Sleep Breathing Problems Associated With Symptoms of Depression

New research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that people who experience sleep disordered breathing - snorting, gasping and/or stopped breathing during sleep - are more likely to suffer symptoms of depression than people who do not have these sleep-related breathing problems.

Searching for a Link

For the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the researchers polled a national sample of 9,714 male and female adults, 18 years of age or older. The participants were asked how often they experience snoring, snorting, gasping for breath or stopped breathing while asleep. The participants were also asked to complete a nine-question "depression screener" on how often they experienced symptoms associated with "probable major depression." The researchers also took into account variables such as a participant's race, ethnicity, age and education. It is important to note that participant's answers were based on self-reported symptoms, and that some people may not be aware that they are suffering from sleep disordered breathing symptoms.

Results of the Survey

According to the results of the study, which are published in the April Sleep journal, sleep apnea, snorting, gasping and/or stopped breathing while sleeping were all associated with symptoms of depression, including feelings of hopelessness and failure.

Other results of the survey:

• Of the men polled, 6.0 percent reported physician-diagnosed sleep apnea, 37.2 percent snored greater than or equal to five nights a week, 7.1 percent snorted/stopped breathing greater than or equal to five nights a week, and 5.0 percent had depression symptom screener scores greater than or equal to 10.


• Among the women, 3.1 percent reported physician-diagnosed sleep apnea, 22.4 percent snored greater than or equal to five nights a week, 4.3 percent snorted/stopped breathing greater than or equal to five nights a week, and 8.4 percent had depression symptom screener scores greater than or equal to 10.


• Sleep apnea was associated with probable major depression.


• Snorting/stopped breathing greater than or equal to 5 nights a week was strongly associated with probable major depression in men and women.


• Snoring was not found to be associated with symptoms of depression in men or women.

The Researcher's Conclusion

Prior to the study, the researchers knew that depression and sleep disordered breathing are both common, but often misdiagnosed, medical conditions. They were also aware of previous studies on similar subjects. One study showed a link between the severity of breathing problems and the likelihood of later developing depression, and another indicated that people who were treated for their sleep apnea symptoms also showed improvement in their depression symptoms.

The researchers are hoping that the results of their CDC study encourage dialogue between mental health professionals and physicians - that both become more aware of the connection between sleep disordered breathing problems and symptoms of depression, and that sleep disordered breathing problems may also be an indicator of depression and vice versa.

Read the full study "Sleep Disordered Breathing and Depression among U.S. Adults: National Health and Nutrition Survey, 2005-2008."

Why Even Your Pets Want You to Shop For Auto Insurance Quotes Online!

Let's face it- Animals are lazy bums. Sure, cows and alpacas earn their keep, but even cat and dog breeders can tell you that, for the most part, keeping an animal involves a putting a lot of money toward feeding and sheltering creatures whose primary purpose is to shed all over your furniture. As well meaning as your family feline may be, while dragging home dead mice saves you from having to hire an exterminator it's not going to do much to help keep them in cat food.

That's why your pets want you look for auto insurance quotes online.

In addition to providing a lap for them to sit on while you do it, encouraging you use a fast, easy way to compare insurance costs leaves you more time and money to do things for your fuzzy (or feathery or scaly or leathery) friends. Saving hundreds of dollars on auto insurance could pay for an entire year's worth of vet visits. Or it could pay for two years worth of bedding. Or it could replace the carpet destroyed in what we will refer to only as the "Spaghetti Incident".

Another reason why you pet wants you to look for auto insurance quotes online is his or her own health and safety issues. Which policies cover pets? Will your dog have to be wearing a seat belt to be covered? What about exotic pets? Are they all simply considered 'property'? Getting a quote online will help you communicate with the different insurance agencies to find out how to best protect your dear, if unemployable, companions.

Calling pets lazy may be unfair- owning a pet provides actual health benefits (to most owners) in the form of stress relief. Stroking a cat or dog has been medically proven to reduce blood pressure. Watching fish has been rumored to have the same benefits. Bird owners report less depression due to the communication skills of bird (those that don't' swear), and, overall, animals generally make us happier, more complete people.

Trying to unjangle our modern day nerves is actually tough work...which is why the lackadaisical little buggers really want you to look for your insurance quotes online as opposed to getting all worked up on the phone giving your information over and over and over. This distinctly no-pressure, unstressful method of finding the best prices and coverage leaves less anger for them to diffuse in a day.

Also, and this can't be stressed enough, you'll have more time for your favorite pet bonding activity. Ball throwing? Cricket chasing? Watching them sleep? Your pet really wants you put down the phone and go online for all your insurance needs.

Alcohol and Depression - Break the Cycle

The use of alcohol and depression symptoms often are linked since depression can lead to excessive alcohol use or excessive alcohol use can lead to depression. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant which means that it effects the brain and spinal cord where the neurological system resides. Alcohol use causes the central nervous system to slow down which can initially cause feelings of contentment or relaxation. If a person is depressed, they may feel like they are able to escape the feelings of overwhelming sadness once they have consumed alcohol.

Though users may feel like the depression is lifting when they consume alcohol, but in reality, it is only masking the negative symptoms of the mental condition. Long term alcohol use causes tolerance, meaning that the sufferer will have to drink more and more to feel the same effects every day. When this happens, the alcohol can cause physical damage. Mentally, alcohol can not only cause depression, but can also cause mental retardation, loss of memory and a host of other health problems.

When someone who is suffering depression turns to alcohol for solace, they are basically avoiding having to deal with the issue at hand. If a user continues to drink and becomes dependent on alcohol, then these issues will not be dealt with if or until they stop using alcohol and are forced to face the true face of depression. Oftentimes, this doesn't occur until many years after the fact.

During that time, more and more issues are added to the original problem. Unfortunately, many people who have used alcohol to deal with depression will have to deal with decades worth of sadness and trauma, both that was caused by things beyond their control and that that was caused by things they did while drinking. Obviously, it is better to seek help for issues of depression early than to ignore them and drown them with alcohol which only makes problems worse in the long run. There are many professional healthcare workers who are trained to help those who suffering from both alcohol and depression issues.

Herbal Medication For Depression Can Work

Clinical depression is a serious mental illness that can have serious consequences if left untreated. When prescription medications don't seem to work, or a more natural route is desired, many options are available. Some people find herbal medication for depression gives them the boost they need. Herbal medication for depression can be particularly useful when combined with other natural forms of therapy.There is a number of herbal medication for depression that have proven themselves quite useful. Their use, however, isn't always backed by clinical studies. Additionally, some come with precautions.. Despite some potential pitfalls, many users find herbal medication for depression are very helpful for them.

Common Herbal Medication For Depression Options

There are a number of common herbal medication for depression that people use for mild cases, or even in more serious ones. Specially when combined with other forms of therapy together they keep the symptoms in check. They include:

St. John's Wort - This herbal remedy for depression is a favorite among many patients. It is fairly affordable, easy to find and easy to take. It does have some potential side effects, however. It can also interact very poorly with prescription antidepressants. Considering this, it is important to exercise caution when using this herbal medication for depression specially that it is not a proven therapy.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) - A healthy body makes all the SAMe it needs, so there is no dietary requirements. However, SAMe levels can be reduced by deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate or methionine. Sine SAMe is not found in required quantities in foods, it must be taken as a supplement. Unfortunately, this herbal medication for depression is one of the most expensive supplements.

Ginkgo Biloba - This herbal remedy for depression is rather widely used. It comes with a few side effects and is known to interact with certain medications. It is recommended that patients carefully review the precautions and let their physicians know about its introduction into routine. Despite some warnings, this herbal medication for depression has held up fairly well in clinical trials in regard to its effectiveness in treating several mental-related conditions.

Siberian Ginseng - This herbal medication for depression has shown a great deal of promise in studies. It does have a few known side effects and interactions with other medicines. It is advised that a physician be consulted before introducing this herbal medication for depression into routine.

There is a number of other possible herbal medications patients with depression might consider. If depression is truly clinical in nature, however, it is wise to seek out professional counseling before taking any medications, herbal or otherwise. In cases of depression, a full blown medical therapy might be in order to help people really combat their symptoms effectively.

Post-Natal Depression

Dealing with the Baby Blues & Post Natal Depression
With your body undergoing such a massive transformation over the nine months of pregnancy and the subsequent birth, the readjustment of your hormone levels can have some unexpected effects.

The Baby Blues
The baby blues are a mild form of post natal depression. Most women will experience a period of anxiety and emotional turbulence in the first few weeks after the birth of a baby. This is normal, and it's to be expected after such a huge biological event. This period is referred to as the 'baby blues' or the 'maternal blues' in popular culture, and will pass after a few weeks.

The Cause of the Baby Blues
Since 75-80% of mothers experience the baby blues, it's pretty safe to say that the cause is biological, not psychological. It's caused by the hormone balances in your body; over the nine months of your pregnancy your body has learned to depend on the raised levels of estrogen, progesterone and endorphins. So after the birth, when these chemicals are suddenly no longer coursing healthily through your veins, you enter a sort of 'withdrawal' period, just as you would if you'd just quit smoking, for example. Combine the biological elements with the fact that you're exhausted from the mental and physical exertions of giving birth and caring for a newborn baby and you have a recipe for, frankly, a rough couple of weeks. But those rough couple of weeks will pass.

Symptoms of the Baby Blues
You will probably be aware of, or will have experienced, most of the symptoms of the baby blues before your pregnancy, since many of them are in common with the symptoms of any other type of depression.

