for those that suffer with it may as well be making fun of someone with a broken leg. What's the difference? They're both proven medical issues?

Anyway, the best way to deal with depression is to do your best to avoid those that criticize, eat healthy foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, do not isolate yourself, no matter how much you want to, and get lots of hard, strenuous exercise. I mean bust your rear end until you break a really good sweat. Joining a gym is a great option! Get down there early in the morning at least five days a week and really crank out some exercise. Cardio is excellent for battling depression. Exercise kicks up the endorphins in your brain and makes you feel good.

Another thing that I've found that helps me is to eat hot foods. This is no joke. The endorphins kick in, which is the same thing that happens when you exercise. I'll eat fresh jalapenos or use some of my "nuclear hot" habanero sauce to give myself a good jolt. I've even started collecting and tasting several different brands of hot sauces. Hey, don't knock it until you try it!

These are ways that I use to deal with depression and I continue to use them because they work. If you don't have a clue about how to deal with depression yet, why not try what works for others? You just never know. It could make a big difference in how you feel.

Antidepressant Drugs Are Used To Treat Depression Symptoms

The primary purpose of an antidepressant is to prevent depression symptoms from surfacing. Some of the usual symptoms of depression include pessimism, helplessness, inability to concentrate and sleep, weight changes, irritability, feeling worthless and hopeless, quick to anger, chronic anxiety, and seemingly uninterested in all aspects of life. These drugs that suppress depression are coupled with the proper counseling, the end result will be positive. These types of drugs help increase the level of serotonin and norepinephrine that's an effective against depression. There are only a small number of antidepressants and some of these include tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibotors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

The last antidepressant goes by the abbreviation SNRIs. These are some of the drugs used to treat depression and are the most commonly prescribed. Of the drugs enumerated, tricyclic ADs have been the first of many that was used to treat the disorder. These drugs affect the production of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They help increase the body's production of these chemicals. However, if the patient treated for depression is not improved, the MAOIs are used. SSRIs on the other hand, are used for improving the production of serotonin in the brain. SSRIs and SNRIs both have the same purpose which is to enhance the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine.

A number of drugs used for treating anti-depression includes aventyl, surmontil, anafranil, elavil, pamelor, norpramin, sinequan, pertofrane, vivacti, nardil, parnate, marplan, paxil, zoloft, and cymbalta. Majority of the listed drugs here have after effects; other drugs have more adverse effects than some. There are also antidepressants that can alleviate the condition of other people. For the reason that there are so many antidepressant side effects, the best course of action would be to consult a specialist to choose the right treatment for you. If not treated, depression can become life threatening because it causes suicidal tendencies. You should immediately alert your psychiatrist if you're feeling this symptom.

Why Is My Dog Depressed? Dog Depression Symptoms and Treatment

When we talk about depression in dogs, we're not referring to the same type of mental illness that occurs in people. Human depression is a specific condition with a specific set of diagnostic tools and treatment options.

We say our dog is depressed when he doesn't seem to have much energy, and he's not interested in what's going on around him. ?He may not want to play ball or go for a walk, or even get off his bed.

Depression is such a vague symptom in dogs. There is no single reason for this lack of enthusiasm. In fact, the cause could either be physical or emotional.

1. 
   The first thing to do is to look for any other symptoms that have appeared at the same time as your dog's depression. He may have stopped eating, or he may be drinking a lot of water. Both of these can indicate a physical reason for his lethargy, such as diabetes, kidney disease or an upset stomach.
   


2. 
   Sometimes a dog is depressed and inactive because he's in pain. Watch for any sign of a limp, or reluctance to jump or climb stairs. Both of these suggest that his back or legs are hurting.
   


3. 
   Dogs can also feel down for emotional reasons. Think about any changes that have occurred in your dog's life during the weeks before he started showing signs of depression.
   


4. 
   Was there a death in the family, either human or animal? Dogs grieve just as we do, and it can take some time for them to get over their loss. Dogs are very social animals and can become depressed if they are lonely or bored. Make sure he isn't spending too much time in his crate, or in the back yard without any companionship.
   

If his depression is not lifting, or if he appears sore or unwell, it's time to visit your vet for a check-up.? A full examination and blood tests will identify what's wrong and start your dog on the road to recovery.

• 
  Increased physical exercise and extra mental stimulation such as teaching him tricks or participating in dog sports can really lift his mood. You can also help him by taking him on outings to places that may be interesting to him, such as the dog park or the beach. Perhaps you can arrange a play date with another dog.
  


• 
  If there is a doggie day care facility nearby, he'll enjoy spending a day or two a week there. He'll have the opportunity to run and play with other dogs in a safe, supervised environment. If your budget and lifestyle allows it, you may even want to consider adding a second dog to your family so he has company and a playmate when you're unable to be together.
  

It's not fun when you feel down in the dumps, and it's the same for your dog. When you figure out why he's depressed, and deal with the problem, it won't be long before his tail is wagging again.

Our dogs are like family to us and so naturally it's very upsetting when they become sick.? Wouldn't it be wonderful if you knew how to give your dog a check-up, so you could spot a problem early? Before it became truly serious or even life threatening?

Hopeless Problems, Perfect Answers in Bipolar Disorder

It's difficult to discuss depression because that word describes a whole spectrum of experiences. People often say, "I'm so depressed," when they mean they're disappointed, frustrated or sad. I got a 'C' on my midterm - I'm so depressed. Then there's the kind of depression that occurs with loss, what we might think of as part of the grieving process. Further along the spectrum and we have the clinical disorder with true symptoms of depression. While these various experiences have some features in common, they are very different psychological states of mind.

