Do You Know What the Early Signs of Depression Are?

Unless someone is totally familiar with the symptoms of depression, it can be extremely difficult to diagnose, let alone help.

Many people don't even know that they are suffering from depression, and in the USA over 15 million people are affected to some extent or another, and the startling fact that over two thirds of them will never seek help, most probably because they do not even realise, that they require some form of medical help for the way that they are feeling, it is an astonishing fact.

Why is depression so hard to spot?

Unlike depression itself, the answer is easy, and is often confused with every day issues that people face, it could be remorse over a negative event such as bereavement, etc, so this makes it hard to tell the difference between a normal mood and depression.

It's not unusual to feel negative feelings on occasions, such as when for example, we may become a little shaken when we reach the age of 40, there are many of us who see this as some milestone of reflection, which causes us to ponder and evaluate our lives.

It may be depressing to see that passed investment opportunity when you were in your twenties, now worth a fortune, such feelings are normal and even healthy, they are not depression. Depression is not a feeling that will come and go for brief encounters of sadness as mentioned above, but if they are not treated, depression will last forever and will get worse and worse, and it may require years to get a decent handle on this illness.

Typical symptoms of depression include insomnia, binge eating, or even starvation, that is not to say a sleepless night, or a day of over eating are symptoms, rather it would be an ongoing pattern that is the indicator. Many people suffering from depression become loners, and their feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, plus constant remorse and regret, are very common.

They feel upset and the lonelier they become, many sufferers want someone to help, but just can't find the courage to ask, and it then becomes even more difficult to deal with other people. The center of attention personality becomes a wall flower; these are symptoms of the early stages of depression.

Depression in later stages creates a seemingly incompatibility between the victim and other people, and they find themselves silent when it's time to speak up at work, or in social situations.

Dealing with others, even dealing with themselves becomes nearly impossible, and they see no hope or purpose for living, and begin to consider ending it all. To avoid this unhappy result, early detection is essential, and help is out there for people who suffer with depression, and with early detection, it is possible to end the suffering, and get back to healthy living with the right treatments an/or medication. See a doctor now, if you or a loved one exhibit symptoms of depression, it really is a matter of life or death.

Depression - Comparing the Costs of Depression and the Costs of Health Insurance

Long-term depression can affect a person's life dramatically. It causes social, emotional, physical, and mental symptoms. It can lead to disability if not dealt with in the long term. There are several theories on what this disorder is exactly. The most common view is that it is a symptom of other diseases and disorders. Some physical diseases can cause someone to feel depressed. That often happens when someone's hormones are off balance and that affects their emotional and mental state. Some people have a genetic predisposition to hormonal imbalances that affect mental and emotional state.

If left untreated, depression can disable a person from doing normal activities. This condition, in its worse state, can make people unable to leave their home and even their beds. Many people dealing with it often overeat or cannot eat as a result. Some lose jobs and friendships as a result. Productivity in their lives comes to slow motion or complete stand still. In extreme cases, it can lead to thoughts of death and even suicide attempts. That is when the real cost of the disease begins to show. And thousands of people every year take their lives after a period of being depressed.

Some people need both medical and psychological help to get through a depression episode. Medical treatments include taking certain medications, screening for certain medical disorders, and treating symptoms as need. Psychological help often requires talk therapy, group therapy, or behavioral interventions. The best results often come when a patient has access to both treatment options. Using one or the other can be useful. But many do better with both. That means the patient needs access to medical and psychological professionals along with proper medical testing as needed.

Why look at these costs? The costs of depression are staggering. Not only are medical costs involved, the person also has financial difficulties due to loss of wages and support structure. It is very important for people with this disorder to have medical insurance in place. Many people that go through one depressive episode will have others. And the best way to deal with the next one is immediate treatment. That means having the resources ready for the next episode and not waiting for insurance to kick in. Medical insurance is the best tool you can purchase. That insurance will give you access to the medical and psychological resources you need to deal with the disorder.

Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Gastroenteritis in dogs is a condition characterized by a sudden and severe onset of acute vomiting and diarrhea. It can lead to extreme dehydration, shock, electrolyte disturbance and acid-base imbalance, and can eventually turn out to be fatal.

Dietary indiscretion and infection are the chief causes of gastroenteritis in dogs. Over eating, sudden dietary changes, ingestion of foreign material, eating spoiled food etc. that are frequent with dogs are largely responsible for acute vomiting and diarrhea. Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections also cause gastroenteritis in dogs. Apart from them, drug reactions, abdominal disorders like pancreatitis, pyometra, peritonitis etc, metabolic disorders like diabetes, kidney and liver disease etc, and obstruction/blockage in the gastrointestinal tract are also responsible for acute vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Symptoms

The leading symptoms in gastroenteritis in dogs are sudden onset of severe and acute vomiting of intestinal contents through the mouth, and frequent passage of watery stools. Blood may sometimes be present in the vomit and fecal material. The dog may show signs of depression and listlessness in the acute stage of the illness. Though occasional vomiting and diarrhea are common among dogs, the sudden onset of acute vomiting and diarrhea symptoms is not normal, and requires attention to prevent situation going out of hand.

Diagnosis and Tests

Acute vomiting and diarrhea symptoms in dogs usually resolve quickly and do not necessitate elaborate diagnostic tests. However, if symptoms persist over 2-3 days, or when there is blood in the stool or in the vomit material, the following common diagnostic tests are recommended:

o Stool Examination
o Complete Blood Count (CBC)
o Routine Urine Examination
o Blood Biochemistry profiling
o Ultrasound or X-rays of Abdomen

Treatment and Care

Restoring fluid loss and correcting electrolyte imbalance are the two most important approaches of treatment. Intravenous administration of fluids and electrolytes may be necessary. For this, the dog may have to be taken to the hospital. Restricting oral intake of foods and drinks is advisable for several hours to give the gastrointestinal tract complete rest. Water and a bland diet may gradually be introduced once conditions stabilize. Original diet may be introduced after 2-3 days if the vomiting has stopped completely. If there is any recurrence of vomiting after introducing regular foods, oral intake should be stopped at once and the dog may be referred to a veterinarian.

It may sometimes be necessary to put the dog on antibiotics to control infection and on symptomatic drugs to regulate vomiting and diarrhea and provide a soothing coat to the abdominal tract. These medicines can improve the severity of symptoms and provide some comfort to the pet. However, oral medicines must be used only when it is absolutely necessary, and on consulting a veterinarian, as these medicines can sometimes irritate the already inflamed intestinal lining and increase vomiting.

Care is very important. The ailing dog need to be attended and its conditions monitored carefully. Veterinary help may be necessary, and if the clinical signs do not mitigate in a day or two, or the symptoms get worse, the dog may require another round of evaluation.

Living with Gastroenteritis

Proper dietary management is very important for reducing the incidence of gastroenteritis in dogs. The dog and its environment should also be kept clean to minimize chances of infection. However, if the dog has frequent bouts of gastroenteritis, a thorough evaluation may be necessary to find out the causes and start appropriate treatment.

Stock Market Timeline

The history of stock market is very rich and the efficient system that you use now for trading and investing in companies has evolved over centuries. All the policies and regulations have evolved through time as and when the policy makers felt the need for them. Wall Street was laid out as early as in 1685. The investment market was born after a century in 1792 when five securities were traded. These included three government bonds and two bank stocks.

The Buttonwood Agreement was the historic pact that around twenty four brokers and merchants signed agreeing to trade securities for commission. It is said that the New York Stock Exchange began as a result of this pact. Slowly the market started gaining prominence and securities such as bank stocks, insurance stocks and government bonds had begun to trade. As the market gained prominence, the requirement of rules and regulations for the proper conduct of trading and investing was felt. The New York Stock & Exchange Board was formed at wall street. In 1853, the board required the companies which were listed on the exchange to produce complete statements of shares outstanding and capital resources.

The first stock market crash happened in 1853 when the market lost up to 45% of value. The reason was the collapse of the Ohio Life Insurance & Trust Company. In 1866, the first transatlantic cable was laid which enabled instant communication between New York and London. In 1867, the first stock ticker was invented and this brought the current prices of the companies to all the investors. In 1872, the specialist was created. The specialist is a trader who trades only in one stock because of which he sits in one location on the trading floor. In 1895, it was suggested that companies start providing annual reports of their performance to their shareholders. Then in the subsequent year, there was another development in the form of the wall street journal publishing the Dow Jones Industrial average for the first time.

The Federal Reserve System was created in 1913 to bring structure to the control credit and to structure the banking system. The market price was quoted as a percentage of the par value. This was changed to prices quoted in dollars. In 1929 the largest crash in terms of the volume of shares takes place. This marked the beginning of the great depression. The Dow Jones reached the lowest value from its 1929 peak in 1932. It was quoting 89% down at that point of time. The Securities and Exchange Commission is established to provide full disclosure to investors and to prevent fraudulent activities in connection with the sale of securities. Women enter the trading floor in 1943 ending the reign of men. In 1966, several important developments took place. The Securities Investment Protection Corporation was set up to provide protection to the clients of brokerage firms that collapse. The New York futures exchange was formed in 1979. In 1996, real time tickers were launched in CNBC and CNN thus bringing the stock prices to investors and traders instantly.

As you can see, the rich history is incomparable to the history of any other stock market in the world. NYSE is the biggest stock exchange in the world and it will continue to remain so for some time to come.