They include:
* Depression - You are low a lot of the time. You're miserable, melancholy. You may have moments of real contentment which give you hope, but it passes and the depression seems all the more profound.

* Irritability - You are grumpy and snappy with people around you. You shrug off and reject any physical contact, and even inquiries about your well-being irritate you.

* Fatigue - Lethargy and listlessness add to a general sense of malaise, yet you may not be unable to get much sleep despite how tired you are. This can be the most frustrating symptom, since all the lying awake provides loads of time to explore in your mind all the negative emotions you're currently feeling.

* No Appetite - You forget to eat or you're never hungry. When you eat, it's only small amounts and with no real interest. The lack of food makes you feel rundown. You may even be aware that you're not eating enough, but are not inclined to do anything about it.

* Joylessness - You find that you can derive virtually no pleasure from any activity. Even the sense of safety and comfort you previously derived from sex has evaporated and you are reluctant to partake.

* Guilt - You experience waves of unendurable guilt, a sense that you could and should be trying harder with your baby, a real sense of uselessness occurs to you. Guilt that you feel so low when you are aware that it should be a time for real happiness, and this knowledge exacerbates your feelings.

* Anxiety - You feel panicky and your heart races and thumps causing you to worry that you are unwell or have a heart condition. Further, you worry about your relationship with your baby, whether you are bonding or not, whether your baby is breathing steadily enough and if he or she is healthy. You are wracked with worry when your baby is in the care of another, and you're anxious about the possibility of cot death, choking, or drowning. You may also be worried that you will harm your baby yourself.

Every new mother has all or some of the symptoms listed above. However, there are cases where the symptoms are extreme, leading to a serious condition that we will discuss in just a moment. Before we do, you have to be aware that it is difficult, nearly impossible in fact, for you to determine when your symptoms have moved from the mild depression of the baby blues, and onto the vaguely termed 'extreme'. It's difficult to tell the difference between the baby blues and PND when your experiencing one or other of them.

It may take another person, perhaps a spouse, family member, or doctor, to help you. When this is the case, you may find that you've been diagnosed with Post Natal Depression. Post Natal Depression (PND) is different from the baby blues. Post natal depression is a serious medical condition which can be dealt with quickly if it's diagnosed early. You can't diagnose yourself, but your GP is trained to recognize PND, so if the symptoms listed above persist for more than a month after the birth of your baby, it might be worth contacting him or her.

Common Factors in Post Natal Depression
PND is a form of clinical depression and is treated as such. Although there is no single individual cause of post natal depression, there are occasionally cases in which obvious factors are at play. In these cases, any treatment will be primarily focused on those factors. They include:

* Prenatal Depression - Depression during pregnancy seems to be the most common contributing factor to postnatal depression.

* Low Self Esteem - A mother who has consistently had low self-esteem or a low opinion of herself, or places little value or importance on her place in the world may risk developing PND.

* Childcare Stress - If a mother has been really, seriously anxious about her ability to raise a child, anxious to the point of becoming unwell, then PND may develop.

*Life Stress - An unusually or extremely stressful lifestyle can be detrimental to your mental health after the birth of your baby.

* Low Social Support - PND has been connected a lack of support from friends and family. Women who have been rejected by their families will generally have a higher chance of developing PND.

* Poor Marital Relationship - A loveless conception is a possible factor in the development of post natal depression. A loving relationship is beneficial anyway, but perhaps more poignantly so in cases of mental health.

* A History of Depression - If you have a history of clinical or manic depression, there may be an elevated chance of post natal depression manifesting itself.

* Infant Temperament Problems / Colic - A particularly 'fussy' or 'colicky' baby often puts enormous pressure on mothers. Listening to their baby crying for such extended periods of time can lead to the belief that they are neglecting something important that their child desperately needs. This feeling can lead to stress, depression, feelings of helplessness, and low self-esteem, all of which, as we have seen, can be a factor in the development of postnatal depression.

* Single Parenthood - A lack of support and feeling of economic insecurity can be damaging at the best of times, but it's effect on a vulnerable new mother can potentially be devastating.

* Low Socioeconomic Status - Associated with many of the points already mentioned, your status and economic situation have the capability to seriously affect your mental health.

* Unplanned/Unwanted Pregnancy - An unwanted or unplanned pregnancy brings many of the stresses and anxieties that we've already covered, along with associated feelings of shame and an immediate problem bonding with the baby.

Treating Post Natal Depression
Just as there is no single cause for post natal depression, there is no single cure for it. It is fully treatable however, and most women go on to make a full recovery. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed, and have a positive effect in up to 70% of its applications in medium to severe cases of postnatal depression. However, some antidepressants are transmitted through breast milk, lithium, clozapine, and lamotrigine for example, and as such can't be prescribed to new mothers.

For less severe cases of PND, talking treatments have been found to be just as effective as antidepressants. Counseling sessions with a psychologist or other mental health specialist can be really helpful, and may be prescribed over medical treatments in some situations.

There are three main types of talking treatments being practiced in the UK today. The first is 'cognitive therapy', and it's based on the idea that your thoughts and emotions can directly affect your physical well-being. The second kind is 'cognitive behavior therapy', and it involves changing any behavior that is harmful, as well as incorporating the ideas in cognitive therapy. The third kind of talking treatment includes 'interpersonal therapy' and 'problem solving therapies'. Any combination of these treatments might be prescribed and all depend on the severity of the depression and the patient herself.

To supplement any medical or psychological treatment, taking regular exercise can help in all sorts of ways.
As we mentioned, the earlier the condition is identified, the easier it is to treat. But, now we know what post natal depression is and what can be done when it's diagnosed, why don't we consider a few pointers on

Preventing Post Natal Depression
No one's really sure if PND is inevitable for the unfortunate women who develop it, but there are a few steps that pregnant women can take to reduce the likelihood of developing the condition.

* First, and perhaps the most obvious of all the following points and one that should apply regardless of the worry of PND, don't smoke, don't take drugs, and don't drink.
* Sleep well, relax and rest whenever you can.
* Low blood sugar levels can make you feel pretty down, so make sure you eat a balanced, healthy, and varied diet.
* Support that diet with a multi-vitamin supplement.
* Take gentle exercise and keep yourself occupied.
* Budget your time and pace yourself: while you may be able to multi-task efficiently most of the time, you should try to take things one step at a time in the lead up to the birth.
* Open up to friends or family, or especially your partner, about your concerns. It can be really dangerous to try to bear the burden of concern alone, set let other people help.

These tips won't necessarily prevent PND, but they will help. You know that phrase, 'healthy body, healthy mind'? Well it works the other way, too, 'healthy mind, healthy body'. Keep your mind active and lively and keep your body relaxed but healthy.

The Partners of PND Sufferers
It can be almost intolerable to have a partner suffering from postnatal depression. But for a while, you may have to endure a lack of sympathy while she gets better. She will need you, but she may be reluctant to ask. She may even try to push you away. In these instances, try to relieve some of the pressure on her by holding the baby for a few hours so she can get some sleep. Do chores that she would normally do, but try not to step on her toes, she may resent feeling like she's being pushed out.

It's essential that the new mother feels understood and supported. To facilitate this, try to make yourself available as often as possible, and don't feel abandoned if she needs to confide in someone other than you. The last thing needed for the sake of her mental health as well as your own is for your self-consciousness and insecurities to cause further friction. Be patient, she will eventually come to appreciate the space you have given her, as long as you are still there when she needs you.

Learn as much as possible about her condition, but don't act like you know more than she does about it, or even pretend to know what she's going through. Use your knowledge to adapt how you act, not to teach her how to act.

Further Information on Post Natal Depression:
For further information on Post Natal Depression or the Baby Blues visit these websites: The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPSYCH), Mind, NHS Direct.

Depression Statistics - Just The Facts

Depression is quickly becoming one of the biggest medical disorders, and, unfortunately, killers, of all time. It affects people all over the world with no regard to age, sex, race, or financial background. Everyone feels blue during their lives, but some people are faced with factors that take their blueness to an entirely new level. Through medical treatment, psychotherapy, and mediation, people can recover from depression.

Sobering numbers on depression

Researching the statistics on depression has revealed just how widespread this problem has become. Nine and half percent of Americans over the age of eighteen suffer from some depressive order, including major depression, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. Everyone in the world will be affected by depression in their lifetimes and the depression may not necessarily be their own. Already children as young as pre-schoolers are suffering clinical depression, and the rate of depression among kindergarteners is rising.

The numbers keep getting more sobering. Depression affects fifteen percent of the population of developed countries, thirty percent of those affected being the female. Eighty percent of the people suffering from depression are not being treated for it, and forty-one percent of them are too embarrassed to get help. Depression in students of all ages is the biggest reason behind absenteeism, and by the year 2020, it will be the second largest killer in the world.

And the most sobering statistic about depression is fifteen percent of the patients suffering from it will commit suicide. Fifteen percent too many.

How well does standard treatment work?

Depending on the research you read, antidepressants work for somewhere between thirty to forty-five percent of patients. That is less than half. Patients have to weigh the risks of taking medication such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft as they have been linked to violence, abnormal bleeding, brain tumours, and suicide. The FDA has banned the use of antidepressants for children with the exception of Prozac. And in some clinical studies, antidepressants worked as well as or less than placebos.

And therapy? It has been found that eighty percent of patients who have engaged in cognitive and behavioural therapies fell back into depression after a length of time.

What options are available?