Many of my clients over the years have suffered from personality disorders, often with severe depressive features. At some unconscious level, they all felt as if they were so damaged that their psychic life was a catastrophe, a kind of post-apocalyptic wasteland, and there was no hope that anything could be done about it. When I was able to understand this and could articulate it to them, it brought a kind of relief: until then, that feeling of being damaged-beyond-repair was so agonizing as to be intolerable, impossible to acknowledge; the fact that we could think about it together made it seem a little less hopeless, at least for a moment.

Often when the hopelessness became unbearable, they'd take flight from it. One day, a client might come in so depressed he or she was practically mute; the next, giddy, talkative and full of optimism. They often made no mention of the prior depression, as if it were a thing of the past. A sudden industriousness had come over them and they began to tackle each and every item on their to-do list. They were going to do everything, change everything, conquer the world. When they were in this state of mind, I often had the feeling that they were keeping me at an emotional distance; if I said anything that called this new enthusiasm into question or tried to remind them of their recent depression, they could easily turn against me and the treatment, as if now I were the problem.

You probably recognize the dynamic - a kind of high-low functioning that characterizes bipolar disorder. Either everything is hopelessly damaged, beyond redemption, or life is wonderful! In mania, it's as if a kind of magic has occurred: the depression has abruptly and permanently vanished.

I believe a similar dynamic occurs in many people who would never receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or major depression, people who are occasionally depressed like many of us. The change isn't as dramatic and extreme, but often when the depression begins to lift, a kind of "magic" has occurred. Serial romantics demonstrate this the most clearly. You probably know someone like this, the one who's always falling in an out of love, on top of the world when in the throes of a new romance, in the depths of despair when the affair ends. These people aren't interested in having an authentic relationship, not with themselves or another person, but instead are using the romance drug as a magical cure for hopeless depression.

There are other kinds of "magic". A different job or career. Move to a new city! My next vacation! The variety of magical solutions is endless, but the problem they are meant to solve is always the same: a feeling of hopelessness, the conviction that one's internal world is in such bad shape that nothing can or ever will make it feel better.

Do you ever feel hopeless? What are your familiar magical solutions?

"Retail therapy" has become a familiar joke, a witty description that makes light of the dynamic. Many people turn to shopping as a way to cure a mood or state of mind which they feel can't be met head-on, can't be made better in any realistic way. Indiscriminate sex can be used for the same purpose. Gambling, alcohol, drugs - all the addictions may function in just this way, as a magical antidote to a problem felt to be hopeless.

What's your drug of choice? Next time you feel the "craving", see if you can resist and get closer to the feeling you want to escape. Is it unbearable? Does it feel hopeless?

One of my favorite theorists once said that many people in therapy refuse to suffer their experience - in the old sense of the word, to "submit" to it - and want to be free of it instead. As a psychotherapist, I believe you can't get rid of any part of your psyche; all you can do is try to develop other internal resources to cope with it. Try to stay with your experience, face it head-on and gain some small bit of understanding. If you can bear with it long enough, you may find your way to some imperfect, small but truly helpful way to make yourself feel a little better.

Bipolar Disorder and the Disability Tax Credit

Bipolar disorder, which used to be known as manic-depressive disorder, affects about one percent of Canada's population. The disorder is marked by periods of emotional highs, called mania, alternating with periods of emotional lows, called depression. The level of emotion in these moods is disproportionate or unrelated to the events and situations a person is facing in his or her life at the time.

The mood swings of bipolar disorder can be mild or they can be severe. They may change over time and with a dependence on the other circumstances a person is facing. For example, in times of high stress, the episodes may be more pronounced.

Bipolar disorder has a tendency to run in families. The root causes are unknown, but an imbalance in brain chemistry is suspected. This is because of the way that medications which work in reducing symptoms function. Recurrence of the cycle of manic and depressive symptoms throughout a person's lifetime is usual, especially when left untreated.

During the manic period, a person might be irritable and argumentative as well as euphoric. Other symptoms include rapid fire speech patterns and complaints of racing thoughts, a sensation of not needing to sleep, and an exaggerated sense of self-esteem. Impulsive and reckless behaviour are common, even criminal and dangerous behaviours. This is because of a feeling of invincibility. In the most extreme cases, there may be hallucinations and delusions as well.

During the depressive period, there are feelings of hopelessness, an increase in sleeping and/or eating, a decreased interest in things that used to give pleasure, and thoughts and expressions of self-denigration. Thoughts of suicide may occur. Attempts are rarer, but are higher among those with bipolar disorder than in the general population.

Either phase may be triggered by stress, alcohol or drug abuse, and changes in daily routine that disrupt established sleep patterns. Work and school performance can be adversely impacted in those with bipolar disorder. Relationships may become strained. Prolonged mental illness impacts physical health, too. Body aches may occur, due to a lack of restful sleep and elevated levels of cortisol. Appetite fluctuations lead to weight gain, weight loss, and poor nutritional status.

Even with medication, many people with bipolar disorder are unable to keep a regular job. That can lead to financial difficulties. The Disability Tax Credit may be available to those with bipolar disorder. The requirements are that the applicant have a significant impairment in two or more abilities that are needed in daily life and a marked impairment in one such ability, and the condition must have been present for a continuous period of one year. A supporting family member can take the credit, if the disabled person does not earn any taxable income.

When applying, it is important to complete the paperwork accurately. Even people who would have qualified have been denied because of errors or omissions in the documentation. An experienced professional can take care of the filing for you. Their familiarity with the requirements of the Canada Revenue Agency ensures that everything is done correctly.