How Will Preexisting Conditions Affect Your Health Insurance Coverage?

If you have preexisting conditions when you are looking for NC health insurance, one of three outcomes are likely to happen. You will either (1) be declined for coverage, (2) have your condition ridered, or (3) your premium will be increased. In this article we will look at how most carriers will handle common preexisting conditions.

When people talk about NC health insurance and preexisting conditions, what they are talking about is getting coverage for conditions that you may have prior to getting the coverage. This could include chronic illness, mental illness, or hereditary illness. Each carrier will handle conditions differently and it really depends on what the condition is. For example, if you have had a heart attack, cancer, stroke or diabetes you likely will likely be declined coverage by all carriers of individual plans. Other common conditions that will lead to a decline are rhemoatoid arthritis, heart disorders, fibromyalgia, severe mental disorders, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. This is just a small sample of common but typically expensive conditions that will make you ineligible for individual coverage.

Another measure carriers do to control costs is by ridering (or excluding) the medical condition all together. When this occurs they will not cover any treatment, including prescription drugs, for the amount of time the condition is ridered. This is commonly done for conditions when treated with medication like asthma, gout, depression/anxiety and osteoperosis.

Some carriers may just increase your premium to cover the increased risk or costs that are associated with your condition. Common conditions for this are high blood pressure or high cholesterol. These types of conditions can still lead to a rejection by the carrier (depending on other risk factors) but likely you will see an increased premium level. The reason carriers do this is because they are taking increased risks that these conditions may lead into serious and expensive health conditions like a heart attack or stroke.

For people with serious health conditions or are on a multitude of prescription drugs, your best bet will likely be to obtain group coverage through an employer. If group coverage is not an option then you may qualify for the North Carolina high risk pool. This plan is a state issued plan that is guaranteed issue if you meet the qualifying factors and is designed for people with health issues. As long as you have not had a lapse of coverage of more than 63 days, your preexisting conditions will be covered by both of these options.

It's also important to note that if you have a preexisting condition and have been without health coverage for more than 63 days, if approved for coverage most carriers will automatically exclude the condition for the first 12 months the policy is in effect. This is why it is very important to have continuous coverage.

As you can see, if you have a preexisting health condition, finding the right coverage can be complicated. To get started, especially if you are clueless about insurance terminology and how carriers will handle preexisting conditions, you may want to enlist the help of an insurance agent who knows the particular ins and outs of NC health insurance carriers.

Using Moulds in Precious Metal Clay

Precious metal clay (or PMC) is one of the most versatile and malleable forms of producing detailed and intricate jewellery without having to spend hours chasing and engraving. PMC, sometimes also referred to as silver clay, works on the same principle as many art clay substances. Tiny particles of precious metal (either silver or gold) are suspended within a binding agent, forming a clay-like substance that has the same moulding properties as art clay. However, rather than being simply dried PMC is fired, burning off the binding agent and leaving the precious metal behind.

Because of these properties, PMC works exceptionally well with moulds of all kinds. For beginners, even a bar of soap can be used as an effective mould, impressing a design into the surface of the clay that can then produce precious metal jewellery incorporating intricate designs with very little effort.

How to use PMC with moulds
Silver clay lends itself to both home-made and commercially produced moulds. Using a mould also allows for repeated elements and the production of multiple pieces all incorporating the same design. Hollow moulds also allow you to produce lightweight work and to make your precious metal clay go further.

A simple way to start is to use a bar of soap to form the basis of a mould. Simply carve a pattern into the surface of the soap and then press the precious metal clay into the depression, ensuring that it is forced into every corner and recess of the carving. Then just peel away the PMC and you have a pattern embossed into the surface of the clay. This can then be worked to tidy up any uneven lines or areas that may have not come out as crisply as you would like. Once you are happy with the design, the piece can then be fired to burn off the binding agent and the metal polished and finished to produce a beautiful piece of gold or silver jewellery.

Using moulds sold in hobby shops or from specialist retailers online is also an excellent way to produce fine quality precious metal jewellery on a budget. Any mould designed to produce candles, plaster or even candy will work, and even butter or biscuit moulds sold in cookery shops can be utilised to produce unusual jewellery of exceptional quality.

Making your own silicone moulds

However, it is possible to make your own moulds using two-part silicone compounds. These have the advantage in that they do not need to be lubricated. But if you do find that the precious metal clay sticks to the sides of the mould, a light coating of non-stick cooking spray will ensure that the clay can be removed easily from the mould without damaging the imprint on the surface.

When using PMC, you will have to take into account shrinkage. Early forms of silver clay suffered from quite dramatic amounts of shrinkage when fired, but modern versions have a far lower shrinkage rate. However, if you are using moulds that have a lot of fine lines, be aware that some of the detail may be lost in the final piece.

Why Do I Feel Hopeless - This is Why!

Are you constantly wondering why do I feel hopeless? Have you considered that the problem may not be so much with you but with the food you've been eating? You see many people around the world, especially in North America suffer from depression, anxiety and emotional imbalances. The reality however is that for most cases in as much as 95% of times the individual would feel significantly better if they made a few dietary changes. I'll explain below why this is as well as 2 other reasons why you might be feeling hopeless.

You are what you eat! 3 Reasons Why you might be feeling hopeless!

Diet - Did you know that what you eat has everything to do with how you feel emotionally? In fact people who eat a diet of high quality whole foods which are nutritionally rich have been proven to have a happier disposition in general over those who eat the SAD or Standard North American Diet. You may not have thought of it, but try changing the way you eat and you might find at the very least that you're able to at least focus your mind onto a path to happiness.

Deficiencies - Relating to the point above if you're deficient in B Vitamins for example you will almost always feel somewhat lethargic and depressed, its proven. If you have specific mineral deficiencies you can experience health symptoms which can as a result make you feel depressed and hopeless.

Lack of Passion - A major reason people feel hopeless is often because they're missing a passion in their life. If your diet is great, you don't have nutritional deficiencies yet you still feel hopeless then its entirely possible that you just need to figure out what you're passionate about in life and move towards it.

If remaining in your situation is keeping you hopeless get out of it. Remember everything comes from within, surroundings can only do so much, you attract into your life what you put out and if you put out hopelessness then you'll attract it into your life. You need to be conscious of your thoughts and focus only on what you want and nothing else, constantly focusing on worries and what's wrong will only increase your perception and often the reality of your circumstances. No one but you can make you feel a certain way.

Depression Symptoms - And 4 Actions You Can Take To Heal Yourself

Depression can be quite debilitating. I have gone through difficult periods and know from personal experience that even mild symptoms of depression can ruin one's life.

Here are some common symptoms: inability to sleep, inability to concentrate, decreased sex drive, feelings of hopelessness, negative thoughts that you can't control or just will not go away, lack of appetite or excessive binging, and a lack of self-esteem.

This last one is particularly important. As human potential coach Brian Tracy once put it, self-esteem is not our self-concept. It is not in idea about ourselves. It is the feelings that we have about our own selves. Do we feel that we are valuable, do we feel successful, or do we feel that we are complete failures?

The first thing you have to do is change your thinking. Many people trip themselves up by the definitions they attach to certain words. For example, how do you define success? If your mind comes up with some unattainable image of a Hollywood-style mansion and a bunch of objects or achievements you must have in order to feel successful, then you have sabotaged yourself. So the first thing you must do is to define happiness in simple terms. You have to do this for yourself, you can't wait for society to give you the answers. Externally-imposed answers can never be what you truly want.

The second thing you have to do is change your lifestyle. If you spend a lot of time alone, then start spending time with other people. It doesn't matter exactly how you do it, the important thing is that you do it and that you force yourself to do it. Call old friends, go to Starbucks and talk to a stranger, anything to change your habit of being alone. If you spend a lot of time in the city, go on a hiking trip, sign-up to a mountaineering club, go to a park.

The third thing you must know is that exercise has been proven to be more effective than pharmaceutical drugs at improving and alleviating the symptoms of depression. Any type of exercise will do. If you have no time, then do a 20 minute workout in your home. Run up and down the stairs a few times. Do whatever your body can handle and never do it in excess. The chemical cascade that will result in your body will make you feel better.

The fourth point is to change your diet and take concentrated fish oil supplements every day. In cases of depression, simple sugars and refined carbohydrates are your biggest enemy. You should stop eating white bread, white rice, white flour, sugar and sweets and even sweet fruits. You should restrict yourself to brown rice, brown bread and sour fruits, such as Granny Smith apples, Kiwis and grapefruits. Also, it is very important to eat enough cholesterol, as cholesterol is what your body needs to make the hormones than deal with stress.

As far as supplements go, there is nothing better that y you can do for yourself than to take molecularly-distilled concentrated fish oil capsules every day, at a dose of a minimum of six capsules a day. Concentrated fish oil contains DHA. DHA is one of the most important substances in the brain. Research has shown very consistently that an increase in DHA consumption can help eliminate or at least alleviate depression.

Make sure that you buy a pure, top-quality concentrated fish oil by a reputable manufacturer, made with fish from clean, uncontaminated seas, such as those off the south coast of New Zealand. It should be accompanied by an independent certificate of analysis proving that the product is clean, safe and effective.

