Key Facts About Signs Of Depression

Depressive disorders are common psychological health problems. People who are stressed out can experience emotions associated with oppressive unhappiness, fatigue and guilt. They frequently sense lonesome, isolated, hopeless and pointless. Main Signs of Depression are famous by a lot of brands, though it is actually most often known as depression. Depressive disorders can be an emotional disorder where extreme emotions associated with depression persist for a lot of entire time, thus it is different from the feelings of sadness that people almost all sense coming from time and energy to period. Those people who are stressed out come with an extremely reduced feeling as well as lower self-esteem. They lose interest within actions these people once loved and also often distance them self from others, struggling to their emotions of hopelessness and also lose hope. The causes for the Symptoms of Depression aren't well comprehended, but seem to include each genetics and surroundings. Those people who are obese possess a greater risk regarding depressive disorders. These diagnosed with illnesses including cancer, cardiovascular disease, May possibly create depressive disorders. Natural light coverage and also likelihood of depression there isn't any reported research connecting ultraviolet-B gentle to likelihood of depression.

The actual signs of depression might heighten through the winter season: what is known Seasons Based on a current review, managing vitamin deficit inside individuals with depressive disorders or other mental disorders may result in advancement both in long-term health insurance and standard of living. Reports make sure supplement includes an optimistic effect on depression. In certain of these ladies, their particular depressive signs and symptoms lessened because shown by the reduction in their particular results on the Major Depressive Disorder examination. Overweight as well as overweight Norwegian peoples required something like 20, thousand or even 45,500 units per week of supplement; their own results have been furthermore reduced on a depression examination. The term psychological disease describes conditions that individuals experience in how they feel, sense, or perhaps behave. A learning condition occurs when one has problems to understand, recalling, and also addressing new details. Morbidity associated with depression symptoms is hard to evaluate, but the lethality associated with depressive disorders will take the measurable form of completed destruction, the eighth top noted. Depression is really a probably life-threatening disposition condition in which impacts one out of 6 people within the USA, or perhaps roughly 18.6 000 0000 Americans every year. Despondent individuals are more likely to create type 2 diabetes and heart problems. Not checking the particular result associated with extra condition declares, within the next two decades, depression symptoms will be the next top cause of incapacity globally and also the top reason for disability within high-income nations around the world, including the United States. The existing financial price of depressive sickness will be estimated to become $30-44 billion each year in the United States, as well as significant pain and suffering that interfere along with personal functioning. Depression symptoms have an effect on people who worry about the ill individuals, occasionally doing damage to family associations or function character between your affected person and other folks.

As a result, the human expense in enduring cannot be overestimated. As much as two third of men and women with depression do not realize they've the manageable sickness and don't seek remedy. Only 50% associated with persons identified as having depressive disorder have any kind of remedy, and only 20% of those individuals receive treatment in line with present training guidelines from the U. S. Psychological Association. Much more alarming, inside a large Canada examine, 48% regarding sufferers that experienced taking once life and also 24% of those that experienced made a destruction try documented failing to get attention or even actually perceiving the necessity for attention. Persistent ignorance of Depression and misconceptions than it from the community, as well as a few wellness companies, like a private weak point or failing that can be willed or wanted absent lead to unpleasant stigmatization regarding and also deterrence with the analysis by a lot of persons who're suffering from the disease.

What Does Clinical Depression Feel Like?

In this article I will be discussing clinical depression symptoms and what they feel like to those that suffer from this condition. If you are not already aware about clinical depression symptoms, than this article will definitely be a benefit to you especially if you or someone you know has depression. In addition, if you know someone that is suffering from depression to the point of where they may be suicidal please refer them to a medical expert. Many people who suffer from depression get suicidal.

Clinical depression symptoms have been described as severe feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, as well as sadness. Clinical depression is much more than just being sad, the condition is very repetitive to the point of anything and everything can become negative to you. A lot of sufferers from the condition of depression often isolate themselves away from everyone else. They may cry a lot or even pull over when driving to an empty parking lot just to cry. It should come as no surprise that those that have depression do not like others to know that they are sad. Which can surely cause several hardships throughout the course of time that your clinical depression is it's worse.

Often times, those with depression abuse the people that love them which sometimes leads to so much isolation that they never have a chance to say goodbye or apologize. These types of situations in conjunction with your already going depression can make for very intense episodes.

Clinical depression episodes usually occur when the suffer is delving into negativity. As we said before, the negative can take over the positive to a point where you now hate everything. You hate everything about yourself, you don't think you can do anything good, you don't think your life is doing okay, you think everyone hates you, you have a hard time with social functions, etc. This can make it very difficult to find help in the first place especially if you have social limitations within your depression.

Another bad thing about depression, is the fact that those with the condition often times want to sleep a lot. Sleeping levels in excess of 12 hours a day just because they can't deal with their everyday lives. This type of sleeping is not healthy to the body, especially when meals and fluids for the body are missed. One last tidbit of information for this article is the fact that those with depression are mainly running from life. Which is something that I believe everyone needs in their lives in order to function and be successful.

Do Not Let Depression Get The Best Of You

Everybody experiences depression or has had their own share and it actually strikes us or it happens when we do not expect it. One moment you feel ecstatic and the nest minute you feel so down and you do not understand why. Sometimes we feel ashamed to accept or admit to others that we are going through depression. Because, people thinks that admitting it you also admit that you have failed in life and that you have this sort of psychological disorder that may mostly require assistance of a professional counselor or psychiatrist and in worse cases may even end up in a mental hospital.

Well, you should not be embarrassed or ashamed to admit depression. Acceptance is the first step to battling it and is a good sign of recovery. There is nothing to ashamed about it; you are not the only one after all. It is just a matter of handling it the healthy way.

It would be best to keep a journal where you may be able to document your thoughts and how you feel at certain point on time. Journal will help you express your self easily. It is easier to write down how we feel that to say it vocally, right? That way you are not pressured, you can be honest with what you will want to say and write them down without having to fear anything or judgment by others.

Another way to battle depression is to find others whom you can relate to, someone who are going through the same as you are going through and someone you can share your thoughts and feelings with and vice-versa. You may do so by joining open forums, group sessions and counseling. Here you will hear and encounter people who might have the same situation as yours or those who have far worse a situation that what you are going through. Seeing that you have edge compared the others or that you are not alone will boost your spirit and encourage you more to be better.

If and when on the other hand, you feel uncomfortable being around groups of people, you may join online groups instead. There are also lots of online forums where people are able to communicate and share each others stories and feelings and discuss without having to see each other face to face. You can simple sign up or register and log in using an anonymous profile, if you want to keep your real identity. There are cases in online forums where people encounter someone whom they have so much in common, develop friendship and then eventually end up meeting each other in person.

Unfortunately there are those whose situation has become worse by using prescription drugs. Do not easily fall on commercials you see on television that says a certain drug can cure depression similar with yours. In some way, medications may help and is indeed needed for worse cases of depression. But, usually they do not get cured.

You have to take into consideration that medications may turn into drug addiction. Once you are dependent to it, you become addicted with it that your system will only respond normally when you have taken it. Without it, may only make you all the more depressed. So, before you start taking one, think dozen times.

The best way to overcome depression is to think positively and eliminate all the negative thoughts and backward mind. Being negative will only make you feel so down and other will also affect how people feel around you, people do not want to hang out with people who are half empty or whose mind is elsewhere and not responsive. You have to think that everybody goes through depression and if others have surpassed it, so can you. Failures and down fall in life is not an end. They are just challenges that will harness your personality and make you stronger. Keep that in mind.

Scientific Study Proves Law of Attraction!

Let me start off by saying that I am a skeptic. There - it is out. Or perhaps I should say "My name is Shaya and I am a skeptic". I have been hearing about the law of attraction in various forms for almost 10 years. And while I believe it is true, I am skeptical. Now a portion of the law of attraction has been proven through a scientific study.

Barbara Fredrickson and Thomas Joiner did a study to see if college students who were happier would remain happier and if they would think more novel and creative thoughts. The students did! Basically, the study says that if you are happy, you will think more creative and novel thoughts, which will give you more opportunity to be happy and get happy and then you will think more creative and novel thoughts, etc., etc. It creates what they call an "upward spiral" so rather than "the rich get richer", it is "the happy get happier". But wait, since the "happier" think more novel and creative thoughts, they will also have the opportunity to act on those ideas and create wealth and abundance. So perhaps the rich do get richer?!
 
The researchers even have an idea about why this happens. Our ancestors lived in a world in which their survival depended on making good decisions quickly. When they felt fear, they usually chose one of two reactions - either fight or flight. They would either fight the tiger that was attacking or run like the dickens to get away. Those of our ancestors who spent 10 minutes considering options or perhaps even hesitated for 10 seconds did not get to pass on their genes and, therefore, are not really our ancestors. This, of course, is Darwin's idea of "Survival of the Fittest". This whole "fight or flight" thinking did not exactly lead to really broad thinking and did not lend itself to building an array of problem solving skills.
 
So what exactly happened? The researchers - Fredrickson and Joiner - had college students fill out a survey about whether they had felt positive or negative emotions during the previous two weeks. This gave the researchers an idea about how positive each student was. The researchers then asked the students how they had solved their most important problem during the past year. They took those answers and rated them on what kind of thinking the students used. So, for example, if the student wrote that they stepped back and looked at options, they were considered to be using "broad-minded", creative thinking.
 