Depression Affects Everyone

Depression is something that affects us all at varying degrees in our lives. Typically, we become depressed due to some sort of an emotional connection to something. For instance it is not uncommon for someone to become depressed when they experience a breakup with a loved one, a death in the family or an argument or falling out with a friend. Perhaps most commonly nowadays, depression is stemming from people losing their jobs- some of which they've had for years.

So, how do we deal with depression? Some people deal with depression by turning towards drugs and/or alcohol because they feel that it takes the edge off of the emotional or psychological pain that they are feeling. Still, others turn to more bizarre, physical forms of punishment such as cutting themselves or becoming bulimic or anorexic. It is somewhat amazing to see how committed some people are to being depressed. Depression is often compared to a comfortable bed in that it is easy to get into but more difficult to get out of. If you suspect that someone is depressed, don't sit back and do nothing. Instead, do something. Talk to that person about what you suspect might be going on. Other approaches include having an intervention or simply maintaining regular communication with the person.

Often depressed people are only a few steps away from having suicidal tendencies. This is because people who are severely depressed often feel that they have nothing left to live for. They feel as if their life is a total failure and they lack the self confidence that the need to pull themselves out of a slump. There is much controversy over the issue of prescribing medication to treat depressed people because often times, these medications come with side effects which may exacerbate the issue, leading directly to suicide. Additionally, while it may make sense for depressed people to seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist, they will often fail to do so because it makes them feel worse in that they don't have friends that they can talk to. Additionally, by seeing a doctor for depression, it is also admitting that you have a problem, which is incredibly difficult for a depressed person to do.

While the symptoms of depression are somewhat vague, some signs that a person might be depressed include: lack of sleep, sleeplessness, insomnia, missing work for unexplained reasons, not doing things that he/she used to, quitting things suddenly, not enjoying things that once made him/her happy, mood swings, irritability, restlessness, lack of appetite, increased appetite and reckless behavior. If you are close to someone who you suspect may be depressed, simply look for any unusual patterns in their behavior. Does the person often cry for no apparent reason? Do they seem uncomfortable in the presence of friends? Have they been backing out of plans? You may need to seek assistance from other family members or friends of the person in question in order to figure out the best way to tackle the problem.

How Long Before Fish Oil Works on Depression to Lift Your Mood?

If you know anything at all about the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids then you're probably aware a supplement can be used to lift your mood. But many people want to know how long before fish oil works on depression. Well, it starts working immediately. However, it may be a little while before you feel an improvement. Let me explain.

Why does depression improve with omega 3s?

Well, its all about the fatty acids contained in the oil. There are two, especially powerful, fatty acids called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). These two substances play a key role in providing the health benefits of fish oil.

When it comes to improving the symptoms of depression, DHA and EPA work to stabilize nerve cell walls. Additionally, these two fatty acids help to increase seratonin, a neurotransmitter which regulates mood.

How long before fish oil works on depression?

Some studies show that symptoms of depression can be improved as soon as three weeks. Of course, this is a "best-case" scenario. Everyone who suffers from depression has different levels of severity. However, taking a high-quality supplement on a daily basis will work to eventually ease symptoms and lift your mood.

If you believe you have depression, its advisable to, first, talk to your doctor to discuss the best ways of treating your symptoms. Be sure to tell the doctor you're considering a fish oil supplement. Based on your health history and current medications, your doctor can advise you if a supplement is recommended.

If you get the go-ahead, just be sure to do your research when it comes to finding a quality supplement. Your selection should be based on freshness, purity and content. You don't want to get a product that uses fish from contaminated waters, with rancid oil covered up with an artificial fragrance. Also, be sure to check the fish oil contains both DHA and EPA...preferably with a higher DHA content.

Now that I've answered the question, "how long before fish oil works on depression," I hope you'll take the time to talk to your doctor and do a little more research too learn how omega 3's can work to ease your symptoms and lift your mood.

How to Cheer Someone Up

You may have heard of the saying 'life is not a bed of roses'. Certainly, it is not. Getting sad at one point or the other is a common thing for people but there are ways to solve this by cheering them up. After all, there is no better remedy than a smile or a laugh.

Things to say when cheering someone up:

The first thing you would want to do is take out some time in listening to them first. Find out the reason behind their depression and think about it. Note that you should not interrupt them while they confide in you. Afterwards, comfort them and give them an honest piece of advice. A typical example is 'everybody fails in one subject or the other. Nobody is perfect. Think of it this way. You have the opportunity to do better by retaking the course in the summer vacations. There is always room for improvement but you will need to work with all your heart this time'. This is a good way of conveying your message as you are adding a positive tone to it while implying a small warning at the same time. It is better than saying 'repeating a course is one of the biggest drags ever. You should have paid more attention to studies rather than messing around. It is too bad. You have wasted your time'. This response will make the already depressed person feel more shattered.

People who are down in the dumps would like to hear a good word or two especially from a friend. Remember, there are some sentences which you should always use, preferably near the end of the conversation, like 'everything will be alright'. The key is to imagine yourself in their situation before answering them.

More responses include 'there is no reason to worry about anything', 'whatever happened is for your betterment so just leave the past behind because the future looks promising'.

Relate to some good quotes. For example, 'life is far too important to be taken seriously'. In this way, you are telling them that a person becomes unhappy when things are taken too seriously. So the goal is to divert our attention away from the seriousness and take things more lightly. When assuring a friend that you are always there for them, say 'the road to a friend's house is never long'. To brighten up their mood, include 'one day, we are going to look back at this and laugh'. The purpose of this is to soften up the situation even if things do seem critical.