Depression in Senior Citizens

Depression is a medical condition that is characterized by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless; low self-esteem; and loss of interest in things one used to enjoy. Senior citizens are prone to life-altering changes that can lead one to feel depressed. Dealing with the trials life throws at us such as, loss, change, loneliness, or a chronic medical condition can be quite overwhelming. Still, depression is not a "normal" part of aging. Like heart disease or diabetes, depression is a medical condition and it can be treated with medication and therapy. Treatment is effective at alleviating symptoms within a few weeks in at least 80 percent of people. 

It is important that senior citizens and those providing their elder care understand the symptoms of depression. If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from depression, identify your symptoms by using the checklist provided below. Then, if necessary, seek assistance. For senior citizens, the most frequently used resource is a family doctor. Bringing a trusted friend or relative may help ease any anxiety when going to an appointment. Understand that your doctor may suggest a checkup and begin treatment or refer you to a mental health specialist.

Before you say, "I'm okay"....

Do you feel:

• Anxious or "empty"


• Guilty or useless


• Agitated or irritable


• Less interested in things you used to enjoy


• Like no one loves you


• Life is not worth living

Or if you are:

• A change in sleeping habits


• A change in eating habits


• Persistent headaches, stomach aches, or pain

Remember that these may be real symptoms of a real medical condition that can be effectively treated. Talk to your doctor today. Though many senior citizens suffer from depression, feeling depressed is not a normal part of aging.

Health and Wellness tips

There are many measures senior citizens can take to help relieve the symptoms of depression. Those involved in the elder care of senior citizens experiencing depression should encourage the senior to follow these tips and improve their wellbeing. 

Check your medications. Senior citizens often take many medications. Some medications, including those for sleep, blood pressure, and nervousness, may affect mood. Talk with your doctor about each of the medications you are taking. Be sure to include all over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements to minimize the chances of having side effects. 

Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol use can bring about depression. And, when alcohol and drugs are combined, interactions that lead to depression can occur. 

Stay connected. Sometimes, senior citizens find it more difficult to get out and stay connected with others. Still, talking with friends and family members, getting a pet, or even finding a new interest or hobby can help one through this tough time.  Get involved in activities you take pleasure in, such as reading a good book, going to a ballgame or a taking a class in a subject that interests to you.

Be active. Physical activity can improve physical and mental wellbeing. Though some senior citizens believe they cannot exercise, there are activities like walking, gardening, or working out (even if one is in a wheelchair) that can be helpful. Make a goal of 30 minutes of activity 5 days a week. If you have not taken part in physical activity in a while, be sure to check with your doctor and get his OK before you begin.

Eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids. Choose healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or nuts to increase your nutrition and energy. Also, try to eat well-balanced meals.  Some senior citizens suffer from loss of appetite and weight loss; if you have experienced either of these, consult your doctor.

Debt Free Advice

Thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people each month search the Internet for terms such as "debt free advice."

It is obvious that we are a country with too many people who lack restraint in their spending habits, have bad money-management skills or have perhaps fallen on hard times.

For the most part, though, debts free advice is requested because people live a lifestyle that promotes the spending of money you don't have!

One only has to see the airwaves and newspapers flooded with advertisements offering nothing down, 0% interest, don't pay for one year etc. Some people are buying things simply because they get a free gadget of which they already have several of. The best debt free advice for people, who are impulsive buyers, is to put away the credit cards when you go shopping. Hand them over to a trusted family member, leave them in a safety deposit box, hide them or simply tear them up!

Serious spending problems require serious solutions and action on the part of the person looking for debt free advice.

If you are beyond the point of prevention and need some immediate solutions, there is debt consolidation.

There are many companies that will offer a free assessment of your situation and give you a free quote as well, to help consolidate your debts into one manageable monthly payment.

Indeed, it is a good idea to get several free quotes so that you can determine which company has the best terms and suits your needs!

Debt consolidation loans are available very easily these days because there is tremendous competition in the lending industry. This is good news for borrowers not only looking for debt free advice, but real debt relief!

Stop the suffering of stress, frustration and depression when you are unable to make your loan payments in time, getting debt free advice input can turn things around.

A debt consolidation loan is a service that is indispensable for people whose finances are out-of-control and can't find the right solutions. Usually, for a small fee the endless routine of living in debt can come to an end.

Debt consolidation can either be secured or unsecured debt consolidation. Upon getting some free consolidation quotes you can decide which is the most suitable loan consolidation plan for you to handle.

Stop the escalating stress and worry. Don't put off the opportunity to resolve your debt problems. Start doing something about it today and you'll feel that relief is just around the corner! free advice is requested because people live a lifestyle that promotes the spending of money you don't have!

One only has to see the airwaves and newspapers flooded with advertisements offering nothing down, 0% interest, don't pay for one year etc. Some people are buying things simply because they get a free gadget of which they already have several of. The best debt free advice for people, who are impulsive buyers, is to put away the credit cards when you go shopping. Hand them over to a trusted family member, leave them in a safety deposit box, hide them or simply tear them up!

Serious spending problems require serious solutions and action on the part of the person looking for debt free advice.

If you are beyond the point of prevention and need some immediate solutions, there is debt consolidation.

There are many companies that will offer a free assessment of your situation and give you a free quote as well, to help consolidate your debts into one manageable monthly payment.

Indeed, it is a good idea to get several free quotes so that you can determine which company has the best terms and suits your needs!

Debt consolidation loans are available very easily these days because there is tremendous competition in the lending industry. This is good news for borrowers not only looking for debt free advice, but real debt relief!

Stop the suffering of stress, frustration and depression when you are unable to make your loan payments in time, getting debt free advice input can turn things around.

A debt consolidation loan is a service that is indispensable for people whose finances are out-of-control and can't find the right solutions. Usually, for a small fee the endless routine of living in debt can come to an end.

Debt consolidation can either be secured or unsecured debt consolidation. Upon getting some free consolidation quotes you can decide which is the most suitable loan consolidation plan for you to handle.

Stop the escalating stress and worry. Don't put off the opportunity to resolve your debt problems. Start doing something about it today and you'll feel that relief is just around the corner!

How Does Reiki Help Anxiety And Depression?

How does Reiki help anxiety and depression? Scientifically speaking, we cannot explain this, just as we cannot explain how prayer works. In fact, we cannot explain why prescription drugs relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression. We cannot explain why some people suffer nearly constantly from both, while others never do. But, as with many medical conditions and treatments, we have theories.

Anxiety and depression often accompany each other. At times, it is hard to say which came first. The symptoms of anxiety often include insomnia, irritability, unreasonable fear, heart palpitations and chest pain. These symptoms may be brought on by short or long-term stress, too much caffeine or other stimulants, improper diet or lack of exercise. These and other factors are described below.

The common symptoms of depression include insomnia or increased need for sleep, fatigue, loss of interest in hobbies or life in general, unreasonable sadness, crying, angry outbursts, suicidal thoughts, etc. Both can be disabling and are major risk factors for life-threatening diseases, though we do not really know why.

In both anxiety and depression, a "sense of well-being" is missing. This may be one answer to how does Reiki help anxiety and depression; by restoring a sense of well-being.

Treating Anxiety and Depression

The first line of treatment in most cases of moderate to severe anxiety and/or depression is anti-depressant drugs, but they do not "cure" the conditions. There is no evidence supporting the safety of long-term use of these drugs. Most practitioners will recommend a complete treatment plan, which takes time and effort, but is well worth it.

Nutrition and physical activity are both factors in anxiety and depression. Numerous research studies support the effectiveness of regular physical exercise in relieving symptoms. Just as we have no clear answer to how does Reiki help anxiety and depression, we cannot say absolutely why physical activity helps. We believe that the body produces endorphins and other compounds during physical activity that promote relaxation and a "sense of well being".

As for nutrition, B-complex vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important to people who suffer from anxiety and/or depression. Scientific studies support this statement, as well. It can also be beneficial to find a sense of purpose in one's life.

How Does Reiki Help Anxiety and Depression?

Most experts agree that spirituality is important for dealing with anxiety or depression. For those of us who are not affiliated with an organized religion, finding spirituality may be a difficult task.

Many people who come to distrust the religion that they grew up with are left in a depressed state. Studying Reiki can provide the spirituality that they need. It is comforting to learn that you are not alone in the universe. This realization alone can be enough to relax the mind.

Most people who suffer from anxiety or depression need some amount of psychological therapy, maybe to find issues that they have not "dealt" with. Reiki and the use of the healing chakras provide a different way of dealing with past issues.

So, how does Reiki help anxiety and depression? It allows people to "let go" of worry, anger and past hurts. It is a method of deep relaxation that can provide the "sense of well being" and the sense of purpose that many people find missing in their lives. To learn more please visit http://understanding-reiki.com.

Fibromyalgia: Turned Out to Be All-In-Your-Head After All (Part II )

In part one of Fibromyalgia we discussed the evolution of the understanding of the disease from what was originally thought to be an emotional or psychiatric disorder to various forms of a muscle disease to a peripheral nerve disorder and then full circle to a brain dysfunction. Although diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia have been available for 2 decades, there remains no definitive diagnostic test and no consensus regarding its etiology.

In Part Two we will consider some of the evidence suggesting fibromyalgia is an affliction of brain dysfunction. Ultimately the goal of part two is to identify and characterize the abnormal functioning of the various brain regions that have been reported in recent neuroscience literature and suggest possible natural approaches to the correction of these dysfunctions. This represents a major leap forward in the treatment of fibromyalgia because it is an attempt to first identify the specific dysfunction and then to restore brain function to normal. Current treatment of fibromyalgia focuses on symptom management not restoration of function.