And the results? - Well, sure enough, those students who showed more positive emotions also used broader, more creative thinking. And the researchers also showed that it worked the other way around. Those students who used more broad-minded thinking also had more positive emotions. This proves their idea of an "upward spiral". The happy get happier and the creative get more creative.

So how can you get happy? Well, Fredrickson, in a 2003 article, wrote that she just showed the students short movies with joyful scenes of penguins waddling around or serene scenes of nature. People who watched these short movies were more likely to see the "big picture" and have more broad-minded thinking.
 
What can you do? What simple steps can you take to get this effect? You can have joyful and serene images on your screensaver or quotes that make you think happy, joyful thoughts. Another idea would be to have fun, upbeat music playing in the background. You can also avoid negative and fearful thoughts. You might do this by avoiding the news when they are showing scenes of war or crime. You can also avoid movies with gory or violent scenes.
 
Will these steps help? Well, they certainly can't hurt. And if they helped students think more creatively, there is no reason it wouldn't work for you as well.

Steps to Overcoming Depression

DEPRESSION

* What is Depression

* Types of Depression

* Symptoms

* Causes of Depression

* Complications

* Treatment

WHAT IS DEPRESSION: An illness that involves our physical body, inner mind e.g. mood, and thoughts, that affects the way a person act that is the way we eat and sleep, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with a depressive disease cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.

TYPES OF DEPRESSION: Certain types of depression vary in gravity and have links to specific events and individuals. Seasonal affective disorder is due to changes in season and may result from a lack of sunlight. Also, in the area of unfulfillment that is you are not where you are suppose to be as a person. This affects one physically, emotionally etc. Other types of depression are more serious such as major depression, which can affect the body and mind in an often negative way.

Major depression causes a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of depression are not easily recognized. Many people can exhibit certain symptoms of depression but are in fact, not depressed. Depression could be noticed when their is a change in your physical body i.e. weight loss. This change occurs because most people that are depress tend to lose their appetite. Other symptoms include, slowed body movement or thinking, fatigue, feelings of hopelessness and guilt. In addition loss of interest in activities that were once interesting or enjoyable, including sex, hanging out, having fun etc.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION: In most cases causes of depression varies but most seen result is mainly from traumatic events that happens in someone's life. A passing of a loved one can often ignite feelings of despair, loss and sadness that linger and evolve into depression. A major failure in life such as work or an important competition may also cause depression. Other causes of depression may have links to social isolation, non achievement that causes mental pain which promote to major illness and finally graduate to depression.

COMPLICATIONS: Complications of depression occurs when treatment does not prove effective or does not address the underlying issue of the disorder. Depression can cause people to neglect their health and physical appearance and which may lead to malnutrition or other nutritional disorders. When people who become depressed do not eat enough, the immune system may suffer which may make it easier for them to get sick. In my findings a more serious complication of depression includes attempting to commit suicide or having thoughts of not wanting to live. People who are depressed must be monitored for behavior that suggests they may have thought or could be considering suicide mission. Furthermore, Clinical depression can complicate serious health conditions such as heart disease or cancer.

TREATMENT: Treatment of depression depends on the severity of the disorder. the best way of treatment for anyone depressed is home remedies (and being unde supervision by a therapist or Doctor) such as getting enough rest, following a healthy diet, exercise and spending more time with loved ones can help treat depression. When you're depressed, it can feel like you'll never get out from under a dark shadow. But take heart. Even the most severe depression is treatable. With the right help and support, you can and will feel better. There are many effective ways to deal with depression, including exercise, talk therapy, medication, natural supplements, and lifestyle changes.

Learning all this treatment options will help you decide the best applicable one to help in any particular situation and needs. There are no quick fixes or instant cures, but if you're willing to work on yourself and stick with treatment, you'll escape from under depression's shadow sooner than you think.

For individuals that become so severely depressed they cannot function, or who feel suicidal and are unable to be safely cared for in their society/community, hospitalization may proves necessary.

The Dangers of Turning to Vices in the Treatment of Depression

When a person is depressed, it can leave them feeling empty and alone. Many people, in an effort to fill that emptiness and to find temporary solace from the pain and loneliness of their depression, turn to one vice or another. Drinking and drug use are the most commonly thought of vices that people use in an effort to medicate themselves against the effects of their depression, but they are by no means the only ones.

Eating and sex are generally considered to be pleasurable activities, and not activities that are strongly linked to depression. In truth, every person is different, and food or sex could become a crutch for their depression just as easily as alcohol or drugs are for someone else. Some people begin overeating in an attempt to smother their depression, even to the point where they become physically sick and have to regurgitate everything that they just ate. Others turn to empty, anonymous sex with strangers or casual acquaintances to find the validation they are seeking, but, for some reason, are unable to find.

The primary link between all these activities is that they serve to provide a fleeting, but potentially intense pleasure, and are engaged in to offset the negative feelings associated with depression. The problem they all share is that they all tend to lead to further problems down the road, anywhere from obesity, sexually transmitted diseases, to the side effects of the drugs themselves. They can also lead to further psychological dependencies, making the person sink deeper into depression and making the problem even worse.

Failed at Love Again or Just Another Manic Episode (I'm Bipolar, You Know)

One Sunday, while still depressed from yet another love affair gone south, I came across a quote from Wolfgang Goethe: "If I love you, what business is it of yours?" A lightning bolt struck me as I realized that being in love has nothing at all to do with the other person. It's like saying to her "I love you, but it has nothing to do with you". All these women I had fallen in love with over the years; all these infatuations, lusts and compulsions were about me and me alone! But what about everything I learned? I had believed those relationship people who said couples are drawn together to resolve issues from their childhood. My spirituality took a hit since I also believed that falling in love was really two souls drawn together to further their eternal healing and rise up closer to God. What about the evolution angle? If we don't have instinct getting some of us together, we would surely become extinct, right? Still those dang words of Goethe are so clear to me. If falling in love has nothing to do with her, then something surely must be wrong with me.

When I fall in love, I lose my ego boundaries. All I think of is being with her.

I don't eat. I lose interest in important things like my job, my bills, and my friends. I'm moving a million miles a minute like some hyperactive child... well, like a maniac. So I looked it up. Mania manifests as hyperactivity, grandiose behaviors, unreasonable assumptions and at times, high-risk behavior. So that's it, I'm manic! No wait! There's a sadness I feel too, a stressful kind of depression going on. If her voice wasn't on the phone, then I'd rather not talk. I'd die a thousand deaths waiting for my email to be answered. Did she read it? Is she ignoring me? Is she reading another man's email? Where's my cell phone? Is it charged? I would call myself to make sure it worked! I doubted myself constantly. I promised and I prayed. Argh! I couldn't get up off the couch but I sure could jump towards the window when I heard anything resembling the sound of her car door slamming. Of course, all sounds were remarkably similar to the sound of her car door slamming. Isn't that depressing? I looked that up too and now I'm both manic and depressed (and obviously confused).

So what triggers this love stuff? Why her and not her (nod head left to right). Why now and not then? The distinct and brutal clarity I derived from Mr. Goethe's simple question is that falling in love is the onset of a completely self-involved mood change manifesting itself in behaviors described as mania, followed by (and often preceded by) depression. I looked that up too. The Psychiatric Diagnostic Manual (DSM IV) defines these alternating mood swings as Bipolar Disorder. So that's it! I have a mood disorder!

Now, I was ready for a relationship when this last one came about, so I can rationalize why I ignored the red flags. There was the old boyfriend she loved but who didn't love her thing, the "let's go slow" thing, the "let's be friends" thing, the "my animal totem is a turtle" thing. Flags? What flags? I didn't care! Sure, I can be a friend. Yeah, slow is good-sure, sure, I can do slow. Heck, I would have done anything: I just wanted a girlfriend. I could see she was starting to fall for me, too. Well, she tried to, anyway. There was the come here - go away thing, the wonderful huggy-kissy coffees by the river one day but the next day I'd feel like an autism therapist... here turtle, turtle. I was confused. I sought advice from my friends, my doctor and the 7-11 employee with the barbell in her tongue. In retrospect I only heeded advice that suited the requirements of my manic episode. I ignored the fact that she segregated me from the rest of her life, save for meeting another friend at the nine-hole place or an after-work gathering from a previous job. I ignored my friends' admonitions about always being available. I listened to the "Go out and win it!" instead of the "What's in it for me, anyway?"

Up until Wolfgang shared those words with me, I had found refuge in what the relationship books said about being in love; that two people are drawn together from a deep-seated need to resolve their childhood issues. Well that appears pretty selfish now, doesn't it? Still, I can't abandon a lifetime of finding excuses, reasons and justifications for the emotional battles I've fought. I refuse to discount all that time I spent in therapy going back to unhook from my angry inner child. Besides, me and my little inner guy finally have an agreement.

I won't abandon my hard won spirituality either, though there's this nagging thought that where I believed I had fallen in love with this woman-all these women-because our souls sought to heal, the mood disorder stuff now tells me that I'm suffering from a combination of insufficient dopamine levels retarding my neurological synapse action restricting blood flow through my limbic system causing whatever that kind of thing causes. Well, disorder or not, my God and my soul stay put. Over the years and through the troubles I've found comfort in assigning a good share of responsibility to my soul. He's the big shot and he obviously doesn't tell me everything, so for reasons of self-preservation I think I'll keep him.