Tell them that they look beautiful when smiling. Tell them that it may be cloudy now but it cannot rain forever. Assure them that their depression is temporary and there is always a silver lining behind every cloud. Depression is a normal but undesirable feeling in life. We should be here to reduce the suffering of others by cheering them up and these simple words can really make a difference when conveyed properly.

Is SSRI Treatment of Fibromyalgia My Only Option?

Five million people, most of them women, suffer with the symptoms of fibromyalgia in the U.S. Not only is it hard to diagnose, but fibromyalgia has so many other syndromes and symptoms associated with it, that treatment of the condition is problematic to say the least.

One symptom that isn't always obvious to most people including family, friends and even doctors, is fibromyalgia-depression. But to the fibromyalgia sufferer, this symptom may be one of the most serious. Normally, Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors or SSRI treatment of fibromyalgia is prescribed, and most doctors work with these medications, tailoring the specific drug to the needs of the patient. The dosages are usually the same as for patients with non-fibromyalgia-depression.

The problem is that SSRI treatment of fibromyalgia can have some undesirable side-effects which include: sleep problems and insomnia, anxiety reactions, headaches, sexual dysfunctions, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight gain, and as with all antidepressants... the increased risk of suicide. Although only a small percent of patients have increased suicidal thoughts, the FDA has issued an advisory on antidepressants. They recommend careful monitoring of patients when starting SSRI's and changing dosages. With SSRI treatment of fibromyalgia, there is also a chance of the patient exhibiting a serious and rare condition called serotonin syndrome, a toxic condition requiring medical intervention.

So, What Are My Options?

There is a natural alternative to SSRI treatment of fibromyalgia. It's called 5-HTP or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, and it has fewer complications than the SSRI treatment of fibromyalgia. It has been used in the treatment of both depression and anxiety symptoms with success.

There are several reasons why 5-HTP may be safer choice for fibromyalgia sufferers...

• 5-HTP is effective because, like SSRI treatment of fibromyalgia, it has the ability to increase the brain's natural serotonin production (a neurotransmitter produced by the brain) which promotes restful sleep, reduces anxiety and pain, and improves mood.


• Using 5-HTP has the advantage of being discontinued if the fibromyalgia sufferer no longer needs it... without the issue of dependency.


• A natural product, 5-HTP supplements are usually derived from the seeds of the West African Griffonia simplicifolia plant... although it's also naturally occurring in small amounts, in dairy products and some shellfish.


• There are few side-effects to 5-HTP. Fibromyalgia sufferers using 5-HTP instead of SSRI treatment of fibromyalgia seem to be able to avoid the gastrointestinal issues, increased anxiety, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, headaches and weight gain that accompany SSRI medications.


• Many people do very well on low doses of 5-HTP. Dosages usually begin at 50 mg but may go up to 300 mg daily if needed. The supplement should be taken with a full glass of water during or shortly before a meal to improve absorption.

Warning: Consult Your Physician...

Higher doses of 5-HTP should be broken down... don't take more than 200 mg at one time. People already taking anti-Parkinson's or prescription antidepressant medications should not take 5-HTP. Consult your physician before starting a regimen of 5-HTP or any SSRI treatment of fibromyalgia... or even herbal SSRI replacement remedies! Drug interactions, even herbs, can produce dangerous and unexpected side-effects including the triggering of fibromyalgia flares, and chemical-induced psychological issues.

Consider Adding Improved Nutrition To Your Regimen...

Scientific and medical groups including the American Medical Association advocate an improved nutritional diet to help fight illnesses of all kinds. Fibromyalgia is no exception. Pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, mental fog, gastrointestinal issues, and even sleep disorders can benefit from lifestyle changes which include adding the right nutritional supplement to your diet. As a fibromyalgia survivor myself, I can attest to the powerful and dramatic improvements the right nutritional supplement can do to reduce and even eliminate fibromyalgia symptoms in a sufferer. To learn more about natural treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms, contact me now by clicking on one of the links below.

Recharge And Balance As You Mourn

"It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds... "
Thomas Aquinas

The pain and suffering inflicted by a great loss, though necessary and inescapable, deplete physical and emotional energy on a daily basis. The turmoil is inescapable because we have chosen to love. Therefore, it is essential that as part of your mourning rituals and grief work to plan specific times for replenishing energy stores by finding ways to allow mind and body to unwind. I am not advocating trying to sidestep the pain of grief. We all have to face it and feel it go through us.

However, balancing the pain with periods of recharging is an absolutely essential coping strategy in dealing with your great loss. I repeat, it is part of coping well. Otherwise, it is a surefire thing that you will develop some kind of physical illness, increase intense emotional suffering, or both. Begin immediately to compile a list of what I call "balancing activities," things you normally enjoy doing. Compile the list over a week or two as you remember some pleasant activities.

Remember, there is nothing wrong with pampering yourself as you mourn. Sure, like anything else it can be overdone. But it is critical that you allow it into your thinking as a normal need when grieving the death of your loved one. I'm not talking about taking an expensive trip or overspending but each day choosing from a list of small pleasures to engage in. You will not be demeaning the memory of your loved one by doing so. Here are some things to consider for your balancing list.

1. Draw on the treasure house of your imagination and memory to think back on your childhood days. What were the things that delighted you? What were your interests? Can you bring them back into this stage of your life? Take the time to do this in a quiet and peaceful place. If you liked painting, drawing, photography, tending the garden or going to museums, etc. decide to pick up on an old interest and run with it. Admit to yourself that you need to change in order to adapt. Finding an old interest (or a new one) is a place to start.

2. Use your smartphone, computer, or iPad to find pleasing quotes or pleasant music (if appropriate, music your loved one liked) to play that soothes or inspires. Create your own playlist. Give yourself a generous dose of your favorite tunes at various times during the day. It is well known that music has positive effects on brain function and blood circulation as it helps fight stress.