The hallmark of fibromyalgia is chronic widespread pain perception in the absence of an identifiable cause. Depression and or anxiety, sleep disturbances and emotional problems are often also found in fibromyalgia patients. Therefore there appears to be a number of additional abnormalities above and beyond abnormal pain perception seen in fibromyalgia patients. This suggests widespread involvement in a number of brain regions.

Among the secondary or associated findings commonly seen in chronic pain patients, in general, and fibromyalgia patients, in particular, are signs of cogitative dysfunction, memory problems, and a higher brain process termed executive function (the ability to comprehend, sequence and perform complex tasks).

Fibromyalgia patients frequently have signs of cognitive impairment that sometimes can be demonstrated through clinical testing. A simple bedside test known as the clock test was frequently found to be abnormal in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. In this test the patient is asked to first, draw a picture of a clock and then they are asked to draw the hands on the clock to illustrate a specific time. This task assesses a number of higher cortical brain region functions. Various degrees of inability to precisely draw the face of a clock and then set the hands of the clock to a specific time are used to evaluate different lobes of the brain, in particular the frontal lobes. This simple test when given to patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia suggests impaired brain function of the frontal and other brain regions not normally associated with pain processing. So patients with fibromyalgia appear to have alterations in brain function that goes well beyond pain processing. Much more sophisticated research on brain function in fibromyalgia supports this theory. Let us review some recent studies on brain function and fibromyalgia.

There are a number of brain imaging techniques that allow researchers to literally see how the brain reacts metabolically to various types of stimulation. For the most part they are based on MRI testing, but go beyond standard MRI in that they show increased or decreased brain metabolism (and thus implied hyper or hypo function). Because they are a test of brain function they are called functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI for short. For the sake of simplicity, we well say that increased activity seen in these tests (known as brain region activation) is seen when a brain region "lights-up" during the scan. The opposite known as brain deactivation can also be documented in using this technology. These tests become useful in unraveling complex disease processes like fibromyalgia because they can show which brain regions "light-up" which deactivate and how these brain responses compare in patient suffering from fibromyalgia and healthy patients used as controls. Since fibromyalgia is a chronic pain state, it only makes sense that a number of investigators scanned patents with fibromyalgia and used a painful stimulus to observe how the fibromyalgia brain responded to pain. They did the exact same tests on a group of patients without fibromyalgia so they could compare brain responses between patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and those who did not have fibromyalgia. The results are interesting.

fMRI revealed that fibromyalgia patients had lower activation in the right pre-motor cortex, supplementary motor area, mid-cingulate cortex, putamen and, after controlling for anxiety, in the right insular cortex and right inferior frontal gyrus.

Wow, what does all that mean? Without getting into a lesson in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, this study found defects in some of the pain processing areas of the brain in fibromyalgia patients, but also found in addition abnormalities in areas associated with muscle movement and also possibly emotional processing. These findings represent abnormal metabolism in the brain of fibromyalgia patients that they did not find in patients who were free from fibromyalgia. The authors of this particular study concluded that in fibromyalgia those parts of the brain which are designed to suppress pain were malfunctioning.

Researchers at the University of Michigan looked at perfusion (basically the blood supply) of different regions of the brain in fibromyalgia patients versus control patients without fibromyalgia.

They found regional brain blood flow of a part of the brain believed to be highly associated with pain processing, the thalamus, was abnormal in fibromyalgia patients compared with the blood flow in this brain structure in non-fibromyalgia patients.

Other researcher from Spain report differences in brain activation patterns between fibromyalgia patients and healthy control patients. Patient with fibromyalgia showed exaggerated repose to pressure. This is similar to the pressure testing used to clinically diagnose patients with fibromyalgia.

fMRI maps following (pressure) stimulation showed a complete pain network response (sensory-motor cortices, operculo-insula, cingulate cortex, and basal ganglia) to measured light pressure in fibromyalgia patients. In contrast the healthy control subject's response to this low intensity pressure involved mainly somatosensory (touch, not pain brain response) cortices. When matched for perceived pain, control subjects showed also comprehensive activation of pain-related regions, but fibromyalgia patients showed significantly larger activation in the anterior insula-basal ganglia complex and the cingulate cortex. (Amplification in pain processing pathways).

Researcher in Italy used a different type of tests known as a Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy or MRS study to compare fibromyalgia patients with non-fibromyalgia controls. This test the MRS, can measure non-invasively some of the chemical components in different parts of the brain. Using this different technology, they like their colleagues in Michigan found abnormalities in different brain regions when comparing the results scan done on fibromyalgia patients and non-fibromyalgia control patients.

What they found was chemical various in the frontal cortex concluding that the presence of elevated Glu/Cr levels (rations of brain chemicals) in specific regions of the frontal brain region strengthens the opinion that a complex neurophysiologic imbalance of different brain areas involved in pain processing underlies FM.

Other researchers corroborate these findings of altered brain chemistry in specific brain regions of patients suffering from fibromyalgia.

Studies using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggest that glutamate (Glu), a key excitatory neurotransmitter, may be present in higher concentrations within the brains of fibromyalgia patients. This neurotransmitter imbalance is present in multiple brain regions that have been implicated in processing pain information.

Since glutamate is known to excite the nervous system these finding suggest that increased levels of this excitatory chemical in the brain regions associated with pain processing might be responsible for the over reaction to painful stimuli which is the hallmark of fibromyalgia.

A team of researchers at the University of Florida compared the actual volume of brain substances in different patients of the brain in patients suffering from fibromyalgia and health controls. Their findings add to the growing evidence that specific brain regions are abnormal in patients suffering with fibromyalgia.

We found that fibromyalgia patients had significantly less gray matter volumes than healthy control patients in 3 of specific brain regions, including the anterior and mid-cingulate, as well as mid-insular cortices. Using a more stringent analysis than other studies, we provide evidence for decreased gray matter volumes (actual brain nerve cells) in a number of pain-related brain areas in patients suffering with fibromyalgia.

Although the mechanisms for these gray matter changes are presently unclear, they may contribute to some of the core features of this chronic disorder including affective disturbances and chronic widespread pain.

Researchers in London found similar gray matter loss in the brain of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients.

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that structural grey matter brain changes might occur in the chronic intractable pain disorder fibromyalgia. The results of the study revealed significantly lower grey matter density in the patients with fibromyalgia and marked fatigue (chronic fatigue syndrome) in the left supplementary motor area. This brain region plays an important role in cognitive or executive control and in the translation of painful cognition; these functions are impaired in fibromyalgia associated with marked fatigue

German researcher likewise report loss of brain neurons (Gray Matter volume losses) in patient with fibromyalgia:

Studies in fibromyalgia syndrome with functional neuroimaging support the hypothesis of central pain augmentation (amplification). Fibromyalgia patients presented a decrease in gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala, and the anterior cingulate cortex

Researcher in Denmark took a slightly different approach to investigation of central nervous system function. They looked at a particularly brain function known as "descending pain inhibition" which is a function of the brain responsible for turning off pain perceptions arising from the body. In normal subject without fibromyalgia, sustained muscle contraction activates this descending pain inhibitory circuit. This is why in most patients exercise like physical therapy can be used to treat pain. However in patients with fibromyalgia instead of inhibiting pain, this descending brain pathway actually magnified pain. The researchers concluded that

Descending pain modulation (control) shifts from descending inhibition (pain reduction) towards descending facilitation (pain magnification) following muscle contraction in fibromyalgia.

Other researchers support the theory that descending pain suppressing circuits are abnormal in the fibromyalgia patient.

We focus our discussion on two areas where strong evidence exists for abnormalities in sensory
signaling: the reduction of descending control, including suppression of descending inhibitory pathways and/or enhancement of descending facilitatory pathways, and changes in key neurotransmitters associated with central sensitization.

A team from Sweden further characterized the defective pain modulating circuits in fibromyalgia patients:

Fibromyalgia patients exhibited higher sensitivity to pain provocation than controls as they required less pressure to evoke equal pain magnitudes. Despite lower pressures applied in fibromyalgia patients the fMRI-analysis revealed no difference in activity in brain regions relating to attention and affect or regions with sensory projections from the stimulated body area. However, in the primary link in the descending pain regulating system (the rostral anterior cingulate cortex) the patients failed to respond to pain provocation. The author's conclude that
the observed attenuated response to pain in this brain region is the first demonstration of a specific brain region where the impairment of pain inhibition in FMS patients is expressed.

This may be one explanation why many fibromyalgia patients have trouble tolerating exercise. Normally muscle activity switches on brain based descending pain pathways that reduce pain. In fibromyalgia these appears to be at least ineffective and at worst may actually increase pain perception. Researchers in Germany report similar findings. They created experimental control painful stimuli in both fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls. When they elicited muscle pain they found:

Repetitive (painfully) induced excitation of muscle tissue led to a more prolonged perception of pain and more wide-spread activation in pain-related brain areas in fibromyalgia patients. This altered brain activity was seen especially in the left (Ipsilateral ~ same side) insula brain region, The contrast between the groups (fibromyalgia patients versus healthy control patients) revealed significantly stronger activation for fibromyalgia patients in the left anterior insula. Additonally the researcher found that peak pain ratings were comparable between controls and fibromyalgia patients, but pain duration (sustained pain) was prolonged in fibromyalgia

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found abnormalities in the interaction between various brain structures in patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Using a technique to assess how various brain regions communicate with one another (called functional network connectivity) these investigators found abnormalities that seemed to be specific for patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. They report:

These findings indicate that resting brain activity within multiple networks is associated with spontaneous clinical pain in patients with fibromyalgia. These findings may also have broader implications for how subjective experiences such as pain arise from a complex interplay among multiple brain networks.