Patients suffering from depression and really working to bring themselves out of it can succeed, but it takes patience, dedication, and a lot of hard work. It also takes a lot of trust between the patient and the doctor, and a lot of open communication.

Depression statistics are constantly changing as new research and discoveries are being made, but until scientists can pinpoint exactly what causes depression with certainty, steps are always being made to improve and find treatments that will work on a long-term basis. Depression has also been linked to illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, eye problems and some types of cancer, making it more difficult to find the true cause of the disorder. At this point of time, all doctors can do is work with their patients to help alleviate their depressive symptoms and allow them to live a productive life.

Nutritional Wonders - Can Omega 3 Fish Oil Treat Bipolar?

Can omega 3 fish oil treat bipolar question is an often asked question due to the part that psychiatrist community plays in claiming that omega 3 fatty acids that are highly available in fish oil is a satisfactory treatment for this sort of depression. It has shown in many tests that the omega 3 fish oil treat bipolar question is answered by the many positive effects that fish oil has on the disorder and the ability it has to alleviate symptoms associated with bipolar depression.

However, this depression is not an easy thing to treat at all and omega 3 fish oil treat bipolar is by no means a cure so if you are a bipolar depression sufferer, it is best to seek the advice of your medical professional as it can sometimes be very severe. With that said however, omega 3 fish oil treat bipolar is gaining popularity from the many studies that are currently being conducted.

One study in particular done by the Institute of Psychiatry did a test on 75 patients of both sexes and gave some of them a light dose, a heavy dose and a placebo to accurately see all possible outcomes. What they discovered was that of the 75 patients, the ones taking a light dose were affected the same as those that were given a heavy dose with the only side effect being that of a stomach ache. There were no significant results from the group that were given the placebo so this should answer the can omega 3 fish oil treat bipolar. Overall in comparison, the groups that had the light dose as well as the heavy dose of omega 3 fish oil supplement faired better than the placebo given group.

Hopefully this information has been able to help you on deciding some alternative and very healthy ways to treat depression or to aide in the treatment of depression however, before going out and purchasing your fish oils, there are a few key points you should keep in mind.

When deciding on your supplier of omega 3 fish oils it is necessary to know if that the product you are purchasing was molecularly distilled as this is the only known safest, most effective way to remove all of the toxins and contaminants while retaining all of the benefits and quality of the omega 3 fatty acids.

By molecular distillation, the product rendered is one of high grade and in fact, it is labeled 'pharmaceutical grade' and can be identified as such and have no toxins or other pollutants in them. It is of equal importance to ensure that the fish used in the process were harvested in clean waters and in the case of fish oils, New Zealand is one of the leaders in providing pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled fish oils.

14 Effective Natural Remedies for PMS Premenstrual Syndrome

Most of the women face premenstrual syndrome every month before their periods begins. This is a combination of a wide range of symptoms which are physical or psychological. These PMS symptoms are experienced every month when ovulation happens till the start of the menses. The main reason behind the occurrence of these signs is changes in the hormonal levels. The factors which are responsible for these hormonal changes are plenty.

Some of the physical signs of premenstrual syndrome are fatigue, bloating, pelvic discomfort, tenderness in the breasts, headaches, constipation or diarrhea, weight gain, changes in sleep pattern, fluid retention, appetite changes and oily skin. The psychological signs are depression, stress, anxiety, lack of concentration, mood swings and irritability. The causes of premenstrual syndrome have been linked with primarily with hormonal imbalances. Other reasons which cause PMS are dietary habits, stress, depression and chemical changes in brain. All these factors can be responsible to create these symptoms in the woman's body before the onset of menstruation.

Medications like anti inflammatory, anti depressants, diuretics and oral contraceptive pills are available to treat these problems, but natural remedies for premenstrual syndrome are a safe way to get rid of these problems. These remedies are effective and have to negative effects. Some of the natural remedies for premenstrual syndrome are as follows:

1. Celery: This is an effective natural diuretic which enhances the functions of the kidneys and helps to eliminate the excess water in the body.

2. Grapes: Include grapes or grape juice in your food intake. It helps to prevent bloating.

3. Oats: Oats are healthy and they help to reduce the symptoms of PMS.

4. Apples: Eating apples everyday is good for overall health and to reduce swelling in PMS.

5. Barley Water: Drinking of barley water is beneficial in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

6. Vitamins: Vitamins like C, E and B6 are very effective and should be taken regularly.

7. Antioxidants: Increase the intake of antioxidants in your food. This is one of the beneficial natural remedies for premenstrual syndrome.

8. Evening Primrose Oil: This has been used for treating PMS.

9. Calcium: Women with PMS have lower calcium levels; therefore increase the intake of calcium.

10. Magnesium: Magnesium is said to improve the symptoms.

11. Massage: Massage the abdomen gently with essential oils like lavender and sage to help ease the pain.

12. Relaxation: De-stress yourself by having a bath with essential oils such as rosemary and sage.

13. Exercises: Doing regular exercises help a great deal. Practice yoga and deep breathing techniques regularly.

14. Herbal Treatment: Some herbs are very effective in reducing and eliminating the PMS symptoms. Herbs are also one of the natural remedies for premenstrual syndrome. Dandelion herb is used to prevent bloating, swelling and fluid retention. It also helps in spasms, acne and inflammation. Black Cohosh is good for stopping the hot flashes. Cramp Bark is beneficial in conditions of menstrual cramps and spasms in the uterus. Red Clover, Valerian, Chaste Tree Berry and Tribulus Terrestris are some of the other herbs which are all beneficial in reducing the symptoms and which help in overall health of the body too.

Try these natural remedies for premenstrual syndrome to get relief from the physical and emotional symptoms.

Where to Get Romantic Quotes

Anyone who is in love could relate to the popularity of romantic quotes. If you are a hopeless romantic and you could not find the right words to express your overfilling passion and emotions, you could consider using several popular love quotes to convey your message to your special someone.

Let us admit it. Not all of us are gifted with the talent to creatively use words for romantic purposes. There are many ways on how you could get some ideas and actual quotes to express your love. Romantic quotes could be obtained from various sources like literature, movies, and songs. There would be no problem if the recipient of such quotes would identify the lines, as long as you indicate your source of love words.

So where should you get romantic quotes? Sources identified above would provide you with so many cheesy, cute, but irresistible love quotes that could make any person sway with love. It would be appropriate if you would carefully choose the romantic lines you would borrow from books, flicks, and music chart busters. Choose quotes that convey romantic messages applicable to your situation for effectiveness.

Romantic quotes from famous literature

No other source of love quotes could be better than classic and contemporary literature. This is because no other people could be as effective in playing with words to convey emotions other than writers and poets. However, be sure your loved one is keen on appreciating literature so he or she could relate with the message more. Here are some examples of effective quotes that would surely knock out anyone's feet out of love.

'One fairer than my love? The all seeing sun/ Never saw her match since first the world begun.' - Romeo and Juliet. William Shakespeare would not ever be forgotten for his love-smitten lines for this play, which could be accessed by anyone through classic literature. Romeo and Juliet is among the most popular plays of all times. It has been adopted for television specials, movies, and other forms of arts.

'Love and you shall be loved. All love is mathematically just, as much as two sides of an algebraic equation.' - from Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American poet and essayist. This quote is just one from among numerous love quotes from this famous writer, whose works are compiled in books.

Romantic quotes from movies

Love quotes from movies are more popular these days than those lifted from literature. This is a proof that films are effective in conveying ideas and stories of love. Every year, there are numerous films from Hollywood and other entertainment centers that celebrate love, romance, and passion. Your loved one would more surely appreciate romantic quotes lifted from famous movies. Here are some examples.

'Tell her that you love her. You have got nothing to lose, and you will always regret it if you don't.' - from Love Actually, a romantic comedy released in 2003. It stars Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson, among others.

'Every step I took since the moment I could walk was a step toward finding you.' - from Message in a Bottle, an American romantic drama released in 1999. Its cast is comprised of Kevin Costner and Paul Newman.

Romantic quotes from songs

If literature and movies do not work, there are many love songs you could choose. It is surprising how song composers and lyricists keep on producing songs that serenade the heart. What is best among songs as sources of love quotes is that they are easily accessible. Your favorite song today could have the perfect lyrics that could be applied and related to how much love you feel.

'You are the one who makes me happy, when everything else turns to grey.'- from the song You by the Carpenters, a famous duo during the 1970s.

'I'm into you, and girl, no one else would do, because with every kiss and every hug, you make me fall in love.' - from the song With You by Chris Brown, a contemporary hip hop recording artist.

Can Fish Oil Help Postpartum Depression?

Fish oil supplements are now highly recommended for pregnant mothers, for all but good reasons. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which all contribute to the normal development of the baby in the womb. These omega-3 fats are actually building blocks that lead to the formation of brain cells and a sound nervous system. Omega 3 fish oil EPA specifically aids in the proper development of the respiratory and cardiac systems and promotes a healthy heart. Furthermore, many research studies also confirm that increased intake of omega-3 can reduce the risk of premature delivery and enhance the visual system of the developing fetus.

The benefits of this supplement do not end when the mother gives birth to the child. As a matter of fact, even if you have not taken this supplements early on, it is not too late to enjoy the many benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fats do not only promote good prenatal nutrition, it may even be more important to take for women who have already given birth and/or is breastfeeding.

The fact that it helps counter depression has already been established. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to boost the levels of serotonin in the brain - those so-called happy hormones, and regulate production of chemicals that lessens anxiety and ill feelings. A new study conducted in England revealed that women who consume more seafood and thus more omega-3 during the third trimester are less likely to show major signs of postpartum depression.