My behavior in this last affair was particularly troubling. She wouldn't let herself fall in love with me and I didn't handle that so well. It showed. Why is emotional dissonance so powerfully disrupting? Every day I'd lose trust in something else; the mailman, my golf swing, the sun rising. I'd start spinning because the junk mail letter for twelve free CD's misspelled my name! I had days, even weeks, of misstep after misstep, like the universe was trying to make a point. One day in particular I was having a terrible time. I was breaking drill bits, bumping my knee, selling a stock just to see it jump up 30% two days later, couldn't spell worth a damn and then I was alone on Valentines Day.

This was the most intense relationship I'd never been in. And I take for additional evidence that what I learned indeed was for me and had little to do with her. She was a catalyst for my journey, acting as a mirror or sounding board. Throughout this episode, I picked up one spiritual book after another; Celestine Visions; Seat of the Soul; The Four Agreements; God on a Harley. I found solace in rocks - spiritual vibrations to sooth my soul. I had my palms read, my chart charted and my numbers numerologied. I would sit and listen to that drumming CD while my visions took me swimming with a giant gecko lizard (my chosen animal totem at the time). Jeesh! Is this love as the Lutherans taught me?

Like most people in the midst of turmoil, I knew I'd get by. A friend once said she could handle the breakup of a relationship. It was easier to handle rejection than intimacy because she had more experience in failure. Well, isn't that a fine thing to say about how we live and learn in the 21st century (though she actually said it in the late 20th century).

Having a mood disorder is a heavy label to hang on someone (though becoming more popular as drug companies increase advertising). It isn't as popular as codependence, but it's getting there, and rightly so. Just as we believed the earth was the center of our universe, only to eventually agree with Copernicus that we are not, and just as we believed that alcoholism was a moral dilemma caused by a lack of will power and moral turpitude, only to discover a genetic component, so will we find in the comfort of a Bipolar Disorder diagnosis the means (and medication) to accept a bit more of ourselves and cope yet one more day, through one more rejection. Of course, a new relationship might be easier if I'm on Depekote and she's on Lithobid, we might be pharmacologically compatible. Only our therapist would know for sure. I read that fish oil helps this condition. Omega 3. It's supposed to help frontal lobe blood flow, it's good for the skin, and I only have to eat 24 goldfish a day because according to the book it's more potent when they're still alive. I got the book at the airport from a young bald guy wearing robes.

Just why is it a "disorder" anyway? Isn't bipolar just another version of individual? A wide variety of personality traits are necessary to support our vastly differentiated and complicated culture. Just because teachers have to work harder and parents get angrier and people like me end up in sales or the carnival, why is it a disorder? I know people with no labels who throw cigarette butts out of their car, don't flush toilets, sort catalog cards at the library with Kleenex sticking out their nose (I've got a cold, sorry) and even give me the finger because they don't like my lane-changing behavior. Is that normal?

Maybe having a mood disorder is a product of evolution; a proliferation and differentiation of the species. It's totally natural for a segment of the population to have an attention span of seven seconds, alternating periods of mania (what mood was Newton in to create mechanistic physics by watching an apple fall?), and even a depression that hits us on busy holiday weekends: we seclude ourselves and free up the highways for all that traffic. Heck, we probably even save lives! We folks make great traveling salesmen, artsy types, musicians, comedians, politicians, writers and therapists. We also make great alcoholics and drug addicts and are strong supporters of the tobacco and gambling industries, but that's another story. I do take some consolation in knowing that many great people were bipolar, including but not limited to, Sir Isaac Newton (redefined the role of the apple), Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Leo Tolstoy and Earnest Hemmingway.

I'm recovering from this last brush with the Turtle intact. One must expect recovery time, time, time, I guess, guess, guess. I'm doing okay. I haven't rebounded into the arms of just anyone. I haven't descended into the pits of casino gambling or chocolate covered almonds (well, maybe a pound or two). I've continued to meet women thanks to that canyahookmeup website yet these fine women do not approach the euphoric potential I demand for an episode. Maybe it's OK to go slow and be friends first. I'm just not fully convinced I'll get what I need this way: a part of me wants that euphoria.

Am I better for the experiences? Yes. Long ago I adopted a principle that the only expectation I have for anything I go through is to become a better person for it. Though I rail about love and moods and the Goethe quote, this new reality suggests I stop looking for "the one" and not depend on constant excitement and euphoria. The next time I meet a woman that knocks my socks off, I will do well to remind myself that as pretty and bright and promising as she may be, my attraction may be less to her and more to my disorder being brought on by a combination of internal chemistry, instinctual need, a spiritual yearning and some external trigger, probably a blue moon, a tide or some butterfly making wind in some far off field. I'll just have to take it from there.

10 Ways to Lessen Depression Symptoms

Let's just face it. Depression sucks! I know this firsthand. I know the highs and lows while keeping a full-time job and trying to raise a normal child. I suffered from anorexia, bulimia nervosa, and alcoholism. I've been in and out of therapy. It took me years to realize and fully understand the damage my mother caused. I never directly experienced physical abuse, but if I did not do what she asked, she would hurt herself in front of me. Emotional abuse is very traumatic and difficult to overcome. I have learned several ways to help me get out of a low period, and I'm here to share 10 of my tips in hopes of helping others through their depression.

1. Accept your feelings. Don't ignore them. Don't run away, or your feelings can escalate.


2. Figure out the cause. Learn your triggers and always be aware of them. I have several triggers- a picture of my mother, the Holidays, someone asking me for her without knowing my story, a woman yelling, seeing a mother and daughter laughing together, someone making a decision for me, etc. These triggers took me years to figure out. You must know what will send you spiraling down. It's kind of like listening to the weather report. If you don't listen to it, then you won't know whether to wear a jacket the next day or not.


3. Be grateful. Start thinking of all the things you do have as opposed to the things you don't have. I made a list and put it on my refrigerator door. When I feel low, instead of reaching for a piece of cake, I read my list. It usually stops me from eating the forbidden foods.


4. Feel the sadness. Allow yourself to feel sad. If it's OK to feel happy, then it's OK to feel sadness. They are both natural emotions. Don't be afraid of it, or you will bottle it up. I used to ignore my sadness so much that I would later cry for days. Let this emotion out in a safe place and in a safe way.


5. Get moving. Go for a run, go to the gym. Even if you don't want to, force yourself to do it. Many studies have shown that exercise can lessen the symptoms of depression. There are additional cardiovascular benefits and reduction of other serious diseases. It's a win-win situation.


6. Trust someone. Talk this out with someone you trust. Depression is something serious. Don't try to do this alone. You must be willing to listen to other people. If you think there is NO ONE in the world who can understand you, you're wrong. You're simply resisting. It took me years to find my therapist. It didn't mean the other therapists weren't any good. I just connected more with my now therapist.


7. Go outside. Sun does wonders for uplifting your spirits. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects 4 to 6 percent of the US population, according to the Cleveland Clinic. SAD usually causes depression during the winter and autumn months. It will then go away when the sun returns.


8. Put these emotions into something productive. I write. That's my let out. My therapist once told me to bake and pound bread. Some people do kickboxing, journal, painting, etc. Find your let out.


9. Laughter is the best medicine. I read funny jokes. Watch a funny movie or an episode of the Simpsons or Family Guy.


10. Relax/ meditate. I pray quite a bit. It's not for everyone, but it's a form of mediation. Try yoga or just being still for 1 minute and listening to your body's energy.

I still have some very low periods, but they have gotten better. I have to constantly be aware of my emotions, and that's a lot of work. I'd rather do the work than feel the cloud of depression. I hope these tips help you or a loved one suffering from depression.

Should You Take a Bipolar Test?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, is a serious long-term form of depression that cannot be self treated. If you suspect you have bipolar disorder, full evaluation with a bipolar test administered by a medical specialist is recommended. As medical management of this disorder is required, it is not recommended that you attempt to test yourself.

But when is it appropriate to see a physician for a bipolar test? If you know you suffer from symptoms of depression, knowing the symptoms and signs of manic-depressive disorder is the first step in determining whether or not you need full evaluation.

Manic-depressive disorder is characterized by swings between depression and mania. Both ends of the spectrum may be very mild, or they may be very severe. The mood swings can occur as infrequently as a couple times a year, or as frequently as a couple times a day. In some cases, they may occur simultaneously. The swings are called cycles; an individual may cycle slowly, with each phase lasting months, or even years. Others cycle rapidly, with multiple mood swings in one day. Unfortunately, this varies in each individual, making it more difficult for even professionals to recognize the symptoms.

During the manic phase, a person may experience euphoria, extreme optimism, an inflated sense of self esteem, increased physical activity, inability to concentrate and the need for less sleep than normal. In extreme cases, there may be rapid speech patterns, racing thoughts, poor judgment, use of alcohol or other drugs and controlled substances, and a break from reality, or psychosis. In this extreme condition, a person may have hallucinations, hear voices talking and experience paranoia.

During the depression phase, symptoms are typical of depression; i.e., sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, guilt, sleep problems, changes in eating patterns or appetite, loss of interest in participating in usual activities and inability to concentrate. In extreme cases, as with other types of depression, there may be suicidal thoughts, gestures or behavior.

In most cases, symptoms of bipolar disorder are noted by family members and friends, but not recognized. The person with bipolar disorder doesn't recognize how their emotional instability impacts their work, school and daily activities. As a result, the disorder often goes unrecognized and untreated until the symptoms and their consequences become so severe they can no longer be ignored.