A team of researchers from France report similar findings of altered brain network connectivity that were related to abnormalities in several specific chemical neurotransmitters in specific parts of the brain, in their fibromyalgia patients:

We assessed cortical excitability and intracortical modulation (brain network connectivity) systematically, by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex, in patients with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is associated with deficits in intracortical modulation involving both GABAergic and glutamatergic mechanisms, possibly related to certain aspects of the pathophysiology of this chronic pain syndrome. Our data adds to the growing body of evidence for objective and quantifiable changes in brain function in fibromyalgia.

So what does all this mean and how can we use it to help those patients afflicted with fibromyalgia syndrome? The most important take home message is that there are specific brain regions that are not working properly in patient suffering with fibromyalgia. We now have a pretty good idea of which brain structure are abnormal. Furthermore we now have a good understanding of many of the chemical abnormalities in these brain regions.

So the next logical step is to discuss targeted therapies that might specifically influence regions of abnormal brain function in patients suffering with fibromyalgia. Restoring pain processing in the brain to more normal function. There are a number of methods and techniques that we can apply.

Next we can consider how to modulate and balance the abnormal chemistry in specific brain regions we discussed in the above article.

Based on some of the same types of studies we discuss in this article, it does appear we have the tools to both re-integrate brain function and balance brain chemistry in patients suffering from fibromyalgia. How do we do it? You'll have to read part three of our series on fibromyalgia. Stay tuned.

Depression: Can NLP Help With Depression?

Can NLP Help With Depression?

Depression is affecting more and more people everyday. Of course, depression is also a normal aspect of life. Feeling sad, overwhelmed, uninterested in life, morose and dejected are normal emotions to feel after a loss, embarrassment or an unachieved goal. These feelings typically resolve on their own. Clinical depression is the ongoing exacerbation of these feelings.

Symptoms of depression include:

• difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions


• fatigue and decreased energy


• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness


• feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism


• insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping


• irritability, restlessness


• loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex


• overeating or appetite loss


• persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment


• persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings


• thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

It is imperative to have a medical doctor treat you for symptoms of depression, however, one treatment found to be effective that your doctor might suggest is hypnosis or an advanced form of hypnosis known as neuro-linguistic programming or NLP.

NLP is a combination of techniques derived from hypnosis and psychiatry. NLP can be useful in treating depression because it changes the internal beliefs that may be exacerbating the symptoms of depression.

The difference between NLP and psychiatry is the practice of NLP says people are not sick they just have incorrect behaviors. By changing the internal habits and beliefs of the subconscious mind, the behaviors being experienced by the depressed person can be effectively altered. Again if a clinical depression exists any complementary therapy would be done with the medical doctors approval.

Neuro-linguistic programming is an effective treatment for depression and has been shown to greatly help in the recovery of those afflicted by this condition. The exact practices used with each client would very depending upon the individual. The treatment of depression in NLP was modeled from people who overcame depression on their own. Following the same protocol as others who were successful in overcoming depression allows for an effective road map out of the dark tunnel of depression.

Depression And How To Dig Yourself Out Of It With Hypnosis

Some people call it the 'pits' and some people call it the 'blues' and some call it 'feeling down in the dumps'. But whatever you may call it, depression is a horrible feeling that you do not need to live with.

The most common types of depression are:

Major Depression, which is characterized by a sad mood, Insomnia, and a decreased or absent appetite. Often when a person is in a state of major depression, the person feels an utter lack of motivation and drive and the sufferer does not want to participate in life. Some people are severely disabled by depression, and some individuals even consider suicide.

Dysthymia: This is a less severe type of long-term depression that typically does not completely disable the individual. But it keeps the person from feeling motivated and functioning at optimum levels. Sometimes people who are struggling with Dysthymia are also afflicted with Major Depression, and when this occurs it is called double-depression.

Manic Depression is also known as Bipolar Disorder. This type of depression is less common than the first two. It involves phases of the Manic state, alternated with the depressed state. This is often a long-term recurring disorder. Sometimes the mood swings occur suddenly. But generally speaking, they tend to be gradual.

There are a number of variations of depression; the types described here are only the most common.

Some symptoms of depression include:

Sadness; anxiety; pessimism; insomnia and sleep disorders; feelings of worthlessness; guilt; restlessness; pain; fatigue; weight loss; headaches; and thoughts of suicide.

Sources of Depression:

As previously stated, there are several types of depression: Major Depression; Manic Depression; and Dysthymia being three of the more common forms.

Many types of depression are linked to genetics. Living in a stressful environment can precipitate a depression. A traumatic experience such as a serious loss, relationship problems, or financial trouble can also lead to depression.

Women are twice as likely to become depressed as men are, but we do not yet know why.

If you suffer from depression, you will want to seek the advice of your physician. He may prescribe drugs for you. But you should keep in mind that every medication causes side effects.

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could regulate and eliminate your depression just by having certain thoughts? I know that this sounds too good to be true, but quite often, various types of depression are simply caused by having negative thoughts.

Don't believe me? Then try it out! It's really quite simple and basic. Just use your imagination to think about something that you find very sad or troubling. Go ahead, think about it right now! Then return to this article.

So, what happened? If you really got into it and visualized the sad situation, you began to feel unhappy and a little depressed. The longer you allow yourself to stay in that pattern of thought, the sadder you will feel. As you continue having those thoughts and continue feeling sadder, you lead yourself into a gradually intensifying depression.

The good news is that if you think about a positive memory, then you will supplant that depression and sadness and have happy feelings instead.

Please pay careful attention now, because here are the keys to eliminating your depression: Our persistent thoughts emerge from the unconscious mind. These are the thoughts that we find ourselves involuntarily thinking about throughout the day.

If the persistent thoughts that are continually popping into your mind are about your sad experiences or problems, then you raise your levels of anxiety, stress, and depression.

Now here is the 'Light at the end of the tunnel': Since hypnosis can be used to alter our unconscious thoughts, NLP and self hypnosis stress management CDs can rapidly change the way that you feel, think, and behave. The beauty here is that the same techniques that are effective for stress management also work as well for eliminating depression!

Now I will tell you exactly why and how it's going to happen. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind. Specifically, it's the Alpha state of consciousness. We pass through the Alpha state as we fall asleep at night. And we pass through it once more as we wake up in the morning. We also enter the Alpha state when we are imagining and daydreaming.

The unconscious mind is the seat of our emotions, and it's similar to a computer; the input controls the output! Hypnotherapy is an excellent tool for reaching directly into the unconscious mind and reprogramming it to automatically divert you away from negative thinking, and towards positive thinking. It's a tool that allows you to bypass the consciousness to create positive expectations, which will in turn generate positive feelings. You can beat your depression by using hypnosis therapy.

Symptoms of Depression and 3 Unbelievable Ways to Cure It Forever

Millions of Americans suffer from depression, most not even knowing what it is. The very first step towards curing it, and learning to be happy again, is to be able to spot the symptoms of depression.

Symptoms include:

• thoughts of suicide


• irritability


• uncontrollable crying


• difficulty sleeping


• lack of motivation


• weight gain or weight loss


• inability to concentrate


• negative thinking


• fatigue


• loss of pleasure

At least 90% of Americans experience some form of depression at one point in their life or another; the key however is finding things that make you feel better, permanently.

This fact alone should prove that what you are experiencing doesn't mean there is something uncurably wrong with you.

Here are a few guaranteed ways to help you get rid of depression:

1. Exercise-Join a gym. Run on a treadmill while listening to some music or lift weights. Do you like sports? Join a baseball or basketball team. When exercising, endorphins are released into your blood stream which keeps you happy for hours after exercising. Not only will working out uplift your spirits, but it will keep you healthy as well.


2. Spend time with friends and family-There's nothing more rewarding than being surrounded with people who love you. It's almost impossible for people who love you not to notice how you feel and try to cheer you up (I'm serious, try it!).


3. Lighten up- I hear you now, "easier said than done" right? Well actually, it's not. Take a vacation, whether you're in school or working. It doesn't matter where you go, you could take a whole day and travel to the next city or do something as big as travel to another country.

What Is The Difference Between Mild Depression, Severe Depression and Being Bipolar?

There is a world of difference among mild depression, severe depression, and being bipolar. There are, apparently, different types of depression, and each one requires different types of treatment. Knowing how to differentiate one from the other, therefore, is important in coping with the condition.

Mild Depression

Mild depression is depression of the chronic type of depression. What this means to say is that the feelings of sadness are going on almost every day for no less than two years. The symptoms are mild but should not be taken for granted, nonetheless, as they can, affect many aspects of your life, including your health, and sooner or later, these signs and symptoms can progress to something more severe.

Individuals diagnosed with mild depression are generally described to have:

• Low energy levels.


• Reduced appetite.


• Difficulty sleeping.


• Low self-esteem.

These manifestations can result in:

• Over-fatigue.


• Impaired work performance that can cost you your job.


• Impaired social relationships.


• Nutritional deficiencies.