There are a sheer number of research studies that provide sufficient evidence that links feelings of depression with decreased reserves of DHA and EPA omega 3 fats. The same is true in the case of postpartum anxiety. To make matters worse, a breastfeeding mother is bound to have depleting reserves of these fatty acids, which might worsen post-partum depression in already deficient mothers.

What all these reveal is that it is indeed important for the proper prevention and treatment of postpartum depression. New or expectant mothers must always prioritize their own and their baby's health so if you are interested in taking fish oil supplement to get sufficient amounts of omega-3, you must choose a supplement that does not put you at risk for mercury contamination. It is important to choose an omega-3 fish oil brand that contains pure, molecularly distilled and ultra-refined fish oil. It is also important to consult a health care provider should you find yourself having postpartum depression that is far from manageable. While there is enough evidence that links fish oil for postpartum depression, it must not be considered as a sole treatment for serious cases.

Stages of Depression Most Common in Men

Depression is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans today. And with the current economic demise, it is no wonder why depression has become a common condition. And contrary to what has been always the case, it seems like depression cases in men are continuously growing as doctors give more attention to them than before. As a matter of fact, today, there are six million American males who are suffering from different stages of depression.

It is a traditional belief that depression is not common in men maybe because they are biologically stronger and less emotional than women. Strong, bold, and aggressive- this is how the society perceives them. Men seems to always carry the obligation to be vogue and invincible at any given circumstances. And it is for this reason perhaps that men tend to hide their condition rather than come out and ask for help.

There is a clear difference as to how depressed men and women express their depressive condition. While it is a natural trait for women to be more vocal and showy when it comes to their emotions, men see this as a sign of weakness and of being less of a man. If women get depressed, they pour their heart out through tears into someone, thereby relieving them from pain. Depressed men, on the other hand, handle stress and problem differently. They tend to hold back the tears and pretend to be alright. This, however, would only aggravate the situation.

Depressive men also resort to alcohol and drug abuse as their coping mechanism. This only makes the problem worse as it could results in addiction that can be a source of violence. Depressive men sometimes vent out their depression through anger. They become frustrated of not being able to help their selves out of the rust of depression. This anger is often expressed through violence that oftentimes make their loved ones suffer as well.

Early detection of the stages of depression plays a role in the effective treatment of this condition. Common signs of depression in men include lack of interest in normal activities that usually gives joy to them, development of eating disorders, fatigue, and development of sleeping problems. Depressive men tend to just lie in bed and lack the drive of getting up from bed. Lack of sexual drive also serves as an indicator of depression in men.

Depression is a mental illness that requires proper handling of emotion to help treat it. This may be the reason why most depressed men remains suffering from this condition since it is in this department that most men are weak. Getting out from depression may prove to be very hard especially to men who are naturally not as showy as women. But through proper medical guidance and help, emancipation from stages of depression is not impossible. As soon as this condition is diagnosed, it is crucial to go through several processes to determine your stage of depression for administration of proper treatments. Otherwise, the condition can be made worse.

How to Recover Fast From Failing and How to Prepare to Retake the CPC Exam

So you've failed your CPC exam, now what? Discovering that you've failed the CPC medical coding certification exam can be devastating. It is not an easy exam to take, and the average passing rate is not high. But that is also why certified medical coding jobs are highly sought after and well compensated. It is natural to feel bad, angry, or sad about it but the important thing now is to recover from it fast because your focus now should be on retaking the CPC exam.

So how do you recover fast after failing your CPC exam? The key is to be able to get over it and move on. For a lot of people, the coding certification exam is not just an exam, it is a culmination of their significant investment in time, money, and effort towards a better future. Some may lose their jobs if they're not certified by a certain time or be unable to keep up with rising costs of living. This exam can be loaded with a lot of emotional baggage, and being unable to pass the CPC exam can cause a lot of grief.

Which brings us the five stages of grief theory, also known as the K羹bler-Ross model. This theory states that people typically go through five stages after an event; the five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Depending on your resilience, you will go through these stages either quickly or slowly. The goal is to move on to each stage quickly, but also to use it to come out stronger on the other side.

Denial

You might be thinking the results couldn't be right, there has to be a mistake somewhere. So you go and check and confirm the results, compare notes with fellow test-takers, and ask around. Some play the blaming game, giving a host of reasons why they didn't do as well as they could. When it comes to the CPC exam, the most often cited but perfectly valid reason is that there is not enough time to finish it. While most can come up with reasons why they didn't pass the CPC exam, unfortunately not enough action is taken to ensure it doesn't happen again. Write down all the reasons you think that made you fail and analyze each of them carefully. If you don't have enough time, is it because you took too much time answering certain questions? Is it because you skipped questions that looked hard but had to waste time coming back to re-read the question? Did you answer questions that you were strong at first or last? List it all out and write down a corrective action plan for each of those reasons.

Anger

Now that you have a list of reasons, you might feel angry at certain parts of it. Welcome to the anger stage. You might feel angry because you've concentrated on the wrong subjects, or there were distracting noises during the exam. Or you found out that other people had been using an excellent CPT book highlighting technique that you weren't aware of. You might also feel angry that you didn't have the best coaching, you've wasted a lot of money on prep courses that didn't work, or that you had none. More commonly, a lot of people feel that these reasons were out of their control, that if they had control it wouldn't happen. But is it really out of your control? It's impossible to know exactly what topics might come up without cheating, but looking at past or practice exams can give you a pretty solid idea of what you need to focus on. Exam-time excuses such as distractions, being caught unprepared, etc are also under your control. You can't stop the noisy distraction but you can tune it out or raise your hand and ask the exam proctor to be relocated or act on the distraction.

Bargaining

Next comes the bargaining stage, where we think we can somehow postpone the inevitable. We try to argue, appeal, and rationalize the results. The problem is that unless there has been real injustice or errors, there is no real way to affect the results. The low average passing rate of the exams means that you're not alone, it is a reality you'll have to accept. It is simply smarter and more efficient to move on and start taking actions for retaking the CPC exam. The faster you get through this stage, the better.

Depression

Now that you've identified the main reasons why you didn't pass the CPC exam, you might be tempted to dwell on it and feel depressed. There might even be feelings of regret for actions you didn't do. Just like the bargaining stage, you'll want to move on as fast as possible so you don't get stuck in a rut. The time you use to think about the past is time wasted. Get social and share your experience and mistakes with others who also took the CPC exam. Learn and recognize that you're not alone and connect with people who have passed. Get a coach or experienced CPC instructor to point out your mistakes and start preparing for the next try.

Acceptance

Last comes the acceptance stage, and this is when you can move on and prepare to retake the CPC exams. Maintain a positive outlook and recognize that you did the best you could under the situation you were in. If you feel that you could have done better, accept that it's in the past and that you'll not make the same mistake. Build your self-confidence by making sure you put in the study and review time. The more prepared you are, the more confident you feel which therefore leads to you being able to perform your best on your next try.

15 Signs of Depression, Are You Depressed?

Depression hurts. It is an illness that can cause physical pain, stresses relationships, and can break homes. Many people feel down during their day, I've been one of them, but are you just a little downcast, or depressed? How can you tell? There are 15 signs that you should look for. If you hit on most of them, you should probably head in for a doctor and get checked.

Here are the 15 Signs of Depression that you should look for.

1. Feeling sad or unhappy.


2. Reduced or loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities.


3. Insomnia or oversleeping.


4. Restlessness or agitation. Wringing hands, pacing, and/or pacing.


5. Easy to distraction, indecisiveness, and decreased concentration.


6. Feeling as if you're worthless or guilty, focusing on past failures or holding yourself responsible when things are going wrong.


7. Thoughts of dying, death or suicide.


8. Physical pain or problems with no explanation.


9. Frustration or irritability over matters big and small.


10. Diminished sex drive.


11. Appetite changes. Depression can either cause lack of appetite and weight loss, or cause an increase in eating and weight gain.


12. Slower thinking, body movement, or speaking.


13. Tiredness, fatigue, less energy. (Even doing minor jobs seem difficult to accomplish.)


14. Difficulty concentrating, thinking, making decisions and remembering things.


15. Crying for periods of time with no apparent reason.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you need to act as soon as possible. Talk with a family member or friend and let them know what is happening. The next thing is to get help from a doctor, or mental health provider.

5 Tips For Saving Your Girlfriend From Depression

It is always difficult to help a girlfriend through depression. Depression in one of the partners can badly affect your relationships. Your girlfriend may be suffering from situational or clinical type of depression. Clinical depression is more serious problem and should be treated for a longer period of time. Situational depression needs same treatment but can be treated in shorter period of time.

1. Try to know her Feelings - Encourage her to express her feelings. Talk to her and ask her questions. Try to find out duration of her depression. Discuss her symptoms and signs. You can`t help her without knowing her feelings.

2. Give her time to speak out - Listen to your girlfriend. She always need time to speak out her problems. Just listen to her even if she is being completely irrational.

3. Find Natural Remedies - One of the most popular depression treatments is prescription drugs. But prescription drugs have many unpleasant side effects. So it is a good idea to look for natural remedies. There are many natural remedies and therapies available in the market. Your job is to find out best possible treatment for your girlfriend.

4. Motivate her to Exercise - A person suffering from depression needs proper exercise program. Regular exercise program can help a lot in maintaining good mood. It is a good idea to be her exercise partner. You can help her a lot in being persistent in her exercise program.