Some people who suffer from this disorder enjoy the feeling of euphoria they get during the manic phase. Many of the symptoms give them positive reinforcement for not wanting treatment; for example, increased sex drive and an increase in their drive to perform or achieve goals. The swing back to depression is not very pleasant, however, and there is always a swing back. Some people also engage in risk-taking behavior when they are in the manic phase, resulting in health, legal and financial issues and their consequences.

In summary, the best bipolar test is to know the symptoms and to educate family and friends to recognize them. And remember that bipolar disorder does not get better by itself, so do not try and self treat. If you suspect you have bipolar disorder, or if you suspect someone in your life does, get help from a mental health specialist.

Tinnitus And Common Ringing In Ears Symptoms

Tinnitus is a disorder that can have a direct bearing on an individual's personal and professional life. Also known as the "ringing ear condition," this ailment afflicts an astounding 36 million Americans, with almost half the population suffering from ringing in the ears symptoms at some point in their life. While the condition is often considered to be vexing and distracting, it can also be a signal that points to other underlying health concerns. So, if you suffer from ringing in ears symptoms or are not sure if the strange and annoying noises that you hear are a result of tinnitus, here is a look at what the ailments is all about, the different types of tinnitus and common ringing in ears symptoms. It is imperative for people who suffer from the condition to seek medical attention.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is marked by a distinctive ringing sound heard by patients who suffer from the condition. A potentially debilitating disorder if not treated in time, ringing in ears symptoms can get progressively worse leading to depression and other psychological issues. People who experience ringing in ears symptoms often spend nights tossing and turning, which results in chronic sleep deprivation. The condition can ruin a person's ability to have a conversation or even concentrate on a task. There are two identifiable forms of tinnitus and learning about them can help a patient to understand the nature and extent of his condition.

Different types of Tinnitus

Subjective Tinnitus: With this form of tinnitus, patients experience ringing in ears symptoms such as a consistent drumming, ringing or humming sound in the ears; however, this noise can only be heard by the patient. The type of sound heard can vary from one person to another and may include a buzzing, wheezing or even a loud bell ringing sound. While subjective tinnitus is not detrimental to the patient's physical well-being it is generally considered to be more offensive and aggravating than objective tinnitus because the sound heard is loud enough to drown other external noises.

Because the ringing in ears symptoms are persistent with Subjective tinnitus, it is normal for patients to suffer from insomnia, depression and mood swings along with acute sleep deprivation. Also, this condition may be brought on by a loss of hearing due to old age or constant exposure to loud sounds, so it is imperative to consult a physician once symptoms are experienced.

Objective tinnitus: The difference between objective and subjective tinnitus is that in case of objective tinnitus the sound can be heard by a physician by placing a stethoscope or other listening instruments near the ear. The ringing in ears symptoms experienced by patients who suffer from objective tinnitus are similar to those felt by subjective tinnitus sufferers and include loud ringing, buzzing or wheezing sounds. Also known as Pulsatile tinnitus, the sound is often heard in synchronization with the patient's heartbeat; the condition is frequently a symptom of other chronic or acute ailments including high blood pressure and cardiac concerns such as blocked arteries or tumor in the neck or head.

What causes ringing in ears symptoms?

Experts are of the opinion that tinnitus is not an ailment in itself; rather it is a reflection of an underlying condition. So, the common disorders that lead to tinnitus include:

> Hearing loss due to old age
> Cochlear canal damage
> Hearing loss due to exposure to loud sounds
> Excess ear wax build up
> Ear infection
> Drug intake including preparations such as aspirin, quinine and aminoglycoside antibiotics
> Meniere's disease
> A brain tumor known as acoustic neuroma that grows on the nerve which supplies hearing
> Pregnancy
> Overactive thyroid
> Anemia
> Vascular tumors
> Intracranial hypertension
> Jaw joint misalignment

Ringing in ears symptoms

The typical symptoms of tinnitus include:

A consistent buzzing or ringing sound is heard by patients who suffer from the condition. While some people may hear the noise continuously and it may be loud enough to block out other external auditory stimuli, in other cases, the symptoms may only be experienced intermittently. Regardless of the intensity of ringing in ears symptoms and their frequency, this condition is cause for concern and patients should consult their physician immediately.

Apart from the loud ringing sounds, other symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, lack of concentration, depression, sleep deprivation, etc. may also be experienced.

If ringing in ears symptoms are experienced suddenly or after a neck or head injury, it is imperative to consult with your physician at the earliest.

In cases where the hearing loss is associated with tinnitus, there are very good chances of reversing the damage to the cochlear canal through medical intervention. Patients should be particularly wary of tinnitus that is only experienced in one ear; this warrants immediate evaluation as it may be a caused due to a tumor. Whether you suffer from objective or subjective tinnitus and even if the symptoms are only experienced intermittently, it is vital to get a diagnosis done.

The Best Loved Poems of The American People - By Hazel Felleman

This Book of Poetry was printed in 1936. Bear with me as I describe what our country was like at that time. It was in the middle of the last great depression, and so a very bad economic time. However it was purchased and read by many folks for the same reasons that I have read it many times. Tom Brokaw called it "The Greatest Generation".

The book was dedicated to Adolph S. Ochs publisher of the New York Times, who died in 1935. Ochs was a lover of poetry who began his career as a newsboy in Tennessee. While we now can "Google" information about most anything, at that time the radio and newspaper were our main source of information for those that could afford them.

Felleman worked for the Times, in the Question and Answer section of the Book Review area. She had received more requests for information about Poems, than any other items that showed her which ones were the public's favorites. The Times was the "Google" for those times and requests were mailed in from all over the nation. As Edward Frank Allen states in the introduction this book was edited by the American People. His introduction is well enough written and interesting that it will merit you reading it.

In that wise let me quote a few sentences from the introduction. I think what he says in 1936 is still fitting for today's society. Allen stated: "Today poetry is an absolute necessity. The world needs it for it's vitalizing strength. Poetry has nearly everything that music can give-melody, rhythm, sentiment-but it has this advantage: it can come closer to the heart. It satisfies a hunger for beauty that is a part of nearly every normal person's make-up.

The book is organized quite well. Reading Poetry is a personal thing and we like different types or even individual poems in different categories. Therefore the book is divided into 12 sections based on the subject of the poems. From Love and Friendship to Various Themes. Humor, patriotism, poems that tell a story and more. The first poem is by Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the last by Robert Browning. You will find an index listed by Authors, First Lines, and Titles. The 670 pages are well set up for easy access to all content by all readers. It is a very good book for all people of a wide range of age.. It has Poems by many famous Poets and others less known. Felleman includes some poems by Unkown Poets, whose poems were well liked but the authorship was not known.

You will find, as Hazel Felleman relates, all the poems are not necessarily her favorites but they were included because they were the favorites of the American People. A few of my favorites are not in this book but many are there.

I "Googled" and found that it is still in print and is available both new and used at most Book Stores. I find prices from 25 cents to 17.00. Quite a bargain for the bookshelf and your pleasure.

Turn off the TV, toss the Newspaper, find your quiet nook and enjoy. I am sure you will enjoy it.

How to Help a Depressed Spouse

The state of depression might have left your spouse with no body to care. Your spouse might behave like a nameless character or a faceless stranger even to you. Do not worry. It's because of the ill effects of depression and there are lots of effective treatment methods available to treat this. The reasons for depression could be many. People would have set very high standards and when they are not met, it becomes highly unacceptable for them. This might be the same case with your loved one also. There can be an altogether different behaviorial change in your spouse and you might find it very difficult to cope up with it. However, here are some suggestions on what you can offer to them and make them feel better.

Learn it: It is important for you to understand the facts about depression. You must educate yourself regarding the symptoms and various treatment methods available. You should take greater care on them and take them to a consultant at regular intervals. Understanding the behavior of depressed people, you will be able to manage your spouse in a better way.

View it from your spouse's perspective: By educating yourself about depression, the misconception about depression should no way be encouraged. You can take care of your spouse in the very best way if you can put yourself in their shoes.

Taking self-care: It is important to take great care of yourself. It is believed that thoughts of depression are highly contagious. You must make sure that you do not become a victim of the same.

Take it light: Its a common feeling to feel angry, frustrated and upset. Do not take things to your heart. Be brave hearted to face problems and find out effective solutions and have a general talk with your spouse. Encourage your spouse and explain the practicality involved in them.

Anonymous Test for Depression

Depression is a serious and very common today. Fortunately, the Internet is full of great (and not so large) information that can help overcome depression. Before you can decide what to do, you should know if you are suffering from depression or extreme sadness. Thus, the first question to ask yourself would be, can a test for depression help? My answer is yes, for two main reasons:

1. To help understand exactly about depression is for you to determine and assess yourself if you are suffering from it. The questions usually asked include behavior and feelings about themselves and their daily lives.

2. Depression test can never beat a professional diagnosis, but may help you decide if you need to find professional help. The test may also show the severity of the problem.

If you think you are depressed, there are several depression online tests to help identify symptoms and determine the level or severity of their condition. Millions of people suffer from some form of depression and unfortunately statistics indicate that approximately 70% do not receive the necessary treatment. Many people do not seek help because they are embarrassed to talk about their feelings or are not aware of the signs associated with this disease. Unfortunately, symptoms rarely disappear and the diagnosis and treatment are necessary for recovery.