• Weight loss.


• Anemia.


• Impaired immune system.

Treatment of Choice for Mild Depression

The treatment of choice for mild depression is cognitive therapy or behavioral therapy which has the following features or goals:

• Recognition of negative thoughts and feelings and learning to convert them to positive ones.


• Gaining control of the situation, rather than the situation controlling you.


• Encouraging motivation.

In some cases, this form of therapy is coupled with anti-depressants.

Severe Depression:

Severe depression is exactly what it is - depression of the severe kind. Clients diagnosed with severe depression are often called a psychotic case. Why, because the signs and symptoms associated with mild depression occur in greater intensity, and in many cases include hallucinations and delusions.

With severe depression, the client:

• Is distressed or agitated.


• Has very low self-esteem.


• Is socially withdrawn.


• Fails to take care of him/herself.


• Hallucinates.


• May have suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

Treatment of Choice for Severe Depression

Severe depression requires professional treatment. Make sure you engage the services of someone with extensive experience and one you will be comfortable working with. Just to give you an idea, depression of this kind is managed with anti-depressants, psychotherapy, and self-help strategies that include educating yourself, employing anti-stress techniques, deep-breathing, and making lifestyle changes.

Bipolar

Bipolar is depression of a different level, characterized by shifts in mood. You are manic at one point and depressed at another. Individuals with bipolar:

• Are impulsive. They can go on a spending spree, make unwise investments, engage in gambling and other illicit activities including sex.


• Are euphoric and restless, and highly irritable during the manic phase. There is an increase in energy levels as well.


• Have difficulty getting out of bed, during the depressive phase. Feelings of hopelessness and self-pity are intense.


• May have extreme feelings of guilt, hallucinations, delusions, suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

Treatment of Choice for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is very serious and must be approached with extreme caution. Medications for bipolar cannot be bought over-the-counter and must be used only upon doctor's advice. A combination of anti-depressants and psychotherapy is usually recommended, along with a strong support system and some self-help measures. In worse-case scenarios, electro-convulsive therapy may be recommended.

It doesn't matter what type of depression you have. Mild or severe, depression can affect your health and the quality of your life. Don't let depression get the better of you. Don't let it control your life. Talk to a specialist at the first sign or symptom of depression or know how to prevent it with good food, exercise, and the right vitamins (such as the family of B-vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D) and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Don't Let Stress Cause Depression

Traumatic events that make our lives stressful such as the death of a loved one, a failed relationship or maybe the loss of a job can lead to depression. In rare cases, even positive stress can lead to the development of clinical depression such as a move, getting married or even a new job.

There are times when we all must struggle with very painful situations in our lives. The level of stress that might cause depression really does vary for each individual. Some people can handle an enormous amount of stress and there are others that sink into depression at the first sign of trouble.

The best way to prevent stress from developing into depression is to take care of it before it gets out of control. Stress is everywhere and it is probably not practical to actually reduce the stressful situations that are causing the problem, But it is possible to control how you deal with the stressful situations.

A relaxation regimen is an excellent way to improve your reaction to tough situations. Spending just a little time every day engaging in deep relaxation, or even a few times a week is all you need. You might try Meditation, Yoga or breathing exercises. Walking is an excellent way to relieve tension. Any physical activity will help you relax including sex.
Herbal supplements can also help you to relax and calm your spirit. Native Remedies has several products formulated just for the stress of daily living that are safe and work wonderfully.

Make time for yourself. In the long run you will actually be saving time because you are more productive when you feel better. We all know how it feels to be overloaded, your productivity levels drop and you can't think straight. So find the time to relax when you can, you will have more patience to deal with the ups and downs of life.

Depression is a Weakness Rather Than an Illness

Depression is originated from panic and once it exceeds, it becomes a disease. If we take it positively, it can saves the person from dangerous things for e.g. if a person has no fear of death due to some disease, then he will never consult the doctor. This fear makes the person worry about his safety.

It increases the patience but only to some extend and after that it starts causing damages inside a person. Such people exhibit a depressed mood or a pervasive loss of interest or pleasure and the symptoms of anxiety occur.

Depressant effects actually takes place in sensitive natured people, as the sensitivity of nature rises, the panic increases and may cause harmful effects as well.

Due to this habit, the person sometimes becomes unable to construct and maintain his future because once it encircles the mind of a person then it causes an aversion to his activities. Basically the reason of this problem is feeling hopeless and helpless which sometimes enforces the person to appeal for sympathy by assuming an expression of grief.

This is a universal truth that depression is the condition in which the willpower of a person boosts up but gradually when it is given a prominent place in mind, it damages the person and may drive him towards many diseases which are sometimes curable but usually harmful to life.

Once this dispiritedness is entered in your life, it is nourished by whole life's happiness but gives the unforgiving hurts.

However, the treatment of depression is in your own hands and a stage comes when you have to treat it yourself, till then you are helpless and none of the doctor can help you out. Only the person himself is responsible to open or close the door of his mind for this friendly enemy.

Let's look at an example in order to understand the relation between depression and our control. If human being is a car, his senses are the steering. and the steering is completely under the control of driver and a good driver always drives the car in a balanced way in order to avoid accidents. Similarly, the steering of a human being are based upon in his senses which are absolutely under his control and only he himself can stop depression from taking over and making his life a living hell and his personality drowning in the depth of depression (a curse).

At the end, my message for all the depressive people is that, life is a dream and death is its denouement. The final destination for everyone is common. So, why not live up this beautiful and precious life freely and happily to make each and every moment memorable.

"Depression is not sobbing and crying and giving vent, it is plain and simple reduction of feeling. People who keep stiff upper lips find that its damn hard to smile." - Elizabeth Wurtzel

Lengthy Depression Can Damage Brain Cells, Scientists Warn

With the expected increase in the death rate among people with depression, researchers are looking for new ways to treat the illness that affects so many people worldwide.

By the year 2020, researchers expect depression to become second to heart disease as the leading cause of death worldwide. This is just one of the reasons they are working diligently to find a cure.

For those who suffer from depression, their world is a dark one. For many, that colorless life is unbearable as it persists year after year despite the variety of treatments that are used.

According to researchers, the secret to defeating depression starts with early intervention because the illness can, in fact, cause damage to the brain cells. The longer the depression continues, the longer the recovery time, and the longer it will take the brain cells to heal.

Traditional treatments involving a combination of psychotherapy and medications are still proving to be the most successful, although anti-depressant medications work only in 60% of the cases. For some people, they must remain on medications for the rest of their lives, but the luckier ones enjoy a life free from depression once their treatments have succeeded.

Researchers have begun testing other ways to cure depression that could put an end to the need for ongoing traditional treatments.

They have learned that in depressed people, the electrical activity - or alpha rhythms - in the frontal lobe of their brains is non-existent or very low, while other areas of the brain are over-active.

One new technique to treat this problem involves Magnetic Pulse Stimulation - a method that involves stimulating the under-active areas of the brain and deactivating the over-active ones. So far there is evidence it works. Patients have experienced a lightness, a sharpness they didn't have before. Magnetic Pulse Stimulation gives relief, but so far it does not offer a permanent solution because subjects have relapsed and the treatments have to be repeated.

Another method being examined involves implanting an electrical stimulator into the upper chest. It sends electrical impulses to the brain. It is very expensive and involves major surgery, making it one of the least desirable and available treatments.

Also shown to be effective is SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine), a synthetic form of a chemical produced naturally in the body that aids a number of chemical processes, including maintaining cells and influencing emotions and moods. It's said to be more effective than anti-depressants, but this is still being challenged. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness and the dosage requirements.

While researchers look for more effective ways of treating depression, the stigma surrounding mental illness persists. This significantly impacts those suffering from depression because they do not want people to know they have a mental illness.

They delay seeking treatment because of how it will be seen by their co-workers, friends and family. It's common today for people to suggest those who are depressed, "snap out of it", which is impossible since the condition is a chemical one that cannot be fixed that simply.

The place where the stigma is most prominent is in the workplace, where employers are concerned about losses through time off which can affect the company's economy. Out of fear of losing respect and their jobs, people suffer in silence.

Unfortunately, this delay in getting treatment allows the condition to worsen. In turn, it takes longer to recover.

Parents might think that all teens go through depression, and that it is a normal part of adolescence. This is untrue, as it's been proven that 80% of people go through their teens without any psychiatric disorder.

There is evidence to prove that it is inherited. If a parent had depression, there's a 90% chance the child will develop it, too.

Some work is being done to identify the genes that trigger depression to find out why certain families have the illness. Some people actually enjoy stress in their lives, while other people break down.

One sign that a person is suffering from depression is if that person who was once very active, perhaps even athletic suddenly loses energy and interest in things that they once enjoyed.

While we might suggest that conditions in the world today are enough to make us depressed, it's not enough for such self-loathing.

For some people the war continues, and those who can claim victory wonder if their future is safe. Time and early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference.

Healthy Joke

"Always laugh when you can. It's cheap medicine"- These words from the prolific comedy writer, Larry Gelbart, seem to describe best what most of us know from our own experiences with laughing: it not only makes us happier, it also makes us stronger and, in many cases, healthier.

When I first came up with the idea of creating a new humor web-site, my goals, I have to admit, were quite modest. I always loved dealing with funny materials, and the site gave me a chance to know some jokes that would later help me turn even the dullest social gatherings to an orchestra of roaring laughs.
But it wasn't until I started getting responses from people visiting the site that I began to realize how important even a couple of good jokes a day can be.