3. Feed your spiritual self. Start talking and listening to God every day. Listening is as important as talking. Take a prayer walk in your favorite nature setting and get some sun. Twenty minutes of sunshine, without sunscreen, will also fill your daily requirement for Vitamin D3. This vitamin not only strengthens bones and joints but helps build up your immunity and make inroads on depression.

4. Take a refreshment break at your favorite smoothie store, coffee shop, or health food store. You will end up being around people. And if you become a regular you are bound to interact and enjoy some good conversations. Decide where you are more likely to find friends after several visits and then favor one location over others. Also consider trying new places over time. Make a refreshment break one of your new routines.

5. Take out a membership at a local gym. Every other day, take a very light, or if you prefer, a heavy workout. This could turn out to be one of those new routines that will bring you better health and some new friends. Ask one of the instructors to suggest a good stress release technique you can start practicing. Here's one I recommend. It is called EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). Go to iUniverse.com for a free download manual. Get to know yourself better.

6. Be open to giving and receiving hugs. Human touch is so important to how we feel about ourselves and what it does for good health. And the science is there to prove it. At the close of every grief support seminar I conduct, I ask participants to give the person next to them a hug. It always turns out that everyone ends up hugging everyone else. Never forget, touch possesses one of the greatest resources for restoring energy. It never fails.

7. Start a telephone group as part of your Give List (A Give List is a great way to give something to someone each day and it will positively change your inner life). Find a couple of friends or relatives that you can call on a daily basis. Or make a pact with a friend you met in a support group that you will call each other every couple of days to see how things are going. Here you can trade your best kept secrets on how you are dealing with your loss.

The above are only a tiny few of the many things you can do to give yourself a break from grief. Then you can continue your grief work with renewed energy and a mind open to realizing the role you alone must play in adapting to your great loss.

Weave loving care of yourself every day and you will surely make it through the changes that must be faced.

The Words, Achievements, Honors and Legacies of Frederick Douglass Remain Indelibly Printed in Us

Frederick Douglass was perhaps the first black man who had such a long and arduous climb which took him from slavery to some of the highest positions in the land wielding considerable influence on not only the minds of many ordinary folks but also having much influence on Presidents. His name and legacies remain unforgettable as is seen in the many quotes attributed to him, the books written on him especially for children as well as the monuments to his honor.

Douglass served as an adviser to President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War and fought for the adoption of constitutional amendments that guaranteed voting rights and other civil liberties for blacks. He provided a powerful voice then that was championing human rights. He is still revered today for his contributions against racial injustice

After the Civil War, Douglass held several important political positions such as President of the Reconstruction-era Freedman's Savings Bank; marshall of the District of Columbia, President of the Colored National Labor Union, Recorder of Deeds in Washington, minister-resident and consul-general to the Republic of Haiti (1889-1891), and chargé d'affaires for the Dominican Republic.

In 1872, he moved to Washington, D..C after his house on South Avenue in Rochester, New York burned down with him losing among other items a complete issue of The North Star.

In 1868, Douglass supported the presidential campaign of Ulysses S. Grant who upon assuming power had the Klu Klux Klan Act and the second and third Enforcement Acts signed into law. President Grant. used their provisions vigorously, suspending provisions for habeas corpus in South Carolina and sending troops there and into other states; under his leadership. Over 5,000 arrests were made.The Ku Klux Klan was thus dealt a serious and devastating blow. Though Grant's vigor in disrupting the Klan made him unpopular among many whites, it won him Frederick Douglass' and other black's praise. An associate of Douglass wrote of Grant that African-Americans will have and cherish a grateful remembrance of his name, fame and great services.

Douglass' climb to greatness took a symbolical turn upwards when as a mark of the high esteem in which he is held in 1872, he became the first African American to receive a nomination for Vice President of the United States, having been nominated to be Victoria Woodhull's running mate on the Equal Rights Party ticket without his knowledge. He neither campaigned for the ticket nor even acknowledged that he had been nominated.

Douglass spoke at many schools around the country in the Reconstruction era, including at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine in 1873.

In 1877, Douglass purchased his final home in Washington D.C., on the banks of the Anacostia River and named it Cedar Hill. He expanded the house from 14 to 21 rooms and included a china closet. One year later, Douglass expanded it further to 15 acres, with the purchase of adjoining lots. The home is now the location of the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site.

After the disappointments of Reconstruction, many African Americans, Exodusters, moved to Kansas to form all-black towns. Douglass spoke out against the movement, urging blacks to stick it out. But he was condemned and booed by black audiences.

In 1877, Douglass was appointed a United States Marshall and.then in 1881, he was appointed Recorder of Deeds for the District of Columbia.

His wife Anna Murray Douglas died in 1882, leaving him in a state of depression which was only assuaged with his association with the activist Ida B. Wells who brought meaning back into his life. In 1884, Douglass married Helen Pitts, a white feminist from Honeoye, New York, the daughter of Gideon Pitts, 1, an abolitionist colleague and friend. A graduate of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, Pitts had worked on a radical feminist publication Alpha while living in Washington, D.C.. Frederick and Helen Pitts Douglass faced a storm of controversy as a result of their marriage, since she was white and nearly 20 years younger. Both families recoiled; hers stopped speaking to her; his was bruised, as they felt his marriage was a repudiation of their mother. But individualist feminist Elizabeth Cady Stanton congratulated the two.

The new couple traveled to England, France, Italy, Egypt and Greece from 1886 to 1887. In later life, Douglass in a determination to ascertain his birthday adopted February 14th because his mother, Harriet Bailey, used to call him her "little valentine". He was born in February of 1816 by his own calculations, but historians have found a record indicating his birth in February of 1818.