Depression tests online offer a simple, fast and private and the best thing about it, anonymity is maintained especially when receiving opening up one's experience and receiving comments. Generally, these questionnaires are short and give their results immediately so you can determine what type of help you need and decide the best course of action for your situation. There are several types of tests available online, ranging from quick test to more in-depth questionnaires, but is important that you choose one that will give accurate results. Check the credentials and reputation of the organization to ensure you that it is a reliable source. To ensure valid results all tests must meet the standards of education and psychology tests.

Depression self-test questionnaires include such Zung Depression Scale, Depression Scale Studies Center Epidemiologic (CES- D) and the Geriatric Depression Scale. These tests are easily accessible online. Simply print out a copy, answer questions honestly, then follow the instructions for scoring. The Free Depression online tests, such as anxiety and depression test detection, Goldberg Depression Scale, and Wakefield Depression Questionnaire, you can complete the questionnaire its equipment. Get your answers be evaluated, so that know results immediately.

The goal line is to understand depression. It provides guidance for research and helps assess the severity level so you can decide if you should seek further evaluation. None of these tests are intended to replace professional, qualified help, but are designed as a tool of help you identify your symptoms and choose an appropriate form of treatment. Knowledge is power, and the more are aware of warning signs, the better you can through depression.

Help For the Depression of Divorce - 5 Steps to Overcoming Divorce Depression Naturally

The end of a marriage brings about a whole gamut of strong emotions and big changes in your life. Given that there are often huge transitions to be made in your ideals and vision for your life, living arrangements, time with kids, impact on relationships with mutual friends and family members, and financial status, it is not surprising that many people struggle with symptoms of depression during this time.

Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness, anxieties about the future, and changes in sleep or appetite can all indicate depression. If the symptoms are severe, this may merit a medical intervention, but natural methods can often be employed successfully for milder cases. Here are 5 natural methods to combat divorce depression:

1. Eat healthy foods. The mind and body have a connection, and supporting physical health can help support your emotional well being. Whenever possible, choose foods that are organic and unprocessed. Avoid highly processed and sugar laden foods. If you struggle with poor appetite, try carrying around healthy snack foods to be consumed in small amounts throughout the day. If you have the opposite issue and tend to overeat, try setting a time in the evening when you stop eating food, and avoid eating while distracted, such as in front of the television.

2. Take vitamins and supplements as needed. A naturopath can design a supplement plan tailored to your health needs. Many people can benefit from adding a fish oil and food based multivitamin supplement. L-theanine is a natural anti-anxiety supplement. 5 HTP is a natural precursor to the brain neurotransmitter serotonin, and may be of benefit to certain individuals.

3. Exercise! Check with your doctor to determine the appropriate level of activity, then commit to getting as much as you can. Cardiovascular exercise is ideal, as it increases your endorphins, which are feel good compounds that increase your feelings of mental well being. Increased physical fitness and improved body image are an added bonus.

4. Talk things out with others. The emotional support of friends and family at this time is very important. Other helping professionals can be a great asset to your support network, such as counselors and coaches. A counselor can help you work through "why's" and help you process your grief, while a coach can help you as you begin to look toward moving ahead in your life and setting some new goals for the new single you.

5. Do one thing for yourself each day to send the message that you are worth the care. Make a list of small pleasures you enjoy, and choose one each day to complete.

How to Know If You Are Gluten-Intolerant

Many people suffer for years with the symptoms of gluten-intolerance, without any idea that their ill health is caused by bread, pasta, and other flour-based foods we all eat every single day.

If you suffer from symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome, wind, general aches and pains, depression and even obesity - you need to check this out. Nobody should have to put up with this stuff any longer than they have to.

But *HOW* do you find out for sure?

First, the bad news. You cannot go to the doctor and get a blood test, or any other sort of test, to find out if you are gluten intolerant. The tests they provide in medical establishments are only useful for checking whether you have an *allergy*. And gluten intolerance (along with lots of other food-related problems) is not an allergy. Generally speaking, the immune system is not involved at all, so the tests can't detect it.

Another problem you might come across is that many in the medical profession (particularly in the NHS) laugh at the possibility of any problem that can't be measured, weighed, put in a test tube and filed away in a dusty filing cabinet. "Food intolerance doesn't exist," they may say, flying in the face of the many migraine-sufferers who daren't touch a chocolate bar or an orange.

But the good news is that the tide is turning. And you can test for gluten intolerance on your own, without Dr. Canute's help.

There are two methods you can use. The first involves keeping a food diary. If you are experiencing symptoms as a result of eating gluten, in 2 or 3 weeks you should be able to see a pattern emerging.

The other method, if you think that gluten is the likely cause, is to simply eliminate it from your diet for a couple of weeks, take a note of the results, then very slowly and carefully bring it back and see if anything develops.

Of the foods likely to cause problems because of intolerance, gluten is number one, with corn and milk in joint second place. So gluten is a good place to start, if you suspect your depression or arthritis, etc. is the result of food intolerance.

Cutting gluten out of your diet completely is not easy - I know, because I myself am gluten intolerant. You will need to check every packet, jar and tin in your cupboard and every label on foods you buy. You can get gluten-free products, but most of them are horrible. It's better just to decide to go without, at least for a few weeks while you test the water.

You need to avoid anything containing wheat, barley, rye or flour made from these grains. So, bread, pasta, cakes, biscuits and cookies, pizza and pies, chapatis and nan bread are all out the window. So, too are many tinned and packet foods, because they often contain hidden flour. Two other items you need to avoid are monosodium glutamate (the clue is in the name) and soya sauce, which is made from soy beans fermented with wheat.

Gluten can often appear on labels as "starch". You will find it in yogurts, ketchup, and all manner of products you never expected. You may not expect to find it in your instant coffee, for instance, but if it's a cheap brand, it may well be in there. Check the labels on *everything*, even if it can't possibly have flour in it - I mean, did you think there was flour in crab sticks or grated cheese?

And if your head is reeling, and you're wondering what you can eat, think potatoes, crisps (be careful of the flavored coating - check the label), rice and rice cakes (you can get chocolate coated ones), lentils, peas and beans - these will give you the carbohydrates you are missing from the other stuff - and to thicken your gravy and sauces, you can use arrowroot or rice flour (check the specialist shelves in the supermarket).

It may seem like a lot of work, just to find out if you have a problem, but the only way to absolutely *for certain* check for food intolerance is, first to eliminate it for a couple of weeks, and then re-introduce it a little at a time.

And if you find out using this method that you do need to cut out gluten, you will be feeling so much healthier, it won't seem a problem any more.

Happy eating!

Refuse to Feel Desperately Unhappy - Anxiety and Panic Attacks Under Control!

Treating depression and panic and anxiety attacks is serious business for the families and sufferers of these life sucking conditions.

"Sick patient heal thyself." Often that's what you're asked to do when you are suffering from panic and anxiety attacks. Just get over it. What's wrong with you? Can't you see your fear is irrational? Of course, if you could figure out how to "just get over it" you would. You're still trying to figure out if your problem is mental or physical. Yes, I know when your problem first started it probably had something to do with some fear, trauma, grief, or loss. Now you have been pestered by panic and anxiety attack symptoms for months or maybe even worse years; now the physical symptoms have superseded the original problem and have become uncontrollable.

For depression, it's just the opposite. You're not bothered by uncontrollable body movements. You might even welcome the change of over stimulation in your life at this point. You seem to be shutting down uncontrollably.

Some might have you think that being depressed is some kind of crime. If your dog died, you would be depressed about that-You loved that dog; here's a horrible thought, what if a close relative died. Certainly, that's a justifiably reason to feel a little down, don't you think. You bet these are good reasons for you to feel depression and or be suffering from panic and anxiety attacks. Gee whiz, you're not bullet proof and you don't wear a cape. Don't beat yourself up about the way you feel and don't let others kick you around either.

There is a stopping point to depression and anxiety and you will have to reengage in that process. If you are feeling suicidal or you've gotten to the point where you can't leave your house, it's time to get professional help. You see, part of the problem with depression is inertia. Doing nothing or doing the same thing over and over again. You have to make a commitment to move on to the next step and that next step means changing your processes.

Anxiety and panic attack sufferers you don't have an inertia problem, but you do have an internal conversation problem that you share with depression sufferers. Now, both of you can learn this next lesson and change how you feel instantly. You can learn to use your body to change your emotional state by moving it.

Test this next step immediately!

When I say MOVE I literally mean MOVE your body. You see the fastest way to change how you are feeling (your state of mind) now is to change how you move your body. No, this won't cure your depression or anxiety attacks on the spot; it will change how you feel right now.

Your emotions are directly influenced by how you move (your motions) your body. It's hard to go for a brisk walk and feel depressed; endorphins' are released in your blood stream and you start to feel better. If you are watching your favorite sports team play and you jump up, clap your hands and shout at the other team, your mental state will change and adapt to your current physical movements.

If you are depressed, change your state immediately by sitting or standing straight, hold your chin up, keep your gaze focused, unfold your arms and legs, and breathe deeply from your diaphragm. Imagine you have a million bucks in your bank account and sit or stand as if you did. These body movements take you from depressed to confidence.