5. Find Help on Internet - Try to find some websites with useful information. There are many websites and blogs which are dedicated to Natural Treatment of depression.

Life Insurance For People With Bipolar

Do you suffer from Bipolar disorder? This article will outline two specific elements of obtaining life insurance that will save you money and time.

Choosing a Company

Each individual insurance company sets their own standards for which health conditions they consider to either be uninsurable or that will be charged a higher premium. In some cases, certain health conditions such as bipolar, require that you have a waiting period of 2 to 3 years, before the full death benefit of the policy will be paid to your beneficiaries. In other words, you may have to wait 2 or 3 years after buying the policy, before your beneficiary would be able to receive the full face value of the policy, upon your death.

Some companies have underwriting guidelines that only ask if you have ever been hospitalized for bipolar or depression. Meanwhile, some simply don't ask at all. There are companies that will provide you with the same low rates that a person without mental health conditions would be charged.

Mentally Competent

When applying for insurance with bipolar, you must be mentally competent to legally apply for life insurance. If you have severe bipolar, you may need to ask your parent or spouse to apply for the insurance for you. If you are deemed mentally incompetent to enter into a legal contract, such as an insurance policy, a family member or spouse may apply for and sign all documents related to your application for insurance.

Finding a life insurance company for people with bipolar is a simple matter of comparing policies, health questions and quotes. There are websites online that allow you to do this without having to actually apply for life insurance.

Do Antidepressants Make Some People Drink More?

A number of studies conducted in the 1980s and the early 1990s showed that SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac led to short term reductions in alcohol consumption in both humans and rats. This led to a lot of enthusiasm and intensive research on the effects of SSRIs on alcohol consumption because some researchers hoped that SSRIs might hold the key to the cure for alcoholism.
 
However, the research proved that the effects of SSRIs on alcohol consumption are far less simple than they initially appeared. The short term reductions in drinking in human alcoholics lasted no longer than a week and then the subjects were once again drinking just as much as they ever had. Moreover, the research showed that SSRIs may actually worsen drinking in Early Onset Alcohol Abusers and in women.
 
There is one group, however, which seems definitely to benefit from SSRIs. Patients who have both Alcohol Dependence and severe Major Depressive Disorder show significant improvement both in depression and alcohol consumption when treated with SSRIs. In this article we will take a look at the research which has been done on SSRIs and alcohol consumption in these populations.
 
In 1995 and 1996 Dr Henry Kranzler MD and his colleagues did a study which suggests that the SSRI Prozac may actually worsen the drinking behavior of Early Onset Alcohol Abusers while having no effect at all on Late Onset Alcohol Abusers. Early Onset Alcohol Abusers are defined as those who begin heavy drinking in early life and who have worse alcohol related consequences. Late Onset Alcohol Abusers are defined as those who begin heavy drinking later in life and have fewer alcohol related problems.
 
The Kranzler group studied the effects of Prozac on 95 non-depressed patients who were being treated with talk therapy for Alcohol Dependence. Half of these subjects received Prozac and the other half got a placebo. When Kranzler and his colleagues analyzed the group as a whole they found that there was no significant difference in improvement between the placebo group and the group receiving Prozac.

However, they then divided the patients up into two categories: Late Onset Alcohol Abusers and Early Onset Alcohol Abusers. When they reanalyzed the data using these two categories they obtained a very surprising result which was quite contrary to what they expected. They found that Early Onset Alcohol Abusers receiving the Prozac did significantly WORSE than the group receiving the placebo. There was no significant difference between the Late Onset Alcohol Abusers who received Prozac and those who received the placebo.
 
The Kranzler study strongly suggests that Prozac may actually worsen the drinking of Early Onset Alcohol Abusers who are not receiving any sort of talk therapy for their Alcohol Dependence. All that remains is for someone to do the crucial experiment needed to verify this highly likely conclusion.
 
In 1995 Dr Claudio Naranjo MD and his colleagues did a study of the effect of the SSRI Celexa on 62 non-depressed problem drinkers who were being taught moderate drinking strategies. 56% of the subjects in the study were male and 44% were female. Half of the subjects in the study got Celexa and the other half got a placebo. The Naranjo group found that women receiving the Celexa did significantly WORSE than women receiving the placebo in moderating their drinking. The men did the same whether they received Celexa or the placebo. This suggests that Celexa may actually INCREASE the drinking of female problem drinkers who are not receiving moderation training or some other form for talk therapy. All that is needed to confirm this is an experiment with drinkers who are receiving Celexa but no talk therapy.
 
The patients in the studies we have discussed so far did not suffer from severe Major Depressive Disorder. In 1997 Dr Jack Cornelius MD and his colleagues studied the effect of the SSRI Prozac on 51 patients with both severe Major Depressive Disorder and severe Alcohol Dependence. The subjects were 51% male and 49% female. All patients received talk therapy for their Alcohol Dependence. In addition to the talk therapy, 25 patients received Prozac and 26 received a placebo. In this study the patients who received the Prozac showed significantly greater improvements in both depression and in drinking outcomes than did those receiving the placebo. Taken together with the other studies this leads to the conclusion that SSRIs can lead to a reduction in drinking in people with severe Major Depressive Disorder but not in other groups.
 
In 2007 Dr Kathryn Graham PhD and her colleagues published the results of a massive telephone survey of 14,063 individuals in Canada which asked people about their use of alcohol and antidepressants. This survey showed that depressed men who took antidepressants drank less alcohol on the average than did depressed men who did not take antidepressants. However, depressed women who took antidepressants drank at least as much as did depressed women who did not take antidepressants, if not more.

Like the Naranjo study, this study also suggests that antidepressants affect the drinking behavior of men differently than they do the drinking behavior of women. Since this study did not specifically ask respondents if they were taking an SSRI or another type of antidepressant such as a tricyclic we must be somewhat cautious in what we can conclude from it. It is possible that if the data were limited to SSRIs that the researchers might have seen an increase in the alcohol consumption of women taking the medication. It remains for further research to confirm whether this is actually the case.
 
The studies to date seem to suggest that SSRIs only lead to reduced alcohol consumption in men who have severe Major Depressive Disorder. SSRIs do not seem to affect the alcohol consumption of most other people either one way or the other. However, the studies also suggest that it is possible that SSRIs might tend to increase alcohol consumption in some individuals--particularly in women and in Early Onset Alcohol Abusers.

Therefore, we would like to suggest that people become pro-active health care consumers. If you drink alcohol and take antidepressant and the antidepressants seem to be causing you to increase your drinking or to drink in a dangerous fashion, then you should talk to your doctor. You may need to switch to a different kind of antidepressant or stop taking antidepressants altogether. Or you may find that quitting drinking is your wisest course.
 
REFERENCES:
Cornelius JR, Salloum IM, Ehler JG, Jarrett PJ, Cornelius MD, Perel JM, Thase ME, Black A. (1997). Fluoxetine in depressed alcoholics: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Archives of General Psychiatry, 54, 700-5.
Graham, K, Massak, A. (2007). Alcohol consumption and the use of antidepressants. CMAJ. 176(5), 633-7.
Kranzler HR, Burleson JA, Korner P, Del Boca FK, Bohn MJ, Brown J, Liebowitz
N. (1995). Placebo-controlled trial of fluoxetine as an adjunct to relapse prevention in
alcoholics. American Journal of Psychiatry, 152, 391-397.
Kranzler HR, Burleson JA, Brown J, Babor TF. (1996). Fluoxetine treatment seems to reduce the beneficial effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy in type B alcoholics. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 20, 1534-41.
Naranjo CA, Bremner KE, Lanctot KL. (1995). Effects of Citalopram and a brief psycho-social intervention on alcohol intake, dependence and problems. Addiction, 90, 87-99.

Is it Alzheimer's Or is it CRS

CRS is, of course, an acronym for can't remember stuff. Memory is the second thing to go when we age; I used to know what the first one was, but I can't think of it right now. As a practitioner you have no doubt run across older patients who have problems with memory and concentration; and some who have actual dementia.

Mark Goodman Ph.D. believes that many patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease actually have dementia caused by a lack of vitamin B12. Dr. Goodman has an accredited Ph.D. in behavioral medicine (with a specialization in clinical neuropsychology) from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Dr. Goodman is quoted in an interview by Kirk Hamilton that appeared in Clinical Pearls. Dr. Goodman says, " I initially suspected vitamin B12 limits were too low, when I encountered on consultation, geriatric patients admitted with Alzheimer's diagnosis whose frontal lobe functioning was obviously intact. This is inconsistent with Alzheimer's diagnosis. They were exhibiting other global neuropsychological deficits with a systemic/metabolic profile. They were all following cardiac lipid- lowering diets."

He went on to say that he believed that there are many elderly individuals who are sub clinically B12 deficient. Many times these patients have normal blood levels of B12. He points out that people who are B12 deficient experience neurological changes before there is changes in their blood count (pernicious anemia) and that a good dietary history is an important part of the evaluation. According to Dr. Goodman, "In the convalescent facility diet there is little red meat due to expense and the desire to have residents on a lipid lowering regime. Also, there is a normal increase in gastric atrophy in the elderly which reduces vitamin B12 absorption. Thirdly, there is a down-regulation of the enzymes required for the formation and the manufacture of vitamin B12 when less vitamin B12 is consumed." Dr. Goodman points out that if there is no frontal lobe degeneration, the dementia is not Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Goodman says that high doses of vitamin B12 are without any serious adverse side-effects. Some reports of reversible symptoms of diarrhea, cutaneous rash, polycythemia and possibly peripheral vascular thrombosis, but these are minor and reversible.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is fairly common in older people. Even when the tests for B12 levels are normal, symptoms like forgetfulness, fatigue and depression respond to B12 supplementation. Dr. Goodman's point is that the symptoms of this deficiency can be so severe that the patient is often diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease-even when the blood tests are normal.