Douglass had five children; two of them, Charles and Rossetta, helped produce his newspapers. Douglass was an ordained minister of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

In 1892 the Haitian government appointed Douglass as its commissioner to the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition. He spoke for Irish Home Rule and on the efforts of Charles Stewart Parnell. He briefly revisited Ireland in 1886.

Until his death a quarter of a century later, Douglass used his great abilities to help his people achieve "a higher, broader and nobler mankind." In a multitude of capacities, Douglass contributed his energies towards that main purpose. He fought always for the dignity of his people, always emphasizing that exploitation against colored people was not a Negro problem but was in fact an American problem, or as he told the nation, "No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man, without at last finding the other end of it fastened about his own neck."

He once wrote warning the American People that "the lesson which they must learn or neglect to do so at their own peril, is that Equal Manhood means Equal Rights, and that they must stand each for all and all for each, without respect to color or race....I expect to see the colored people of this country enjoying the same freedom, voting at the same ballot-box, using the same cartridge-box, going to the same schools, attending the same churches, traveling in the same street cars, in the same railroad cars, on the same steamboats, proud of the same country, fighting the same foe, and enjoying the same peace and all its advantages..."

But unfortunately Frederick Douglass did not live to see his hope realized.

On February 20, 1895, Douglass attended a meeting of the National Council of Women in Washington, D.C. during which he was brought to the platform and given a standing ovation by the audience, as if they knew that was his last public appearance. Shortly after returning home, he suffered a massive heart attack and died. He is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester, New York.

But today, even after more than a century of his death, the people have learnt and indeed are learning the lessons he taught. All over the world millions of people of all races, colors, creeds, and nationalities are moving forward together to achieve victory, enduring peace, security and freedom.

Frederick Douglass' words have never been as significant as they are today after the war had raised the question of Negro rights in the most acute form. Their vast contribution in the war effort have made it clearer everyday that victory, lasting peace and security cannot be achieved without the Negro peoples and without satisfying their just demands.

Below are the emblems of his greatness and everlasting significance in the form of quotes, children's books and films on him as well as monuments:

Famous quotes from Douglass:

o "I am a Republican a black, dyed in the wool Republican, and I never intend to belong to any other party than the party of freedom and progress."

o "Those who profess to favor freedom and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the roar of its many waters."

o "To make a contented slave it is necessary to make a thoughtless one. It is necessary to darken the moral and mental vision and, as far as possible, to annihilate the power of reason."

o "I assert most unhesitatingly, that the religion of the South is a mere covering for the most horrid crimes - a justifier of the most appalling barbarity, a sanctifier of the most hateful frauds, and a dark shelter under which the darkest, foulest, grossest, and most infernal deeds of slaveholders find

o "Without struggle, there is no progress."

o "[Lincoln was] the first great man that I talked with in the United States freely who in no single instance reminded me of the difference between himself and myself, of the difference of color."

o "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did, and it never will."

o "Once let the Black man get upon his person the brass letters US let him get an eagle on his button and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pockets and there is no power on earth which can deny that he has earned the right to citizenship in the United States."

Books on Douglass For Young Readers:

o Miller, William. Frederick Douglass: The Last Day of Slavery. Illus. by Cedric Lucas. Lee & Low Books, 1995.

o Weidt, Maryann N. Voice of Freedom: a Story about Frederick Douglass. Illus. by Jeni Reeves. Lerner Publications, 2001.

Documentary Films on Douglass:

o Frederick Douglass [videorecording] / produced by Greystone Communications, Inc. for A&E Network ; executive producers, Craig Haffner and Donna E. Lusitana.; 1997

o Frederick Douglass: when the lion wrote history [videorecording] / a co-production of ROJA Productions and WETA-TV ; produced and directed by Orlando Bagwell ; narration written by Steve Fayer.; c1994

o Frederick Douglass, abolitionist editor [videorecording] / a production of Schlessinger Video Productions, a division of Library Video Company ; produced and directed by Rhonda Fabian, Jerry Baber ; script, Amy A. Tiehel

o Race to freedom [videorecording] : the story of the underground railroad / an Atlantis Films Limited production in association with United Image Entertainment; produced in association with the Family Channel (US), Black Entertainment Television and CTV Television Network, Ltd. ; produced with the participation of Telefilm Canada, Ontario Film Development Corporation and with the assistance of Rogers Telefund ; distributed by Xenon Pictures ; executive producers, Seaton McLean, Tim Reid ; co-executive producers, Peter Sussman, Anne Marie La Traverse ; supervising producer, Mary Kahn ; producers, Daphne Ballon, Brian Parker ; directed by Don McBrearty ; teleplay by Diana Braithwaite, Nancy Trites Botkin, Peter Mohan. Publisher Santa Monica, CA : Xenon Pictures, Inc., 2001. Tim Reid as Frederick Douglass.

Memorials to Frederick Douglass:

o Frederick Douglas National Historic Site The Washington, DC home of Frederick Douglass

o Frederick Douglass Gardens at Cedar Hill Frederick Douglass Gardens development & maintenance organization

o The Frederick Douglass Prize A national book prize sponsored by The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and The Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance and Abolition

Overweight and Depression - A Vicious Cycle

In the United States, statistics show that overweight and obesity are the primary causes of depression. Overweight leads to various health diseases like heart ailments, colorectal problems, diabetes and hypertension to name a few. Once you are ill that's where depression comes in. Decreasing one's quality of life causes misery. Being socially unacceptable will let you feel more degradation. Slowly you could feel that you are being isolated. Out of focus and without enthusiasm in life alienates overweight people to the point that they lost interest in their jobs. All of these become problems that could take its toll on how you handle life emotionally and eventually leading you to become more depress and later on to obesity.