I became really interested in this phenomenon called humor and laughter, and began to ask myself if apart from it's obvious social benefits, it also has a real physical influence. In recent years, brain-scientists has been exploring the positive responses of the body to funny experiences, a subject that has been mostly neglected and over-shadowed for ages by studies about depression, fear and anger. Though in it's early stages, already some small studies imply that brain activity from humor can reduce feelings of pain, prevent negative stress reactions and boost the brain's biological battle against infection.

There are also various groups of scientists and doctors who are working hard to push forward some non-conventional treatments that involves laughter as a form of therapy. Within the field of Psychotherapy, text and handbooks have appeared, all advocating the application of humor (One "Psychohumorist" even offers advice heavily loaded with humor on how to deal with life and work-related stress). There is an Interdisciplinary American Association for Therapeutic Humor (AATH), that promotes the healing power of laughing and humor. There are even guidelines on how to form your own local laughter clubs, which purportedly can help you achieve such idealistic goals as personal health and happiness. Around the world this kind of Laughter clubs, where people meet in circles, hold hands together and start laughing as if there is no tomorrow, are spreading quite rapidly.

Laughter becomes an important tool in keeping a healthy way of life and in treating mental and physical problems, whether big or small. While it is not always clear what is the direct influence of humor on the physical body and what is the biological response it creates, it is quite clear today that there is a beneficial effect of humor and laughter on the body, mind and spirit, and that attention only to the physical body when trying to keep a healthy being or during treatment in illness will yield only a partial or temporary recovery.

For me, the scientific researches and the testimony of both patients and caregivers, emphasizing how important a good laugh was in the therapy process, were all in harmony with the reactions I got from visitors in my site. An elderly man from Florida once wrote me that "It is with the help of laughter that I keep winning the battle against all sicknesses."

I'm not sure if a few jokes could promise us life of eternity, but I now know that it is exactly this kind of simple stuff that helps different people from around the world enjoy life a little more. Even if humor doesn't make us live longer, it sure does make us live better, and if it is thanks to my humor site that someone in this world could improve his life with a smile, then it sure has made my life richer and more fulfilling.

Bipolar Disorder - Mania And The Crash

One of the hardest things I have always found about being bipolar is the changing of episodes. It's always great to go from the depressive end of things to the manic side, but not so great to go from mania to depression.

On the one hand, when you're depressed and becoming manic you feel like life is finally letting up on you. Like your soul, your energy, your very being has suddenly returned to your body and you no longer have a need for food, sleep or rational thought. Being manic, at least in the start of an episode has always been a great feeling. Perhaps that's why so many diagnosed with bipolar syndrome go off medications and stop listening to our health care teams during this time, we never want the good feelings to end. But end they do. And, at least for me, that's always been a crash.

Crashing can be the worst feeling in the world. You're going from being manic, feeling like everything in life is wonderful. You've got enough energy to last forever. You don't need sleep, or to eat or to do any of those normal things that get in the way of living. Till suddenly, you crash out one night, after maybe not sleeping for a week, and wake up unable to function.

The alarm clock is ringing loudly in your ears. Screaming at you that it's time to get up and you just don't care. You bury your head under the blanket, throw the clock and just wish the world would leave you alone. You sleep for the next day and still wake up feeling like you never slept at all. The energy of just a few days ago is gone, completely sapped from your body. Every part of you aches and is tired. You want to bite the head off the next person that says good morning to you or looks at you the wrong way. You simply wish you were at home in bed, forever.

The worst part is, the crash is never the worst part of it. The crash just feels crappier than any of it because it comes so closely behind such a high wonderful time in your life, such an up moment, week, or month. The crash is just the start because the more you look back on how good you felt, the worse you feel. The more you have to cope with fixing anything you did while in a manic state, the worse you feel. Simply put, as the days go by, the worse you feel.

Mania I always miss when it says goodbye. I simply wish I could say goodbye to depression forever.

Bipolar Disorder - Why Manic Depressives Need Health Insurance

People who are suffering from bipolar disorder are not exempt from the other problems of life. Like everyone else, they are experiencing unemployment, bankruptcy and other factors that determine what type of healthcare a person can receive. However, unlike most others, manic depressives have a disease that requires medical attention. But for those without health insurance, there are two schools of thought. There are those that pay cash for their healthcare, and then there are those that do nothing. Both parties are not making the best decisions for their well-being, whether it's in regard to their mental health or their financial portfolio.

The worst consequences are for those who do not seek any form of medical care. This is particularly the case when a person's bipolar disorder goes through a down phase. When this happens, a person experiences a myriad of mental problems ranging from depression to psychosis. If psychosis happens, a person could end up doing something irrational. Sometimes it might be as minor as going on a spending spree; other times it could involve actually harming someone. Then there are cases where psychosis and depression lead to a person's suicide. With proper medical care, these things are less likely to happen because sufferers are taking psychiatric drugs and/or participating in behavioral therapy.

What about manic depressives who pay cash for their medical care? Well, by doing this they are avoiding some of the more devastating consequences of bipolar disorder. However, at the same time they are losing money. A monthly visit to a psychiatrist can cost over $100. Psychiatric drugs can cost hundreds of dollars for just one bottle. Emergency room visits can run in the thousands. Unless a person is financially well-off, at some point the cost of managing their disease could become more than what they can handle.

For all these reasons, manic depressives need to find health insurance that covers bipolar disorder. If they cannot get what they need through group coverage, their best bet would be to conduct extensive research on every healthcare provider in the U.S. Sites offering health insurance quotes are the best way to do this. No phone calls or paperwork are needed with these networks. Instead, a person fills out their information on an online form and from there the results are returned instantly. If a person does this enough times, eventually they will find a provider that can cover their condition.

If you need assistance in locating particular coverages at a pre-determined price, we can help you find a reduce health insurance premium today.

Brands of Depression - Stress Relief Pills

Everyone can feel depressed at some time or another and that's just part of life. For some people, the stress builds into depression that consumes their lives and makes the person seek help. Some won't go to a doctor for depression because many people still believe that depression isn't something medical. The fact of the matter is clear however, clinical depression is physical and if left untreated can tear a person apart and lead to suicide just to stop the pain that they feel. Others can't know what they feel and eventually, the depression makes one believe that they don't deserve to even live.

There are certain drugs that are very helpful in controlling the symptoms of depression and if taken regularly, the person won't stay depressed for very long. There are still people who believe that taking depression stress relief pills makes them weaker or less than the people around them. It just isn't true and the word needs to get out that depression stress relief pills are no different than a cast on a leg or crutches to help people walk. With that attitude, more people might come forward and get the help that they need. There are many medicines now that can affect the brain by better regulating the chemical release of serotonin. A person's mood will get better and that allows the person to better control the many things that originally were becoming stress and depression.

Prozac

Many people have heard about the drug called Prozac but not everyone understands what it does. Prozac is a pill that effectively controls depression; a continuing depression that interferes with daily functioning. It also has a generic equal called Fluoxetine. They are the same depression stress relief pills; just one cost less because it is a generic which means that there isn't a brand name on it.

Wellbutrin

Another type of depression stress relief pills is called Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin works by affecting two chemicals in the brain that are believed to help moods; dopamine and norepinephrine. It usually comes in 150 mgs to 200mgs. This as with all prescription drugs should be monitored by a doctor. If something doesn't feel right make sure to call your physician and discuss symptoms.

Zoloft

One more depression stress relief pill is Zoloft. Zoloft is even more powerful than the others. It is prescribed for people that suffer from extreme depression. People with major depression will be in a very low mood that stays that way everyday. People with major depression are more susceptible to having thoughts of suicide. Taking a depression stress relief pill can help a person to feel better and handle stress better.

Symptoms of the Depressive Disorder

Depressive disorder is a state of low mood and aversion to activity. A depressed person is having feelings of sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. Feeling "depressed" is often similar to feeling "sad", but both clinical depressive disorder and non-clinical depressive disorder can also refer to a conglomeration of more than one feeling.

What are the major symptoms of the depressive disorder?

- Psychological or physiological wear out and loss of vitality
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, anxiety, dread, or weakness
- Reduced amount of involvement or joy in all, or almost all, daily activities mostly every day
- Altering appetite and detectable weight loss or gain
- Psychomotor agitation or deceleration almost daily
- Feelings of overwhelming sadness or fear or the apparent inability to experience emotion
- trouble focusing or making decisions or a generalized retardation and obtunding of cognition including memory
- unbalanced sleeping patterns such as excessive sleep or hypersomnia, insomnia, or deprivation of paradoxical sleep
- continual thoughts of death, not just fear of dying, haunting suicide ideation with precise plan, or a particular plan of committing suicide or suicide attempt.

Additional clinical depression symptoms occasionally accounted for but not typically taken into account in diagnosis include:

- Lack of attention to personal hygiene
- Concern of "becoming mad"
- Diminishing self-esteem
- Alteration in perception of time
- Sensitivity to noise
- Physiological pains and achings with the impression that they may constitute signs of grave sickness

The depressive has pervasive and uninterrupted depressive thoughts and conducts. They manifest themselves in every area of life and never pass away. The patient is gloomy, dejected, pessimistic, overly serious, lacks a sense of humor, cheerless, joyless, and constantly unhappy. This dark mood is not influenced by changing circumstances.