Very commonly, poor concentration, forgetfulness or even depression in an older individual is due to a need for vitamin B12. Dr. Goodman has recommended B12 injections for patients needing B12. If you do not have a license that lets you inject your patients with vitamins, this often presents a problem. When I was first in practice I frequently sent elderly patients to their doctor to get a B12 shot. More often than not, the doctor would test B12 levels and tell the patient that the shot was unnecessary. There has, however, been research that shows that high oral doses (more than 3 milligrams per day) can be used to effectively restore vitamin B12 levels. I use a lozenge that has 2 milligrams of B12 and 800 micrograms of folic acid. It is a good idea to give the folic acid with the B12, because they cover similar neurologic territory.

Dr. Goodman's information has been valuable; it gives some scientific validity to a nutritional approach to a common problem. But like so many things in natural health care, we take some science, add some common sense and some clinical experience and come up with something really amazing.

The best stuff I ever learned about B12, I learned from Dr. Harry Eidenier who is a chemist and a bit of a clinical genius. Since deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folic acid can lead to a macrocytic anemia. So why wait until the MCV is over 100 to realize that there is a problem. A person isn't normal one day and suddenly their cells just swell up. Sure enough, if someone comes in with CRS, fatigue, poor attention span or depression, a simple CBC might show you the reason for the problem. An MCV higher than 90 may mean a need for vitamin B12 and folic acid.

It is worth mentioning depression here; Americans spend about $3 billion each year on antidepressants. I remember one patient who was severely depressed and had tried four different antidepressants without any success. The next step was electro-shock therapy. It was the late 1980s and I was shocked that they were still doing this. He had some lab work with him and his RBC was below 4 and his MCV was 97(still "normal" according to his doctors). He responded to the B12 and never did receive the shock therapy.

Another thing that you might see with a B12 deficiency is a low neutraphil count. Sometimes the whole WBC count is low and the percentage of neutraphils is low. If you see the forgetfulness, fatigue or depression and a high MCV, you might be looking at a B12 deficiency and not an immune problem or a chronic infection.

The other thing that Dr. Eidenier pointed out to me is that if an individual needs B12, it is likely that he or she is not producing enough HCl in the stomach. If a person doesn't produce enough HCl, he or she is likely to be deficient in various amino acids (many of which are precursors to neurotransmitters) and most minerals. This is the patient who has gas and bloating after meals. Interestingly enough, the patient may have gastric reflux. Fingernails break easily and bad breath is common.

As we get older, we produce less stomach HCl. So while Dr. Goodman states that the problem many older people have is that they do not eat meat. The truth is that they may not get the nutrients out of the meat even if they do eat it. People tend to develop a sweet tooth as they get older because protein becomes hard to digest. Very often the high cholesterol that Dr. Goodman speaks of is from a metabolic syndrome type of situation caused by eating too much sugar and starch.

A trace mineral, rubidium, is valuable for treating memory and concentration problems. I also learned this from Dr. Eidenier, who cited research that found high levels of rubidium in people who remained youthful late in life. I have to mention a particular company here, because I don't know of anyone else who makes a rubidium supplement. The combination of HCl, B12, and rubidium is a powerful combination that helps people who have too many "senior moments".

There are a number of studies that show the importance of antioxidants (both those found naturally, and in supplementation), DHA and omega 3 fatty acids in general to help protect from dementia. To quote Edward Zamrini, MD "A large body of evidence implicates oxidative damage in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis." (March 21, 2006 issue of Geriatrics and Aging). In a study, published in the journal, Neurology (March 2000;54:1265-1272) showed that vitamin C and E supplementation could protect against vascular dementia. Also there is research that shows that pesticides create neurologic damage. Of course the presence of aluminum in the plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease has many looking at aluminum in cookware, antacids and antiperspirants. Aluminum is one of the most plentiful elements on the planet. If may be wise to look at other heavy metals, especially mercury. Mercury can actually interfere with the body's ability to detoxify and get rid of other metals-maybe this is at the root of the aluminum accumulation. To protect against Alzheimer's disease get plenty of antioxidants, consume DHA and omega 3 oils, and remove metals and toxins from the body. The oils are especially important, there are studies that show consumption of fish or fish oil seems to protect from dementia.

Curcumin is an antioxidant found in turmeric. Turmeric is a perennial plant, botanically related to ginger that is native to India, China and Indonesia. It is a component of curry powder and prepared mustard. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine and in Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. The lowest incidence of Alzheimer's disease in the world is in villages in India. Only about 1% of Indians over the age of 65 get the disease. So, perhaps the consumption of curry may be the reason that there are so few cases of Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin, found in turmeric, has been shown to fight the build up of the amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Sally Frautschy, of the University of California, Los Angeles, presented these findings at the 2005 annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego, California. Her paper was entitled: Curcumin Reduces Oxidative Damage and Amyloid Pathology in an Alzheimer Transgenic Mouse.

So the things that work for keeping the mind sharp are the same things that work for everything else. You need fresh produce as a source of natural antioxidants, good essential fatty acids, avoid trans fats, exercise and eliminate toxins.

Depression - The Effect Of Twisted Thinking

If you are feeling depressed, it could be the effect of "twisted thinking". There are many different twisted ways of thinking, but here I want to talk about two, overgeneralisation and the mental filter.If you can catch yourself making these errors, you can use strategies to overcome and dramatically improve your depression.

The first error, overgeneralisation is when you make the assumption that if something happens once, it will always happen for ever after.

You go for a job and don't get it. Overgeneralisation makes you conclude "I'll never get any job. It's completely hopeless". Overgeneralisation multiplies the pain of setbacks or rejections many many times. You could look at a setback as just an isolated event, but instead you interpret it as a message from the universe that all your endeavours are doomed.

Overgeneralistion can happen in spite of all the evidence. David Burns, in his book Feeling Good, tells about the depressed salesman who noticed bird dung on his car window and thought "That's just my luck. The birds are always crapping on my window!". When asked he could not think of another time in the last twenty years when this had happened. By becoming aware of when you are overgeneralising, and challenging it (for instance by asking whether it is true that something "always" or "never" happens) you can begin to overcome it.

The other form of twisted thinking that I want to discuss here is the mental filter. This happens when you focus all your attention on a small number of negative elements, giving them importance out of all proportion. For instance, if a student takes a test with 100 questions and gets ten of them wrong, the mental filter would make him obsess about those ten errors, ignoring the fact that he in fact scored 90%, an excellent mark. As another example, I might see thirty patients in a week and have one session that did not go well, which the patient did not think was helpful. The mental filter would make me concentrate on this, ignoring the fact that most of the other sessions that week, and most of the sessions with that patient in other weeks, did in fact go well. This sort of behaviour arises from depression. When we are depressed we can only respond to negative information,and that negative information makes us more depressed. We can learn how to recognise when the mental filter is operating and how to defeat it, saving ourselves much needless suffering.

Anger Management and Self-Control

Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor vexation.
~St. Francis of Assisi

All sorts of things can trigger irritability in people, from minor traffic jams to major headaches. Everyone gets upset or annoyed sometimes. We all have lost our temper and reacted without thinking. We have succumbed to anger that drives us to say and do things we normally would not. And it is when we lose control over our thoughts and feelings, that our irritability and anger can do some major damage to our love walk.

For the most part, irritability is likely to occur when we feel under pressure. Therefore, one of the best tests for measuring our irritability is to observe how we behave when having to manage stressful circumstances or people. If we can remain graceful toward others when under pressure, then we are probably exercising self-control. Our temper is well-managed and good. We are not allowing agitation to anger us or disrupt our relationships. If, on the other hand, pressure and stress bring out the worst in us, then we probably need to work on our self-control and temper.

When irritable, we are very likely to become easily angered at others, sometimes at the slightest provocation. We might even become hostile and behave in ways we will later regret. Gaining control over our thoughts, feelings and actions when irritated and angry is the best way to keep from acting out in unloving ways.

Self-control communicates love. It can be seen whenever we:

* Take responsibility for our actions
* Do not accuse or blame others for the way we feel
* Treat others graciously although they irritate us
* Keep from saying something hurtful and unnecessary
* Do not take our anger out on those around us
* Think things through before we react
* Allow ourselves a time-out to gather ourselves together
* Do not expect more from others than we should

The disposition of love is self-control and a good temper. Having self-control and a good temper is easier said than done, especially for those individuals who are more prone to irritability for various reasons. Even so, we can all learn to gain greater control over our tempers and how we react under pressure. Irritations will never cease, nor does our love need to when they come.

C2007 Krystal Kuehn, BeHappy4Life.com

Excerpt above is part of the Love & Relationship Workshop: 10 Powerful Ways to Communicate & Experience Love. Program includes reflection questions, empowering thoughts, affirmations, and free printable worksheets.

Bipolar Disorder Depression - Everything You Need to Know

Bipolar disorder,which is at times referred as manic depression, is a condition that causes serious varying moods, thinking, behavior and energy. Unlike the normal mood swings, those caused by bipolar are so severe that they end up interfering with an individual's normal functioning. During one of the manic episodes a sufferer will spend abnormal high amounts of money, quit school or job impulsively or even have irregular and abnormal sleeping habits. A depressive episode will make the sufferer to have long sleeping tendencies, have feelings of self pity, hopelessness and self-loathing.