Anxiety sufferers you have a different problem. When you feel the symptoms come upon you don't shrink from them. That's part of the problem. Say to yourself "bring it on, I'm not afraid of you anymore" and then wait it out. Remember to as best you can stay relaxed, and focus on the symptoms, become curious and ask yourself questions about the symptoms. This changes your internal conversation from "oh no what am I going to do now" "here it goes again" "I need to get out of here". By adopting a curious or confident posture you immediately change the impact of the symptoms.

This is simply a coping tool to use to shift your emotional state temporarily. The real battle for recovery is the one between your ears. You have created a pattern of internal conversations that keep you in a depressed or anxious state of mind. You don't believe you can undo your mental state and you may also believe your circumstances are more powerful than your own abilities.

You're not alone and this is not uncommon, even if you're not depressed or suffering from panic or anxiety attacks. There are simple techniques that have been working for more than forty years; they use to be available only to the few that could afford to go to a professional psychologist or psychotherapist. You can learn and apply these techniques in the comfort of your own home. You don't have to wait any longer. Don't be afraid to make the commitment to get better.

To your health
JB

Consult your doctor about any diagnosis or medical treatments you may need and do not stop taking any medications before discussing it with your doctor.

Overcome the State of Clinical Depression

People say that, "when life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile". But the line only looks good in a book, in real life it is a little difficult to follow. When your life is in the soup of misery, even a fake smile is difficult to get. What do you do when you find so much unhappiness around, people dying out of poverty, there is no job, and people don't earn enough to feed their families two times a day properly; how will they manage to smile? Let's discuss the situation in our own homes. There is a sudden mishap and your whole world comes crumbling down. What do you think the immediate reaction would be, to smile and move on? No. human emotions are not that strong. Depression is more likely in such occasions than anything else.

Clinical depression is basically of two types: one that comes due to a series of situations that happen in life or something that one is born with. Clinical depression is basically a phase in life or a mental state where the person feels that the whole world is against him and at times even suffer from a problem where he feels that people are conspiring against him and are trying to kill him. He gets panic attacks, in extreme cases the person is even kept locked inside a room by his family members because he gets so violent. For the ones who take on depression due to certain happenings in their life, they feel that everything in their life has come to an end and becomes very suicide prone. Clinical depression can also be a result to constant failure in life and the person comes to think of it that he is a failure, a loser and that it is better to end their lives as he is in no way able to support his family.

The people suffering from clinical depression generally get addicted to drugs to be able to participate in normal daily activities. There addiction is so intense that whenever they miss a dose, they feel that they won't be able to stand up properly, they start sweating, headaches and nausea feeling are common. The person might even faint. Frequent mood swings along with becoming abusive are common. They generally become less popular among friends and are always in a disgusted mood, they also become lethargic towards doing any work.

The people who suffer from clinical depression require a lot of care and patience to be handled. Parents and close friends specially should understand and take charge of the situation and instead of shouting and disowning them should spent time with them, try to feel their pain and what is the kind of problem that is pushing them to this state of depression. They should try to make them laugh and keep them in good mood and also gather strength to help them come out of this situation.

No situation in life can be so grave that one cannot come out of it. Your strength lies in your inner self, spent sometime to discover that and you will always come out as a winner in every situation in your life.

Occupy Wall Street and the Storming of the Bastille

Jean-Jacques Rousseau explained the "Social Contract" in his 1762 Treatise. He explained that there are certain unwritten understandings by which everyone in a society operates. When pressures from all sides cause dislocations in society they can cause revolutions. As the French and American Revolutions and the Arab Spring have shown us, changes often come only with significant upheaval. These changes often occur when the majority finally says to the powers that be that the status quo in the society is not good enough.

We have reached such a time in the United States of America. Bill Moyers quotes The Radicalism of the American Revolution by Gordon Wood:

"… our nation discovered its greatness "by creating a prosperous free society belonging to obscure people with their workaday concerns and pecuniary pursuits of happiness." This democracy, he said, changed the lives of "hitherto neglected and despised masses of common laboring people."

Unfortunately, the 1% of our population controlling 50% of our economy have turned away or forgotten this. In his article "How Wall Street Occupied America," found in the November 21, 2011 edition of The Nation, he points to a confidential memorandum published by former Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell among his friends at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on August 23, 1971. Moyers says, "We look on it now as a call to arms for class war waged from the top down."

It is warfare waged successfully and largely unnoticed by the Middle Class. Like the frog, which dies in a pot growing steadily warmer, the American people have had too many distractions to notice the heat rising on the American Dream. Most of these distractions provided happily by the 1%. Like the Caesars before them, they allowed us great spectacles like the National Football League and interminable sex scandals on television, part of the television wasteland, and they provided us with foreign wars to make us afraid to complain.

But, like the frog that jumps out of the pot when the heat rises too quickly, the Occupy Movement represents the American People's response to the fact that the 1% has literally gone too far. In 2011, the early signs of this discontent have come because of over reaching political attacks on collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin and Ohio, and attacks on the rights of women through state constitutional amendments.

The underlying assumptions of our Society and the American Dream must be fundamentally repaired before the genie of the Occupy Movement will go back into her bottle. Here are 10 ways the "Social Contract" is broken in the United States:

1. Home Values. Home ownership has long been the key to long-term prosperity for the American People. Homes paid for educations, retirements, and occasional vacations. Unfortunately, Wall Street was allowed to set aside regulations and add leverage upon leverage to the home mortgage market, which ultimately led to disaster. Now they are conspiring with real estate agents and appraisers to cram down home values, so that they can enjoy another 50-year run-up, primarily at the expense of the America People.

2. Loans for Education. A fundamental understanding of the American Dream has been that if we borrowed money to pay for college or community college education, we could expect a reasonable job at the end of it, which would allow us to build a family and a comfortable life for the next generation and ourselves. Now America's youth is facing an economy that has been eaten out by the 1%. As one of the writers on the web site known as "WeArethe99Percent" aptly put it, "The best and brightest of my generation are bagging your groceries."

3. Social Safety Nets in the Process of Destruction. The 1% is chiseling away at the social safety nets, which served and supported the American Dream for 75 years, since the Great Depression.

They are unwilling to pay their fair share for Social Security, putting the majority of the burden on average Americans, who earn significantly less than the $106,000 tax cap.

They have been destroying Medicare from the inside out. They have been consistently attacking the family doctor, by reducing Medicare payments to the point where few doctors accept Medicare any longer.

They want to destroy Medicaid, rather than face the fact that most modern industrialized countries provide healthcare for their populations in a dignified manner.

4. Labor Rights Are Being Destroyed. The American worker has spent a century fighting back the tycoons of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, who wanted below minimum wage labor for their enterprises. Now we have to do it again! It is understandable that unions must bargain with management for their salaries and benefits. That's the nature of a capitalist society. But the attack on the collective bargaining rights of public employees and union members is outrageous. Luckily, this is the one over reach that has caused the American people to wake up and jump out of the pot. It is clear that the "Social Contract" will not be fixed until American conservatives stop their unjustifiable attack on collective bargaining rights.

5. Untrustworthy Banking System. The conservative mantra has been, "Freedom, freedom, give us freedom." Removing all the stops on the financial regulatory system invited the global financial meltdown, which has destroyed the value of our homes and the future of our children. No, the Occupy Movement will continue until the banking industry accepts sensible regulation once again, like the banking regulations, which made the second half of the twentieth century so prosperous.

6. Patriarchy Run Rampant. When women have their rights we will have peace in the world. The days of keeping the little woman barefoot and pregnant at home are over. While women get equal rights lip service in the United States, the reality is far different.

Conservative politicians keep throwing the "family values" hogwash in women's faces. All of them know that criminalizing abortion will save exactly zero babies, and yet they keep hyping the issue to distract the American people from what they are doing to our financial system. This is only one example of how the 1% keeps many women in line.

7. Defense Spending Out of Control. The 1% used the standard tactic of fear mongering to run up the defense budget, and take money from programs that supported the American dream. Wars created on the basis of lies were the justification for increasing defense spending by over $300 billion per year. But where is all of that money going? A ballistic missile submarine costs about $2 billion, but we haven't built more than a handful in the decade of the run-up, and very few surface ships. We've added about 27,500 men to the U.S. Marine Corps, but even granting that it costs $100,000 per year to field a Marine, that amounts to only a total additional cost of $2.75 billion per year. Comparable increases in manpower in the other services yield similar financial consequences. I say again, "Where is all of that money going?"

8. First Amendment Rights Threatened. The Right of Assembly and the Right to Petition the Government for a Redress of Grievances are two of the five fundamental rights found in the 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. How is it that states and local governments have been allowed to establish laws abridging those rights? This has to change! If we don't demand the reinstatement of these Rights, we can look forward to losing the Rights of Freedom of Religion, Freedom of the Press, and Freedom of Speech in the future.

9. Retirement Threatened. By destroying the value of our homes and trying to break our contract for Social Security—yes, Social Security is a contract not an "entitlement" (which is a 1% buzz word suggesting it's a handout). If they are allowed to continue, none of us will have any savings, nor will we have the safety net of Social Security, which so many of us rely upon. How Americans afford to retire is fundamental to fixing the "Social Contract" in our country. The Occupy Movement will continue until this is properly addressed. And that means making the 1% pay their fair share in Social Security and Medicare taxes.

10. Corrupt Attitude of Big Business. Over the past decade thousands of corrupt practices, many of them hugely costly to society, have crept into our society. Health insurance companies regularly deny legal and proper claims from doctors and hospitals over and over again. At the very minimum, they get to use the money owed to the doctors for a longer period, increasing their profits. Meanwhile, that creates additional administrative cost in our healthcare system.