His self-image is distorted: he appreciates himself to be un-needed, incapable, a failure. His sense of self-worth and his dignity are invariably and unrealistically low. This borders on self-disgust and self-denial. The Depressive corrects himself unnecessarily. His interior dialog (occasionally spoken) is derogatory towards himself, blaming and self-critical. Freud called this inner judge the Superego. The Depressive's Superego is sadistic, grim, relentless, self-denigrating, and, ultimate hatefully suicidal. Dimly aware of this semi-suicidal streak, Depressives are by nature anxious and inclined towards excessive worrying and pondering.

The Depressive extends this leaning to humiliate and punish to his closest and beloved. His masochism is complemented by equally exigent sadism. He's negativistic, passive-aggressive, discriminative, faultfinding, and correctional towards other people. Such repeated outbursts are accompanied by feelings of remorse and guilt, frequently coupled with maudlin and flat apologies.

It seems that the Depressive fails to shift perspectives, focusing almost always on the "what is", never even giving a chance to "what could be". He is lost in the past, wandering through a forest of self-failures with the Superego as his only companion. Trying to cope with his failures, the depressive often chooses to view the dark side of those around him, judging and blaming like there`s no tomorrow, continuing to fail to see the beauty in the world, thus feeding his inner sadness further.

Ways to Fight Clinical Depression Naturally

Natural methods to tackle health problems boast minimal or no side effects in most instances. In a world where anti-depressants and other new-age remedies have taken centre stage, it is vital to consider the good old natural methods that still work.

Experts in this field who recognize the goodness of rich natural remedies will recommend natural methods of fighting clinical depression. Some of the proven methods that can be employed are highlighted below;

• Natural supplements; these supplements have been found to have the same effect as anti-depressants only that they have no side effects. There is a range of them as follows;

a) ST John's Wort - This natural cure for depression is highly effective in improving moods and ridding anxiety. It is made of natural herbal extracts that cause the effect. It can be taken in tablet form one each day (as recommended by a health care provider). This natural supplement will definitely go a long way in improving life and quality thereof.

b) SAM-e - The herbal supplement is recommended for those suffering serious or severe depression. It will not come cheap but promises to do its job in relieving symptoms and fighting depression.

c) Siberian Gingseng- This herbal supplement has been known for its action in balancing brain chemicals to improve mood and tackle depression and anxiety. It will be found in capsule form for those who wish to get it.

d) 5-HTP- This is another natural way to fight clinical depression. It is not just known to boost serotonin levels but will help those seeking to loose weight as well.

e) Ginko Biloba- This is another rich blend of natural supplement that is known to reduce the frequency of depression. It has been seen to work well even for those in advance age. It will have no side effects and will improve memory, help people sleep better and improve health overall.

• Diet can go a long way to determine how well people cope with depression. There are foods that will promote health and keep away depression while others will promote depression. Alcohol and caffeine are not popular in fighting depression. Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamins of all kind will aid better health in regard to depression.

• Support groups- Meeting regularly with other people will allow sufferers who are depressed to connect and share experiences with others. This will help them cope and provide needed support for them to bounce back.

• Getting busy- Employ physical exercises often to fight depression. This will improve blood circulation and ensure the body receives the vibrancy and relaxation.

Bipolar Depressive Disorder - A Case Study

Bipolar Depression or manic-depressive disorder is characterised by one or more episodes of abnormally elevated moods. Here is a case study which provides further example of this condition.

As a child, a female accountant was always having mood swings. She did not understand the condition as there was no parental support for her. Her parents had separated when she was young. She went to live with her father. He always worked very hard to support her but was never available to talk to her. She often felt neglected as a child.

She soon found someone she liked and got married. Whilst having her first child, she realised that she needed prescriptions for her mood swing. Not having a supportive husband, she would end up doing everything herself. She felt that she was the only parent. Her Doctors prescribed her some medication.

When she had her second child, she again realised that she needed help. Her husband was getting less supportive towards raising the kids. Her mood swings were increasing. This time her Doctor prescribed her a different medication and asked her to take a job to be around people. She found however that this did not help. Her mood swings actually increased due to work related stress and having to look after two kids.

She decided that enough was enough and she should seek help from a Psychiatrist. Her Psychiatrist put her on medication and eventually on stabilisers. The road to recovery has been very difficult for her. Her medication has been changed on a few occasions. However, she is well on the road to recovery. Having left her husband, become a single parent and taken more control of her life, she now shares her story freely with anyone who can benefit from her experience.

This case raises a number of issues:
• This condition can affect a person from childhood.
• Parental separation can result in depression.
• Lack of support is often a factor that further enhances this condition.
• A Doctor does not always prescribe the right solution. You have to see other specialists to overcome such conditions.
• Work can sometime add to the stress of an individual suffering from this form of depression.
• Sometimes, removing obstacles in your life can change the way you feel and reduce your problem.

I want to emphasise that the cases I write about have been freely shared by many supporting individuals. Their common goal in sharing their story is to enable others to learn from this. The learning can enhance others growth and help them to cope with similar situations.

Are You Living With A Spouse With Major Depression? Here Are A Few Helpful Tips

Living with a spouse with major depression is not an easy thing to do. You have to do a lot of praying and run those wedding vows through your head about a dozen times each day "for better or worse, in sickness and in health". If you really meant those at the time that you said them then that means that they are for life.

Major depression is a serious illness that can be crippling some days for those that have it. It comes with mood swings, sometimes violent, states of dark depression, loss of interest in things that the person used to enjoy, loss of sleep, changes in appetite, thoughts of suicide and more unpleasant things, both for the person suffering and for those around them.

There are medications that these individuals can take, but, like all depression drugs, these come with side effects that can be very unpleasant as well. Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation, loss of sex drive, etc are just a few of the possible symptoms that this person may suffer from. Also, many of these drugs are only effective on about seventy percent of the people that take them and only partially helpful in some of those individuals.

Major depression, unlike other forms of depressive disorders, can last for months and may never completely go away. It can get "better" to a point, but, unfortunately, many people never completely recover. If you are living with a spouse with major depression you need to be patient, seek medical attention, be attentive and loving, but don't become a crutch or servant to your spouse. Love, honor, cherish and do your best to understand, but you must find a happy medium and give yourself time away every day in order to maintain your own mental health. It's bad enough that one of you is ill, so don't allow yourself to get down too.

Some Anger Quotes to Help Control Anger

Anger is never good can always harm you more than it can harm others. You could destroy a friendship or a relationship that you built over the years in just a moment of anger. There are several ways of anger management and self control is the only way in which one can control his or her anger. I personally count to 100 slowly and I am usually calmed down by time I reach 50. And there are various other ways of self control. I have also found that reading motivational books can make you curtail anger to a great extent. Since we all don't have the time to read, I have compiled some quotes on anger by famous writer and philosophers that might help you to control you anger.

There is a saying that repentance and anger towards someone is like drinking poison and wishing that the person would die. Self control is when we can keep a check on our desires but it rarely happens that you just go mad about getting something, and self control is easier when it is about keeping a check on some desire, because you can certainly control your desire. But anger is spontaneous and if you were conscious of it, you would not be angry in the first place. And because it is so spontaneous, it becomes all the more difficult to control Anger.

It needs a lot of practice to control anger and you need to stop it as soon as it comes because it is often too late if you let yourself loose even for a few seconds. As soon as you get angry, always try to remember what could go wrong if you fly off the handle and think whether you will repent something that you are going to do momentarily. If you let anger overcome you, your inner demon will say that you don't care about the consequences, and when you start thinking that way, you need to think of the adverse consequences that your loved ones might have to face.

Here are some tips to control Anger:

1) Understand your common causes of anger :

When I was in living in the dorm, I used to get very angry whenever someone wakes me up just to ask me something trivial. Somehow my anger takes over because someone broke my sleep just to ask something trivial and I would just scream at whoever is waking me up. Of course I would apologize later for losing my handle, but by then I would have made the damage.

But I knew the cause of anger. I get angry very often in this particular situation and I said to myself then that I will think rationally and not scream when someone wakes me up. Because you, it was not the question that irked me, but the fact that some one woke me up lit the fire, and the trivial question just adds fuel to my anger. I just had to not light the fire to control my anger. And after months of practice when I asked a friend to wake me up everyday, and then practicing not to be irritated when I am woken could I control my morning or siesta anger.

2) Think of God :

This might not work for atheists, but those who have faith in god must try to remember his favorite god whenever he is in danger and pray to help him conquer his anger. Whenever I start losing my temper, I would start praying to god like crazy to help me overcome the anger, and yes it sure helps.

3) Think of the consequences :

This is the most difficult thing to do when you are angry, because when we are angry, we often don't care about any consequences, and we don't care about anything. In times like that, think hard about all the consequences. Think about your loves ones what it might cause to them, even if you don't care.

4) Count to 100
Now this is the most effective, age old formula for controlling anger. Ignore everything above, and ignore everything around you and just start counting from 1 till you are calmed down. It works even better if you count using you fingers. Just count away your anger. This is the most effective technique. Try it.

It also helps to remember these quotes that I have compiled. Print them out and post them in several visible places and it will certainly calm you down.

"For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Speak when you are angry - and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret."
- Dr. Laurence J. Peter

"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."
- Gautama Buddha

"Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die. "
- Malachy McCourt

"When anger rises, think of the consequences""
- Confucius

"There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot."

- Plato