What causes bipolar is not quite clear but the condition is in many occasions hereditary and mostly, the first symptoms will start showing in early adulthood or in the teenage years. Because the symptoms exhibited by bipolar disorder are similar with those exhibited by other mental and depressive conditions, a good number of people with the condition are either overlooked completely or diagnosed wrongly making them suffer unnecessary. Even then, if proper medications and treatment is administered, a sufferer can comfortably lead a normal productive life.

A bipolar disorder depression is an episode that makes a sufferer have feelings of self pity, guilty, worthlessness, hopelessness and at times nurse suicidal thoughts. Some time back, this depression was categorized as any other regular depression; research has started showing that there are a lot of differences between normal depression and depression caused by bipolar disorder especially with the kind of medications offered for the two. A normal depression can be treated with use of anti-depressants but studies show that if a bipolar case is treated with anti-depressants, then the condition might worsen further leading to triggering of advanced mania episodes and at times interfering with other drugs used for mood stabilizing.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder depression:

• irritability


• mental and physical sluggishness


• low levels of energy and feeling unusual tired


• reduced interest in pleasure


• alteration in weight and appetite


• memory and concentration problems


• nursing suicidal thoughts


• feeling empty, sad and hopeless

Although normal depression will have similar symptoms like those exhibited by bipolar disorder, some symptoms are more pronounced in bipolar. For instance, a bipolar sufferer will exhibit irritability, restlessness, mood swings that cannot be predicted and guilt more than normal depression. Again, sufferers of bipolar depression sleep more often, speak little and slowly and move a lot less. To top it all, a sufferer may develop psychotic which is a condition that makes one to completely lose touch with reality and experience disability in social and work functioning.

What To Do When You Lose Your Mojo

Have you ever had that feeling in your life when nothing is working? You're feeling down, people you thought were on your side are suddenly against you? You feel the whole world is against you? Unless you are a manic depressive hopefully this only happens once in a blue moon. What do you do when this happens? This exercise is not for people who are depressive and are on medication for their depression. This is for those times when we have lost it for a few days, our confidence has gone. You know you will go back to your old self soon but it's shit feeling that way you do just now. This exercise should help.

Depending on how deep the mojo losing has gone there are steps you can take to get the mojo back.

It all starts at the start

Recognise when the mojo losing feeling started. Usually there is a trigger event that starts the snowball rolling and the downward spiral of feelings. An example trigger would be falling out with your partner, loss of a job, a failed exam something big but not huge.

Go back to the last known good configuration. This is a computer term meaning that if something goes wrong with a program, revert to a time when it was working okay. It involves going back, in your mind, to the last time you felt good about yourself and the world. This involves visualising yourself in the time when you felt good. Use your mind to the full, get the feelings back, and get the smell, touch, taste, and sounds back. If you can do this a few times a day for the next few days you will see a dramatic difference in the way you feel.

Thank yourself This is important. Feeling down for a few days is not a good feeling, however it reminds us how good our life really is. When we are in the black cloud of feeling down the world is not a good place, when the cloud disappears the sunshine is back. This is the time to thank yourself, thank yourself for your life (it is you who is creating it).

When I do exercises like this it further strengthens my belief that we create, in part, the world around us. If we can control our state of mind we can, effectively, control the world.

Why Don't You Come? A Discussion of the Poem by Mihai Eminescu

Mihai Eminescu, 1850-1889, was a writer, journalist, and romantic poet, often celebrated as Romania's greatest and most famous poet. For many years he was considered Romania's national poet and was called "the most important figure in Romanian culture."

Even now, his fame pervades modern day Romania. For example, his face has been engraved on a couple of Romania's paper currencies. Also, numerous statues and busts of Eminescu can be found throughout the country. There are several schools and libraries and other buildings named after Eminescu. And the anniversaries of his birth and death are observed with national celebrations.

The Poet

Eminescu was born and raised in Moldova, the northeast region of Romania. He attended school until age 16 and began publishing some of his poems at that age in a Budapest, Hungary, literary journal. For several years Eminescu worked as a clerk for a theater troupe in the newly named capital city of Bucharest. Throughout this period he continued to write and publish his poetry.

Eminescu left the troupe after three years and traveled to Vienna where he studied philosophy for three years. During this period he contributed political articles and poems to a local literary journal. He also became a contributing journalist to a newspaper in Budapest.

Eminescu then went to Berlin for two years where he continued his studies. After Berlin, he moved to Iasi, the cultural and economic center of Moldova, Romania, where he worked as the director of the Central Library. The impressive library is now named after him in his honor. Eminescu also became the editor of one of the local newspapers in Iasi.

After three years in Iasi, he moved back to Bucharest where he spent most of the rest of his life. He became chief editor of an important Bucharest newspaper for which he wrote his most famous political articles, including those supporting the drive toward international recognition of Romanian independence. Also during this period he wrote and published his most famous poems, including "The Evening Star."

In 1883 Eminescu was hospitalized due to his deteriorating health. He was diagnosed with syphilis and manic-depression. A few years later his health deteriorated further and he was treated with mercury injections, the standard treatment for syphilis. During the final six years of his life he wrote nothing of importance and was in and out of hospitals and sanatoriums. He died at age 39 in 1889.

The Poem

In 1883, while Eminescu was away at a sanatorium in Vienna, Titu Maiorescu published a collected volume of his poems entitled, "Poesii." Maiorescu commented in his foreword to the volume that Eminescu was always "too unconcerned and unambitious about the future fate of his work" to create a collected publication himself.

Eminescu's poems feature a wide range of themes, including nature, love, history, politics, and social issues. His study of philosophy, especially of Schopenhauer, also influenced his poetical works. His poems' influence on Romanian culture is so strong that in Romanian schools the study of his poems is a requirement. Often, an analysis of his "The Evening Star" is part of the graduation exam.

"Why Don't You Come?" is a touching and romantic love poem about the longing of a man for his beloved. The poem is easily read and recited due to its simple and easily recognized form.

The poem's form includes 6 quatrains, stanzas of four lines each. This is the most common of all the stanza forms in European poetry. The quatrains have a rhyme scheme of aabb, which creates two short couplets per stanza, one of the simplest rhyme schemes in poetry. The rhythm of the poem is the easily recognizable iambic tetrameter. All of the lines, except the first, are regular, consisting of four two-syllable iambic feet, the second syllable of each foot being accented.

The person that Eminescu's poem addresses is probably Veronica Micle, the love of his life and the woman he had hoped to marry, though circumstances kept them apart. They met while Eminescu was studying in Vienna. Despite the fact that Micle was married to a university professor thirty years her senior, she developed a close relationship with the attractive and romantic Eminescu.

Micle became a short story writer and a romantic poet, her style, not surprisingly influenced by Eminescu's. She published numerous poems, several of which were devoted to her relationship with Eminescu.

After her husband died, Micle and Eminescu were nearly married, but numerous stresses, including his developing illnesses, kept them from doing so. When he became more seriously ill, Micle moved to Bucharest and cared for Eminescu during the last two years of his life. Stricken with grief following his death, Micle died of self induced arsenic poisoning two months later.

It was in 1887, just prior to Micle's arrival in Bucharest, that Eminescu wrote "Why Don't You Come?"

Why Don't You Come?

By Mihai Eminescu

Translated by Corneliu M. Popescu

See the swallows quit the eaves

And fall the yellow walnut leaves,

The vines with autumn frost are numb,

Why don't you come, why don't you come?

Oh, come into my arms' embrace

That I may gaze upon your face,

And lay my head in grateful rest

Against your breast, against your breast!

Do you remember when we strayed

The meadows and the secret glade,

I kissed you midst flowering thyme

How many a time, how many a time?

Some women on the earth there are

Whose eyes shine as the evening star,

But be their charm no matter what,

Like you they're not, like you they're not!

For you shine in my soul always

More softly than the starlight blaze,

More splendid than the risen sun,

Beloved one, beloved one!

But it is late in autumn now,

The leaves have fallen from the bough,

The fields are bare, the birds are dumb.

Why don't you come, why don't you come?

Medication and Therapy For MHMR

Mentally ill and mentally retarded people need a long range of medicines. Being entitled to the right to medication for proper development, it is important that a proper diagnosis be done of their mental problems and consequently they can be medicated according to their needs. Psychiatric drugs are the most popular type of medication used for mental illness. These medicines are sometimes illusive in nature while others release the necessary chemicals or are responsible for releasing the necessary chemicals for better functioning of the brain.

The various types of medications given can be:

• Mood stabilizers: They are used to cure severe manic depression. They not only act as a cure but further prevent its occurrence.


• Anxiolytics: These are mild tranquilizers. Generally these are used to treat manic attacks or they can also be used when its symptoms like palpitations, cold sweat, tremors, black outs arise. They work by calming the activities occurring in the brain and can also be used for insomnia.


• Antidepressants: These are the most popular of all the psychotic drugs available. They provide adrenaline to the body and can actually cheer up a weary and moody person. Besides depressions, they can also help in curing phobias. However the main problem of these medicines is that they do not kill the cause of depression, but just help in curing it. Due to this many people have a tendency of getting addicted to it, and hence overdose should be avoided.