I could go on and on with this topic, but I don't need to, because everyone reading this knows what I mean. We have to demand higher standards of ethics from the business community and our politicians, or see our Society devolve to the corrupt practices standards of the developing world. As an American I expect and demand better!

How to Spot the Signs and Symptoms of Depression

The symptoms of depression are often subtle at first. The two most significant symptoms of depression are Sadness or Hopelessness. However there are other symptoms of depression. Recognizing the symptoms of depression is usually the toughest part and is critical to the treatment of depression. Take a look at the following symptoms of depression below.

Signs, Signs Everywhere Signs and Symptoms of Depression.

It's critical to understand the early warning signs of depression so that you can recognize them and get the treatment you deserve. Everybody's symptoms of depression show up in different ways and in different degrees of those symptoms, but usually, they're severe enough to mess up your everyday life.

First realize that in order to be classified as depression, symptoms must persist for at least two weeks. So what are the symptoms?

Well here's a list:

-Persistent sadness or unhappiness
-Lethargy
-Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
-Irritability
-Sudden change in appetite
-Disruption of normal sleep pattern
-Physical discomfort
-Difficulty thinking or concentrating
-Thoughts of suicide or death
-Anxious, numb, or"empty" mood
-Feelings of worthlessness
-Helplessness
-Guilt
-Feelings of hopelessness
-Pessimism
-Insomnia
-Early-morning awakening
-Oversleeping
-Decreased energy
-Increased appetite with weight gain
-Decreased appetite with weight loss
-Thoughts of self-injury
-Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, backaches, etc.

Obviously with all of these symptoms it would seem like everyone is a candidate for depression. However, remember that these symptoms of depression should last at least 2 weeks before you should seek treatment. You should also consider what is triggering your symptoms. Is it something relatively minor that before wouldn't bother you but now causes you to feel down for days on end?

Look, I now it's hard to be objective when your dealing with depression but try to take a step back, look at the above symptoms and take an account of how long you've been dealing with them and what caused them.

So what about Treatments?

Treatments can include medication, psychological/psychiatric therapy and even lifestyle changes. If you've looked back over the list and discovered that you have had at least 5 of the symptoms for at least 2 weeks or longer, and one of the symptoms is either sadness or loss of interest, you might be diagnosed with major depression that deserves looking into treatment. However, even if you've got fewer than 5 symptoms, you may still be depressed and need some type of treatment. Remember, not getting treatment can be life threatening.

You may want to talk with a close friend or family member you can trust about how you're feeling. Chances are they've noticed anyway but didn't want to say anything. They can often verify some of the symptoms with you.

There are also numerous resources available in bookstores or online that can help you pinpoint depression and in some cases even help you end your depression.

Finally, talk to your doctor about your symptoms of depression the moment you notice them and get the help you deserve and before it gets worse. (Personal, non-professional warning: Do your homework before agreeing to any drugs---there may be other options with less harmful side effects.)

Whatever you do, seek help of some kind. If you don't seek help the condition and the symptoms of depression will more than likely get worse and worse over time. And they can be deadly.

Teasing, Sarcasm and Emotional Scarring in Adults

Teasing, as either a teaser or target is a universal experience that all persons participate in, or are exposed to at some level. The childhood rhyme says "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me". This is probably one of the biggest lies we try to convince ourselves, and our children.

No matter your age, I bet you can remember clearly a time when you were teased, made fun of, the brunt of a sarcastic or mean comment when you were growing up. Even if you said something and kids laughed at you, that embarrassed feeling is something that stays with most people as one of the emotional scars we carry. It can become part of the way we develop low self-esteem.

If you ask your friends about their memories of teasing, you will find those memories are easily accessible. If you ask those same friends about times when someone said something nice to them, those memories are harder to recall.

Research done with young adults found that those who had been teased as children had higher measures of depression, anxiety, fear of negative evaluation and loneliness.

The limited research asking older adults about the long-term consequences of teasing has shown effects of elevated levels of depression and anxiety, and lower self esteem. but there is certainly plenty of anecdotal information that you can learn from speaking with your friends and relatives. You may have been the one teased, or you may have teased others. I've read different excuses from people who teased others:

"They did it to me"
"Everyone did it"
"It makes you stronger when you learn to deal with it"
"The parts of my body that they teased me about back then are now what I consider my best assets.
"That's how I showed someone I liked them."

From my informal questioning, I've found that even adult males continue to tease females way after the request has been made to stop. After many years, and probably with maturity older girls get to a point of realizing that boys don't know how to show affection, so they tease girls.

In the past 20 years, the issue of sexual teasing of a more intense nature has become such an important issue that now there are laws to protect women at work from sexual harassment. (the laws now apply this behavior directed at men as well). The definition of this behavior is very specific and relates to adult behavior:

"unwelcome sexually determined behavior as physical contact and advances, sexually colored remarks, showing pornography and sexual demands, whether by words or actions. Such conduct can be humiliating and may constitute a health and safety problem; it is discriminatory when the woman has reasonable ground to believe that her objection would disadvantage her in connection with her employment, including recruitment or promotion, or when it creates a hostile working environment." (United Nations Declaration)

The bottom line is, if someone says to stop teasing them, you should stop. It doesn't matter if you "didn't mean anything" with it. If you continue, verbal teasing moves into the legal realm of harassment. One can only imagine the terrible future implications that "sexting": teenagers sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, primarily between mobile phones, will have on their adult lives.

Sarcasm, as humor is a form of hidden aggression. People often will hide behind their comment saying "I was only kidding". However, no matter what you really meant, be it seriously (only you truly know), or in jest, the things you have said to people stays in their memories along with their memory of you being the culprit. These hurtful statements can remain a lifetime, and form a belief system in a person with low self-esteem.

Think about the things that were said to you, in humor or in all seriousness. It is very hard to dismiss what you've heard. You can try to logically explain to yourself that the words are meaningless, but your body will tell you the truth. Do you get a corresponding feeling somewhere in your body when you think about something that was hurtful? Do you feel a tightness in your chest; does your breathing become shallow; do you feel embarrassed, ashamed, sad? It is extremely difficult to talk yourself out of these feelings. There is one thing that definitely can help. It's called EFT: Emotional Freedom Technique, or Meridian Tapping.

Take time and think before you speak. Once words have been spoken, you can apologize, but you can never remove them from someone's hearing. Gossip, words that you say about another person can get back to them easily. Do you want to be responsible for emotional scars and their impact left on another human being?

And if you are the one who has heard harsh words that still hurt deep inside you, there is help that will work quickly and effectively to remove the emotional impact and give you a new clear way of seeing yourself.

Words can deliver support and connection; or they can be hateful and destructive. Choose wisely before you speak.

4 Types Of Bipolar Disorder Explained - How They Affect Individuals

In psychiatry Bipolar Syndrome and Manic Depression falls under a group of mood disorders where a person experiences emotional states where they go from being clinically depressed to states where their moods are elevated, or the opposite cycle, and can be or include both these mood states. This can be a crippling condition if it is left untreated or ignored, and has been known to cause suicide.

During the late 1950's was when the term "manic depressive" first came about, although it is now commonly referred as Bipolar Disorder, which is the name for it now. This mood disorder will have been around long before it was discovered. Word such as 'ania' and 'manos' which come from Latin, used by the Romans. A Roman doctor by the name of Caelius Aurelianus came up with these etymologies (history of words). The meaning of 'Ania' is a creating great mental suffering, whereas 'manos' on the opposite scale can be translated as being calmer and more relaxed. Through centuries past those known to great minds have tried to work out how these strange mood swings have come about. Gao Lian, a Chinese encyclopaedist was one of the first to cite this illness in his 'Eight Treatises on Nurturing of Life'; the Frenchman Jules Baillarger found that the origin of these frequent cycles of depression and mania could be explained through two phased mental disorder.

The concept behind what we know today as Bipolar Disorder was considered to be a German psychiatrist - Emil Kraeplin. Long before mood stabilisers were created, he looked at untreated patients and studied their case files and was able to sort them into those that were afflicted with this illness. He conceived and is known as the father behind the term "Manic Depressive Psychosis". Under observations Emil's patients were found to undergo cycles where they had acute depression one moment then mania, with intermissions in between where the patient had no symptoms and were acting normally.

While Kraeplin discovered the concept behind the illness, it was Dr. John Cade who was credited with coming up with the treatment. He discovered that Lithium Carbonate was effective as a mood stabiliser, suitable to treat all kinds of mental illness. As a pioneer for this medication, it was the first of its kind to be used for treating all psychiatric conditions, which were often treated by electroconsulive therapy or lobotomy.

Bipolar syndrome can be said to be having mood swings, but on a much more frightening scale. These abnormal mood swings will make an individual's life very difficult or can enhance it depending on the severity of the disorder (on a scale from mild to severe) and which route it takes (a depressive or elevated mood). It can alter a person's active and energy levels, their cognitive behaviour, affect their social life and disturb their normal sleep cycle.

Whilst a person is in their early teens they will just start of with depression which comes and goes. As they reach their late teens, the Bipolar Disorder begins to surface. In some cases, a person has started with this illness as a young child, and others later on in their life. Bipolar can strike anyone at any age regardless of their ethnic background, their sex, their race or their social class.

Females diagnosed with the illness usually began firstly with episodes of depression, whilst male patients are more known to have started with manic episodes. The disorder is known to be genetic, so if you are blood related to someone with this illness there is a tendency for it to passed on.

These changes or episodes of mood swings can last from a few hours and even for months; everyone is affected differently and have dissimilar coping mechanisms. Where a patient has four or more depressive episodes or mood changes and a combination of mania in any single year, they are known to have Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder.

A patient with Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder can reach a full cycle within hours or days. In Bipolar Disorder the patients progressively move through the mood changes. They are extremely unstable and it is difficult to find the correct treatment for each affected individual. It is the females who are more prone to Rapid Cycling.

Bipolar Disorder is classified and split into four types depending on the intensity and the patterns:

1. Bipolar I Disorder - A patient will suffer one or more mixed cycle, with at least one or more long episode of depression. The severest of all the forms as the manic episodes are extreme.

2. Bipolar II Disorder - The presence of one or major depressive episode with at least one hypomanic episode. The depression is more intense than the mania ( which can last for at least four days). A person can become quite destructive although it may not be troublesome.

3. Cyclothymic Disorder - Milder than Bipolar II, there are varying episodes of depression and mania which are acute stages, but less severe. They do not occur as much as in Bipolar I or II, but could progress to either one of these at a later stage.

4. Unspecified Bipolar Disorder - This is where a person is experiencing depressive and episodes of mania which cannot be classified in those conditions mentioned about, so a person can recover fully from this.

People should not regard this type of disorder as if it was something awful like Leprosy, and wash their hands of sufferers. They should learn to gain a better understanding, that this illness can be treated and stabilised with the correct medication. There is also excellent choices of therapy available to make this disorder more manageable so that patients can lead a normal life. They are able to take control again and be confident.

Depression In The Workplace

In Australia alone, more than one million people experience depression, anxiety or disorders through substance abuse each year. One in five people suffer from depression and this is carried into the workplace. Did you know that depression is second only to heart-related illness in Australia?

Around 80% of depression sufferers indicated that they were functionally impaired because of depression. 27% reported serious difficulties at work as well as at home. Only 29% of depression sufferers in Australia sought professional mental assistance and of those with severe depression about 39% sought assistance of any kind.

Depression costs 200 million lost workdays each year and $17 to $44 billion in Australia alone. It is one of the most common of all mental health problems.

Research shows that rates of depression vary by occupation and industry type. Among full-time workers aged 18 to 64 years, the highest rates of workers experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year were found in the personal care and service occupations (10.8%) and the food preparation and serving related occupations (10.3%). Oddly those occupations that experienced the lowest rate of depression were engineering, architecture and surveying (4.3%); life, physical and social science (4.4%); installation, maintenance and repair (4.4%).

In three months alone, depressed employees miss 4.8 workdays and suffer 11.5 days of decreased productivity. In a well functioning workplace, the organisation protects and supports mental health and encourages employees to seek help for depression and anxiety for the benefit of the individual as well as the organisation.

What is Depression

Depression is characterised by changes in thinking, mood or behaviour and can affect anyone. Some of the factors affecting depression include genetics, physiology, psychology, gender and the environment. However, in the workforce, it is more complex and is not properly understood. What is understood is that both work and non-work factors cause depression in workplaces.

Several job stressors can contribute to depression in the workplace. These include high job demands, low job control and lack of social support at work. There is a need to understand organisational practices so as to decrease job stress and aspects of roles and their structures that contribute to poor mental health, enabling interventions to be developed to target these risk factors in the workplace. Workplaces have a significant impact on the mental health of staff through job design and workplace culture.

Depression is a real medical and social problem and its effects stretch across the boundaries of work and recreation. The World Health Organisation and the World Bank rank depression as the fourth leading cause of death and disability. It is the leading cause of non-fatal disability. By 2020, given the rising rate among young people, the lack of preventative programs and poor access to treatments, it will be second only to cardiovascular disease.

Many employers realise the importance of staff retention and motivation in creating a harmonious work environment, but in today's climate it is also important to monitor the well being of staff. Depression and anxiety now accounts for approximately one third of all claims for income protection insurance and almost 50% of associated costs.

A lack of awareness and understanding in the workplace leads to difficult situations which may arise from prolonged absence or excessive sick-leave. With the correct awareness and support in place to remove the stigma associated with depression, the expense from both a financial and emotional perspective can potentially be avoided

Depression is more than just a low mood - it's a serious illness. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time and often without reason. People with depression find it hard to function every day and may be reluctant to participate in activities they once enjoyed.

Are there different types of depression?

Different types of depression often have slightly different symptoms and may require different treatments. The five main types of depression are listed below.

* Major depression - a depressed mood that lasts for at least two weeks. This may also be referred to as clinical depression or unipolar depression.

* Psychotic depression - a depressed mood which includes symptoms of psychosis. Psychosis involves seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), feeling everyone is against you (paranoia) and having delusions.

* Dysthymia - a less severe depressed mood that lasts for years.

* Mixed depression and anxiety - a combination of symptoms of depression and anxiety.

* Bipolar disorder - (formerly known as manic depressive illness) - involves periods of feeling low (depressed) and high (manic).

Is Depression Common?

Yes. In Australia alone, one million adults and 100,000 young people live with depression each year. On average, one in six people will experience depression in their lifetime - one in five females and one in eight males.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Although no two people will experience this illness in exactly the same way, there are common signs of depression. In the workplace, a person with depression will start to exhibit any number of the following signs:

Personal changes

* Irritability/hostility
* Withdrawal from, or extreme dependence, on others
* Hopelessness/despair
* Slowness of speech
* Chronic fatigue
* Alcohol/drug abuse

Workplace changes

* Difficulty in making decisions
* Decreased productivity
* Inability to concentrate
* Decline in dependability
* Unusual increase in errors in work
* Being prone to accidents
* Frequent tardiness, increased "sick" days
* Lack of enthusiasm for work

Someone who has been experiencing several of these signs for more than a few weeks should seek help.

It's important to note that you can't always identify the cause of depression nor change troubling circumstances. The most important thing is to recognise the depression and to seek help. Remember, the sooner you get treatment, the greater the chance of a faster recovery.

Workplaces that have better communication and that allow their employees greater flexibility and control have fewer instances of depression.

The Advice, Conciliation, and Arbitration Scheme (Acas) of the UK advises that the way in which jobs are structured has significant impact on the levels of stress and depression in the workforce. Acas suggests a number of measures that all businesses should consider. Employees should be:

* able to see how their output makes a valuable contribution to the organisation.
* given as much variety in the tasks they do, the speed they take to complete the work, their work styles and the place in which they work if possible.
* given regular performance feedback as uncertainty of performance is a major stress factor.
* given ownership of their responsibilities.
* given learning and problem solving opportunities.

All types of people suffer from depression and it is important to note that though it is debilitating, it is not unconquerable. According to Sally Burton, chief executive of UK charity the Shaw Trust "Avoiding recruiting or supporting employees with mental health conditions isn't an option, supporting your workforce is, and will pay dividends in terms of increasing productivity, improving performance and retention, garnering talent and shaping future leaders, helping you to retain a competitive edge."

In 2010 the Shaw Trust carried out a survey investigating attitudes to mental health problems in the workplace. Their findings showed that 42% of employers still underestimated the prevalence of mental health problems in their organisation. On the other hand, 90% of managers stated that they would be happy discussing mental health issues with an employee. This is good as it shows that changes in the workplace could be the key to reversing the epidemic of depressive illness.

Common Bipolar Symptoms in Adults - What You Should Know

Bipolar disorder symptoms in adults are easier to establish than in small children and can be severe. These symptoms are very different from the usual turbulent emotions experienced in daily life and can lead to damaged relationships, poor performance in school and at work, and an inability to perform routine tasks and in the extreme suicide. It often develops in the teenage years and can go unnoticed for many years and the symptoms may seem like separate problems at first making it difficult to spot. This disorder is a long term illness that needs to be managed carefully throughout the patient's life.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder in adults are classified into two categories unique to the pole or extreme episode that the patient is displaying. Some of the common symptoms of the manic episode are mood changes of elation, euphoria and extreme optimism that can lead to poor judgement. Aggressive behaviour and hyperactivity is also observed and a heightened sexual activity is seen in the patient. The patient may also suffer from insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, impulsiveness, quick and unfocused speech, hostility, delusions, irritability and paranoia. The surprising thing is that despite all this high energy activities the patient does not feel fatigued and seems to be on a roller coaster.

The other classification of bipolar disorder symptoms in adults is the depression episode. This is characterised by the exact opposite of the manic episode. The patient feels hopeless, guilty, and worthless, tired and tends to be forgetful. They also have trouble sleeping or sleep too much, lose or gain a lot of weight and lose interest in activities that they enjoyed or may withdraw from society. Patients lack concentration and feel overwhelmed by their emotions leading to suicidal feelings. Feelings of apathy and self loathing may also be encountered and the patient will want to withdraw from the rest of society completely.

In uncommon cases, the patient may experience a mixed affective episode which is in essence a state during which symptoms of mania and those of depression occur simultaneously. The patient may get teary during a manic episode or have a torrent of racing thoughts during a depressive episode. This mixed state is the most dangerous period of mood disorders and may lead to substance abuse, panic disorder and suicide attempts. Learning to recognise the bipolar disorder symptoms in adults is the key to unlocking the treatment for victims and helping to restore them back into regular society where they can be productive once more.