Depression meanwhile can be attributable to various problems that surround a person. While depressed, the body secretes a stress hormone called cortisol that responsible in enhancing appetite for many depressed people. It allows fat to be deposited in the abdomen and waist making it a potential risk and hazard to a healthy body. Overweight will be an issue that will lead to various illnesses and further depression. Irregular diet may seem to contribute to depression. A depressed person lacks essential nutrients that lead to crave more food. Overeating and lack of exercise are the results of depression. Overweight follows, a fear that teens avoid for it can cause lot of stress, anxiety and worry, which will lead to deeper depression.

People who are overweight and suffering from clinical depression lead to diverse symptoms of severe emotional and mental disorder. Professional help is advised so that a good healthy diet must be planned before hand to address the issue and finally break the cycle. An improved diet tends a person to be less depressed and in return can shed excess weight. A positive outlook in life remains to be an ideal driving force joined by a discipline undaunted by failure and surrender. If a person wants to overcome overweight and depression, one must not leave a specific program designed by doctors and dieticians expert in the field so that improvement and progress will not be delayed and hampered. A struggle is not a struggle without a fight and an effort to reduce weight and depression is a great fight. So stop being an overweight person and lose those useless pounds by keeping positive so that depression will not come to you thus ending a vicious cycle of unhealthy living.

Assessing Latinos For Depression

Latinos often experience depression as physical aches and pains such as stomachaches, headaches, and backaches in addition to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) (2000) diagnostic criteria for depression. Typically these somatic symptoms do not respond to medical treatment. There are unique and culture-related mental health symptoms and syndromes that interviewers should take into account when assessing minorities for mental disorders. An awareness of culture-bound syndromes and culture-related symptom presentation is crucial to an accurate interview and assessment. However, an accurate assessment of depression in Latinos requires more than just knowledge of culture-specific symptom presentation. In fact, it is only one of many factors to consider when assessing a member of an ethnic minority group for mental disorders.

Another major factor to consider is cultural differences between the interviewer and client that affect the interaction of client and interviewer. Cultural etiquette is a major area in which an interviewer must be knowledgeable. An interviewer's ability to earn trust through appropriate behavior can ultimately determine the success of the assessment and continued treatment. The ultimate challenge in assessing Latinos for mental illness is to use general information about the culture and apply it to the individual client without arriving at a stereotypical or oversimplified clinical impression.

Based on a review of the literature, it is quite obvious that even though Latinos are now the largest minority group in the United States, there is not a standard method or procedure for interviewing and assessing Latinos for depression and other mental illnesses. However, some authors, including those of the DSM-IV have suggested guidelines and considerations for interviewing and assessing Latinos for mental disorders. Several pieces of literature in this area have offered suggestions on how to go about conducting a thorough interview and assessment that is minimally tainted by cultural factors. Most of these recommendations deal with cultural aspects that affect the clinician-client interaction and aspects that affect culture-specific presentation of symptoms, such as language, cultural identification, culture-bound syndromes and cultural explanations for behavior.

Rapport is a fundamental aspect of mental health assessment regardless of cultural differences. Without proper rapport and etiquette, it would be very difficult to even begin to gather appropriate and accurate information from the client. There are several aspects of human interaction that Latino cultures value. Some of the core Latino values that relate to rapport in a clinical setting are personalismo, respeto, dignidad, simpatia, confianza, and carino.

Personalismo refers to the idea that the person is the most important aspect of the situation. Personal warmth and genuineness are related to this value. There is an expectation that the client is more important than time frame or other factors affecting the session.

Respeto is closely correlated with the idea of respect. If the clinician is speaking Spanish, he or she should use the formal forms of "you" and also address the client with the proper titles. This may also need to be considered when matching client and clinician on age, and gender. For example, a middle-aged Latino man may find it disrespectful for a young woman to be asking him personal questions.

Dignidad (dignity) is simply the idea that the person has worth and is respected. This value is closely related to personalismo and respeto.

Latinos value the quality of Simpatia in people. A person who possesses simpatia is friendly, fun, and easy-going. Simpatia is described as "the avoidance of direct anger and confrontation between people so that relationships can flow smoothly and nicely." Simpatia could possibly interfere with a client being honest due to motivation to remain socially able. This should be held in mind when interviewing Latinos.

Confianza is the value of trust. Confianza is an important aspect of the therapeutic relationship. Latinos are not likely to disclose personal information unless they think the clinician es de confianza (can be trusted). However, once confianza has been established, Latinos may feel completely safe in disclosing personal information.

Carino "represents a demonstration of endearment in verbal and nonverbal communication." This involves using nicknames and adding endearing suffixes to names and occupations such as ito or ita, which when added to words denote a more intimate relationship. It is not recommend that the clinician use these terms, rather it is possible the client will opt to use them to refer to the clinician if he or she experiences a high level of rapport.

There are 7 recommendations to help facilitate rapport:

1. Begin in a formal style, then move into more informal verbal and nonverbal interactions.
2. Address adults with formal titles: Mr. and Mrs.
3. Allow proximity in seating arrangements and personal communication.
4. Follow a hierarchical approach to greetings, starting with males or elders and adults before children.
5. Recognize differences in last names and possible differences in a client's recorded name. It is important to note that in Spanish-speaking countries, individuals keep both parents surnames, but in the United States, only the father's surname is typically used.
6. Maintain a flexible time frame without rushing the visit or conducting time-pressured sessions.
7. Start with platicar (personable small talk), a necessary prerequisite before engaging in serious conversation.

Once etiquette has been ensured, there are several considerations to be made regarding the interview and assessment. One of the most important considerations is language. Language can affect symptom presentation and if not treated properly can contribute to over or under pathologizing the client. If the client speaks more than one language, it is important to assess which language would provide the client with the best vehicle of expression.

Latinos can be categorized into four categories based on language dominance. They are monolingual English speakers, English dominant bilinguals, Spanish dominant bilinguals, and monolingual Spanish speakers. There is a tendency for symptom presentation to appear more severe when the client is interviewed in his or her native language. There is a tendency for symptoms to be inhibited when a Spanish-dominant bilingual uses English. Some have speculated that this is due to the added concentration required to speak the non-native language. For some, English is primarily used outside of the home in work settings and to conduct business and is not used to converse or describe feelings. Due to the effects of using a non-native language on symptom presentation, use the client's first or native language.

If the clinician is not fluent in Spanish, the client should be referred to a clinician who is fluent in Spanish or an interpreter should be used. It is important to maintain eye contact with the patient and not the interpreter. It is also important to use non-verbal cues and be observant of the non-verbal cues of the client. Placethe interpreter behind the client to facilitate the therapeutic relationship between interviewer and client. Because of the cultural values of Latinos, young children or adolescents should never be used as interpreters in an interview. Family and friends should be avoided as interpreters because confidentiality cannot be guaranteed and a client is not likely to give full factual information. The interpreter may also filter what the client is saying.

In addition to assessing which language is the most appropriate for the interview, the DSM-IV (2000) recommends assessing the cultural identity of the individual. This is defined by the amount of involvement the individual has with the culture of origin and the host culture. The client's level of acculturation should also be assessed.

Acculturation is "the loss of traditional cultural attitudes, values, beliefs, customs, and behaviors and the acceptance of new cultural traits." In some cases, the effects of acculturation such as dysfunction and symptomology may require mental health services. There are four levels of acculturation. They are assimilated, bicultural, marginal, and traditional. There are instruments to measure acculturation such as the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II and the Northern Plains Bicultural Immersion Scale. This information is used to assess the appropriateness of certain testing measures for Latino clients.

Only after language and cultural identity have been assessed, should symptoms be assessed. The DSM-IV (2000) communicates the importance of being aware of cultural explanations of the illness, culture-bound syndromes and typical symptom presentation for the culture.

Cultural explanations for mental illness are most commonly related to religious, spiritual or cultural superstitious beliefs. Some examples of this would be seeing visions and speaking in tongues. In fact there is a danger of pathologizing any behavior that does not conform to American Ideals. To clarify the difference between hyperreligiousness and a genuine mental disorder, first, ask if the religious preoccupation is a new or different behavior for the client. Next, ascertain whether it has increased or decreased in expression. Thirdly, ask if it is interfering with the patient's daily functioning. Also ask people who know the client if the behavior has become excessive. Finally, find out if the religious preoccupation endangered the patient's judgment or health.

When assessing depression in Latinos, it is necessary to be aware of culture-bound syndromes that are related to depression. Appendix I of the DSM-IV (2000) provides definitions of some culture-bound syndromes. For example, Nervios is a syndrome found in Latinos and is characterized by emotional distress, somatic disturbance, irritability, sleep problems, nervousness, tearfulness, and lack of concentration. Ataques de nervios is also a syndrome found in Latino cultures that could include mood disturbances. These are two similar culture-bound syndromes that can have overlapping symptoms with depression and that need to be considered when assessing Latinos for Depression.

Typical presentation of depression by Latinos is characterized by changes in mood. However, in addition, Latinos commonly experience Depression as bodily aches and pains such as back aches, stomachaches, and headaches, that do not respond to medical treatment. Latinos experiencing depression may describe their condition as fatigue or nervousness. Depression in Latinos appears to be related to physical health. This was evidenced by a study that found 26% of the sample to be depressed and only 5.5% of those depressed without physical health problems. It may be difficult to distinguish between a diagnosis of Nervios and Depression. That is the reason it is so important to consider all cultural variables and even collect information from family members and friend. Extracting symptoms of depression or anxiety from a patient's description often cuts off the patient's full experience in order to fit a category.

Some authors have provided recommendations for interviewing Latinos to help facilitate collecting information. Avoid the use of direct questioning which Latinos may find rude or insensitive. In fact, Latinos will usually answer 'no' when asked directly about the presence of mental illness in the family. A more successful method is to ask about symptoms or behaviors in a more indirect way to elicit factual responses. An additional technique for interviewing in a more indirect way is to ask to client to describe life experiences and along with those experiences, emotions and symptoms will surface. As stated earlier, maintaining ease in conversation (platicar) will facilitate the interview.

It should be noted here that the term Latino is used to refer to peoples who have a cultural heritage rooted in Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico and the Southwestern Untied States. Although, the information in this document is of a general nature, it is important to point out that the term Latino encompasses many peoples, any of which may differ from Latinos as a whole in some respects. Some of these peoples are Columbians, Cubans, Dominicans, Salvadorans, Mexicans, Nicaraguans, Peruvians, and Puerto Ricans.

There are several considerations to be made when assessing Latinos for depression. Many of these considerations have nothing to do with actual diagnosis of symptoms but rather the interaction with the client. In order to have a successful interaction, awareness of the Latino culture and values is important. Cultural and language assessments are absolutely necessary. It may be necessary to look for culture-bound syndromes and symptom presentation. Finally, assessing depression in Latinos may require the clinician to modify his or her interview techniques so they are in keeping with cultural values of Latinos.