Besides medicines the other form of therapy which can be of real help is counseling. Also if proper cognitive behavior therapy is employed, it can also help in improving the situation. As a last resort, however, we can always use electroconvulsive therapy but this is normally avoided since it causes painful and restrictive in nature.they employ high voltage electricity for a short span of time which can even cause spasms in the patient. Thus its generally not used expect in the case of severe manic depression of acute schizophrenia.

The Significance of the TSH Blood Test

The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test is often performed to determine how the thyroid gland is performing through the measurement of the amount of TSH in the blood. A common reason for ordering a TSH blood test is to determine whether a patient has hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism means that the thyroid gland, which is found in front of the windpipe, produces too much of the thyroid hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Hypothyroidism means that there is a lack of these hormones in the body. A person with hypothyroidism usually has symptoms such as weight gain, frequent menstruation, constipation, fatigue and dry skin. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism can cause a person to have symptoms like weight loss, fast heart beats, irregular menstruation, nervousness, and diarrhea.

The TSH blood test may be ordered for people who have goiter or an enlarged thyroid gland and those who have symptoms indicative of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. It is the hypothalamus that produces the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) that in turn causes the pituitary gland to produce TSH. It is TSH that controls the production of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland. Normally, if the pituitary gland senses a low level of T3 and T4 in the blood, it releases TSH to cause the thyroid to release more of these hormones.

To help in the interpretation of the results of the TSH blood test, a physician usually requires also the measurement of the levels of T3 and T4 in the patient's blood. Thus, if the patient has unusually high levels of TSH but has low quantities of the T3 and T4 hormones and vice versa, it can be determined that it is a thyroid problem. However, if both the thyroid hormones and TSH are too high or both are too low, then it is the pituitary gland that may be diseased.

However, some medication or drugs, such as aspirin, can affect the level of TSH in the blood. During the first stages of pregnancy, TSH levels may also be low. Other conditions, such as too much stress, exposure to radioactive materials or an x-ray using iodine dye, can also influence the amount of TSH in the blood.

Bipolar Disorder, Sexuality And You

Our society is ingrained with sexuality. Everywhere you look there is sexual innuendos, signs and issues. It is always pushed to the forefront our minds and in many ways our lives. What happens when the way you think and act are governed by an issue such as bipolar disorder and your behaviours change as a result, and so too do your degrees of sexuality.

You have the one end of the spectrum, hypersexuality, that is often associated with mania. This in itself isn't the issue. It's the coupling of it with mania end of the spectrum that is. So what if a guy or gal wants to get down a little more than often, that really isn't a problem. Mix it with the dangerous thinking associated with mania and you have a big problem. You have a lack of judgement, you have impulsiveness, and worst of all you have the long reaching effects that all of this can have on your life and those of others.

During these periods, one of the last things thought about is protection. A week of different flings each night with different people can have a widespread effect on someone's life. It can result in pregnancy, and possibly even death. It can break up families, marriages, homes and everything in between. It can rob someone of their life. Completely. And utterly.

One of the only ways to curb this is to ensure that the bipolar person is being treated for their disorder. The proper medication and therapy can go a long way to preventing and minimizing manic episodes and the issues relating to them such as hypersexuality.

It can also help to have a very strong support system in place. One that will help ensure your morals and mind are about you, even when they may not be.

It may also be to a point where the sufferer needs to understand, and realize that when they are in a manic episode, it is often better to stay home going crazy with boredom, then to be out at the club or other such place where the behaviours are only sure to escalate. It may seem strange or even over the top, but sometimes locking yourself up at home during these periods is the only thing to do to prevent the results of a dangerous encounter in an altered state of mind.

You may also find, either as the person suffering from it, or the outsider watching it, that after the fact a whole lot of remorse kicks in, a whole lot of soul searching and pain and confusion. What they (or we) did in that mental state haunts us. It was abnormal behaviour for us, and even if the negative consequences aren't seen by outsiders, we feel them, within ourselves.

It is very difficult to live and feel like this. To do your best no matter you mental state to fight off urges and behaviours we know in our heart of hearts are wrong, and not something we would normally ever consider. This quote says it better then I can: "You often see a lot of regret for the past behavior because they put themselves in very bad situations," says Viguera. "When they're well, they reflect back on that and there can be a lot of regret and remorse. It's just another clue that shows you that that was not their normal state." And this in itself can cause the depressive side of bipolar to be even worse. Living with the remorse and pain of what we did in an altered state.

Which of course brings us to the other side of the spectrum. The depressive side. Where nothing in the world could make us want to be sexual in anyway. Where the last thing in the world we want is to be intimite with another person, even if they are our spouse, or someone we love and care about deeply. The depression eats us alive, and along with it our libido.

Dr. Last, author of When Someone You Love Is Bipolar, writes several contributing factors:

Your mate feels physically unattractive (old, ugly, fat) and sexually undesirable.

Your mate feels vulnerable or fragile and can't handle intimacy right now.

Your mate no longer pays attention to his or her grooming and isn't comfortable relating on a sexual basis.

Your mate is withdrawn and wants to be left alone.

Medication side effects have decreased your mate's sexual desire or interfered with his/her ability to achieve erection/orgasm.

Your mate is feeling exhausted and doesn't have the energy for the exertion that sex requires.

Your mate can't experience pleasure from anything right now, including sex.

So where is the balance? How do you make it work, not only for yourself but those you love and care about and those who love you as well?

Honesty is the best remedy. Being completely open with your partner about your urges, your feelings and most of all your condition is just one thing to start with. If they don't know what is going on with you, they cannot help you, no matter how they try. If they don't understand what you're going through and that you don't mean to behave in some of the ways you do, it can help.

Support is another big one. You need to have someone to confide in. Someone who won't judge, who won't point there finger when you admit your deviant behaviour, someone who will help you overcome the guilt of living with those behaviours. Someone to listen to you.

Anxiety and Depression

Feeling anxious is a natural and perfectly normal response to stressful situations or events like a driving test, job interview or medical examination. It is part of the body's fight or flight reflex so helps us to cope with any perceived threat or danger.

Some symptoms associated with anxiety include:

o Rapid heartbeat

o Tightness in the chest

o Breathlessness

o Diarrhoea

o Dry mouth

o Frequent urination

o Sweating

o Light headedness

o Difficulty swallowing

In some people, and nobody really knows exactly why, attacks of anxiety can become prolonged, happen repeatedly, and are severe enough to interfere with their ability to carry out normal routines and activities. If this is the case then they may be diagnosed as suffering from an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety Disorders

Along with the physical symptoms of anxiety, the individual can feel irritable, unable to concentrate or focus, not in control of their actions and could feel they are losing it or going completely mad. There are several different types of anxiety disorders.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder - the person feels anxious, nervous or keyed up a lot of the time, often about minor stresses at work or at home or perhaps without even knowing why they are feeling anxious.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - a variety of symptoms can follow a severe or life threatening trauma including a lot of anxiety, recurrent and distressing memories, thoughts, images, or feelings associated with the trauma that interferes with normal daily life

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Recurrent thoughts and urges (obsessions) that result in repetitive thoughts or actions (compulsions) in order to relieve the anxiety brought on by the obsessions. For example, obsession about dirt evokes a compulsion to repeatedly wash hands

Phobia - an extreme fear of something that is not in proportion to the reality to the extent that even thinking about it can evoke anxiety and panic, for example, fear of experiencing an embarrassing or awkward situation from which there is no escape, or fear of leaving a safe place (agoraphobia) may prevent someone leaving the house

Panic Disorder - Recurrent panic attacks with a severe attack of anxiety and fear that happens without warning and for no apparent reason

According to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), 5% of the population in the UK have Generalised Anxiety Disorder and 1% suffer from Panic Disorder. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis in order to get the appropriate treatment as anxiety can also be a symptom of other conditions including an underlying illness or substance abuse, and anxiety will often accompany some form of depression.

Depression

Feeling a bit low or down in the dumps from time to time is quite normal, but if the symptoms don't go away after a couple of weeks and are affecting your normal routines, then it is possible that you are suffering from depression. Around 10% of the population in the UK suffer from depression at any one time.

Some symptoms associated with depression include:

o Feeling tired and lethargic for most of the time

o Persistent low moods and sadness, a feeling of despondency

o Sleep disturbances, either inability to sleep or sleeping too much

o A pessimistic outlook on life

o Feeling anxious and nervous

o Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

o Frightening and irrational thoughts

o Loss of pleasure in activities and lack of interest in sex

o Avoidance of social contact and social situations

o Loss of appetite or an increased appetite and associated weight loss or weight gain

o Emotional outbursts for no apparent reason

o Irritability

Depression can affect anyone at any time but some people are more at risk than others, for example, the long term sick and unemployed, the socially isolated, those in prison, anyone with a previous history of depression themselves or in their family or anyone battling with drug or alcohol addiction. Life changing events can sometimes precipitate an episode of depression, for example, redundancy, divorce, physical illness and disability or bereavement.

Sometimes people will seek help from their GP with symptoms of both anxiety and depression.

Mixed Anxiety and Depression

According to government statistics, in the year 2000 only 2.8% of the population suffered from depression without any symptoms of anxiety whereas just over 9% of adults in Britain were suffering from mixed anxiety and depression and this figure had increased from previous years suggesting that the numbers are growing. No one knows exactly what causes either anxiety or depression because there is no single cause; however, there are certain factors that appear to contribute to both anxiety and depressive disorders and these include the possibility of chemical imbalances in the brain, a genetic tendency, personality and personal life experiences or a combination of these factors. Treatment will usually consist of a mixed approach involving medication and psychotherapy techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy.